Not A Fan Of Red For Romance...

I've never been a fan of red for romance.

I'm more of a pink girl. It's just too dramatic for me, too harsh.

Don't get me wrong, I love to see red roses in a garden. I love any color

flower in a garden. But I'm just not partial to the colors red, orange or yellow in my

decor or life. I do love daffodils, jonquils and daisy's. Orchids with yellow tones can be stunning. But I don't like decorating at Christmastime with red and green - I use pale blues, silver, creams and white. Just me. 

I love dressing in it,

posies, ice cream, lipstick,

nailpolish, little girls dressed up.

it's soft, sensual, luscious, gentle, baby-like,

rich, mellow, fresh, crisp, clean

 bright

brilliant

just my size

2 scoops

and very important!

The Path I've Traveled...

The Path I've Traveled

The path I have traveled, at times seems so long.

Sweet songs I have listened to,

play deep in my mind.

Love given, love taken,

love yearned for so long.

This father - daughter struggle,

a game played by both.

 To reach one another,

and ever become close.

I question, I struggle, I cannot say why.

Life's circle has sped by, we've continued to try.

My sons say "I love you",

friends share their joy.

We stand at distance, the love deep inside.

one step, two steps... come stand by my side.

                                                          Jennifer Ingram 

I don't know if there are other women

out there that struggle with their

relationships with their fathers. 

 I have always wanted to write something

about my relationship with my dad.

He's always been there for me. A phone call away.

We rarely talk. There is a distance between us that

others can see and feel. It's been very painful to me.

I know my dad feels deeply.

I'm a "wear my heart on my sleeve"

kind of a woman.

 If ever two people could be farther apart in personalities.

Well, that's us.

But on this last visit, as I looked at him and thought about our

years of distance and difference ....

I saw a man that has always loved me in his own way.

 Not MY way, HIS way.

My older son said "Mom, maybe Grandpop

struggles with not being able to show his feelings.

 Maybe it's very hard for him."

And I pray and again see God shaking HIS head at me,

"No Jenn, you're not perfect!"

So it HAS to be ok, because it's what it IT is and I love him with all my heart.

He's just a man but he's my dad. MY dad.

So I'm starting a new page in my story.

I'm not standing back. I'm opening my heart and arms.

I'm continuing on my path and allowing myself to finally

love my dad for who he is and letting go of past hurts, wants and wishes...

He's my Dad.

namaste  

this is dedicated to my sons for all the unconditional love they give to me,

I know if you ever have daughters you will love them with hugs, kisses and strength! Momma Hey

Sister Act - Strength in Numbers

Sisters - Friends
I had a wonderful summer. Bridal shower for my cousin, wedding this weekend in California, lots of beach time. I think I've mentioned that I see things in a different way since #1 my divorce in 1995, #2 kidney cancer last year, #3 having lost friends along the way to Cancer and other illnesses. So, I enjoy big and little things. I saw my first rainbow this summer. Yes! Believe it - my first! I also saw dolphins leaping in the ocean while I sat in my beach chair with my cousins. Cancer free - 1 year mark in June. I ate sushi more than once. Jersey pizza more than twice. No cake because I don't like cake (carrot cake is an exception - home-made only).

My friend Lisa had breast Cancer and a Mastectomy at 33 (2 little boys) and this year she wore a bikini proudly to the beach. She had fought through the surgery and the struggles of reconstructive surgery.  She has Cancer again.

So we start fighting again and this woman is a fighter. I look back to the laughs on the beach, the sand castles, the shells we collected, the jars I have them in and will not get pissed. God holds us in HIS hands. Bra, no bra, bikini or pjs!

I redid my bulletin board by my desk at school before the last day. It is so full of color that it soothes and pops at the same time! Cut out photos of roses in every hue, children, dogs, chairs, post cards of places I've traveled to, Bruce Springsteen, my kids, birdhouses, limes, lemons, sayings, students that have graduated, students babies.

how can I not feel blessed?

I get mad, impatient, pissy but there are such cool things in this world!

It just happened one day! The zest for Life! The appreciation!

Now I'm back to school. I love my job in the Health Room.

Friends peek in. Students I know by name. My good friend Karen came in yesterday. She is having a Mastectomy in 2 weeks.

It's not about bra size, she's a fighter too, gifted, loving, great support. God will help us in her care. But I'm feeling a little beaten down, well, not me - but that Life is picking on my friends. I want them well. I don't want them to have Cancer. Rose colored glasses I know. But the upbeat me is in fighting mode.

please schedule your mammogram, remind a friend or a loved one

remember self-breast exams

that you are loved, to give love, look for rainbows, fight against breast cancer

'A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves—a special kind of double.'

                                                                                                              Toni Morrison

Fingerpring Friday - The Road to a Friend's is Never Long - A Recipe For Friday Night

Welcome Friends!

God has touched my life with girlfriends that listen, laugh, cry, encourage, travel, yard sale, junk, craft, blog.....love me and I love them right back!

the coffee talks

the recipe swaps

summer days

family ways

HONEY BLEU CHEESE SLICES

1 loaf of French bread sliced on diagonal not too thick

brush tops with olive oil and toast lightly

top with crumbled bleu cheese then drizzle honey and serve warm with a chilled Chardonnay or wine your choice.

Thank You Lord For My Friends and hopefully Being a Good One.

One fine day................

One fine day                                                        
You'll look at me                    
And you will know
Our love was meant to be

One fine day
You're gonna want me for your girl

The arms I long for
Will open wide
And you'll be proud
To have me by your side


One fine day
You're gonna want me for your girl


by The Chiffons

Generation to Generation.....

My father gives his blessing and sage advice to the groom.

Todd Robert Van Valkenburgh (31 years old) and Robert Joseph Mondelli ( a very healthy 87!)

"A grandparent has the wisdom of long experience

and the love of an understanding heart."
Author: unknown

Reasons I love Autumn....

I meant our puppy

AUTUMN...

her button nose

soulful eyes

when she sleeps she stays out of TROUBLE!