Juicy Dreaming Diva

One Birthday...One Amazingly Glorious Friendship

Happy Birthday Joelle!   I'd sing to you from here in a heart beat.   

We've been luscious girlfriends for nearly a dozen years now and holy moly what I would have missed if we hadn't been friends.   You know JUST the right things to say when I need it.    You're the sunshine and fits of laughter that burst through my telephone lines...not a moment too late.   You are my sanity.   Without your love and support, I never would have managed to get through the very toughest life lessons and horrific sadness that has accompanied my life.    Without you, I'd have celebrated far too much alone.  You are the big celebrator of me...my boys and my life.  And as we both know, if it wasn't for you...I wouldn't have jumped into the arms of Mr. Big..aka Mr. G...and married him.   (Every day I thank you for THAT encouragement..words of wisdom and the good shove toward him!  Ooooh la la!)

Without you friend, I would have  missed out on having the juiciest kind of friendship that makes me think of fine wine, cheeses...candles, the perfect chocolate cake...and talk that inspires weekends we will never forget.   It always seems that with you, I just know that I am "In the perfect place, at the perfect time...there is no where else I should be."

While, we live states away from each other and even farther from a place we still seem to call "home"...it is entirely ok.   Our friendship is vibrant and alive and full of the richness that God intended when two fresh faced girls met up in an Algebra class...thinking of ways merely to survive...but walking away with something that would last a life time!   US.

Happy Happy Happy Birthday my dearest friend Joelle!  I just love you babycakes!   You are the true meaning of a friend for life.   And I pray that this year, far exceeds anything you could ever have imagined, dreamed of or hoped for...I pray it all really does starts now.

(feeling so glad that I have this girl in my life!)

Oh my! I'm so feelin the love here.

I have news!  (Oh my word, NO, I am so not pregnant...hush your mouth!)

But first, can I just say this.   Have you ever had one of those weeks?  I mean the kind that isn't horrible, its just so chock full of activity and minor set backs that you never manage to do the thing that you love to do?  Yeah well, for me, its writing.  I love to write.   Truly with all my heart.  I love to waste loads of time spend precious time...restructuring sentences and agonizing over the use of descriptive words.   Unfortunately, the week behind me truly challenged my ability to sit down and compose even a title.   Dry bones over here...aching to spit out a few words.  My poor hubby has had to HEAR the words I'd normally just type to you all.   Oh don't feel too badly for him, I think he knew I was like this when he married me.  (grin)   

Through it all, I can assure you that my inner Diva lives on.  I actually wore a tiara about a week ago, along with my friend Tina.  All in an attempt to sign up women for a 5k walk for breast cancer!  Come on now.  You know you'd want to sign up for just about anything, if you saw two girls in hot pink shirts with pink balloons floating about them and tiaras sparkling atop their heads!  As I've said before, "two divas, together...can turn the world upside down with their contagious fun."  So we gave it our best shot.

So how are we fairing out there riled up ladies!?  Anyone got a delicious diva story to share? 

Ok, now here's the oh-so-juicy bit of news!   My sweet friend, Ms. Staci, just featured my blog on her site.   Oh my!   

Click on the banner and you'll go write to it  (yeah yeah, I know its "r-i-g-h-t)! 

I am honestly grateful for Staci's kindness and her words.   Thank you so much Staci, for making this Dreaming Diva feel special and honored.  You my sista are the real deal and anyone who visits your site should be in awe from the moment they arrive.

Now you know why I'm feelin the love.

(feeling appreciative)

Why I smile over American Idol's Jason Castro

I am coming out to admit it.   I just can't help but vote for this dreadlocked boy named Jason Castro.   Unless you're quite blind, the camera loves him and somehow, week after week, when the men in the world think that Jason was "just all-right dog."  The women in the world go...<sigh knowingly> followed by at least a brief smile and the very strange thought that you just wanna squeeze that baby face.  Are you with me here?   

(With that said, I will formally tell you that, truth be told, there is NO guy that is as utterly adorable to me...as Mr. G!  Including any and all baby-faces.)

Wanna know what is the BEST part about this young man?   He also sings for God.  Oh yes...and Oh how I dig that! Here's proof!

That's Chris Rice's song "Clumsy"...I love this!  Juicy, juicy...so incredibly fabulous!

(feelin hopeful that this boy isn't on the cutting block tonight)

I'll have a cup of coffee and Gratitude, please!

A Juicy diva knows, (deep inside she always knows), gratitude is KEY to a fun and fabulous life.   And if, by chance, you're among the delicious group of women who are attempting to "Dust off your Diva!" then I'd like to suggest today, that you let your diva tell you how grateful she is.  I mean really, divas do have so much!

My juicy girl, (aka inner Diva) woke up buried deep inside fresh sheets that I put on the bed last night.  The unbelievable feeling of sliding my legs over the soft, sweet fresh-scented cotton...was enough to send a relaxed, "ahhhhh", type of smile streaming across my face.

