Pretending to be Normal

Wonderful Wacky Women Perdido Key: Cancer awareness is goal of Wonderful Wacky Women in Perdido Key - Orlando Sentinel

2011-10-18T21:44:00.000-04:00

Wonderful Wacky Women Perdido Key: Cancer awareness is goal of Wonderful Wacky Women in Perdido Key - Orlando Sentinel

2011-09-23T12:54:00.001-04:00

On October 29

Join Me & Make

a Difference

Every once in a while we are given the opportunity to be a part of something greater, grander and bigger than we ever could ever imagine. I have that opportunity, again, for the third year and I am asking you to join me.

It started back in 2009 when the Redneck Riviera Chapter of Wonderful Wacky Women on Perdido Key Florida started a ripple in the pond. They organized a race to raise money for cancer research specific to women. Their success was amazing. Not only did they raise significant money but In so doing, they unified their chapter of women for a common cause and they did it with more fun and laughter than anyone should be allowed!!! They invited me to join them that first year and on a whim, I drove up to the beachy, little island, just off the coast of Pensacola Florida. I was so inspired, touched and uplifted by what these women had done, I decided then and there, to put my full support behind them.

Throughout the next year, with the accumulation with their second annual run, that ripple gained momentum and turned into a storm of love, laughter and friendship that gave their organization even more power and strength. They succeeded in making a difference with both their monetary donations to the ACS as well as bringing attention of ovarian cancer to more women with the hopes of eariler detection and cure. Not only was it easy to continue to lend my support, but an honor as well. Women, both individually and in groups, came from all over the region to join us and the numbers grew exponentially. The good works accomplished that day were dwarfed only by the extraordinary, lasting friendships and sisterhood that grew from the event.

This year, 2011 we are having a whole Wonderful Wacky Women Week, a special Wonderful Wacky Women Wednesday at the Flora Bama, and thanks to the City of Pensacola, FL, Escambia County Commissioners, City of Orange Beach, and City of Gulf Shores, Alabama, October 29th has officially been proclaimed as Wonderful Wacky Women Day. This years celebration on the Redneck Riviera will whip up a tidal wave in hopes of wiping out Ovarian Cancer in our lifetime. "The Redneck Riviera Chapter of Wonderful Wacky Women and the Mighty Men Who Love Them" will continue to make a difference. Of this there is no doubt. I for one, intend to ride the wave of this Sacred Sisterhood, and be a part it all.

The question now is, will you be there to run or walk with me?

Register now!

Details of the Race

That May Save Your Life

If you'd like to join me, and all the Wonderful Wacky Women of the Redneck Riviera on Perdido Key October 29th, here's all the juicy the details:

My three daughters and I crossing the finish line arm in arm. October 2010

The race starts at the world famous Flora Bama right on the Flordia/Alabama state line. The course is laid out so that you can choose to be a part of a 4 mile run, a 4 mile walk or a 1 mile walk. (Yes, it's miles, not kilometers) We draw some serious runners and a lot of fun runners, but the division of 4 mile walkers and 4 miler runners is about 50/50. We think that's because they're all having too much fun chatting and want to make sure they enough energy to dance across the finish line... a favorite tradition of the event. The donation to run is $100 for adults age 16 and up. Active military families and Wacky Wannabes ages 12 to 16 are just $25.

The fee for the one mile walk is the same but gives all wacky women the opportunity to participate, even if you're not up for the full 4 miles.

Once again the amazing folks at the Flora Bama hosted our Post-Race Party. This is where the real fun began.

Your fee includes your race t-shirt, designed by yours truly, your electonic digital number for the race. a goodie bag full of wonderful goodies donated by all my wacky friends and local businesses and the most important thing, tons-o'fun!!!!

you can apply for the race online by clicking here or going directly to race application site at

http://www.active.com

To download application directly to print and mail in click here!

And just like their 2010 run, this year those Wonderful Wacky Women will have even more of the Mighty Men who love them running too.

Their Official Website Address:

www.redneckrivierawonderfulwackywomen.com

A Whole Week
Of Wonderful Wacky Fun

For those who can come and play for more than just the Saturday race, there's a whole WWW week worth of fun. I'd love to have you there for all of it... but come for any part you can. It's sure to be a great time. The schedule has been kept simple and stress free, with lots of time for beach, sun and fun! I'll be arriving on Monday just in time to join y'all for dinner at the Lost Treasure Grill.

Mon. 10.24.2011

Play Day at the Beach until Dinner!

6:30 p.m. Dinner - Lost Treasure Grill

Cost: Just pay for your meal! The Fun is Free!

www.losttreasuregrill.com

Tue. 10.25.2011

10 a.m. Gulf Shores Zoo

Cost: Half Price for all WWW

www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org

6:30 p.m. Dinner at Crab Trap

Cost: Just pay for your meal! The Fun is Free!

http://crabtrapdestin.com/the-crab-trap-pensacola.html

Wed. 10.26.2011

8:30 a.m. Blue Angel's Show

Cost: No Charge... just come and let your wacky patriotic colors show! (Those wonderful, naval aviators will be tipping their wings us for us WWW in support of our race!)

www.blueangels.navy.mil

1:00 p.m. Lunch at Fisherman's Corner

Cost: Just pay for your meal! The Fun is Free!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fishermans-Corner-Perdido-Key/178847818800792www.facebook.com/.../Fishermans-Corner-Perdido-Key/178847818

6:30 p.m. Wonderful Wacky Women Wednesday -

Flora Bama

Cost: No Cover Charge-- First Drink "On The House"

This event is not to be missed. Every Wednesday night is WWW night at the 'Bama... a world famous, road house on Perdido Key. We'll all be rockin out the music and dressed to the 9's for the Wacky Hat/Wacky Sunglass Contest in celebration of WWW week.

www.florabama.com

Thu. 10.27.2011

10:00 a.m.

Sailboat Cruise Wild Hearts

www.sailwildhearts.com

5:30 p.m.Wonderful Wacky Women Party -SanRoc Courtyard

SanRoc Cay Marina

Cost: No Charge

www.sanroccay.com

Fri. 10.28.2011

10:30 a.m. Bus to Lulu's Homeport for

Lunch at LuLu's

Cost: Just pay for your meal! The Fun is Free!

The wacky waterfront restaurant own and operated by Lucy Buffett, Wacky Woman extraordinaire and sister to my favorite beach boy and singing pirate, The Mr. Jimmy Buffett! Lucy can't wait to turn up the tunes and cook up some of their fresh catch in celebration of the WWW race.

www.lulubuffett.com

6:00 p.m. Packet Pick-up at Flora Bama

Sat. 10.29.2011

WONDERFUL WACKY WOMEN DAY

City of Orange Beach, City of Gulf Shores, City of Pensacola and Escambia County Commissioners Signed Proclamation proclaiming

October 29 is WONDERFUL WACKY WOMEN DAY

***Please wear your race shirt along with wacky glasses and attire...

9:15 a.m. "Making a Difference" Walk/Run - warm-up by Jazzercise

9:30 a.m. Race begins

After race party at the Flora Bama

"Party Likes There's No More Cancer!

(Now there's a reason to party.)

No cover charge. Awards, Music. Lost Treasure Grill providing an amazing lunch at no charge for all runners/walkers, Door Prizes and Silent Auction to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida.

To make reservations for any of the activities, please contact Lisa Moore at nitetrain41@yahoo.com or cell (850)748.1291

Cost for activities will vary but fabulous WWW special promotions will be available.

