The "Pink" Social Event of the Year

The Pink carpet has been laid out, the photographer is in position, the valet is readily awaiting the cars as they begin to pull in.  It is a beautiful October evening and what an evening to come.  Everyone is dressed to the "Nines" in their Pink Ties and Pink Dresses and yes even ... PINK shoes. 

As you enter the venue you see pink tablecloths and pink centerpieces on the tables ... in case you have not guessed it yet, it is a "Pink" affair, Pink of course representing "Breast Cancer Awareness." This is the  6th Annual "Cards For A Cure" Event.

The stage is set, the lights are dimmed, you can hear the echo of laughter as folks are  mixing and mingling.   There was a lot of sweat and tears that went into putting this event together.  A team of hardworkers, because they had to ... no ... not at all ... but because they wanted to.  This wonderful charity got started with honoring Kathy Brooks.  While I do  not know all of the details of Kathy's story, more importantly, what I do know is that Kathy was diagnosed with Breast cancer while she was pregnant with her third child, and she is a Breast Cancer Survivor!  Not only is she a survivor, but she is the reason why this event has become what it is today, with thousands of dollars being contributed for this cause, to fight Breast Cancer and to win!  This year the event was SOLD OUT!  What a SUCCESS!
Every year there is a video segment played.  Kudos to Mr. Cal Brooks.  It shows the stories of past honorees, survivors and non-survivors.  It is one of the most touching things you will ever see.  It moves your heart, brings tears to your eyes, and even if for just a little while, it humbles you and puts life into perspective.  These vidoe clips reflect strength and courage and love... and HOPE. 
What a spectacular event to be apart of! I hope to see you there next year, dressed to the "Nines'" in your "Pink!"  Quick, calendar it now, C-A-R-D-S  F-O-R  A  C-U-R-E ... put it in your IPhone, put it in your Droid, whatever you have, put IT IN THERE NOW! This is an event you do not want to miss, or better put, an Event you want to be apart of.  WHY? For the love of "Pink" for crying out loud ... and ... of course ... everything it stands for. : )

A Mother's Love

Today is my Mom's Birthday! Yay!  I will not disclose her age, because, well just because ... age doesn''t really matter anyway.    My Mom and I talk every morning and every evening.  We have done this for a while now.  Not sure why exactly, but I like it!  We get to tell each other good morning and to have  a great day, and then recap the day's events in the evening and make sure we are ok.  Of course presently our conversation always starts off with my Mom asking "How is my Baby?"  Not me being her "Baby", but my  20 month old  son Tucker being her baby- aka-The love of her life!  Yes that is right I have a toddler now! Aghhh!!  Don't get me wrong I love him to pieces, but he is in those "terrible two's" trying to drive me crazy!  Anyway, back to my Mom.  Tucker is the light of her life.  Maybe because he is her grandson, but also maybe because we thought he would never be.  Tucker is a miracle , a true gift from God.  I had tried to have  baby for ... well let's just say a long time ... a very long time, and had given up.  But God intervened and gave me Tucker and now he is my angel.  Anyway, so I called my Mom this morning like usual, we do the small talk thing, I drop Tucker off to school, which is another story in itself!  Then as I get to my desk at work, it dawns on me that I did not wish my Mom a Happy Birthday!  Oh my lord I am an ediot!  Actually, this is what my son has done to my brain!  I can't even remember what I had for breakfast an hour ago! So, I immediatley dial her work #-apologize profusely and of course wish her a Happy Happy Birthday!  And she completely put me at ease, funny how Moms are good at that : ) I don't know exactly what it is about a mother's voice, but it is the most wonderful sound you will ever hear.  There is something about it that is soothing, calming.  MY Mom has been a positive force in my life, she has always been my mother first, but she has also been my bestfriend.    She has been thru a lot in her life, but has always come thru shining like a star.  The trials she has faced have made her the incredible woman she is today.  She has always been there for me in good and bad.  She has wiped my tears, held my hand, encouraged me, laughed with me ... We can make each other laugh like no one else!  And I love to hear my Mom laugh, it makes my heart smile : )  She has ALWAYS been my "soft" place to fall.  But most of all she has loved me unconditionally.  She has a great sense of humor, the sweetest smile you will ever meet, sparkling brown eyes that can light up a room and she never meets a stranger.  She is beautiful inside and out! She is a true blessing in my life and do not know what I would do without her.  Happy Happy Birthday Mom.  I Love, Love, Love You! 

