Happy New Year!!

Fresh beginnings - the beginning of a New Year! Breathe in and breathe out. And while you're exhaling, tell me, how's those New Year's resolutions going? Are ya ready to take on the challenges of 2024? Yes? No?

Well, maybe you're like me. I'm not exactly a fan of resolutions. They're too much like goals. Goals! G-O-A-L-S! Gag me! (Tell us how you really feel, Diane!) I've heard that word too many times. I'm guessing my dislike may come from the fact that goals tend to hold you accountable. That's why I don't have resolutions. I have dreams!

I vividly remember a few years ago, during my year-end review, when my boss asked me that same customary queston. "So, what's your goals for next year?"

Well, I tell ya - that's a pretty hard question to answer when you haven't given that much thought. I'm a fly by the seat of my pants kinda gal and while I should have been expecting this query, I guess I wasn't ready for it. Duh! So what's a gal to do?

Well, I paused a moment, opened my mouth, and just prayed the right answer would come out. (Remember Clark - the new pool in the backyard is dependent on this!)

"Umm, yes - what's my goals for next year" I replied. Pause, pause. (I've learned that repeating the question, will buy you time.) "Well, I tell ya" (OMG - Now what?)

"My goals for next year are to show up for work every day..." (pause, cough, pause - what else? what else?), and do my job to the best of my ability!"

Duh! How do you like that for honesty? Well, I can tell ya, that answer certainly didn't win me employee of the year!

So friends, as we look forward to another new year, I certainly hope you're excited and maybe somewhat prepared. Just remember - while your listing those resolutions/dreams, to pick out some big ones. And most importantly, don't forget to include good health and abundant happiness. Cuz really, isn't that what it's all about?

Dream big my friends, dream big! Happy 2024!

I'm gonna make it after all!!!

Sing a Song...

Have you ever noticed that music can totally turn your day around? It’s like magic! It can turn a bad day, into a good one. A rainy day, into a sunny one, and a boring road trip into a fun concert, especially when you join voices. It’s amazing, isn’t it? How just a three-to-five-minute arrangement of notes can have so much power?

Just like me, I’m sure you have your favorites too. I’d love to know what’s on your list and why you consider them to be a favorite. I’ll share mine, in hopes that you’ll share yours.

So here goes! Here’s a few of my favorites and the reasons why they are at the top of my list.

• “You are my Sunshine”. Mom - This one makes me think of you. It was probably one of the first songs I ever learned, and of course, you were the teacher.

• “Jesus loves me”. This song reminds me of my Sunday School days, and it still brings me comfort today.

• “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” – awesome song - even better memory! It was a couple of weeks before prom, 1974 when my girlfriend, Wanda, and I went prom dress shopping in Atlantic at Sieferts. (Yes! Believe it or not, you could buy a prom dress in Atlantic back then!) I sifted through the racks, and soon found that PERFECT dress – a beautiful, long, black, slinky, halter dress! It tied behind the neck, exposing your back and shoulders (among other things). It was gorgeous! One problem - my mother would NEVER approve! But you know teenage girls – I had to try it on! So, I quickly grabbed that black frock of sexiness and ran into the dressing room! Within seconds I had put it on and exited the dressing room, looking like Marilyn Monroe at President Kennedy’s birthday party. Oh my! Wanda about busted a gut, (actually we both did) and yet somehow Wanda managed to spurt out the words, “LONG COOL WOMAN IN A BLACK DRESS!” Wrong! It was so wrong! The bodice had obviously been constructed for a much more mature woman – one who was much more endowed. Well, a girl can always dream!
“Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” – it may be an oldie, but it’s definitely a goodie!

• “Color My World”, “Annie’s Song”, and “The Wedding Song” – who could ever forget the songs that were sung at their wedding? These were mine and they are truly special!

• And I’ll always remember the song they were playing…. It was Christmas 1980 at my parents’ house, and the flurry of tossed wrapping paper and smashed bows abruptly came to a halt when my hubby suddenly interrupted the commotion to announce the next gift. It was for me! I rapidly tore through the paper, and there it was – the album I had been wanting - “Anne Murray’s Greatest Hits”. Yes! Thank you honey! But it only gets better, as Jer immediately turns to the stereo, and places the album on the turn table. He reaches for my hand, pulls me in close, and being the romantic I never knew he was, he instantly leads me in a waltz to “Could I have this Dance for the Rest of my Life”. Oh! My heart!

Dear friends, I hope you always have music in your life. My forever wish for you are these words which I found some time ago.

Sing like no one is listening. Love like you’ve never been hurt. Dance like nobody is watching, and live like it’s heaven on earth.”

Grandma Reviews Barbie Movoie

So hey girls- what do you think about all this Barbie movie pandemonium? It's crazy, isn't it? I truly believe that with all the phenominal Barbie marketing, even the almighty green dollar bill could be turning pink! Have you taken a look? OMG!! There's all kinds of Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) merchandising. HGTV even has a Barbie Dream House challenge, and Progressive Insurance has jumped on the band wagon with a Barbie Progressive Insurance package. Wow! It's like pink puked all over everything! It's simply amazing!