Transportation for large crowds available at no charge by the Flora Bama bus.(We love the 'Bama!)

Their Official Website Address: www.redneckrivierawonderfulwackywomen.com

Where is Perdido Key?

Preparations are in high gear for 2011. Gather up all your friends and come join me on beautiful Perdido Key, which is located on the gulf coast where Florida kisses Alabama (Hence the name of the world famous road house where all the festivities begin,

The Flora Bama!)

If driving is not an option for you, flying into Pensacola is EZ-PZ! Just 25 minutes from the airport will have you wiggling your toes in the sand.

Click here to get great info and super deals on where to stay.

Many places are offering specials just for the WWW!

Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce

Will Pay You to come!!!

The Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce is making an offer that's hard to refuse. They're giving away free money in the form of 300 American Express cards worth $100 each....And to top that off, we have discounted condos offered by Sea Spray and Pointe South.

If you are interested in booking reservations to attend this event, please sign up for email blast about this promotion right now. It is extremely time sensitive so sign up now to be on the list. No obligation but you need to get on the list.

Click through to

www.visitperdido.com

to read all the fine print and rules to make sure you get your American Express card, compliments of Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce

"Party Like There's No More Cancer"

After race party at the

Flora Bama...

"Party Like There's No More Cancer!"

Now there's a reason to party!!! It's October 29th after the race. Lunch is free to

all registered runners/walkers.

Great music, awards,

a silent auction of amazing gifts, trips and more.

See you there!

Will you make a difference this year???

2011-08-04T11:28:00.001-04:00

Making a Difference

2011-08-04T11:20:00.000-04:00

The Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce Presents Jimmie Sue Walters & Lisa Moore with a check for $5000 to Wonderful Wacky Women for the 3rd Annual "Making a Difference Run to be held this Oct .... Have you made your plans to join us?

Still Crazy After All These Years

2011-05-16T10:19:00.003-04:00

Just got back from a cruise with my main man, "The Wild Thang"... Big Al...ol' Left Brain himself!

As I watch Boy Genius...my son Chase, experiencing all the fun and excitement of new, young love and romance, I am convinced more than ever that "Old Love" is better. There is an irrepressible comfort in knowing the trials and triumphs of the past have given our relationship a bond that has stood the test of time. We're in it together, forever, for always and no matter what.

This Years Run...

2011-04-07T17:06:00.002-04:00

It's a privilege for me to team up with The Redneck Riviera Chapter of Wonderful Wacky Women to celebrate and honor countless women who now stand as shining examples of how to survive! Start making plans now to join our "Making a Difference Run" as we raise the roof at the Florabama with giggles and hugs, while raising money for Ovarian Cancer research and the Ronald McDonald House. I'll be there once again with my darling daughters flying in from all over to join the festivities.

This years it's gonna be October 29 on Perdido Key just off the coast of Pensacola, FL You can contact Alison at Davenport Realty on Perdido Key for great deals on accommodations.

Seeds of Happiness

2011-03-08T15:38:00.008-05:00

Mark Borella is a happy guy.
And he spreads his seeds of happiness everywhere he goes... literally.

I met Mark Borella at the International Gift Show in Atlanta Georiga. Not only did Mark and I "click" immediately, no doubt due to the fact that we are both a tad wacky and just shy of crazy, but I fell head over heels in love with the product he created through his artistic gift.

As Mark says " These Little Seeds of happiness started out as leftover lumps of clay I made into little smiles to give out to friends who were going through hard times and need a little smile. That was in 2006. Since then I've given out thousands of smiles to folks, a handful at a time. In turn, they share them and the story with their friends in need of a smile. Those people then share with more friends and keep the story going."

Well these little smiles are all over the planet by now. I always carry a handful in my pocket and share them whenever and wherever I can. I take photos of them too. They love to have their pics taken and posted on facebooks and I've given each one of mine a name... so they become a little friend I share with someone who needs one.

If by chance you happen to run into me at an airport, art show or grocery store, and could use a little smile... just ask... and I'll pass one along. If you too would like to have a stash of your very own seeds of happiness to share or any of the other fun items Mark has, check out his website at seedsofhappiness.com

You can also "friend" him at Seeds of Happiness

Help him share the love!

2011-03-08T15:27:00.003-05:00

Another Milestone For My Books

OK,so, I'm pretty happy. As a self published author, the competition is stiff. So to hit a milestone like this is pretty exciting. Are you ready? Drum roll please. (Screaming...and jumping up and down...)

Over 275,000 sold!

(Yeah, yeah, I know, I'm a little excited! Can you tell?

Well my friend Marc Vaughn, an amazing photographer from right here in my own backyard, could tell! So to help me celebrate, he took this amazing photo to commemorate my big day.

You should really check out Marc's amazing work at www.marcvaughn.com He travels all over photographing all kind of famous people and I was more tickled about him photographing me than I was about my books!

2011-03-08T15:26:00.002-05:00

Wonderful Wacky Women

From Perdido Key, Florida

are doing it again...

The Redneck Riviera Chapter of the Sacred Sisterhood of Wonderful Wacky Women are at it again. After a super successful run last

My three daughters & I crossing the finish line arm in arm! They flew in from all over the country to join us this year!� Oh yeah, I'm pretty happy!

year for Ovarian Cancer, this year they are lacing up their tennies again adding on a silent auction for the Ronald McDonald House as well.

And just like their 2010 run, this year those Wonderful Wacky Women will have even more of the Mighty Men who love them running too.

Preparations are in high gear already for 2011. Gather up all your friends and come join me on beautiful Perdido Key, which is located on gulf coast where Florida kisses Alabama (Hence, the name of the world famous road house where all the festivities begin, The Florabama!)

Once again the amazing folks at the Florabama hosted our Post-Race Party. This is where the real fun began. � �

And bless their hearts,sponsors are coming out of the woodwork to help us. Once again, the Florabama has generously offered to allow all us Wonderful Wacky Women to use the their world famous bar and restaurant as our offical headquarters for the event. We are expecting another full house for the 2011 festivities. Please mark your calendars now to join us.

2011-03-08T15:26:00.001-05:00

As a Matter of Fact,

You Can Make

a Difference

I was blessed with the crazy notion, the wild-eyed foolishness and the complete wackiness to believe in the simple idea that I could make a difference in the world. With Ralph Waldo Emerson's famous quote..."To know one life breathed easier because you lived, this is to have succeeded." as my mantra, I find myself forever searching for ways to reach out and touch another persons life...even if it's just a poke in the ol' funny bone.

Now don't think I'm getting all pious and saintly on you. There has been a monumental payoff in it for me. For you see, this quest has blessed me with a life that is far more than just worth

living... it is also worth dying for. Through this roller coaster ride I seem to be on, I have learned that life is not about finding yourself, but rather about creating it. And that life is not only about enduring to the end...but enjoying to the end as well. Although I've had to endure my share of low points, I realized that reaching outside my comfort zone, especially during those times when it was most difficult, inevitably pulled me through and gave my life meaning. I found that I could not only rise by lifting others, but that I could endure the criticism of false friends, bear burdens I didn't know existed and build lasting relationships that have touched my soul beyond description. Now my heart starts to tingle when I think of the possibilities to find ways to help, inspire, energize and empower women to look beyond their own realm and search for something greater, grander and bigger than themselves. For me, it has made all the difference in my life.

It's easy to talk yourself into believing that you don't have the time, the energy or resources to make any kind of real difference in the world. It's even easier to play the "humility card" and say you simply don't have the talent for it. But when you are finished with all the excuses and even have yourself convinced, remember this: Your playing small serves no one. And in the end, the greatest tragedy you may face is not that you didn't make a difference, but that you didn't try.

