The Wonderful Years

It's with a heavy heart, but a smile on my face that I write this entry. One of the most wonderful people in my life died this past Saturday....my Papa. The sadness and heavy heart is my own selfishness, I want him here, but the smile is for him, I know he was ready.

People often times become glorified after they pass away, that isn't the case here...my Papa truly was that person. He was human and wasn't perfect, but he was about as close to it in my eyes.

He came from humble beginnings, he was a hard worker, served in the United States Army, worked for the classic American company M&M's but above all he was a family man and I can attest to the fact that he was the best Papa out there.

I think it's the true sign of a good life lived when all of your family and friends come together and celebrate your life over mourning our loss. To have your two daughters stand and speak about what a truly amazing father and person you were says more than anything a person could leave behind. To be able to leave this earth and know that you are loved and respected by your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren is a blessing that he absolutely had.

Funerals are always hard no matter how you dice it, but a good, Irish service is always followed with a get together that sure makes everything feel better. Kids running around, everyone drinking and sharing stories....it's exactly what my Papa would have wanted.

It's true what they say that we don't get to pick our families. That's why I feel extremely blessed to have been dealt a good hand!
I couldn't be happier that our little Edward was able to meet one of the wonderful Edward's that he was named after. He surely has some big shoes to fill!


 

My Papa was amazing.... he was a glass of lemonade on a porch swing, he was a summer Yankees game on the radio, he was a Manhattan at 5 and he was most certainly a handful of M&M's!

Give your loved ones a big hug and kiss tonight, tell them why you love them, not just that you love them and enjoy happy hour together....maybe even a Manhattan!
                                        
                                                        Live Wildly. Love Deeply.

Officially Open

Officially open....myself, to even more flexibility in my life and our back patio!

Motherhood has been an incredibly humbling experience. It's a great deal of work, patience and flexibility and it's truly a labor of love. So, I decided that I would really soak up my first Mother's Day experience, and it was a great one!

The big task on the agenda....clean off the back patio! Most folks 'winterize' their deck/patios and save themselves a lot of trouble when the Spring rolls around, not us. We're lazy in the Winter and essentially create much more work for ourselves when the long awaited warm weather finally arrives. But, at least we get to enjoy it throughout every season!

I swear I didn't plan this, but it was smart to have a big job booked in on Mother's Day...I was able to escape the work. So, with the help our friends and neighbor's the, Williamson's, who own absolutely everything, the husband was able to power wash that layer of dirt right off! Some new string lights, hanging plants and fresh herbs...and just like that, we're officially open!!
Outside of the Shore, the back patio is my favorite summer spot. Wild, out of control grass,  the huge willow tree, beer tub and a fire pit make it the perfect oasis for simple humans and dogs alike.

I had requested Mexican food, Coronas and outdoor dining for my first Mother's Day, which made the local Mexican restaurant around the corner the perfect, easy spot. We headed over to enjoy an early dinner on the outside patio. When we arrived we were told that the patio was all book up with reservations but we could sit inside. Much to my dismay we took a table by the sunny window and decided to make the best of it...until....

the older couple entering behind us requested the same thing. The young hostess said that she would get the manager, who quickly came over and said that he would be happy to accommodate them (I have bat ears.) So, the gentleman in the polo shirt and his white haired wife in fancy pants were escorted to their outside table.  I was outraged! We had been set up in the indoor make shift cry room (with one other table filled and yes, they had young boys) so as not to disturb the elite outdoor patio eaters and their older children that were entertaining themselves with their electronic devices.

Did those folks put up with your Cinco De Mayo parking debacle for the past 6 years? I don't think so. Not to mention we were still without water or server several minutes into our sit. That was it, I was done, this relationship is over. I don't care how many Groupons you send out!
 We unanimously decided we were done, headed outside and found ourselves in the parking asking, 'now what?'
So, I did something very un-Susan like, I made a decision. Take out tacos and a 6-pack of Corona on our newly cleaned patio. All I wanted was to eat Mexican food outdoors and we could surely make that happen, so he did!

The service was prompt and much more friendly,

the babe was more comfortable and had great entertainment,

the soundtrack was better, it was more cost effective, a bag of gummy bears was on the dessert menu and my 'original babies' were able to enjoy the dining experience with us! It was perfect!

