Day 21 Success!

The size of our success is measured by strength of your desire the size of your dream; how you handle disappointment along the way!

Many measure success in Dollars!  To me success is getting up more times than you fall, and building a strong foundation from bricks that have been thrown at you along the way! 

Many think that to be successful you have to be rich,  I am rich, but rich with friends, my friends are priceless.

Day 19 Thank You for Birthdays!

Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You,  Happy Birthday Dear Friend, Happy Birthday To You!

I am thank ful for birthdays!  I love to celebrate Everyone's Birthdays!  I am the Birthday Bandit!

Each birthday means the world to me, Each Candle, each gift, each bow...  But it means so much more... It means that each day is a Gift... I am truly blessed every day.   I almost never made it to my see my first birthday, unwrap my first gift, blow out my first candle.   

I am thankful every day that I was given the gift of life, the gift to celebrate my birth which was almost cut short.  Make a Wish!

Day 18 Thanks Takes Flight

Today I need to Give Two Thumbs up full of thanks for two Brothers--- The Wright Brothers- who years ago- Dec. 17,1903, to be exact made it possible for Flight!  

I am thankful for their invention that makes the Gift of Flight Possible.  So Today almost 107 years to the date- I dedicate my thanks to Orville & Wilbur Wright for their Passion & Vision over 100 years ago.   So thanks Boys, you have made my bicoastal life possible.   

I am blessed to have fabulous friends and Family Coast to Coast and without Flight I would not be able to share my life with both coasts.  

The Frequent Flyer Air Miles are worth a few thanks too. When I fly the friendly skies I get more flights!  Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner.  Right now I need one more flight for a free one!  Yeah!  

I am thankful to be taking off tomorrow to set sail in the clouds- final destination Orlando, Florida.   Lucky to be heading to the magic kingdom, the happiest place on Earth.  
My bags are packed, ready set go... see you on the east coast...  
Just wish we could do something about Jet Lag, working on that!

Day 17, Planes, Trains & Automobile Thanks

 Ironic that in the Movie Planes, Trains & Automobiles Steve Martin was trying to get home for Thanksgiving, today so was I.   Good thing I left a week early or I wouldn't have made it home for turkey and stuffing.    Airplane peanuts just won't cut it.

Today I was up at 5:00AM, rushed around like a wild turkey, jumped in the mustang for Ontario Airport, stuck in endless miles of traffic, with my gal pal on GPS guiding me all the way.  

Then I am ready to strip down for my body scan- I was ready for my close up= even hoping for take home poloroid pictures.  Thought maybe I could use it for my christmas card photo.

Then I walk to my gate get in boarding line only to hear over the intercom that there is an electrical problem and the plane is grounded until further notice.   Why are we being punished ha ha!  Well we finally get on the plane- and head to Oakland, then we fly to Houston, then land in The Magic Kingdom, Orlando. 
What seems ike 3 days later, 3 times zones later.  Now I know why they call it the happiest place on earth- because by the time you travel to get here--- you are so happy to be here- that you are so happy!
Next Stop Disney World- Bring on the Mouse! 
Thankful that I could fly home to be with friends and family for thanksgiving.  :-)

Day 15 Amazing Grace

I am thankful for all the amazing people I have met along my winding road, speed bump filled, twists & turn journey called my life.
So many I can't even count.  I have been blessed to meet some amazing people, from famous Musicians, Professional Athletes, and even Published authors.   
One Author, Nancy Daly, a dear friend of many years, flew 3000 miles to give San Diego a gift this week, she graced us with her presence!   She spoke at a wonderful hotel in Downtown San Diego- called the Ideal Hotel,  what a great place and a super presentation.  Her words were priceless, she had us on the edge of our seats, hungry for more.
On this November night we were lucky to meet some other wonderful people, their stories touched my heart.  You never know who you will sit next to on a bus, a plane, a train, or a park bench.  Each has a story, has a heart and soul.

Thank you to all the amazing people who have touched my life, and thank you Nancy for sharing your gifts with us.  If you ever get a chance check out Nancy at nancyrdaly.com or one of her many books wonderful books, "A Left Brain Thinker on a Right Brain Journey",  "Finding Joy Admist the Chaos" & "Leaders who Win and Leaders who Lose."... 