The Real Woman Behind the Art:

2010-12-10T19:46:00.000-05:00

She Who Has a Great Attitude

My friend, Carrie, is the very definition of a Wild Wacky Mountain Mama from the hills of northern Idaho. We met when I signed up for a watercolor painting class at the local college. When I walked in to the classroom, paint was flying, Carrie was barking out orders and the whole class was laughing hysterically. I knew this class was just what I needed.

As one of this country's leading forensic artists, Carrie's list of accomplishments is longer than my right arm. But her attitude and sense of humor are immeasurable. When Carrie was diagnosed with breast cancer, she approached the challenge the same way she approaches everything in her life -- with laughter, humor and a smile that could melt ice on a cold Idaho morning! The honor of being She Who Has a Great Attitude without a doubt goes to this amazing wacky woman

The poem I wrote about her attitude is called "She Who Has a Great Attitude" and is here for your reading with just a click of the mouse. But if you really want the whole scoop, you need to read a little more. Her whole story is a chapter in my first book. If you've ever had to face a struggle of your own, it's worth the read. It's required reading if you want a good giggle right now.

On a personal note, as an artist all my life, I was new to the medium of watercolor when I signed up for that class back in 2000. Today when I give Carrie credit for teaching me all I know about the medium that has made my business such a success, she humble says, "Ah, shucks, I just taught you which end of the brush to get wet!",

A Day of Chatting with the Girls Has Me Puzzled...

2010-12-10T19:44:00.003-05:00

My husband's two sisters, Marion and Judy, who hail from Salt lake City, Utah took one look at their thermostat at home this week and decided it was time for a Florida vacation. Well guess what? We too are having a bit of a cold spell. So we can't enjoy the beach. Instead, we broke out a puzzle, made some hot cocoa (because as you all know, everything is more fun with with chocolate), and had a blast putting this new puzzle together. As we sat around the table arranging the pieces, they told me all kinds of juicy dirt about my husband,Al, when he was a little kid. (Gosh was he ever a pistol!!!)

There are actually three puzzles to choose from. We decided to open a second puzzle and do it too! Check them out. They're pretty cool!

We Still Believe...

2010-12-10T19:44:00.001-05:00

...That Peace Begins in
Our Hearts
In our home and studio, we celebrate the traditions of our heritage, our family and our religion. Although we are various denominations, we are all Christians and the whole place is abuzz with the holiday spirit. We also find tremendous joy in joining with dear friends of other faiths as they, too, celebrate their religious holidays this time of year.

As I think back on all of the atrocities in history that have been committed in the name of religion, I can't help think what would have happened if all that energy had been focused on the true foundations of those faiths, like brotherly love, kindness, charity and love. If all of God's children truly celebrated His glorious work and miracles, we would have peace on earth and good will towards men. I often find myself humming the song, "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me." That is where charity must begin, with each one of us having a change of heart and embracing all that is good in the world -- including each other.

From my studio, my home and my heart, please accept my wishes for a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hannakah, a Blessed Solstice and a Joyous Kwansa -- and, of course, my fondest Aloha and Namaste. May all that is good and right in the world spring forth as we truly embrace one another this holiday season. And maybe, just maybe, we will do something totally wacky and "give peace a chance."
Suzy

2010-11-13T17:19:00.002-05:00

Go 'Bama...

I love collegiate sports and when in town I try to pay tribute to the local teams. Dressed in support of the University of Alabama's Crimson Tide, complete with my "Ode to Bear Bryant" black and white check sash, wouldn't ya just know it... the crowd was full of Auburn fans!!! Luckily, I didn't get chided too much! But that's OK. Cause underneath my red plaid and black & white check, my heart is still in Florida, and I'm a Gator-gal...Go Gators!

2010-11-13T17:18:00.000-05:00

Give Thanks...
As a child, I was taught the Magic Words: Please and Thank You. Whether it was because my mother drove it into me so much or that it's just a genetic trait I inherited from her, I ended up getting a little over enthusiastic about the whole thing. I can never seem to just say "Thank You." Something inside of me starts to gush and bubble, and I just keep going until I begin to make quite a spectacle of myself. And that's just the warm up for everyday, run-of-the-mill things! This time of year I start thinking about Veterans Day, and I get so worked up I just about burst into tears. As the mother of two Veterans (one of Desert Storm and the other Iraqi Freedom...see photo) and the daughter of a Korean War Vet, my heart is eternally grateful for the service and sacrifice men and women like them give our country. I am also grateful for their spouses who so diligently keep the home fires burning in their absence.

Despite the political antics and the craziness going on between our elected officials, I am still so proud to be an American. I am thankful my ancestors immigrated here from Europe under great hardship to create a new life for themselves and their children. They brought all that was good with them and embraced their new country, served in the military and helped preserve our freedom. Today I am blessed beyond measure to live in the greatest country in the free world. As Lee Greenwood says in his anthem to freedom "... I won't forget the men who died and gave that right to me." From the bottom of my heart, thanks to all our armed forces for their undying love for our country and their willingness to lay down their lives for our freedom. God Bless our Vets...God Bless the USA.

2010-11-13T17:17:00.001-05:00

Wackiest Things I've Very Created:
Hometown Royalty
In my continued feature of the wackiest things I've ever created, no doubt this one has its place. While doing a show in Wenatchee Washington many years ago, three of the cutest, little teenagers came in my booth. Donning tiaras and sashes across their chests, the three had just been crowned in the local Miss Wenatchee Apple Blossom pageant. This pageant was all about poise, leadership and community service. And these three young gals beamed with hometown pride.

I agree there are some beauty pageants that are ridiculous and totally out of control, but going back to some of these small, hometown fairs, it warms my heart to see girls like these who love 4H, their hometown and love being a wonderful wacky woman. I decided, on the spot, to capture the essence of the girls and what they stood for. As they showed me their dancing talent (clogging), demonstrated the newest cheer they'd learned and gobbled up homemade ice cream that was a special treat at the fair, these girls got my full attention. (Big surprise that I won the "Royalty's Choice Award" for best art booth!!!) So envision yourself at the fair, take a big bite of one of those amazingly crisp Washington State apples, click through and enjoy!

2010-11-13T17:15:00.000-05:00

The Real Woman Behind the Art:
She Who Loves To Travel

For the life of me, I can't figure out why every woman on the planet is not jealous of me...cause this wild, wacky wonderful woman is my best friend. Launi is She Who Loves to Travel. As a retired airline employee, she puts her free flight benefits to the test as she wanders around the world, using her multiple language skills -- and I get to tag along. It's not just the travel I like but rather her whole attitude about it. "The journey begins as we pull out of the driveway." she says as we head to the airport. And she is right.

The Wonderful Wacky Woman art and poem called "She Who Loves to Travel" are here for your reading with just a click of the mouse. But if you really want the whole scoop, you need to read a little more... for you see, togther we have developed a whole philosophy about "tripping with the girls." (The full story is in my second book) and it's not only worth the read if you like to travel or want to laugh, but we require it if you want to travel with us! So pack your bags and lets go! Anyone up for Italy next year? Cause no doubt we'll be going and you're invited!

A Show in My Own Home Town

2010-10-26T13:54:00.004-04:00

Robin Imhoff, Debbie Eskew, Kristi Tardiff stopped by my booth at Mount Dora for a quick photo. Having a "scooter hair" from riding my little red scooter to the show, I was wearing my yellow hat to hide it. (Thank goodness for hats!). Little did I realize the full size cutout Wacky Woman that we are standing in front of would be a great replacement for my otherwise yucky hair.

