Our Daughter’s Visit

Our daughter came for a visit recently. Her brother was suppose to come at the same time, but had to work. We did miss him, but understand that you have to take the projects when opportunity arises.

We had a great time visiting with her. She’s studying psychology and is in her final year of undergrad work. We are very proud of her. We had a mother/daughter mani/pedi day. We were able to visit the last home she remembered before leaving sixteen years ago.

The best part of us living in New York is the ability to visit with family. Here are some pictures with family.
With my mom
With my mom and Tom
With her cousin (my brother's daughter)
With my niece's husband, my sister-in-law, my niece and my brother
With grandpa
With cousins
With Tom's sister and her hubby
Hope you all have a great day and enjoy those young ones. They grow up so fast.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Creativity Unleashed

Creativity has way of bursting out of people. I've had a block for a few weeks and then it lifted. I'm very grateful it did. I decided that I wanted to help creativity burst out of others. On my fan page on Facebook, I've been playing a simple game of "Finish the Sentence."

I've posted some sentences and people left comments to finish the story. Today was the best one yet. I asked that people use only 3 words to finish the sentence. I had great responses, especially from Tom. I laughed out loud so many times. I love that people were inspired in some small way to let creativity flow from them.

Creativity unleashed! Let it flow. Okay for those of you who are not on Facebook, here's today's story game: Finish with ONLY 3 words:

He waited for this moment all of his life and it was finally here. Excitement filled the air. He open his mouth and with a tremble in voice he said," . . .

Tom must of did a dozen of them, but these two were my favorites: "Who's your daddy?" and "More Cow Bell."

If you like to leave a comment with your 3 words, please do.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Julie and Julia

Tom and I went to see Julie and Julia movie. I loved it. So many times Tom elbowed me during the movie because he said both ladies reminded him of me. Julie with her blogging – loved the first time she got a comment on her blog. Julia with the publishing of her cook book – the first time you see your book in the form that others will see it. Even though I had my book self published it didn’t take away from the “ah” moment.

I must give Meryl Streep props for her portrayal of Julia Child. Excellent job.

The story line was very entertaining as well as inspiring. It inspired me not to give up. To keep doing what I love. It doesn’t matter what age you are, it is NEVER too late to reach your destiny or see your dreams come true.

I will have to get a copy of the book to read. I know the book is always better than the movie which makes me excited to read it.

I don’t want to say too much about the movie because I don’t want to spoil it for you, but it was worth the price of admission.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Things of Youth

Tom and I were driving around when I noticed the block to my right was closed off for a block party. I couldn’t help but think back to block parties of my youth. It was loads of fun. I loved that they closed off the block and we were allowed to play in the street. It started in the morning and didn’t end until late evening. Everyone would make food and decorate tables in front of their homes. Neighbors would come by to eat and visit. Everyone would chip in to hire carnival rides that arrived on trucks. They would park on the street and we would take turns riding them over and over. Music played at night and we danced in the street. It was a fun time that I look back on fondly. Things of our youth do that sometimes.

At least once a day I’m reminded of another fond memory of my youth – the ice cream truck. There were two different types that would come around: Mr. Softee and The Good Humor Man. I loved both. Every time I hear that familiar song being played a smile would grace my face and a memory of me running to stop the truck would flash before my eyes. It wasn’t very hard to catch the truck because the ice cream man took his time coming the down the street.

One of the most popular blog posts I wrote and get “googled” all the time was a post about my ankle bracelet. You can read about here. I would get anonymous comments from ladies searching for a piece of their youth. Some regret having given up that sentimental part of their past. I was blessed I didn’t get rid of mine and still wear it from time to time because Tom gave it to me. For those who grew up in Brooklyn in the late 70’s and are interested in this blast from the past, you can find one HERE.

Fond memories of my youth bring a smile to my face. It was sometimes triggered by a smell, a sound or a sight, but the result was always the same – a smile.

What are some of the things of youth you remember with fondness?

© Nadine Zawacki 2009


Thank You

Two awards were given during my dry spell in blogland and I want to thank two lovely ladies for honoring me.

Tina, Palm Tree Fanatic – gave me this award for anyone who likes to smile and/or laugh, and just generally spread that along in the blogging world.Yvonne, Blue Seehorse – gave me this award for being a queen in the area of writing.

Thank you ladies for your kindness.