Fall is in the Air

It's beginning to look a lot like ... FALL! Yes, the feel of Fall is finally upon us!  Fall brings so many great things.  Football season, cooler weather, the holidays.  It's almost as if you can ... breathe better.  You get a little more pep in your step, a little more "Giddy-Up" in your "Get-Along!"  Fall is a mood lifter.  It is.  People are nicer and friendlier.  For example, I was in the Mall today, I know, I know, Me?  Amanda Tease at the Mall! Shocker!LOL! Notice how I capitalize the "M" in mall, like it is a sanctuary  or something, well it actullay is a sanctuary for me, but that is another story for another day, or another BLOG! ;)

 Anyway, I was there in one of my favorite stores and a sales lady approached me and commented on my bracelet, she said "Oh I love your bracelet!"  It was orange & blue, so I whispered to her, "Are you a Gator Fan too?"  And her eyes lit up "Yes!" she shouted with excitement. -"Me too," I said and we high fived!  This complete stranger instantaneously became my new friend.   Maybe because we were fans of the same football team, or maybe because we both wore a smile, or maybe  because we shared a laugh, or maybe, just maybe, ... "just because", and that is enough for me.  What a great feeling to make a new friend.  This is the kind of energy this season brings.  Good and positive energy.

With fall, comes Football.  The football games bring families and friends together. There's tailgates, good food, fun, ,ots of laughter and fellowship.  Everyone comes together for the love of the game!

 This weather/season makes me want to skip, bounce, do backflips, sing, dance and cheer!  Hmmmm ... what else does it make me want to do ... Oh yeah .. SHOP!  Happy Fall everyone!  Enjoy this Fabulous season!  CIAO!

A Little Perspective

There is nothing like death to put life into perspective.

My Uncle passed away last week from cancer.  Another Uncle passed away almost a year ago from cancer.  My Dad passed away almost 3 years ago, guess what, you got it-from cancer.  Cancer is an ugly disease and it knows no bounds. No one is untouchable.  We hear the term "cancer" all the time.  Almost everyone's lives have been touched by cancer in some way. The Doctor's try to "guesstimate", if you will, the time of death, but they do not know.  Only God knows.  They gave my Uncle 6 months or less 2 months ago.  It seems the "or less" is way too often the winner.  I don't think you can ever really prepare yourself for death, for losing someone you love.  The tears pour down and the heart aches.  The pain is insurmountable.

 I  traveled home for the funeral, and as I am dreading what is to come, I am also looking forward to being with my family and friends during this time. To hug them and talk with them is  a great comfort.  Everyone has gathered to mourn our lost loved one and pay their respects.  We grieve for our loss, but we should rejoice in their gain. They are in heaven, they are at rest, they are in a better place then we are.  They are no longer hurting or suffering, but welcomed with open arms by Jesus and the loved ones that went on before them. 

It is amazing sometimes how death can bring a family closer together.  It can mend a friendship, it can heal a bitter heart, it can make you hug longer and say "I love you" a little more often.  You suddenly realize what really matters.  Your husband forgot to take the trash out, big deal, he didn't do it on purpose.  Your toddler pitches another fit, try to smile, at least he/she is healthy and remember "this too shall pass"!  Your wife is nagging you about leaving your socks on the floor, pick them up and make her happy! Your co-worker makes a snide comment, maybe they are having a bad day, smile anyway, it may make them feel better, and I am certain it will  make you feel better. My point is, none of it really matters.  No one is perfect, we all are just a "work in progress."   And every breath we breathe is a gift from God.  Always give 100% of yourself, smile bigger, love stonger and laugh even harder.  This life is too short to sweat the small stuff, put some perspective on it,  and grant yourself LIFE!

Outlook

SO, I woke up the other morning on the wrong side of the bed, it was going to be one of those days I had decided.  I am running late for work, flying thru traffic, and then I come to a stop light, and to the right of me is a bus station.  I see a lady hobbling over to take  a seat on the bench to wait for the bus.  There is something wrong with her leg, I can tell by the way she is walking.  She is an older lady, not real old, let's just say her youth is behind her.  And it is HOT outside. And as she finally takes a seat on the bench, she sighs, she obviously walked far with a not so good leg in the boiling heat, and she is tired, tired and hot.  She was relieved to sit and rest, while she awaits the bus.  Tears begin to well up in my eyes.  Here I have been grumbling and groaning about how bad things are going for me and how I have decided  that it is going to be a bad day.  And I am sitting in my car, with cool air blowing in my face, my choice of music playing, no physical ailments.  There is a tugging at my heart and a knock to my head from God to remind me that I am blessed.  I don't know why sometimes it takes these things to make us realize how blessed we are, but I am glad it does.  We never know what someone is facing, what hardship they are battling.  We should always be grateful for what we  have.  I think this lady was grateful for that bus bench, because after she sighed, she smiled.  My outlook had completely changed all in the time it took that red light to turn green. I decided to not have a bad day that day.