The sunshine was already attempting to peek around the curtains...preparing to beam boldly into my room.  I could feel Spring's hands pushing there way into my world, with a consistency that I have longed for, throughout the long winter months.

When I looked to my right, I found my one year old little Jack, staring at me...batting his long eyelashes with the innocence only a baby can boast.  He instantly grinned when he saw my face.   I grinned back.   And then turned to look to my left...where I was face to face with my 7 year old Matt, who was tucked up next to me.  Somewhere in the night, he had found his way into my room.   There he was...deep into his sleep and scrumptious as a button....snoring.   I laughed.   Which made Jack laugh.   So we, my baby and my inner diva, laughed together.

As I sat up, I felt a firm lump of something heavy on my foot.   I smiled again...it was my very loyal and immensely kind pup, Pete.   His face and tail always say, "I am so happy to see you mom!"  There isn't a dog in the world who could take his place.    So I lathered him with hugs and cuddles.   In return, I received a rush of endorphines the size of the Bellagio Fountians!  It was "Diva-Grand", as my friend Chris might say.

Somehow, I feel that I am never officially awake, until after my first cup of strong caffeine-infused coffee.  So, I scooped up the baby and walked downstairs to the kitchen to make a pot.   As I came into the office, I sat down and looked out the window by my side...and found that everything looked brilliantly green and clear. (Whew... God sure knows how to start a diva's morning!)  I cracked opened the the window and felt the crisp morning air that didn't require down jackets.  Oh how I adore days like this!  It is always so rewarding to have days like this after a harsh winter, wouldn't you agree?

Feeling my gratitude in all its magnitude, this is what I chose to listen to in the moment:

Oh darling divas, if you don't feel grateful after listening to the breathtaking Chris Botti with his trumpet, and the staggering vocal chords of the legondary Andrea Bocelli, then darlings your diva is nearly dead!  We need to bring her to the Diva E.R. immediately!  Email us quickly.

The thing is darling divas, my day has only just begun...I still have much to see, do and feel throughout this gorgeous day.   Some of which includes, welcoming home my truly remarkable husband, who's absence is felt at the core of my heart whenever he is away on business.   No doubt, he will be grateful that my fiesty, flirty diva is alive and well to do the welcoming...yes? 

I suppose that I am riled up, because this is the truest part of me.  My inner girl is much happier to be bold and living out loud.  The truth is, I am a diva on a mission!  I am so grateful for all that I have in my life.  And I want you to join me in the contagious act of being grateful, on this beautiful morning. Together, we can create a slow but growing rumble of happy homes and delicious divas!

If my inner girl can show me how much I have to work with...and through this gratitude, my juicy girl gets all revved up with places to go, then what can your inner diva point out for you?

So, what will you have?   A sour day with grumbles and cold water?  Or would you like to join me for a cup of coffee and simple, sweet gratitude? 

(feeling particularly Grateful that my God would allow me to live this life as a Diva!)
   

Delicious Celebrity Bracelets that I love!

Being a Diva is absolutely Fun-tastic! 

Now I told ya, we're about to get your Diva all riled up..just yesterday. And I mean it!  Are you ready to meet a Diva whose got it goin' on and is strutting it beautifully?

Ok babycakes - if the Diva in the spotlight inspires you in any way...Darling Diva Code says..GO TELL THEM or leave a comment here!  (Keep in mind that whatever you do to another person in this life, will come back to you one day...if you want the good stuff, you gotta go give the good stuff!  It even says so in the Bible, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galations 6:7" If God says it...whoa nelly, I'm on board! I really do want the good stuff!) 

The girl I want to introduce you to is a true Darling Diva!   Her name is, Staci and when I tell you the gal is talented...I mean it.  She's an artist to the core.  Staci has worked on paintings, carvings, sewing, floral designing, and she is a graphic designer as well.  (Oh how I love the patient Divas...as I personally would rapidly mangle anything on a sewing machine after 5 minutes!  Not the patient kind here...nope.) 

 

Dust off your Diva!

My inner Darling Diva was chattin with Ms. Julie's Darling Diva, the other day and it came to us.   

If you keep hushing the inner Darling Diva inside of you...she'll stop showing up and will leave your butt in that stuffy, dead-pan, annoyingly straight-laced little world you've gotten yourself into.  

Did ya know that little bit of Juicy information? 

Gotta tell ya babycakes, it seems I have stuffed my inner Darling Diva, over the winter and holy moly...she nearly left me!  Thank the good Lord above that another Darling Diva gave me some heads up and a solid kick in the tush! (Thank you Darling Diva T!)

"Just who is this inner Diva?!"  I hear you ask.   Oh and you know I love it when you ask.  Your inner Darling Diva is that Juicy Gal that makes just about everything you do, feel Free and Fun!   