2010-10-15T21:13:00.001-04:00

The Wackiest Things I Ever Created:
In a Key West State of Mind

I should have be born a conch. For anyone born north of Miami, " a Conch" does not refer to slow moving creature that lives in a shell on the ocean floor. Its the indigenous people of a magical little island at the tip of the Florida Keys.... Key West. Claiming to have seceded from the Union during the Civil War, locals refers to Key West as "The Conch Republic."

As a child growing up in Hawaii, our family took our vacations back to the mainland and headed directly to the Florida Keys. We'd spend a month traveling up and down the bridges that connected the little islands between Key Largo and Key West. The Keys are in my blood. Since every ha'oli (Caucasian) in Hawaii is obviously not from the South Pacific, when people would ask me where I was from, it was only logical for me to claim Key West...the only place I knew on the mainland.

Key West is not only a place... it's a state of mind. When I take friends to the island, I tell them, "You'll either get it or you won't." Like Ernest Hemingway, Robert Frost, Harry Truman and Jimmy Buffet...
I "get it". I am "She Who Loves Key West"

Oh yeah, I should have been born a conch. Click Here to read my poem about the Keys. Then, if you, "get it" too, drop me a note and tell me. I love hearing from wacky women who live in a "Key West State of Mind." suzy@suzytoronto.com

2010-10-15T21:11:00.000-04:00

Who Are They?
The Real Woman Behind the Art:
The Power of a Hissie Fit
I just had to show you this one. Nicknamed "Moon Pie", this little ball of fire learned early to never underestimate the power of a hissie fit. Look at her ridged knees and curls toes and tell me she didn't get her way. Although the original Hissie Fit woman is "Yours Truly" ...don't even get me started... "Moon Pie" has learned from the best. I am convinced that drawing a line in the sand, or even just laying in it, is sometimes all you need to do to claim the hill you're willing to die on. And I wanted you to take note that the trait seems to be genetic... this is my youngest granddaughter.

2010-10-15T21:10:00.000-04:00

Here's to Healthy Boobies

In the Toronto home, there used to be something so scary about October and I don't mean Halloween. It's wasn't the witches in black hats or the goblins and ghosts getting ready to yell trick or treat at our front door. It was those delicate pink ribbons everywhere that reminded us that that in 1987, Jane Toronto, the mother of my four amazing step-children and first wife of my husband Al, died of breast cancer. Following in the footsteps of their own mother who also died of breast cancer, it marked our 3 daughters with a high probability of carrying the same genetic marker that claimed them both. For years the girls lived in fear that they would be next, a time bomb silently ticking away in their chests. October, the month of their mothers birth, was just another reminder. On some level, they simply tried to block it out.

Denial is no way to live and fear is meant to be conquered. What they have all finally realized is that with the advancement of technology and countless men and women leading the race for a cure, more women survive breast cancer than die from it. Genetic testing now available, while not the ultimate answer, can be used with a high degree of accuracy. Medical techniques have come a long way and surgeons are getting better and better at diagnoses, treatments, surgery and reconstruction. This we know first hand.

We are eternally grateful to the medical staff at the Breast Center in New Orleans and will do all we can to spread their message that this is not only a fight we can win, but can truly overcome both physically and emotionally with science, medicine, skilled surgeons, amazing medical staff and a lot of time on our knees praying.

Today all three of my daughters proudly wear a pink ribbon as do their two brothers and Dad. This is a battle we will fight to our last breath so that this hideous disease might stop with this generation. No more Toronto women are going to die if we have any ounce of strength left to fight it.

Won't you join me as part of the Pink Ribbon Sisterhood. We have all lost too many friends and families. Lets support each other in the ultimate fight for life and dream of the day when breast cancer is so obscure that we rename this month: Healthy Boobies Month.

We're Celebrating in Celebration!

2010-10-09T19:41:00.004-04:00

It's a privilege for me to team up with Market Street Gallery and "Susan G Komen" to celebrate and honor countless women who now stand as shining examples of how to survive! Come join our Pink Ribbon Sisterhood as we raise the roof with giggles and hugs, while raising money for Susan G Komen. I'll be signing books, calendars and all things "Suzy!" I can't wait to see you there...and please, WEAR PINK!!!!

When: Saturday October 16th Where: Market Street Gallery Celebration, FL 34747

Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Feel free to bring in your previously purchased items for me to sign too. More than anything, we just want you to come celebrate that breast cancer is a fight we can win. So for our mothers, our daughters our sisters and our friends, wear a pink ribbon and join us in Celebration!

My Mighty Men

2010-08-07T07:32:00.006-04:00

When did my two little boys turn into men? Just yesterday it seems I was taking them to cub scouts and trying to keep them from killing each other. Now they are men who have become friends. (Mothers of the world, there is hope!)
These boys are my two youngest children...William, 32 (USAF- JAG, married, 3 kids) and Chase 27 (IT Security Admin, Pilot) on their annual motorcycle trip with the guys! (Wow, this photo still blows me away!)

Feel Your Boobies

2010-08-04T11:47:00.009-04:00

As a huge supporter of breast cancer awareness, I came across this website. I think every Wonderful Wacky Woman I know needs to take their advice and "Feel Their Boobies"
This hideous disease has already claimed way too many of my family and friends. So whatever it takes to get everyone's attention, including our daughters and granddaughters... Breast cancer is striking young women at an alarming rate.Let's do all we can to stop breast cancer with our generation!

Ode to Big Bad Bob

2010-07-11T17:53:00.004-04:00

Eleven years ago a cat living in a shelter in northern Idaho decided to take pity on our family and adopt us. Our lives haven't been the same since. As the inspiration for my line of art and writing called The Life and Times of Big Bad Bob, not only did the humor of this animal amuse us all to no end, irritate the dog beyond description and leave us all laughing hysterically, but Bob even won over the most adamant of "Cat Haters" At 28 lbs of pure love, Bob never took no for an answer, had a purr box the size of Texas and constantly had the need to knead. The first most basic requirement of working at Suzy Toronto Studios was that Bob had to like you.

I say was, because yesterday, Saturday, July 10, Big Bad Bob said goodbye to us all at the ripe old age of 15. Its only been 24 hours but I can't even begin to tell you how much I miss that worthless hunk of cat meat!

"I miss ya, old man... more than I ever imagined"

Being with the Girls..,

2010-06-15T19:10:00.011-04:00

Life is what you make it. Today I made it at the beach with three adorable teenagers. What a blast!

On the weekends, I pretend to be their Sunday School Teacher (...part of my Pretending to be Normal "gig") but today it was all about the sun, sand and surf.

I seriously can't remember when I had so much fun at the beach. I'm ready to take them all again next week. Although we are missing one of the "four" girls from our class, we decided the "Sandy Bottom Girls" are now officially organized and are destined for more beachy outings.

"Proud Mama Brag Time"

2010-06-13T09:35:00.005-04:00

OK, so do I even have to tell you how busting-at-the- seams-proud I am of my daughter, Carolynn. That's her sitting at the huge grand piano, playing as the accompanist in the Historic Mormon Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. The tabernacle, famous for its amazing acoustics, was filled with her playing and the voices of the choir.

(Carolynn, who is married, a mother of 3, a registered nurse and Air Force Veteran, is also a concert pianist... Oh yeah, I'm pretty proud!)