More amazing people and moments to come...   Huge Thanks! :)

Day 14 I Have Been Everywhere Man

Take a listen... morning http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAOaLbFFZUQ&feature=related

I've been everywhere, man. I've been everywhere, man. Crossed the desert's bare, man. I've breathed the mountain air, man. Of travel I've had my share, man. I've been everywhere.   
I am blessed to have lived from Coast to Coast- I was born & survived Cold Brrrr Winters in Buffalo New York, then Family took a two year break and we jet setted to Iowa, we survived tornado alley- We did have our share of Tornados!  I think I saw Dorothy and toto!   Then we went back to Buffalo- where we survived the worst Blizzard in Buffalo's History- then Dad's Job transferred us to Philadelphia the City of Brotherly love.  When we had enough of Cheesesteaks, eagles, the liberty bell- we loaded the family roadster and went back to Buffalo- Spent High School years back in B'flo... 
Then the day I graduated High School--  I was off to College- I shuffled off to ohhhhhioooo... Went to John Caroll University- spent 2 years there and then Shuffled back to Buffalo to Finish my degree at University of Buffalo-  after I graduated I was off to Baltimore Maryland for Graduate School- Finished Graduate School- Got a great job with Entertainment Publications and then was Transferred to San Diego California- I stayed there for a few years then set sail For Florida... Landed there- did my time on the South East Coast and then Had to head back to my pacific postcared paradise... I set sail for San Diego- where I landed a year ago and so happy to be back in paradise!  

I am blessed that I have lived in the North East, South East, Mid West and West Coast- I have survived Blizzards,Tornado's, Hurricanes & Earthquakes...  

I am thankful for all I have met along the way- and all the friends and memories that I will cherrish forever!

Day 13- Thank you for the Ocean Blue

Take a guess- What am I?   She is one of the only things in life you can always rely on, she will always be there, always by your side, she will never leave- you all ways know where to find her, She has her high and low points, She crashes into the shore her power so present but ever so peaceful. The sound is loud but causes calm, full of relaxation.   She is known worldwide and can be found in every corner of the globe. Most have seen her, touched her, experienced her.... Watched the Waves of her... The Ocean.....

I am thankful for her beauty, for her strength, her calmness & serenity.   She is always there for us when we need her, she never lets us down.  She will never leave us!    This Natural Beauty Gift given to us by mother nature- she can't take care of her self so we have to do it for her.   She can't clean herself or prevent others from polluting her--- 
So we have to do our part to take care of her since she can't!     Clean up after yourself when at the Beach and when you can, participate in a Beach Clean up day!   I am thankful that I can help out and was able to donate time and energy in helping to collect 3500 pounds of garbage & seaweed from the local beaches this weekend!
We surf, sail, swim,sunset with her... we need to be thankful for her and protect our earthly treasures!  
Gotta go catch a wave.... 

Day 12 Thanks for Footprints

Today I am thankful and blessed when wonderful people walk into your life and leave footprints on your heart!    Many people enter our lives, some for a reason, some for a season, some for a lifetime and some leave footprints on our hearts!   
I am so blessed by all of the people that have entered my life and my heart!   So many that I can't list them all wouldn't know where to start.  If you are reading this you have made an impression on me and my life!  Some come at the right moment when you least expect it and some you have waited for all of your life! 

Thank you for being part of my life, for making your mark and hopefully leaving footprints on my heart.  I may not always be near, but I keep you close to my heart!  

Day 11- 11/11 Thanks to all Veterans!

It's a lucky Day- and at 11:11AM & PM, on 11/11 make a wish!    What did you wish for? It's a Magical Lucky Day!

My wishes are many- but today I wish all the best for the Veterans who have served our country yesterday, today and always!    Red, White & Blue we think of you and honor you!   Today we salute you- for what you have done for us and our country!    We live in the Greastest Country- and thank you for allowing us to be the home of the free!  

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with lots of pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."  Woodrow Wilson-      

Happy Veterans Day, Armistice Day, Rememberance Day--- We Remember!

