Saturday Night Serenade–Beautiful Moments

I think the most beautiful moments in life are the ones you don’t plan.  They’re the ones that just happen, and you know in your heart it’s a one-time thing and you just have to appreciate it.

Mr. R’s birthday is this week.  Years ago, I surprised him with a trip to Univeral Studios in Orlando.  This time of year, they celebrate Mardi Gras and they have a whole schedule of performers throughout the season.  To which I paid no attention as I made my plans.  I just picked the weekend closest to his actual birthday.

So on the day we went, the Bonnie Raitt show was included in our admission ticket.  Which we thought, okay, no big deal.  Maybe we’ll hit it, maybe we won’t.  After all, roller coasters await.

However, when it came time for the show, we ended up near the concert venue and we thought, why not?  I think a lot of people thought the same thing because for a while it was crowded.  Little by little, though, people drifted away.   It was cool if not actually cold.  And we were all just standing there on the pavement.  But as space opened up, we moved closer and closer to the stage for what turned into an intimate concert experience.

Then she began to play I Can’t Make You Love Me.  Which is a beautiful, sad song, really.  But her voice, on that night, with me standing in front of Mr. R, his arms wrapped around me to keep me warm, was magical.  I’ll never forget it as long as I live.

Here’s to Mr. R and his birthday.  I love you more!

I hope you’re staying warm this winter weekend, and that you’re surrounded by those you love.  Be sure to give them a hug.

Happy Saturday night!

Saturday Night Serenade–Mr. R’s Birthday

We’re celebrating Mr. R’s birthday this weekend!

His birthday happens to be the same day as one of my brothers’, and that’s really neither here nor there.  But around this time, I always start thinking about how thankful I am to have him in my life.

I always refer to Mr. R as my ‘happily ever after.’  And he is.

I spent a long time married to my nightmare.  Last week, I alluded to my #MeToo story.  Nightmare is the star of that tale.

After that ended, a few years down the road when I had my feet under me a little, I thought it might be nice to meet someone new.  I wasn’t looking for someone who made me happy–I didn’t aim that high.  I just hoped for someone who didn’t make me unhappy.

But my broken road led me to a man who makes me laugh every day, from our first date, when he ordered a strawberry daiquiri with an exaggeratedly deep voice, to the songs that he intentionally butchers (most recently, changing the words to We Built This City to We Milk These Titties), and more than I could possibly tell you about.  He brings me flowers all the time, just because he wants to.  He makes me feel loved and cherished, honored and protected.  And I’m beyond thankful for him.

That’s what I think of when his birthday rolls around.  I have a couple of gifts for him: a nice leather messenger bag to use in his real estate work, a Starbucks gift card for his espresso, and a bakery decorated carrot cake (in spite of the fact that he’d diabetic).  But really, on his birthday, I’m reminded that he is a gift to me.

We’ll be going out to a nice dinner Sunday night.  We have reservations at the Capital Grille, and they know it’s his birthday.  Tonight, we’ll just chill here at home.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  Hug those you love.  Happy Saturday night!

“Bless The Broken Road”
(originally by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band)

I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn’t see how every sign pointed straight to you

[Chorus:]
Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like Northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
(Yes He did)

I think about the years I spent just passing through
I’d like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You’ve been there you understand
It’s all part of a grander plan that is coming true.

[Chorus]

Yeah.

Now I’m just rolling home
Into my lover’s arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you.

That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you.

 

Saturday Night Serenade–It’s My Birthday!

I’ve always loved October.  It’s fall.  In many places, the weather is cooler.  The leaves are starting to change.  And I mean, what kid doesn’t love Halloween?  Plus…my birthday is in October.  Today, to be precise.  And you know what?  I’m feeling good.

In the past year, I’ve walked away from a career that was increasingly becoming unbearable.  With support and encouragement from my love, I’ve plunged into the deep end, embracing writing as my full-time career.  And I’ve published two new books, bringing my bibliography to eight, with the next two on the horizon.  I’m literally living the dream.

This song by Nina Simone pretty much sums it up.  And incidentally, Nina Simone is a nominee for this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees.  If you haven’t voted yet, make sure you do.

I hope you’re feeling good, too.  Be sure to hug the ones you love.

Happy Saturday night!

