Mother's Day Joy

What joy Mother's Day brought this year! My family of eight enjoyed our moments together. Two generations of mothers graced our table laden with a delicious brunch featuring signature cocktails. Shirley Temple were prepared by my sister for the little grandgirls who were adorably dressed in matching outfits. We ate, played with the beautiful balloons. Grandpa bought, smelled the rose, and spring bouquets, We ate, played with the beautiful balloons Grandpa bought, smelled the roses and spring bouquets for the table, and enjoyed everyone's company. 

It was the first time I baked a lemon risotto. It reminded me of my Italian heritage and a long line of female bakers.

It was a sweet day of happiness, a Mother's Day I will never forget.

unforgettable 

family day wrapped in love

smiles tell a sweet tale

©CV, 2022

It's Slice of Life Tuesday and I end my day with the Two Writing Teachers and their reflective community of writers.

A Rain-Drenched Gift

Birthdays are wonderful days to celebrate the beginning of a new year of adventure in life.  In our family, a central part of a birthday party is the cake. It has always been our way to honor the traditions of the past, celebrate the present, and indulge in the sweetness of life. The tradition dates all the way back to my Nonnie who was know for her sweet delicacies. 

My daughter, son-in-law and little girls were in charge of the cake. My husband was the family chauffeur, I the birthday planner, and my sister a guest. My job was to find a restaurant offering outdoor eating in our local area. 

The day began with the usual humid weather and sunshine-a good sign that we could eat outside. The restaurant was in place but we needed to arrive early to get seating outdoors. My son was working until 6 o'clock so the rest of the family decided to meet early to make sure the reservation would guarantee a table outdoors. The reviews for the Blue Ridge Seafood Restaurant were very good. it was only a few minutes away from my son's workplace, so that was convenient. When we arrived there was a short line but by the time my son arrived the line was wrapped around the entrance. Luckily, calling ahead and arriving early worked to our advantage in being seated under a roofed patio. 

Shortly after our appetizer and beverages, the sky became dark. It was still very humid but we all knew what that meant. It seems that this summer, the weather is a topic of concern and rainstorms seem to start at the whim of nature. The week before we planned on eating at this restaurant until we walked out the door to my house and were greeted with a torrential storm. This time, we were all settled into our delicious seafood dinner (except for my husband who is allergic to shellfish had a huge plate of ribs), until a crack of ominous thunder roared and lightning cut across the sky like a knife cutting cake. Oh, well! We felt fortunate to be under a roof until the rain took a sharp turn and whipped into the patio area and onto our backs.  

"You can move to another table," the waitress, drenched in rain, exclaimed.  Luckily, we were finished with the dinner and awaiting the cake.  

"Let's not worry. The weather won't dampen our spirits." So, we continued to party on as my 4-year-old granddaughter would be inclined to say. 

The cake was beyond delicious as indicated by the chocolate faces of our two little toddlers. As we made a mad dash to the car, I remarked that this party would always be one for the family to remember. 

surprise greetings

nature astonishes all

rain-drenched gift

☔

Happy 2021 Birthday, Derek,

Love Mom!

Let's hope that the birthday luncheon on your official birthday this Wednesday 

is a day without rain.

☔☔☔☔☔

My Slice of Life is being sent to Two Writing Teachers with wishes for Great Happiness for my son!

Self-Care & Happiness

It's Sunday morning. For the first time in a week, sunshine covers the sky with softened wisps of cotton puffs. Beachgoers flock to Long Beach Boardwalk to stroll alongside the Atlantic Ocean shore. One of my favorite south shore happiness spots comes alive with springtime joy. 

What makes this place special? Rising surf rushes to shore in rhythmic patterns as sea gulls silently swoop up and down. Life slows down beachside, below the busy boardwalk. People share their zen-like routines and rituals. Meditative practices are seen everyone from dozing babies and senior citizens on boardwalk benches and in strollers to a lone fisherman basking in the sun. A solitary yogi bows in respect for sun salutations. Serenity is found. 

Atlantic Ocean beaches are one of my go-to happiness spots. What's yours?

The above poster was shared by Happiness Coach, Kim Strobel, on #NYEDChat last night. The conversation revolved around the topic, The Science of Happiness. You can access the transcript here.

☀

It's Tuesday so I am now joining  Two Writing Teachers with this slice of life. 

Celebrate Sunshine and Happiness

After a week of grey days and rain, the sky opened yesterday to a brilliant sunshiny day that brought crowds of people to the Long Beach boardwalk. A sense of freshness and hope was in the air. 

There was a buzz on the boardwalk as babies were strolled, bicyclists exercised, teams enjoyed volleyball, and a yogi on the beach greeted the sun. Everyone seemed to feel the need to celebrate springtime under a canopy of the sunshine. 

As my husband and I walked the boardwalk, we paused briefly to look at the beach artwork. Although we have done this many times, we chose a section that reminded me that the beach filled with sunshine is our happiness go to place. 

Today, the sun is shining again so I am off for another walk before the final preparations for a happiness happening on Twitter. #NYEDChat, the education chat for NYS educators and beyond, is featuring Happiness Coach, Kim Strobel, as guest moderator.  The topic for tonight's chat is "The Science of Happiness" and both Kim and I are very excited about it.

In closing, I think back what was last week when grey skies replaced sunshine. Negative thoughts about the weather were voiced, thus leading to slumped over stances and little smiling. While I always say it is best to remain positive, I will now add a new thought from Kim's research findings: happiness is a choice. 

😎

Celebrate Each Week with Positivity!

😎

Happiness Challenge: If you are inclined to brighten the world with a spring digital, whether it is an image poem, nature photo, inspirational quote, or piece of artwork, you may be interested in offering your work for my Sense-sational Spring Gallery of Artistic Expressions. I would like to fill the global online gallery with inspiration so that voice can be carried. The invitation can be accessed here.

March Musings #11: Happiness Is...

Happiness is...

morning sun waking day

soft snowflakes at joyful play

evening stars fully dressed

summer flowers deftly pressed

lulling waves come to shore

kites afloat as they soar

baby smiles and warm embrace

a slowing down, reflective pace
©CVarsalona, 2018

Is happiness your go to place?

May your day be filled with joy and happiness!

 

Day 11 of Two Writing Teachers' March Slice of Life Story Challenge