Trippin' Italy 2010

2010-04-25T13:21:00.017-04:00

This year Launi and I were determined to get to Italy. With past trips its been hit or miss as we head out the door. We point ourselves towards a city and usually that's a sure bet we'll end up somewhere else. Traveling on airline flight benefits is not for sissies or those unable to adapt. The whole process is made fun by the fact that Launi loves to wander and that her motto is "the journey is the destination" We laugh ourselves silly and have a blast no matter where we are.

We landed in Rome at 8:00am Easter Sunday. We headed downtown to Vatican City and St Peters Square, Ate the most delicous pizza from a street vendor and walked in the rain until almost 10:30pm. The adventure had begun.

After a couple of marvelous days in Rome we headed north through the Umbria Region. Launi, the shutter bug and me, the forever storyteller, had a blast. While Launi clicked away pictures, I couldn't help but soak in the history and imagine the people who lived there 1500 years ago.

Since we had our own car, we took the road less traveled relying on Rick Steves and Italy Through the Back Door to guide us. Its didn't hurt that Launi spoke Italian with a fluency reserved only to someone who once lived there.

We spoke (She spoke!) to locals everywhere & we were able to make some great friends who gave us great tips & local flavor. We ate where the locals ate & really did see Italy through the backdoor.
But mostly I did nothing. I actually learned to master it... as if it were an art form in itself. ..the Art of Doing Nothing! Whether I was sitting in an outdoor cafe sipping on the most amazing hot chocolate that was literally the consistency of pudding, or drinking an Coca Cola with ice...a rarity, in front of the Pantheon, I couldn't have had a better vacation or more dear friend to go with.

Launi loves Italy & she wanted me to see it through her eyes. She wanted me to fall in love with it as she did 30 years ago. She wanted a piece of Italy to stay with me in my heart once I came home.

Well Launi...I did... I saw your Italy. I fell in love with it & yes, I too carry a piece of it in my heart...I got to experience a trip of a lifetime with my very best friend & will always feel blessed because of it.
And yes, I am ready to go again.

I watch this so much I think I have it memorized. It inspires me beyond words

2010-02-25T11:35:00.002-05:00

"Where do you get your ideas?"

2010-01-19T12:28:00.002-05:00

I think I am asked that question more than any other. Depending on the sense of humor or lack thereof to the person I am speaking, they get one of the following answers. (However, there is no doubt, the last one is the true answer)

The tooth fairy sends her friend the wacky fairy who whispers in my ear while I sleep
I'm actually an alien. I just put on my tin foil hat, stand on one foot and hold my right arm in the air until the intergalatic creativity beam makes contact and ta-da, I get the idea!
I eat chocolate... really dark, rich, expensive chocolate, and the resulting euphoria makes me creative
I stand in front of my blank canvas, say a prayer & beg God for an idea. All that I do, all that I have and all that I am, I owe to Him.

Namaste, Ya'll

2010-01-19T12:18:00.002-05:00

Yeah, Okay, so I do yoga. I've practiced on and off for 15 years.

I actually love to do it especially when I can do it poolside. For me its a total stress reliever. (Even more so when someone is not trying to take my photo while doing it, however!) But yoga works for me. I don't need to go to the gym, use fancy machines and for some reason I think it compensates for my horrible diet of chocolate and any food beginning with the letter "M" (Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Mac and Cheese, and anything Mint Chocolate!)

If you haven't tried yoga.. do.
If you tried it but hated it, it's like any exercise, you gotta give it a couple of weeks to get the addiction going.
If you still hate it, do it anyway. It's just so dang good for you.

Namaste....& Aloha

I Do NOT Want to Be A Model

2009-11-24T17:29:00.004-05:00

...it would be easier to be a Brain Surgeon!

OK, so the part I hate most about all the P.R. stuff I have to do related to the business is having my photo taken or make video's...stuff like that. It may sound glamorous but trust me, it's not. (Do I look fat? Is my double chin sagging? Am I having a wardrobe malfunction?)

My favorite part is painting and writing fun stuff, visiting with you all at art shows and signings, eat chocolate, shop for cute shoes and ride my scooter. But all day yesterday and today I had to spend in front of a camera...both for still shots and and video.

Wow, talk about hard work.

It is NOT easy getting all glammed up, posing for hours, getting wired up with mic's and acting all perky in front of the camera nonstop. I used to think that sounded glamorous but gosh, was I wrong. It is just plain HARD work. And just when I thought I'd nailed it, and the day was over, somebody said "OK, again from the top"

So now, I'm going to go get out of these pretty white clothes (Yeah, like an artist can keep white clothes clean, right???), scrape off all this make-up, cram some chocolate in my mouth and go for a scooter ride....

See ya...

Round One a Success... Round Two in Motion

2009-11-24T17:18:00.004-05:00

A lot of you have been asking how our "Support Our Troops Now" project went. Well, thanks to all of you and a ton of help from my studio team as well as friends and neighbors, we shipped off "Round One" of care packages to the marines of the Romeo Battery 511 in Afghanistan.

I received the nicest letter from their Lieutenant. He and his men were so thrilled and grateful. He asked me to convey their thanks to you for the goodies as well as the sweet notes of encouragement and all the prayers being offered in their behalf.

But here is the best news. The donations were so generous that we are going to be able to do a "Round Two" this next week, just in time for them to get it for Christmas.

Thanks for helping make this project a reality. I know we couldn't reach all the men and women oversea in our armed forces, but we were able to put a smile on the faces of a platoon of marines who are laying it all on the line for us.

Semper Fi
God Bless America
God Bless the Corps.

Still Stupid After All These Years!

2009-11-24T17:06:00.006-05:00

If you scroll to the bottom of my blog, you'll see where I wrote about being "Dog Stupid" That's what I call people who are ga-ga over their dogs to the point of nausea. Since I was never a dog person, I was immune to the disorder.

Then I got Lucy. Now I am so "Dog Stupid" that I sometime make myself sick. It's been a while since I imposed family photos of my dog on you, so I decided to push my luck and throw one at you. . And I just had to post this one...especially since we were both having a good hair day!

Awwwww, now isn't she cute? (Gag, gag gag!)

I Got A New Toy!

2009-11-24T16:34:00.008-05:00

Sometime a girls just needs a new toy. For me its usually shoes... but today it's a new scooter! Actually its not new. I found it on Craigs List for a screaming deal. Its pretty small but its just right for me to ride back and forth to the office/warehouse (only two miles away on back roads) and to zip down the street to my yoga class.

I just love it and it's even better that I got it so cheap! Yippee!

(OK, so I know I'm gonna get a bunch of email because I'm not wearing my helmet. I do wear a helmet but I just wanted some cute photos with my hair flying in the breeze...you know, that "Thelma and Louise" feeling?)

30 Pounds Less of Me

2009-08-31T10:42:00.008-04:00

OK, so...I find it interesting that while half the world is dying of hunger I do everything in my power to stop eating in an effort to shed a few pounds. But my over indulgence on my cruise to Alaska combined with endless weeks on the road this past year led me to pack on quite a bit of weight. Even with my large bone structure and height (I'm 5'9 and very large boned) my fat-pants were beyond tight. I couldn't even button the top of them and they were (gulp) size 16. It was embarrassing.

So I bought this stuff called Isagenix...
Yes it was hard.
Yes it tasted yucky.
Yes it took a ton of willpower.
Yes I was still hungry.
No, I didn't exercise but I should have. I was just too busy with work stuff.
But here is the kicker... I have lost 31 pounds in the 11 weeks!!!!!

