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Downtown….

“When you’re alone and life is making you lonely, You can always go…Downtown” – Downtown by Petula Clark

They were small in stature but lived a big life. For my uncle and aunt, size did not matter! Both stood five-feet or less yet they enjoyed life to the fullest!

I had the honor and privilege of attending one of the more memorable services in my lifetime. What a blessing to live with your best friend, forever lover, mother of your children, and the most beautiful woman you have ever laid eyes on.

This was the love story of two people who overcame many obstacles and chose to see life as a joyous occasion no matter the circumstances.

So what is with the old pop song Downtown?

Here is my tribute to my aunt and uncle…. Continue reading “Downtown….”

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Beautiful Bride

The day was perfect in all ways!

Recently, the weather in our local region had been unpredictable. Temperatures into the high-90’s were sometimes replaced with blustery afternoons. Planning an outdoor wedding would stress any couple during this time of year.

It was my honor to witness a very special wedding this past weekend. Who says that a large wedding is reserved only for the younger people. Why not a loving couple who cultivated a long-standing friendship for twenty-plus years and surrounded by friends and family who have been a part of their lives and long-term relationship?

Well, that is exactly what happened this past Saturday afternoon.

Continue reading “Beautiful Bride”

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A Very Special Christmas Gathering

 

The brisk sunny afternoon was the perfect welcome for the annual Christmas party that was about to begin. Relatives near and far converged upon this particular home which enjoyed the perfect backdrop of the San Francisco Bay Area. The Oakland hills greeted this extended family to a party expected to be filled with laughter, stories, and love that transcends four generations!

This much-anticipated family party was about to begin!

Continue reading “A Very Special Christmas Gathering”

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The Rehearsal…

Well, reality is about to set in for me.

I have been busy helping my son and future daughter-in-law with their banquet guest list and table placements. So much to do and so little time left!! The busyness of the event can create stress for all parties involved and one does not realize the myriad of activities involved to plan a wedding.

Friday night arrives and the rehearsal was scheduled for 7:00 pm. The evening was pleasant as the sun was setting. Just a week before, Continue reading “The Rehearsal…”

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The Big Move

The other day, I helped my older son move his worldly possessions into his first dwelling place as he prepares for the next stage of his life – marriage. I am not discounting his move to the college dorm seven years ago or his move into a one-bedroom rental in a friend’s house – those are important acts of relocation. No, I am talking about a place he can finally call “his own” where the realities of paying his bills, protecting his home, and maintaining his yard gives him that pride of ownership – that type of place!

Fortunately, the furniture was easily detachable thus making the packing of the parts easier to load into a crossover vehicle. The largest solid piece of furniture was the headboard of the queen size bed frame. This was not the first time I have helped him move his furniture so experience played a major role in this activity. They wanted to move into a one-bedroom cottage in a rural area that was just far enough to escape the daily rat race while enjoying nature at its best. I have never been to their new place so I was excited to see it. With the first load ready to go, we embarked on our new adventure. Continue reading “The Big Move”

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Down Memory Lane…

The other night, I was sifting through the myriad of photos in my collection  to find specific pictures for my son’s upcoming wedding (as per his request). I am not as organized with pictures as I am with the rest of my life and thought to myself, why not apply those same skills to these boxes of photos?

We were not big on photography but managed to have a decent amount of photos documenting our lives and our children’s growth throughout the years. I discovered several empty photo albums which will be a great incentive to organize them by child and the family in general.

My face was constantly smiling as I was reminded of the events of years gone by. Thank goodness for technology as I was able to scan many pictures and crop out photo-bombing strangers throughout the years. Suddenly, in a large cardboard folder, I pulled out a picture that took my breath away…. Continue reading “Down Memory Lane…”