TABOO TRUTHS

Today is my day!  (Well, mine and my nephew Parker Cook’s that is.  Happy Birthday lil Angel!)  As the years go by this 24 hour period seems less unique.  Maybe it’s because I don’t reside near my family (who finds every reason to party!), maybe it’s because I have no significant other currently or maybe it’s due to the focus being on what was instead of what will be.  Whatever the case may be, birthdays are a call for reflection.

This year I’ve decided to start a list of things I desire to do in my life.  Big and small…a “bucket list” of sorts.  As the days pass I will add to this list and hopefully, mark some completed!

-European Trip with my girls

-Take my girls to a tropical beach and sit our asses in the sand doing NOTHING!

-Order and enjoy a bottle of Dom Perignon!

-Visit Times Square

-Wine trip to Napa Valley

-Finish my book

-Fulfill my daughters higher learning financial responsibilities

-Be in love, feel safe and get married (if fate permits…)

-Own another Great Pyrenees

-Go on another sister exclusive vacation

-Finish reading two more books in the category of “classics” (Maybe Wuthering Heights and Taming of the Shrew!)

-Visit the Greek Isles

-Spend 10 days in Germany with our relatives

-Learn to speak Italian (Ciao!)

-Meet Neil Schon and Steve Perry

…more to come. (maybe after some Champagne….)

I participated in training to be a speaker for our local Central Virginia Alzheimer Association.  The reason?  For my Mom, Judy Katherine Maino.  My mother passed away over 5 years ago from complications with Alzheimer’s.  She was diagnosed at 58 and passed at 63 years of age.  It was a brutal life experience for myself and my entire family.  Knowing how crucial it is to continue research to fight this horrible disease, I wanted to do something in her memory.

Trying to build a new business and having 2 daughters still somewhat financially depend on me, it isn’t possible for me to donate monetarily as I would like.  My gentleman suggested volunteering my time which is a great idea!  The only problem is…I’m trying to get a new business off the ground (yes, I know I’m redundant) and time is as valuable as the dollar it produces.  Since I have experience in public speaking he suggested I follow that path!  Made totally sense to me.

I have my first speaking event on July 19th.  Presenting and speaking on marketing ideas…I am at ease.  I just hope I can maintain my emotions while striving to do some good for this organization.  I want to make my sisters and father proud knowing I’m adding to the benefits of the cause.  Not to mention it’s all for my Mom.  Be with me Mom…help me intelligently and with passion educate people about this disease. 

Related articles

• Scanning tools may soon aid in Alzheimer’s diagnosis (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Slowly, Alzheimer’s Erases a Poet’s Gifts and Memories (whereismypurse.wordpress.com)
• Alzheimer’s Risk Linked to Common Complaints, from Poor Eyesight to Denture Trouble (scientificamerican.com)

I must say even for a woman of independence and strength the past week has challenged my resolve.  The days were those that quake the knowledge of self belief.  Pushing waves of fear and confrontation that fill you until your throat continuously contracts just to keep it down!  I am not one to avoid challenges but for some time now my life is abundant with such waves.  It’s unsettling and as a woman my desire is to curl up into a ball (preferably with Ben & Jerry’s Creme Brulee ice cream…) and not move for hours.

In the mist of such unrest small whispers of “bubble gum” appear.  Remember when you were young and your saliva glands exploded when you first bit down on that chunk of bubble gum?  It was a moment of simple joy.  The taste and smell…joy!   On my way to work yesterday morning fresh from a relaxing and calm holiday weekend, my mind was consumed wondering what speed bumps, fences or walls will appear that I must conquer?  Suddenly there was a burst of color overhead.  Three hot air balloons were making their decent in my path as I came to my familiar traffic light on 29.  In Michigan hot air balloon sightings are very common!  There are festivals dedicated to them and are a beauty to behold.  I’ve since noticed that there are novices here in Virginia as well.  It made me smile and reminisce.  I’ve had the pleasure of riding twice in my life.  It was serene and spectacular! The silence of their way, the rare burst of hot power, the graphic colors that pepper the sky as they caress the clouds.

Amazing that in my moment of life that is a long dark hall leading to unknown discoveries, such a simply joy made me forget.  Even for a few minutes…enjoying the sight and feeling my heart lightened, calmed me.  If in those moments we can recognize a simple joy of life…maybe things are as bad as they seem?