Bottom line is this: I don't care what it costs or how it tastes... I'm back into my skinny jeans ...size 10 and they're loose! And as Visa/Mastercard says, that is "Priceless"

A Message to Create By...

2009-06-07T10:35:00.002-04:00

The best 1 minute 54 seconds you'll spend today! Enjoy!

Our Alaskan Adventure

2009-06-02T09:54:00.017-04:00

Since Al turns 64 this year, we decided to celebrate and do a once in a lifetime adventure to Alaska. Starting in Vancouver, B.C. we took a cruise ship through the Inland Passage of Alaska.
In the town of Haines we took a Bush Hawk plane through the mountains and landed on a snowy glacier. (Yes, I'm wearing flip flops on the glacier!) In Juneau we zipped through a rain forest on a cable high in the air.
We fell in love with an Alaska Husky in Sitka and froze our fannies off in Denali Park while taking in the gorgeous scenery.
We spent Sunday in Ketchican where we went to church in a log chapel and ate enough salmon to last a lifetime. (It was wonderful!)

The whole trip was amazing, and everything we ever dreamed it would be. We loved every minute of it. Truly, an adventure of a lifetime. I can now say "Been there, done that...bought the t-shirt!" But now I am glad to be home in the warmth and sunshine. I know some folks love the cold... I am just not one of them. I'm glad God gave us variety so we could each choose. I prefer a balmy breeze and tropical ocean sunset. Give me the beach any day and I'm a happy clam...not a cold camper. Next trip...Maui.

Brand New Website

2009-05-19T18:10:00.004-04:00

We're still working the final glitches out but the new site and store is up and running. It has come in stages but it's all online now. Several of my goddess friends said they were still seeing the old site... That's because they didn't refresh their bookmarks and just tried to click through their old link.

When you click through to my website...It should look like this picture above.
Then each button you click through should also look similar. *If it is still the old style orange color you need to go tot he home page, hit refresh on your toolbar and then re-bookmark it.*

I'm on a Diet

2009-05-13T12:41:00.008-04:00

OK, so I'm going on a diet. I'm giving up the chocolate truffles and took Marie Osmond's advice and bought a couple of months of Nutrisystem. The food arrived and so far, the food tastes yucky. But I am determined to stick to it and shed a few pounds. I'll keep you posted.

My real motivation, however, is Launi, my best friend. She just called and told me she's lost 10 lbs. Since we travel together so much we have to wear the same size, thus doubling our combined wardrobe options! In the meantime, I'll just hold my cat, Bob, in front of me and hope you notice his expanding waistline and not mine. He weighs 28lbs....I'm not saying what I weigh...yet!

Reason #8,631Why I Love Living in Florida

2009-05-11T16:16:00.007-04:00

History happens in our front yard. The Space Shuttle Atlantis launched today and we saw the whole thing. If you've never seen...or felt...a shuttle launch, add this experience to your bucket list. The next launch is June 13th. Dream...then make happen. Right now there are seven people orbiting the earth who did just that. You can too.

An Almost Perfect Day

2009-05-09T21:31:00.009-04:00

Grandpa and Tyler watching the big kids body surf at Cocoa Beach. They were buddies all day!Unfortunately all I could do was sit on the beach and watch. Actually it was a major struggle for me to even get down to the sand from the parking lot. The day before Carrie and the kids came to Florida for a visit I broke my big toe. (I now know exactly what it feels like to have a 90 lb wrought iron umbrella stand dropped on it...I literally cried tears for a good half hour!) Its been three weeks... I still can't get a shoe on and I still limp. It's three shades of black and blue and still hurts like the dickens! My biggest complaint.... I couldn't go in the water....

Other than that....a perfect day!

A Little Old Lady Tea Party

2009-04-11T17:49:00.010-04:00

On April 4th my Mama turned 80 years old! We invited 18 of her closet friends and family for a little old lady, Victorian tea party at my sister's amazing new home! Cathy really out did herself with the table and food, serving everything on my mothers original china and tea service. As a tribute to her I read the chapter of my new book about her called "She Who Loves To Shop" and ended it like the chapter says, by serving her favorite pineapple dessert on her old china...recipe included in the book!. Everyone at the party then got a copy of my new book as a party favor! It was such a fun day.

Next year we're going to celebrate her 100th birthday. She'll only be 81 but since the 80th was so much fun we want to make sure we get to have a 100th so we're going to do it next year! Wanna come?

My Baby Can Fly!

2009-04-05T14:35:00.012-04:00

When he was two years old he announced that when he grew up, he was going to fly. By four he knew everything about fighter jets...Every year, without exception, for Halloween, all he wanted to be was a pilot. Never did his dream vary.

Today, at the age of 26, he's living that dream...he flies.

There is a lesson to be learned here:
Never never, never give up on your dreams...
Because if you can dream it, you can make it happen.
Just ask Chase.

Here We Go a-Traveling...again!

2009-04-05T14:26:00.002-04:00

Launi called and said "I'm hungry for Crab Fritters, wanna go get some?"

"Sure" I said. (Did I mention that, in our humble opinion the one and only true "Blue Crab Fritters" can only be found at a restaurant called Sweetwaters just outside of Washington, DC?) So off we fly!

The next morning we had Blue Crab Fritter Hangovers!.. not really...we just stayed up all night like typical girlfriends and talked the night away. BTW...a big thanks to our hubbies, Stud Muffin and Cabana Boy for letting us go.

2009-03-01T10:16:00.006-05:00

Friday night I called Chase at 10pm in Utah and said, "You wanna go to the beach tomorrow with us?" He said "OK" (Go figure, my son having a spontaneous spirit like me???) Anyway, he caught a flight home...and Saturday morning we headed for the beach.

I'm glad because I think he needed a break ... he just finished a 4 year degree in college in less than 2-1/2 years with top grades... It was time for a play day. And it was a perfect day... sun, surf, dog...what more could we have asked for???

Tolerating the Elderly...

2009-02-16T10:17:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite pictures I just had to post. This is my son Chase tolerating his Dad's clowning around. The two are peas in a pod though. Chase is just as much a character as his old man! (See what I have to put up with... a husband and a son who are both wackier than me!)

Same Blood, Different Planets

2008-12-28T09:16:00.005-05:00

People often ask me where I get the inspiration to write my stories, books, etc and I always tell them:"from real people" Well here is the real inspiration for the TingleHeart "We Are Sisters, Same Blood, Different Planets" piece....my sister Cathy. Despite the fact that we couldn't be more different if we tried, this is the woman I can call at 4 in the morning. I can count on her, with no questions asked and no explanation needed.....because bottom line, we are sisters....forever, for always and no matter what.

William is Home from Iraq

2008-12-27T10:34:00.005-05:00

After 6 months serving in Iraq in the USAF as a JAG, my son William is home. This picture says it all.

Christmas doesn't get better than this.

His wife JoAnn and their three little boys think so too.

Welcome Home Will.
I love you

Christmas Day 2008

2008-12-25T18:39:00.007-05:00

I can remember as a child going back to school after Christmas Break and having to write an essay "What I Did During My Christmas Vacation" Today, I decided words could never convey what a quick, un-retouched snapshot could. So here you have it... my toes in the photo and all at Flagler Beach on Christmas Day2008.

Although Al and I are far from our kids and grandkids out west, rather than wish that we were there with them, all we could do instead,as we curled our toes in the sand, was wish they were here with us! (It's cold and snowing there today!)

Surely heaven looks something like this.....