She's the luscious part deep inside of you that breaks out laughing with bursts of belly giggles!   

Your Diva, is the girl that knows exactly what color dress to wear that will absolutely KNOCK HIS SOCKS OFF when you enter the room.   Or she knows Darling Divas who will tell her which dress is THAT good!

She's the part of you that loves glitter and tiaras...flashy pink boas and fabulously sexy shoes  (aka: strappy...open-toed, higher than high-heeled...thrill him in a minute, with your sexy-mile-long-legs...kinda shoe!  Yeah baby, we're talking DIVA!).

Give the old guy what he deserves - a good ole kick in the...

Overheard by my neighbors.

"Don't let the door smack you, on your way out!"

Screamed, by little ole' ME.  Screamed very loudly by me, to Old Man Winter just yesterday!   

I am normally very cool with elderly folk....I love them, I swear!   But this old guy, has OVERSTAYED his welcome by at least 2 months already.   And I am happy to see him pack up and go already! 

I'm sure you can relate.   He's been boggin' my boys down with piles of winter jackets and long-sleeve shirts.   Our feet have nearly suffocated in big, fugly socks....thanks to his inability to turn on the heat.   I've had to put up with frizzy winter hair, forgotten pretty red toenails, and strange frumpy sweatshirts that are only good for keepin' me warm but have very little appeal to my fashion sense!   

Oh and then there was the proud little moment when I scared myself last week.   Deep into my morning stretch before getting out of bed, I pushed my leg out from the covers and gasped!   That couldn't be MY leg!  It was ghostly white, you know what I am talkin about here girls... pasty-lookin, have-I-ever-seen-the-sun, WHITE!  I've forgotten how impossibly white skin can actually get, without sunshine (or lotion...ok, ok, I admit that the week of hair-growth didn't help much either!)  On so many levels, wrong...wrong...wrong!  Sooooooo not  juicy...not fun!  And definitely, SO not sexy! 

I heart SUNSHINE! 
I adore the feel of green grass under my feet!
I can't wait for color in my skin again! (And I do not need a lecture on the finer points of UV Rays here!  I don't care...I need some freakin sun and I will have it!  Nuff' said.)
I have gardening that is screaming for me to come and get in the dirt!
And I can already taste the fresh tomatoes with basil and fresh mozerella, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic...a dash of pepper...garlic and sea salt.....

ok...ok....you get the picture...so you understand my distaste for Mr. Winter's long overdue absence.   



Care to put your foot on his hind end with me and give the old guy a firm shove?!

(so freakin' happy that spring is brewing in New York!)

Simple - Gratitude

Gratitude.

Simple.  Yet odd, how I forget to be grateful sometimes.

This morning I watched as my 7 year old prepared to meet the bus for school.   He pulled on his navy blue sock and got it half way over his foot before he said, "Mom, can you help me?"  I leaned down and tugged the sock upward.   As I moved toward the second sock, I happened to look up and saw to my amazement that he was staring at me.  When his gaze met my eyes, his face lit up...and he simply said, "Thanks mom.  I love you."

Through breakfast, he chatted rapidly about school, friends and his latest game for the Gameboy DS.  He told me about his buddy on the bus and their fierce, but fun, DS game competition.   And when I brought him something to drink, he squeezed his arms around my waistline, buried his head into my tummy and then grinned up at me in such a way as to say, "You're the best mom." 

As he walked down the steps toward our driveway, I stood in my usual spot at the doorway...watching him.   He was half-way across the lawn when he spun around and yelled out, "I'll miss you mom!  See you soon and we will play the Wii!"

I have so much in this boy of mine.  I could hug him all day.  How could I not feel pure gratitude?

(feeling, happy that I get to be his mom)

How one choice, led her 13 miles

We first heard about her goal in January.   She was hanging out with a some of our girlfriends one night and in the midst of sharing our new year personal goals, she announced, "I am going to run the More Magazine Half Marathon!"  And the thing is - that was it.  From that moment T was in training toward her goal.   

Now, I am not a runner, with good reason.  Its tough work!  In the past 3 months, since her announcement, she's run up hill, down hill, in the midst of traffic, in the pouring rain, in the freezing cold and I seem to recall one rather ugly day in the snow!  Tina ran anyway.   Her knees have nearly caved and have been on ice for much of the three months, her body repeatedly ached from pounding across cement, gravel and dirt roads, her lungs revolted on her, leaving her breathless and in need of inhalers....but T just kept running.  Running toward the goal of a half marathon. 

You still Melt Me Mr. G!

I stare at you in this photograph and I see my zany, wild-man!  I still remember that you did the Mexican dance with the Mariachi band - for me.   You had them come to our table in the middle of a crowded restaurant and sing as loud as possible...to make me blush.  All because you knew I wanted them near our table.  (Thank you!)  It was so incredibly full of life!   Just like you. I belly laughed the entire time.  My heart beats faster just remember this moment.