Day 10! Thanks for Friends!

Roll the dice, sometimes you may get lucky!  

I am blessed and beyond lucky to have the best friends in the whole world!  I toast my friends from Coast to Coast!   To my friends who are on opposite coast- You may be miles away but you are always close in my heart! I am truely blessed above and beyond to have friends from Sea to Sea!  My friends are there for me in good and bad times!   My friends are a big part of my life-  Some may not think I am Rich- but I feel like the Richest woman in the World because of my friends!  My friends are priceless!

There aren't enough words in the english dictionary to express my thanks & gratitude, just want you to know that I love you and thank you more than words can say!
My friends understand my past, believe in my future and accept me just the way I am.

My journey has been a wild and crazy ride and I love the fact that my friends have been there right by my side!   I will cherish everything you have done for me, everything you are!  My friends keep me dancing, laughing and loving!

Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget!
click the link... Thank you for being a friend!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZY5H6vLqVU

Day 9 Thanks & Healing

Today I am writing about Thanks & Healing, so many have been stricken with illness and disease!  I am blessed and thankful for all who have fought the battle with cancer!  Many friends and family have had to fight the battle- some lives were ended too soon.  
They are looking down on us and spreading their wings around us!  I know you are there- and I love you!
I wear a pink ribbon every day to remember all who have fought and are fighting cancer.   I wear it close to my heart & I am always thinking of them.
I am thankful I have my health and try to give anyway I can.  I haven't had to fight the battle but I can be there to offer support anyway I can.  I can give healing hugs & shoulder to cry on.   I try to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.
My prayers are always with you---  Prayers and thanks to My uncle John & Alan Cooper who lost their battles- they are angels in a better place!  We love and miss you!   Prayers of strength to so many friends who are survivors... Helene Webster Goldstein, Amelia Harrison, Michelle Jegal, Barbara Brown, Debra Rounds to name a few...

I will continue to do anything I can to help find a cure.  I have walked over 400 miles raising funds for a cure and I will keep walking till a cure is found. 
I have a breast cancer boutique- all sales go to Cancer Research.

Gr8 Day 8- Celebr8 Life!

Life isn't counted by the breaths you take but the moments that take your life away-   I am thankful  for my life!   My life was almost taken at an early age-   

Rewind back in time... Flash back to years ago- I was just a little girl, in the car with my family, 5:30AM my dad was driving the family roadster and I was sitting on my mom's lap, strapped in (Before car seat laws).  My brother was in the back seat sleeping   When faster than the speed of light- our car hydroplaned, the car flipped, rolled, rolled and rolled 10 times down a 50 foot embankment.   

Luckily there was a truck driver that came to our aid- he witnessed the whole accident.   He pulled my family out of the car.   I was thrown from the seat belt and went through the windshield, I was flown so far they couldn't find me.  My dad & brother searched and found me in a near by field, not breathing.   The truck driver loaded us all in his Truck and called for help, this was before cell phones- an ambulance came and met us- We were transported to a local Hospital where angels swarmed...

To make a long story short, my dad & brother were lucky and came out with cuts and bruises, my mom had a broken neck, and was paralized on the right side, she spent 28 weeks in a circular bed with prongs in the side of her head that was flipped every 2 hours.   My right lung was punctured & left lung collapsed, every bone was broken in my body and my body full of abrasions.  I was in intensive care, and spent 28 weeks in an oxygen tent.  Doctors gave me two weeks to live.    

Our will to live was strong and we fooled the doctors- We truly were miracles!   Mom got all feeling back and beat any prognosis.    Soon we were both, running, dancing and singing in the rain!  

We were given a gift & we embrace every day as it is truly a gift, every day is a new gift to unwrap.

Day 7 - Thank Heaven

Thank heaven for little girls.

Today I am thankful for the birth of Baby Kennedy Lorraine Blake, aka BK!

BK is a beautiful blessing!  I am so happy for my brother Christopher and Kacie, they are now the proud parents of baby Kennedy.  I am now an aunt and Linda & Ken are Grandparents- yes this is true my mom is officially a Granddiva!
Kennedy is the most beautiful little girl!  Sending Big hugs from your Aunt Jen!