Merry Christmas, ya'll...from warm, sunny Florida.

Climbing the Pyramid

2008-12-22T10:32:00.003-05:00

Well, I have been threatening to take a cruise for a long time and finally my sister Cathy called me on it. She did all the booking and arranging of everything so all I had to do is show up with a swim suit and get on the boat!

It was a blast! We took a 7 day Western Caribbean cruise with Holland America out of Tampa that took us to Key West, Belize, Guatemala and Costa Maya.

Belize was by far my favorite. The photo here is of the Mayan Temple called Lamani, It is higher than it looks and only a handful of us ventured up to the top. My brother-in-law Mike and I took the challenge and started our trek. We were advised the climb up is "physical" but the climb down is "psychological". They were right. The climb up, although steep and challenging was just a matter of stopping periodically and catching our breath. (Its higher than it looks.) But the trek down was crazy. I ended up desending the pyramid by sitting down and bumping my butt from one step to the next....like I said, its higher and steeper than it looks!

It was inpsiring to be climbing this structure that was built so many thousands of years ago...very humbling.

Reason #2,372 Why I Love My Best Friend,Launi

2008-11-04T14:26:00.006-05:00

I don't know how long I'll be able to leave this dancing diva on my blog and not jeopardize my friendship, so enjoy it while you can. This is Launi... dancing up a storm in Pennsylvania, teaching all the sweet Amish women how to release the wacky woman within.

Trippin' Around the World

2008-10-13T10:56:00.012-04:00

If there is anything I have learned in the last seven years from living on the road, it is that there are 6 critical things you must have to survive. For me they are hard, fast rules. Here's my list:

1. A current, valid US Passport. Obvious, right? If you have ever gotten to the customs desk and misplaced your passport you know what I mean.
2. The second is even more obvious to me. A toothbrush! If you don't believe me, take a trans-Atlantic flight and don't pack one in your carry on. You'll see! There is nothing worst than falling asleep as the the plane leaves JFK and waking up in Paris with something dead in your mouth!

3. You need to have the ability to sleep ANYWHERE and be happy about it. This little virtue has come in handy on numerous occasions, especially when I travel with Launi. We never know where we are going to end up.

4. The fourth thing is the knowledge of knowing where every Starbucks in the entire world is located. Now, you all may think this is odd considering I don't drink coffee but they always have really fast Wi-fi for my computer...and they do make great vanilla steamers.

5. You've gotta have cute shoes. If you are a girl, you understand. If you don't, take some estrogen. Traveling with comfortable shoes is important but making sure they are cute is essential.(This rule is pretty much chiseled in stone. Life is too short to wear ugly shoes.)

6. A best friend. Life on the road, whether vacationing or working requires a best friend. Although my husband Al is great to travel with, nothing could ever compare to Launi. Never have two girls perfected the art of doing nothing like we have. We are totally content to do nothing in Cancun, Rome, Paris, Praque.. you name it. But the overwhelming advantage to traveling with Launi is that she knows where to buy the best gelato in every city in Europe. And that is priceless!

Yellow Daisy 2008

2008-09-13T21:03:00.005-04:00

Once again, a wonderful Daisy! I so look forward each year to this event. I even got to be on television and do a couple of news spots promoting my work and the festival. My booth was jammin' almost the entire show! I love this show, love this location, love the promoters, love the Wonderful Wacky Women in the greater Atlanta area who came out in droves to see me!
You all make my heart tingle. Thanks a bunch!

I Love NY

2008-09-13T20:49:00.006-04:00

Having a business trip to NYC is a fun trip for me. Each time we go, Al lets me drag him to a museum. I am a huge fan of Frank Lloyd Wright so I was especially excited to visit the Guggenheim this trip. Wow! What an experience. I was overwhelmed by the buildings architecture but quite disappointed with the exhibit that was on display. It was a fun day anyway.

I did see a few exhibits that caught my eye. I just couldn't figure out if this sculpture is art imitation life or life imitating art??? Those of you not familiar with this amazing building might recognize it from the movie Men in Black when Will Smith chased an alien up through it's spiraling corridors.

Another Day at the Beach

2008-09-13T20:46:00.003-04:00

Sometime Lucy is worse than a two year old. She loves the beach but she want someone to go out and play with her. So Al waded out to the sand bar, plopped himself down in the middle of the surf and let Lucy play.

Wonderful Wacky Wanna-Be

2008-08-07T17:58:00.003-04:00

My granddaughter, Ashley...the original inspiration for my children's line "Kwirky Kids.. the Itty Bitty Baby Wacky Wanna-Be's"...truly a child after my own heart.

I Love the Chicago Showroom!

2008-07-29T19:26:00.008-04:00

Just a few of my favorite people I met in Chicago in the Midwest Showroom while doing a signing. Mary Angela from Bouquets on Water made my day when she screamed with delight at meeting me. (Talk about a boost to my self esteem!!!) She's promised to be the President of my fan club if she could just find someone else to be in it with her!!! She was darling.
MIDWEST's Chicago showroom is definitely favorite showroom!! Thanks to Thom Payne, David Nelson and all the amazing sales reps there. You're a dynamic team and I had such a great time!

A Mother's Child

2008-07-24T08:14:00.006-04:00

Does a mother ever get to the point where she can look at the amazing man her son has become and still not see her little boy?

I choke up when ever I see this picture on my son's blog. My little boy in full body armor is not a comforting image as it reminds me of the war torn, forsaken land he is in...Mothers should not have to bear sending their children to war. I look at this image and I am reminded of the first BB gun Will got...his only request for his 9th birthday. (I, of course, thought he'd shoot his eye out.) I'd like to have that little boy back again, to sing Happy Birthday to, make him his favorite cake and hold in my arms again.

Be safe Will and know that I love you.

Link to He Who is My Son

A Mystic Connection

2008-07-16T14:09:00.008-04:00

Where does a Wild Wacky Wonderful Woman spend her 50th birthday?

Well, until 4:00pm the day before, the answer would have been "home" My life had gotten so busy I'd almost forgot the BIG Five -O was approaching. But my best friend Launi didn't forget. When her number popped up on my caller I.D. I almost didn't answer since I was watching one of my favorite shows, Rachael Ray's $40-a-Day. She said she had a few days off to play and since it was my birthday, it was my choice. (We fly all over the place together ...she on her flight benefits as a retired airline employee and me, either on one of her "buddy passes" or I use some of the kajillion frequent flyer miles I've accumulated over the last couple of years)

Well, half listening to her and half watching Rachael Ray, who was doing her show from a little town called Mystic, I blurted out,

"Let's go to Mystic and do the Rachael Ray $40 Thing...?"

So with that statement, Launi and I decided to do the only wacky thing women reaching the half century mark could do... get out a map, figure out where in the blue blazes Mystic was and go there and eat! Twenty four hours later, we were standing in front of the Sea Swirl, talking to locals, getting their take on what to eat and ended up spending $40 there at the one stop and tried it all! We went on to spend the next three days eating everywhere Rachael said to eat...and then some, shopping at all the funky little boutiques and espeically enjoying a bead shop called "You've Got To Be Beading"and enjoying the Red Door Spa...(who knew Mystic has a Red Door Spa???) By the way, did you know if you walk into a Red Door Spa and when they ask you what services you want and you say "Everything" and you don't ask what it's going to cost, everyone there gets really happy and treats you like a goddess? I wasn't quite as happy the next month when the Visa bill arrived... but I was pretty happy while I was there! But after all, we did kinda-sorta did eat for only $40-a-day so think of the savings!