Birds flyin’ high, you know how I feel
Sun in the sky, you know how I feel
Breeze driftin’ on by, you know how I feel
It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me
Yeah, it’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me, ooooooooh
And I’m feelin’ goodFish in the sea, you know how I feel
River runnin’ free, you know how I feel
Blossom on the tree, you know how I feel
It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me
And I’m feelin’ goodDragonfly out in the sun, you know what I mean, don’t you know
Butterflies all havin’ fun, you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done: that’s what I mean
And this old world is a new world and a bold world for me

Stars when you shine, you know how I feel
Scent of the pine, you know how I feel
Oh, freedom is mine, and I know how I feel
It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me

And I’m feelin’… good

Saturday Night Serenade–Of Dreams and Dreamers

It’s Mr. R’s birthday today.  A big one–he’s fifty!  You might recall a few years ago when I freaked out over turning the big 5-0.  That’s right, I’m a proper cougar, LOL!

Back then, we didn’t have money for a big gift or anything, but he made me this promise–one day we’ll take a trip to Ireland, Scotland, and England.  Now, having nearly finished our extreme renovation, and being smack in the middle of a life re-set, we are in the same position.  My promise to him–one day we’ll take a trip to Spain.  He longs for Madrid and Barcelona.

Those trips will happen.  We’re just the kind of dreamers to believe.  For now, I’m content to add to my bucket list.  And one of those must-do items is: Pay a musician in a pub in Galway to play Galway Girl.  Did I ever mention the time Mr. R paid a guy at my favorite bar in the world, the James Joyce Irish Pub in Ybor City, to play Dirty Old Town?  Another story for another day.

Tonight, I have two different Galway Girls, and I’m obsessed with both of them.  They were each posted by my favorite bar in the world (and yes, I have about five of those) Paddy Reilly’s in Manhattan.  Once on a business trip (and for teachers, those are RARE) I dragged my whole group from the upper west side where we were staying, to Paddy’s on the lower east side, just to hear The Prodigals play their home bar (Bucket List item #27, check!).  Follow Paddy Reilly’s on Facebook for great music, including the moments they go live.  Trust me, you’ll love it!

Anyway, from the pair of us dreamers, to you and yours, Happy Saturday night!

Saturday Night Serenade–Birthday Edition

So it’s my birthday weekend.  A couple of years ago, I was faced with a big round number and it freaked me out.  Now, two years later, I’m at peace with my age.  It’s just a number.  And I’ve found a great deal of liberation in being this age.  At a certain point, you realize that essentially, not a fuck is given.

Here’s a shout-out to all the Libras out there.

Libra traits

Strengths: Cooperative,diplomatic, gracious, fair-minded, social

Weaknesses: Indecisive, avoids confrontations, will carry a grudge, self-pity

Libra likes: Harmony, gentleness, sharing with others, the outdoors

Libra dislikes: Violence, injustice, loudmouths, conformity

People born under the sign of Libra are peaceful and fair, and they hate being alone. Partnership is very important for Libra -born, and with their victorious mentality and cooperation, they cannot stand to be alone. The Libra is an Air sign, with expressed intellect and a keen mind. They can be inspired by good books, insurmountable discussions and interesting people.

The ruling planet of Libra is Venus, who is a lover of beautiful things, so the quality is always more important than the quantity for people born under the Libra sign. They are often surrounded by art, music and beautiful places. They are cooperative by nature, so they often work in teams.

Libra is fascinated by the balance and symmetry. Libra-born prefer justice and equality, and they cannot tolerate injustice. They avoid indulging in all types of conflicts and prefer to keep the peace, where this is possible. They like to do everything in pairs and not alone.

The biggest problem for Libra-born, is when they are forced to choose sides, because they are very indecisive and sometimes they forget that they have their own opinion.

Mr. and I are having two date nights in a row–we went out for a lovely dinner last night and we have tickets tonight for a fun film festival.  I’ll write about those later.  For now, here’s a birthday wish from Sir Paul.

Happy Saturday night!

And, oh, by the way, in honor of my birthday, I’m giving away Just One Night, my naughty little novella, for FREE all weekend.  So be sure to download your copy while it’s free.  And if you happen to leave a little review afterwards, I’ll be forever grateful.  🙂

http://amzn.to/2e1FWKq

A Birthday Celebration. Or A Warning?

I love October.  The days are shorter and cooler.  The leaves change from plain old green to brilliant autumn colors.  In places where there are seasons, anyway.  Here in South Florida, we get fall color when the Methodist church sells pumpkins out front all month.

Halloween comes in October.  Who doesn’t love dressing up and going out.  As a kid, I went for candy.  These days I’m in search of something more along the lines of adult beverages.  The more the better.

Speaking of Halloween, I guess it’s time to rerun some of my ghost stories.  They’re odd but true.

