11. March 2010 by janet.
One of my mentors, author Richard Paul Evans, wrote The Christmas Box and donates part of the proceeds to building angels across America and Canada. There are over 100 angels sculptures that are dedicated to parents who have lost a child and once a year holds an annual vigil. Yesterday, I went to one of the angels in Rutland, Vermont. I try to visit this angel a few times a year, because it represents to me, what an author can do to really make a difference with their words. Rick also has The Christmas Box House. He is a great guy and his new book comes soon, please go to his website, www.richardpaulevans.com and if you know of anyone who has lost a child, please forward this info. It will make a difference.
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9. March 2010 by janet.
I’ve belonged to Trinity Church, in Copley Square, Boston since 1981, and seen just about everything. About a year ago, I noticed an assitance dog in church with his owner. After the service, I went up to the owner and asked if I could pet his dog. I said, “It would be my dream to work with dogs for the disabled.” I was shocked that I said that, but looked for Assistant Dog centers and found one about 50 miles from my house. On Sunday, I went to the graduation, when the dogs are given to their new owners. I was overwhelmed from the minute I stepped in the packed ballroom where the graduation was held. Please go to: www.neads.org to check out this great organization and my facebook page, Janet Spurr to see pictures of an Iraq veteran with his dog Houdini.
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5. March 2010 by janet.
Today I wanted to buy some new bamboo and went into a local garden center, with a huge greenhouse. The minute I walked in, the green world of plants and flowers brought a new and wonderful light, which I hadn’t felt in months. It relaxed me and made me feel a little less winter and a little more human. Please, if any of you are suffering from hating this winter (who isn’t) just go to the nearest garden center and tell me how great it was to walk almongst the green and living things.
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1. March 2010 by janet.
Joanne Rochette won the bronze medal for Canada in women’s figure skating. Two days after her mother died suddenly, she skated an amazing short program which left everyone, including Scot Hamilton, crying. Last Thursday, she skated against the two best skaters in the world, she won bronze. This to me was the most incredible act of being a hero and going beyond what any human could do. I was happy to hear that she was awarded the Olympian who had most touched everyone. I’ll never forget her. She is my hero.
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28. February 2010 by janet.
Went down to NYC to meet a great author friend, Gabi Herket, who I haven’t seen in three years. Even in a blizzard, we had fun. I found a great spa, Juvenex Spa, which is on 25W, 32nd St. Even though, the location isn’t great or the entrance, the spa services are. I highly recommend the Body scrub as well as the hydrotherapy bath, which included champagne and fruit. Who cares about a blizzard. Gabi and I went to see Avatar, which if you haven’t seen it yet, GO, the Blind Side, I also recommend and went to High Tea at the Hemsley Park Lane on Central Park. We had all of the staff wearing pairs of silly glasses that I like to give out at four star hotels. Lastly, we took in a performance of the musical Mary Poppins, which was outstanding. Gabi bought the CD and I’ll be singing all of those songs for the next few weeks. Make time to see friends and have fun, even during a blizzard.
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18. February 2010 by janet.
An author friend, Jacqueline Whitemore was listed in We Magazine for Women, as one of the top 101 Women Bloggers to Watch in 2010. I met Jackie at the Maui Writer’s Conference, because she was wearing Lily Pulitzer pants. Since then, I’ve had a chance to visit her in Florida. I’ve found more information in her book, Business Class, Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work, than I have in the Joy of Cooking. I highly suggest picking up her book, I refer to it frequently and it’s a great gift to any person who is trying to find a job or as a reference book. Anyway, if you go to: http://Jacquelinewhitemore.com scroll down to her blog about her dog. It will make your day.
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18. February 2010 by janet.
Today I spoke with my swimming buddy, Beth Gawain. I met her on the beach in Maui, her daughter is Shaki Gawain who wrote Creative Visualization. Beth has taught me to make flowered leis, swimming early morning to keep healthy and most of brought me to a church where shoes are not required. Beth’s birthday is this Saturday, she will be 89 years young. Last week, I bought six Valentines and sent them to local friends. On Saturday, I received the same Valentine from Honolulu, from a secret friend. I was amazed that it was the same Valentine which I had bought. I recognized the handwriting and was so pleased to call Beth. She brings me warmth all the way from Maui to Marblehead. I can’t wait to swim with her, hopefully this summer. Happy Birthday Beth, I’m proud to know you.
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15. February 2010 by janet.
Last night’s Olympic competition had me screaming. First Apolo Ohno is so cool, I want to marry him. So would my name be Ohno-Spurr or Spurr-Ohno? Oh no! And it’s easy to forget that they are skating at about 35 miles an hour, on ice. Amazing. Then to top of the night, the women’s mogul challenge made me feel completely unworthy. These gals ski 1500 feet down a mogul filled trail and do two flips in less than 30 seconds. Our gal from Norwich, Vermont won the gold and I’m thinking about going to that homecoming parade. Can’t wait for the skating to begin tonight. Oh no!
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13. February 2010 by janet.
I LOVE the Olympics. I don’t think there’s anything better than watching young, healthy people work hard toward their dreams to stand together and soar higher, fastest and further, in peace, to reach places bigger then they could have imagined. I hope someday to be at an Opening Ceremony. I remember one inspiring member of England’s team, Eddie the Eagle. I short guy, who had just taken up Ski Jumping. Everyone loved this guy, because he reached for a dream and although he came in last, he is probably more remembered than some of the gold medal winners. To me, it’s not the medals, it is the athletics’ dreams. What I love the most is watching their dreams come true, even if it isn’t gold, silver or bronze. Go for whatever dream that you have no matter how long it takes.
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12. February 2010 by janet.
I’m lucky, I don’t mind going to the dentist. Today, when the chair went back, I decide to pretend it was my beach chair and the light above would be the sun. I closed my eyes and slowly counted to 30, while breathing slowly. It turned into a very relaxing moment. I also tried this technique while in traffic, the slowing breathing thing, not the beach chair thing. Next time in traffic, count to 30 while slowly breathing. Try it you’ll like it. May the Beach be with You.
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