So, some extra AM sleep time, a delivery of blueberry iced coffee and a strawberry frosted donut with sprinkles, some solo work out time without the jogger, a clean patio and a perfect dinner... I couldn't ask for more. I've always dreamed of being in a Corona commercial, which I realize may never happen, but this surely felt close enough, I'll take it!

Thank you, local Mexican restaurant that is around the corner and flushes up to our backyard that will remain unnamed. Thanks for disappointing the locals, yet again, for in doing so I believe that you have helped to create the beginning of a beautiful Mother's Day tradition! Two of my most favorite days are Halloween and Christmas and I eagerly anticipate them each year, however, I think Mother's Day just may give them a run for their money!

As I prepare to slowly reemerge myself back into my art therapy practice next week, it seemed a good idea to practice what I preach and engage in a little art therapy of my own. So, I helped a friend out with a sign (maybe to follow on Etsy) and engaged in a little horticulture therapy with the flowers and herbs.

I hope that wherever you found yourself this past week, that you found yourself open...open to the amazing local weather we had, open to a new experience or open to a new person, it just may be the beginning of something beautiful.

                                                             Live Wildly. Love Deeply.

                                                

Run Like a Mother

This past Sunday, May 1st was the annual Broad St. Run in Philadelphia. For those non-locals, it's the largest 10 mile run in the country. That makes it an amazing and very entertaining run, but a meet-up post run nightmare. This was my first distance run post Edward and I was more than excited to hit the pavement.

There is something fantastic about training and running with friends (and day of strangers for that matter too.) It brings life to the saying 'misery loves company.' As long as I'm out on this long run it's nice to know that someone else is there too. I've been fortunate enough to either befriend runners or those willing enough to give it a try and for that I am grateful.

There's something powerful about running in a mass of people and weird all at the same time.  There's camaraderie and a sense of togetherness, but also sweaty people that you don't know and some wearing inappropriate shorts.  I'd like to say I do it for the glory, but who am I kidding? My 'run' is barely above a slow jog pace and I'll only ever walk away with my 'finisher' medal.

I do it for all the other reasons... so I can continue to eat burritos and drink beer and not gain massive amounts of weight, to blare my i-pod, to high-five friends that completed their first or fiftieth long run, for a sweet escape, for the tailgate after and now to be a good example to my child about a healthy lifestyle. I guess I could skip out on the first few years and he would never know, but it'll be nice to have the photos to prove I didn't.

It feels great to remain passionate about the things that I loved BE. I eagerly anticipate my next adventure, a local half-marathon with some amazing women in my life. I'd be lying if I didn't mention that I'm also eagerly anticipating this one because you get a pint glass instead of a medal at the end (much more practical.)



So, over the past week I focused on the idea of camaraderie and commitment.
Camaraderie....
 Whether it be the random runner that your jam packed against in your coral, fellow countrymen (after the much awaited news of the terrorist take down) or your nearest and dearest,

I like the idea of focusing on goodwill and light hearted rapport with others (according to Webster). This is clearly something that all of us could use more of daily in our lives.

Commitment....
As my husband likes to say, 'running...it's harder than it looks.' I agree with him, but I think it's mentally harder than physically. It's takes a lot of motivation to get out there on some days and stay committed.

Post baby running adds a whole other element. You're tired and you have extra baggage (the lingering weight, not the baby.) Most of the Broad St. run I found myself wondering why am I here and not hanging at home with him?! And then this song came on (the 1st one in case you're a slow reader) around mile 6 and the tears followed. It became one of my favorite songs to jog to while I was pregnant. Take note of the tempo, yes it matches my pace. While it evoked tears it made me think that doing this is making me a better person, a better mom. I'm doing something for me, which makes me better for him. The finish has never been sweeter. The run is different, it's better!

So, if you've ever thought of walking, running or maybe doing your first 5k....give it a shot and run like a mother! Everyone loves a great finish!!

                                                          Live Wildly. Love Deeply.

p.s. If you encountered any foot or ankle issues on your Broad St. journey, check out our friend's new practice.
http://www.barkingdogspodiatry.com/