It truly was a mystical trip....a great 50th birthday!

By the way, I can remember being a kid and wondering what I'd look like when I was a really old woman, you know, like 50. I don't know what I imagined, but this, whether I like or or not, was me that week.

Big Splash in Atlanta

2008-07-16T13:26:00.006-04:00

This has been a busy month with the release of my new line with Midwest/Seasons of Cannon Fall. Shelli Lissick, the Branding/PR executive, did a fabulous job pulling together an opening night gala

What a surprise to have a customer walk in wearing one of my t-shirt designs. The fun thing is that this was not planned. She didn't know I was going to be here... this is just what she chose to wear today. I was handing out our new membership pins at the event.
Jenny Pratt and I never miss a photo op! We joke that we are both members of the "Mutual Admiration Society" Jenny is now a sales rep for Midwest but we've been friends for a long time.Jenny is one of those friends that , although we don't get together often, when we do, we click and pick up right where we left off! I love you Jenny!

What can I say, I'm a huggy kind of girl. Here I am with Sue Wagner, editor of Country Business magazine. So many people came out for our opening. It was such a fun night. Thanks Midwest!

A Day in Heaven

2008-07-05T17:20:00.009-04:00

So everyone knows there is no where I'd rather be than at the beach...and today is no exception. Chase flew in from Utah for the Fourth of July weekend so we decided to head to the beach. We found a great spot that allowed dogs so Lucy got to have her first experience with the ocean. It did take a little encouragement from Chase at the start but once she got the hang of it, there was no stoping her. She loved it.
Al and Lucy, in their happy spot. Life doesn't get any better than this. This is one of those snapshot memories I will forever carry in my heart.

Link to "She Who Loves the Beach"

My Husband has Been Dating Another Girl

2008-06-29T15:32:00.007-04:00

I have officially been replaced. Al is totally smitten with Lucy and has admitted that he too is "Dog Stupid!" On the way home from church today he said, "I just can't get enough of that dog"

They have a date together everyday at quitting time. Just the two of them go for a walk and end up doing a few laps in the pool. As you can see from the photos, Al is no match for Lucy. She out swims us all.

It's no wonder Al is so smitten. Lucy doesn't just wag her tail when she see's Al, she wags her whole body. Maybe I should try that...NOT!

My Hero...

2008-06-27T21:44:00.015-04:00

I won't pretend to be happy that my son is in Iraq. However I am so proud of him I could burst. As a Captain in the USAF he has been deployed for six month to Iraq to serve as a JAG officer. (That's military for being a lawyer) I am grateful that young men like him choose to serve our country and stand ready to defend our freedom....but I'm still not happy about it.

It's also tough on him having to leave his family but it's even tougher on JoAnn and their three kids. JoAnn, is the real hero of my blog. She is holding down the home front with three little kids between the ages of 4 weeks to 4 years. Tell me that isn't the tougher job. She is amazing-- strong and tough as nails. She never complains and she is giving her children a solid foundation at home. My son chose well. I love you JoAnn.

William is writing a fascinating blog you can visit too by going to www.easternsands.blogspot.com
I can hardly wait to read each of his entries. I was especially excited this morning to get a call from him online at SKYPE. I answered the call and Will's face popped up on my computer screen and we talked for a full hour. It was wonderful. Isn't technology fabulous?

Link to "She Who is My Daughter-in-Law"

Visits to Grandma Suzy's

2008-06-27T21:34:00.005-04:00

One of my favorite thing about grandkids is when they come to visit me. I love it when I get to interact with them on my turf! We do things they never get to do at home.. Like floating down Rock Spring at Kelly Park. It's definitely one of Ashley and Jenna's favorite thing to do.

Hissie Fit

2008-06-27T18:39:00.009-04:00

Thank you Eva, the Diva, for reminding me that sometimes throwing a hissie fit is the only way to get your point across.

Interesting that none of my kids were prone to hissie fits like this. All I can say is "Like Grandmother, like Granddaughter... some things just skip a generation."

Never Underestimate the Power of a Hissie Fit Link

Two of Three

2008-06-27T17:25:00.006-04:00

These day's getting us all together is tough. Here I am with two of my three girls. Since both Carrie and Cindy live in Utah we got together for a girls day out and went to brunch at Lambs Grill and snapped this quick photo. Thanks girls, for the fun day.

She Who is My Daughter Link

Time for Dip

2008-06-27T17:00:00.010-04:00

GrannyGreat, Gramps, Al and I decided it was time for a dip. So we headed out the back door and jumped in the pool. I love the fact that no matter how cold ya'll are up north and out west, it's always pool party time here. I wish you kids were here to join us.Granny Great's favorite thing to do is bop around the pool with kiddie inner-tubes while Gramps does his imitation of a surfacing whale... no serious, he is wonderfully obsessive-compulsive about vacuuming the pool...and he likes to do it with a face mask on so he doesn't miss a spec. (You can't hire help like that!)

Me and the Kid

2008-06-27T12:11:00.005-04:00

I finally downloaded all the photos from my camera after my trip to Utah. This one of Chase and I was taken at one of the kids favorite lookout spots on top of "Point of the Mountain" Very cool view. The shot isn't so great as we had to rely on Chase's long arm to hold the camera in front of us and point and shoot. But I was just glad both of our eyes were open and it wasn't blurry! It was a fun ride in his car. I had no idea his Subaru WRX was such a hot little rally car...or maybe its just that Chase is a hot driver!

Thanks for the fun day Chase. Next time , I want a ride in your airplane instead!

Curly Haired Girls

2008-06-19T12:16:00.011-04:00

OK, so, I am the girliest girl I know. I love doing girlie things. I love pedicures, new make up , fun clothes, and really cute shoes....flip flops, of course! So when I got to spend three days with my grandkids in Utah this past week I took the opportunity to have a girlie day with them. SuzyJane, wanted to have curly hair "Just like you, Grandma Suzy" Without missing a beat, I broke out the sponge curlers and rolled her up! We both agree, it's way more fun to be a girl than a stinky old boy!

Link to She Who is My Granddaughter

Living the Ruff Life

2008-06-04T13:34:00.012-04:00

...or How I Became "Dog Stupid"

OK, so, I used to think people who were all goo-goo about their dogs were just plain goofy..actually thats the polite word I use.. what I really thought was that they were stupid!. I didn't get it.

Then I got Lucy.

As a devout "Cat Person" I never really got into dogs. It's not that I disliked them. It just never dawned on me to get one. Then, about a year ago I met a man at one of my shows named Dr. Joe Demichael. Joe quickly became one of my all time favorite people in this world, a vet who also raises these amazing white labs! After much pleading and whining, I convinced him I could be a "dog person" and he agreed to allow me to adopt one of his special pups. As he handed Lucy to my husband Al. he said, "Your life will never be the same.. she will be the greatest dog you will ever own"

That was a year ago and today Al and I finally understand. Lucy now controls our world. I find myself coming home from parties and trips early because I miss her. I spend money on fancy treats and cute collars and all sorts of doggie gee-gaw. (Never mind the fact that her favorite chew thingy is an old plastic toy wheel barrow I bought for my grandson, shown below with Lucy, who was not the least bit impressed..but loved Lucy!)

I finally get it. Never was a dog more loved. Now, I too, am dog stupid!

Wanna have some fun? Visit Dr. Joe's website and see his amazing dogs and other cool stuff he has for dogs. Two sites to visit: www.BainbridgeLabs.com and www.drd4dogs.com

Link to "She Who Loves Her Dog"