                               We love you BK- can't wait to see you for Thanksgiving!

Day 6 of Thanks!

Today I am grateful that we live in America- I wear my stars and stripes proudly. I am thankful that we live in A FREE County and We have the right to vote!  I am honored to Vote today.
Great day to be at the Polls today.  I loved seeing everyone wearing the "I Voted" sticker! 

What ever the outcome may be- I wish the best for us as a nation for the next 4 years! 

O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed his grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!

Round of High 5's for Day 5!

Sending High 5's -Up high, Down low, too slow, 5 as in fingers, 5 toes, 5 dollar bills, 5 rings olympic rings, 5 golden rings... Sending a round of high 5's full of thanks for you!

Thank you for being part of my life, for being there through the highs and lows!  The Good days and bad!  Thank you for making me smile!

                                                              Life is too short to wake up with regrets.

Love the people who treat you right.

Forget about the ones who don’t.

Believe everything happens for a reason.

If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.

If it changes your life, let it.

Nobody said life would be easy.

They just promised it would be worth it.

                                              So here is a High Five to you!  

Day 4 and Thanks Galore

Wow I have thanks Galore for all I am grateful for!  
  
Today, I want to give thanks to an amazing woman, my cousin Terri Schindler Schiavo, whose life was cut short but her name, honor and legacy will live on forever. 
Twenty two years ago, when she was 26 years young, Terri collapsed in her home and to this day no one knows what caused her collapse. Her family fought for 15 years to help and take care of her- but her husband and the courts didn’t allow that to happen.

The Court declared her feeding tube be removed, 2 days later Congress enacts Terri's Law, 2 days later Court denies request, and 14 days later she died of starvation at the young age of 41. 
She has the most amazing, loving family I have ever met, Uncle Bob in heaven, Aunt Mary, Cousin Susie, & Bobby. I wish every family had half the love they share for each other. Their strength, courage & grace is more than can be measured.

They continue to share her story and help other people through their foundation http://www.terrisfight.org/  in hopes that no one ever has to endure like Terri did.

Terri touched people all over the world, without ever saying a word.  She will live on in our hearts & memories forever. 

All are invited to celebrate Terri’s Day- an International Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Terri Schindler Schiavo, which will be observed each year on March 31, the anniversary of her death.
                         "Where there's life, there's hope." Thank you Terri and the Schindler Family. 

Uno, Dos, Tres... Day 3 of Thanks & Giving!

Uno, Dos, Tres...Day 3 of Thanks & Giving!

Today & Every Day I am forever thankful and grateful for my amazing family- The love and Grace that makes up my amazing family!

Love my Crazy Cousins Kyra, Greg, Tony, Nicky, Suzanne, Bobby and the youngest & cutest members of the family Olivia, Sophia & Blake!

Uncle Joe, Aunt Mary, My aunt Teresa & Marie call me Sphenia- a russian diva princess- I wear the tiara proudly!  They are the glue that keeps us together.

Miss my Aunt Pat, Uncle John, Uncle Bob and Cousin Terri- they are up in Heaven Dancin- and Blessing the earth with 3 angels.

Hate that we are so far apart- but you are always close in my heart! from Coast to Coast- Love you all so much!  Come visit me!

Whenever our family gets together- its all laughter!

Day 2- Thanks to U!

Today November 2, (day 2, Greetings to you!)   Sending up Thanks to all the Angels looking down on Us!  They are everywhere- you may not always see them, but their beautiful hearts & wings are taking flight and wrapped around you. 

Sending thanks & giving hugs to My Four Wonderful Grandparents, I wish you were here today- I would say I love you in every way!   My Grandparents- from the Golf Course to the Kitchen Table- the memories have a hold of my heart & I cherish today & always!

First Viola... Grandma Blake, Who made the sun shine brighter, hearts beat louder, and smiles grow larger.  She was tiny but mighty.   I can remember the big Italian Feasts she would feed to all who entered her home.  And the lil hands that would sneak in the kitchen and eat the hot meatballs sizzling off the stove!