October 14 is a special day.  I’ve loved it since I was a kid.  It happens to be my birthday.  If you were reading this blog last year, you’ll know that I was freaking the heck out. It was the number, you see.

If you weren’t along for the ride back then, I’m not going to dig up the archives for you.  It was not my finest moment.

But not this year.  I’m not going to fret.  I’ve just decided I’m gonna rock this bitch like I own the place.

I want to give a celebratory shout-out to my twin over at The Aging Sub who shares the same birthday.  Be sure to go over there and wish her a Happy Birthday.

I’m pretty sure Libras are the best.  🙂

Still Celebrating

I received an unexpected delayed birthday gift yesterday.  When I arrived home from work, there was a box in the driveway.  I assumed that it was for Mr. R.   Have I mentioned that he has lost his wedding band?  We’ve turned the house upside down but to no avail so he’s resorted to ordering a replacement.  But alas, it was not his new ring.

I couldn’t figure out why he was so excited for me to open the box, but I soon found out that it was a surprise he ordered for my recent birthday.  I was thrilled when I uncovered my very Daryl Dixon figure from Pop! Television.  Mr. R. on the other hand was fit to be tied.  It seems Daryl was an afterthought, an extra purchase intended to boost the order total and thus receive free shipping.  The main item, still a mystery to me, was not included in the box.  Which means…My birthday isn’t over yet.  Yippee for me!

Oh, Thank Heavens!

I’ve done a plethora of pondering recently, a wealth of worrying, a crap-load of cogitating. Celebrating a big-ass milestone birthday will do that to you.

But I think that ultimately, it’s just a number. Aside from that, nothing is different. I’m blissfully wed to my happily ever after. My kids are happy, productive, independent human beings. We have our slice of the dream. I’m still the luckiest girl on the planet.

Think I’ll leave growing up to somebody else.

So…Where Is It?

I don’t feel any different.  Yesterday I had my f-word birthday.  No, not forty.  The other f-word.  I know, right?!  How did that happen?  One day, I’m a gawky seventeen-year-old, the next thing you know I’m a card-carrying member of the AARP.

So this morning I expected to feel like a senior citizen.  You know, experience the overwhelming desire to drink nickel coffee (even though I don’t drink coffee).  Feel the urge to call somebody “whippersnapper.”  Bitch at someone to turn down that crazy rock and roll music.  Instantly know when Lawrence Welk comes on television.

Nope.  Nothing of the kind.  It’s something of a let-down, I tell you.  But I did a little thinking.

As I mark my mid-century milestone, I’m inclined to share a few things I’ve learned along the way.

1. A broken heart doesn’t kill you.

2. Even when you have been utterly humiliated, you still wake up the next day.

3. When you’ve been treated really badly, you have an intense appreciation for being treated really well.

4. I’d rather be open to being hurt than closed to real love.

5. If you’ve made it this far with no scars, you haven’t really been trying.

6. Be fearless.

I guess I’ll just have to ease into this thing.  It’s not so bad when you appreciate the fact that more time means more life experience.  You realize that all those things you’ve gone through work together to make you who you are now.

And, of course, some things never change.  I still want to be Joan Jett when I grow up.

We’re Gonna ROCK This Thing!

Tuesday is my birthday, y’all.  A big one.  Thanks to Facebook, I’ve watched many of my former classmates hit the big 5-0 before me.  It’s rightfully my turn.  But before I surrender to the idea of joining the AARP, living on nickel coffee, and mangeing out at the 4:30 Early Bird Specials, I think I’ll look around and see who else is at the mid-century mark.

Check this out.  All these people were born in 1964:

• Lenny Kravitz
• Rosie Perez
• Eddie Vedder
• Marisa Tomei
• Sandra Bullock
• Rob Lowe
• Stephen Colbert
• Courtney Love
• Bobby Flay
• Molly Shannon
• Tracy Chapman
• Wanda Sykes
• (Stone Cold) Steve Austin
• Keanu Reeves
• Nicholas Cage
• Courtney Cox
• Russell Crowe
• Don Cheadle

That’s not too shabby.  I’m in pretty good company.  We don’t seem like we’re ready to hang it up for the nursing home just yet.  And, there are always the ones who hit 50 last year (including Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, James Hetfield, Quentin Tarantino, and Michael Jordan).

Oh, yeah.  We’re going to make this look good.  Go ahead.  Envy us.  I know Mr. R. does.  He still has a couple of years to go.  That’s right.  I’m an older woman.

It’s going to look kind of like this.

I only picked a few.  Click on the link for the full list.