So, last weekend this Grandma had to check it out. Yep! I was one of the many Barbie fans who dug out her coolest pink swag and embellished it with some fine, boujee accessories. After all, who doesn't want to be Barbie for a day? I can't deny it - I was Barbielicious (or whatever!)

As the movie started, I must say, I was taken a bit back. The opening scene started with some sweet, young, innocent girls playing so gently with their baby dolls. Then, all of a sudden it turned into a smash and bash, as they violently started crushing all those precious baby dolls into a million little pieces! Say what? I know! I about hyper-ventilated! I guess they were trying to portray the evolution of the doll - leaving the beloved baby doll behind and latching on to the super cool "be-who-you-wanna-be" Barbie doll. But did it have to be so harsh? I guess so. Let the good times roll!! (or whatever!)

So of course, all Barbies live in Barbieland, just as all Kens do, and Barbieland was just what you'd expect - a pink, plastic utopia of female perfection. It's even ruled by an all Barbie Supreme Court! And oh yes! Barbie's dreamhouse is just that - an absolute dream! It was a far cry from the cardboard box Barbie house I once constructed!! But have you heard this? You can now rent out that same exact Barbie Dream House on VRBO!! Really?

And her pink convertible was super sleek, as she drove past the unending palm trees and carefree beaches of Barbieland. Even the biggest, fluffiest clouds couldn't block out the beautiful sun shining above. Heck! I totally want to go there on my next vacation! Especially since every night is girls' night! Party on sistas!

Ayway, Barbie soon learns that she must leave Barbieland and travel to the "real world" to solve a hideous problem. Her problem? Get this. Her typically arched feet have suddenly gone flat!!! Oh my! Now that's a problem!

So, as Barbie travels to the "real world", Ken jumps in and "real world" here they come! However, their trip is quite an eye opener when they both face the unexpected. Why doesn't everyone "eww" and "awww" over Barbie? Why isn't she instantly everyone's friend? And Ken- Why can't he be a doctor? Isn't being a man enough? Wow! This "real world" is some harsh stuff!

But hey! I'm not going to ruin the movie for you. Let's just say, I loved it, because within it's pink and plastic, I found an underlying message that really drove home for me. I'm sure my grand-daughters didn't catch the same drift, but I don't think they're supposed to. Maybe that's why this grandma (probably the oldest one in the theatre) was the only one who went absolutely bananas during the scene where a Mattel employee, Gloria (America Ferrera), informs Barbie of all those unrealistic expectations women are faced with here in the "real world". You know - are we ever really good enough? (You go Gloria!)

Oh - and by the way - I've got to give a shout out to Weird Barbie (Kate McKinnon), cuz she's the one Barbie we all had! You know - the mangled one with the ratted hair and magic marker face! Oh Weird Barbie - you made my day! Thanks for the memories and the laughs! (You rock Weird Barbie!)

So - let me just close by saying - you've gotta go see this one! And when you get home - give me a call. We'll spill the tea on all the hidden messages - AND - we'll plan our next VRBO trip to Barbie's Dream House!! Catch ya later girlfriend!

I Wish You Would Have Known Him

Another year...
Another 365 days...
Another time... Another memory

And yet where has the time gone?
It came and went so quickly
And once again it prompts me to say...
"I wish you would have known him."

With Fathers' Day it all comes back.
Those countless, unfading memories,
From adolescence to maturity.
I smile each time I think of them.
"Oh, how I wish you would have known him."

His welcomes were always familiar
with the shake of the hand and a pat on the back,
Plus that fish eatin grin on his face.
And his farewells were always so vainly memborable
With that same ol' same ol'
"Glad you got to see me!"
"You would have laughed if you had known him."

Laughter! Oh his presence brought laughter!
And plenty of that there was!
He was everybody's friend, and of course you were his.
"Oh, how I wish you would have known him."

His mannerisms were simple.
His structure was small,
Yet his "Ikeisms" were hillarious!
I'd list them here but appropriate not.
"Gosh! How I wish you would have known him."

So, I could go on and on about my dad,
But life's too short for that.
I've got the memory
And for me - that's all I need.
"If only you would have known him."

But if by chance while reading this
It reminds you of someone you know,
Then pause a bit, and say, "Thank you God"
Because ... "I'm so glad you got to know him!"

HAPPY FATHERS' DAY DAD!
We still miss you - now and forever!

The Only Daughter's Only Daughter

I am a sister, but I don't have a sister. My mom was a sister, but she didn't have a sister. I guess that makes me the "only daughter's only daughter." Are any of you, one of those? If so, I'd love to know.

While you "females with sisters" friends may think that having a sister doesn't make you any different than me - I beg to differ. It's been an interesting ride, so let me share.

Early on, I noticed I was different from my "friends with sisters". Especially on the day when they all showed up to school with freshly painted finger nails. Say what? What's that stuff? "Oh, my sister painted them." Well aren't you special!