Next up Shine- short for Moonshine... My Grandpa Blake,  The Head of the table, head of the house, Golf Pro, Card Shark, NY Yankee Fan.  (Grandpa, sorry the Yankee's didn't win this Year!)  Devoted Husband & Father of Two, My dad & Aunt Teresa!   What a house!   Grandpa- I miss how every holiday meal he would sneak fresh dollar bills under our plates and we would lift our plates after we said Grace!    Lord, bless this Family & Food we are about to Eat!  AMEN.
I will always remember Thanksgiving at Grandma & Grandpa's!
A true Italian Family- We had Lotsa Rasta Pasta with our Turkey & Stuffing!

Grandpa Egbert, My mom's Dad, He raised two Beautiful Daughters my mom & her sister, my aunt pat!  Wow did he have a BIG JOB raising those two wild women!   Kudos to you Grandpa!  Grandpa we love you and miss you- Your life was taken too early but we honor and cherish the days you graced this planet!   I can remember your laugh, your hugs & your infectious smile!

Lastly my Grandma Egbert who I never had the joy & pleasure to meet, she was taken up to heaven before I was born.  But her legacy lives on in our hearts!   She was one woman I wished I had the chance to meet- I know she is truely one of a kind & I know she is dancing up in Heaven with the other angels!   Especially dancing the Charlston- her favorite Party Dance!  She was and will always be the life of the Party!   I know my mom gets that trait from her, and I know it was passed down to me as well.   So hugs to you Grandma!  Lets Dance!

I know you are looking down on us & you make my heart smile!   So My Heart, Hugs & Thanks go to you my wonderful Grandparents....
Buongiorno -( good day italian)  xoxox muah ;)

Day 2 of thanks & giving... To my wonderful Angels, My 4 Grandparents!

30 Days of Thanks & Giving

Candy Hangover?   Hands Up, Step away from the Candy Bowl & no one will get hurt!  Today marks a day of Counting Calories from all the empty candy wrapers & Celebrate Happy HalloLEAN- a day to eat your Veggies...  Today(as I try everyday) is a Day to Count your blessings!   November 1 .. I declare to count my blessings & give thanks and giving for the next 30 days!
I am grateful & thankful for more than words can say.  As buzz lightyear says- To infinity & Beyond... Today I feel I am wearing that costume... I have to infinty & beyond a lifetime of gratitude!   That can't be measured in time & space! 
Today kicks off a digital journey to give thanks to all who have touched my life & left footprints on my heart! 
Thanks giving is 22 days away- and It is more than turkey & stuffing... it is Thanks & Giving!
I thank you for following me on my next 30 days of thanks & hope I can give back to all!

30 Days of Thanks & Giving

Do you have a candy Hangover?  This is a Candy Stick Up- Put your hands up, Step away from the candy bowl & no one will get hurt!  Today marks a day of counting calories & blessings.  Today kicks off the Annual 30 days of Thanks & Giving, a journey to give thanks to all who have touched my life and left footprints on my heart.
Thanksgiving is 27 days away- and it is more than turkey & stuffing... it is Thanks & Giving!

To kick it off, let's rewind it back to the beginning to where it all began,  the very first day I was adopted into the Blake Family!   I was exactly 4 months old.
Two Amazing People, Linda & Ken Blake did the most selfless thing & opened up their hearts & home to bring me into the family.  I became part of the Blake family, made up of Linda, Ken, and Christopher!  Linda, my mom, weighing in at a towering 4 feet 9 inches with a heart the size of the Grand Canyon,  Ken, My dad, who could leap buildings in a single bound, the smartest man alive, and Christopher my brother, the writer, musician, teacher and artist Extraordinaire!
That day those three people changed my life forever & I will be forever grateful!  Words cannot express all that they have done for me.   Through the years have been countless laughs, smiles, cheers & tears!  Every moment has helped mold me & make me who I am today.  
They are the most amazing people in my life, once you meet them you will never forget them.  
They will leave footprints on your heart! 

So raise a glass with me, to thank the most amazing family- Ken, Linda & Christopher and our newest addition Kennedy Blake!   
Cheers from Coast to Coast to my family I love the Most!  xoxoxo  :)

Thank you!