Yep! But while their sisters were teaching them how to paint their nails, my brothers were teaching me how to deliver a ferocious dodge ball right to the opponent's old bread basket! Now tell me if that isn't a life learned necessity!!!

And the frills! Oh the frills- make up and hairdos! Don't even go there! My God-given sister friends, generally assisted by their mothers and sisters, often sported hair styles and makeup much like Farrah Fawcett's in Charlie's Angels, while me? I showed up looking like Peppermint Patty in Charlie Brown! Oh Mom! We tried, but those fancy hairdos are so over-rated!

I could go on and on with my male dominated life. Basketball was always "jam-it-down your throat" basketball. Football was always "tackle" football, and there was absolutely no such thing as softball. Everything was all about the guys - and I just happened to fit in.

Of course, I've always wanted a sister, and I'm sure my mom did too. There definately were times when I felt a bit helpless and defenseless -especially when the tickle fights and rough housing began! Oh boy! Ever laughed so hard, you could puke? I had two brothers. My mom had four! I can't imagine! Her tussles had to be twice as hard!

However, my mom was no dummy! Some of the best advice she ever gave me was regarding dinner time protocol. "Remember," she said. "When those boys start messing with you or your food at the dinner table, (they loved stealing my food), you DO have a weapon. It's called your fork!" Good one Mom! Priceless! It worked!

Well by now, I know what you're thinking, "At least you didn't have to wear hand-me-downs!" Wanna make a bet?? I had older cousins, and even hand-me-downs were better than undergarments purchased at the local church rummage sale!!! (That's another story!)

So Mom, I know there were times when it felt like you and I were against the world. Or maybe it was more like we were the blind leading the blind. But you know what? I couldn't have asked for a better mother. I think we both turned out pretty darn good, despite those silly boys! I'm so proud to be an only daughter's only daughter, and I'm missing you like crazy, especially during this week of Mother's Day! Until we meet again...

Love ya Mom!

The Rest of the Story

Do you have a guardian angel? I do. I actually have several of them, but there's one in particular who I am certain would go through hell and fire to protect me and my family. Why? Because she has protected her "own" in the past, and I'm so lucky to be one of her "own". Let me introduce her by sharing this old newspaper article.

Copied from the Avoca Journal Herald - January, 1923 - one hundred years ago this month.

You see, Ernest and Bertha Holtz were my grandparents, and yes, on January 18, 1923, their home burnt to the ground. Like most folks from that era, I find their bravery and resilience quite astounding, and my grandmother's actions simply amazing.

And so now -the rest of the story.

January 18, 1923. Ernest, a young, hardworking, 35-year-old farmer, was working in the field, while his 28-year-old wife, Bertha, was tending to their home and seven children. Bertha had already birthed 8 babies, but unfortunately, baby Alice was deceased at age one in 1918. Times were hard, and life was anything but easy out on the farm.

The Holtz children were quite a crew. At that time, they included 9-year-old Ethel, 8-year-old Edwin (he had just turned 8, four days prior), 3-year-old twins Marvin and Mervin, and 13-month-old triplets Darlene, Verlene, and Laverne. Yep! It was quite a houseful, and to top it off, my grandma was also 4 months pregnant with my dad, Ike.

Can you imagine? Living in the country as a young 28-year-old farm wife, with 7 kids and expecting the 8th? The modern conveniences we have today were non-existent. I can only guess that there were clothes on the line, food cooking on the old cook stove, and two kids bawling when a burning ember breaks loose from the chimney and starts a fire!  Oh my!  What would you do? Your hubby's in the field and there's no help to be found.  I don't think I could comprehend or move fast enough!

However, my grandma, being quick headed and speared with courage, threw all the babies in a blanket, grabbed the corners, corralled the older children, and rushed them all to safety. Wow! No fear there! My grandma saved the family!

But it didn't end there.  Soon other heroes arrived, starting with the Avoca Fire Department, followed by numerous members of the Avoca community - each bringing clothing, food, and any necessity imaginable. Just think about it. These people had very little to support their own families, yet they all showed up in unison to support a family in need! How amazing is that? You know, I'm not surprised. I'm sure Avocans would react the same way today. Avocans have a true sense of community - always supporting one another and never leaving anyone behind.

So, to make a long story short, during the next year, the kids were farmed out to live with aunts and uncles. My grandfather, Ernest, lived in a (get this) CHICKEN COOP while he and a farmhand rebuilt the family home. And my grandma? Well, among all the hard work of cleaning, building, preparing meals, and checking in on her children, she gave birth to my dad, Ike! Thanks Grandma! I'm alive because of you!

So, like I said, I know there's a guardian angel on my shoulder. And you can bet there's one on your shoulder too!  We all know that whatever will be, will be - but hey - with grandma at the helm - there's nothing we can't face!  Thank you, Grandma, for your resilience, fortitude, and never say never attitude.  You are truly my Superhero!    

So now you know the rest of the story!