Monday, May 31, 2004

WooHoo!!!

This one is for Mumsy!

You are sooooo cool!!!

        Thank You

        *** Coy ***

The Drive In Picture Show

 A few of you have left comments asking about the Drive In Movies near my house. I know that the number of multiplex movie theaters continues to rise and that a night at the movies costs almost as much as a day at Disney World. I also know that the number of drive in theaters across the country is dwindling. But... Here in Ft. Lauderdale at the Swap Shop, the nostalgic opportunity to watch the big screen under the stars has been preserved. Added Perk-It only cost 4 bucks per person to get in. "Such a deal"  Feel like getting nostalgic, click HERE

      There are no longer speaker boxes to hang on your window, you tune in to a local radio station to hear the sound. There is however a snack bar (just like way back when) serving up all the usual movie time snacks. And if you would prefer not to walk there are guys on golf carts loaded up with refreshments of every kind. You could even get an ice cold beer if you were so inclined.

     If you are ever out this way (and who wouldn't want to be), I would suggest that you visit the Swap Shop for more than just the Drive In. It does happen to be Florida's 2nd largest attraction (we all know what the first is) it has indoor out door bargain shopping, amusement rides, an arcade and an awesome circus showing daily. check it out for your self at   SWAP SHOP

*** Coy ***

If any of you HTML geniuses get tired of looking at my graphics in those tiny you've got pictures boxes, feel free to contact me and volunteer to walk me through uploading graphics and adding them to my journaljust one time. 

 

A lesson in connecting at the soul.

    When is the last time that someone called out of the blue to tell you how much they appreciate your presence in their life? When is the last time that you did something like that for someone else?

    Let's try it together. Make a list of 3 people that you truly appreciate. Now go back to your journal and acknowledge each one of them. When your done come back here and leave your link. This should be fun!!!

     Here is my first one, 2 more after work.   

D. - You are my unique, amazing, extraordinary friend. I can tell you anything. Even deep dark secretes that I would never tell anyone else. 

 Your presence adds interest and surprise to ordinary days and you always make me feel less alone.

    I crave your opinion on just about everything and the pleasure I find in your sense of humor helps my soul relax.      

   I adore truth telling with you sometimes until 3 am or 4. We never run out of things to say.  

      Maybe when the kids are grown we can find more time to spend together or maybe we never will.  

     But no matter, my life is no doubt better because you are in it. Thank you for so many little things.  

                                     *** Coy ***

Sunday, May 30, 2004

The day after tomorrow

     I saw "The day after tomorrow" last night at the drive in with Mandy. The concept was a little chilling, thinking about the possibility of another ice age occurring due the effects of our very real issues with global warming.

     I was not that impressed with the story line, I had no real connection to the characters themselves until the very end. I'm no critic, but... I would recommend seeing the movie if only to give yourself more awareness of the possible effects our environment could have on life as we know it. 

                                       *** Coy ***

   

Saturday, May 29, 2004

Love Birds

I found this in Penny's journal last night.

     Can't have pets here, so I've taken to feeding birds.  Taking an interest in bird watching and learning more about them.  Most popular visitors here: grackles.  WTH?  Black birds with blue or purple iridescent heads.  Some consider them pest birds, I personally like them, don't bother me at all.  I also have a few pigeons, crows, sparrows, and today I saw a Redwinged Blackbird.  I haven't seen one of those in a while.
 

     So... even though I have been saving this entry for when I get better with adding graphics to my journal, at the rate I am going that may be never. I thought I would post these photos now, for Penny.

    As you may or not be able to read in those awful little photo boxes...

     In our back yard, we have a wide array of wild life. You can sit and watch the beautiful birds feast and bathe. Living in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:State><st1:place>Florida</st1:place></st1:State> we are very lucky to have a climate where many tropical birds can survive. Many pets have escaped their captivity and set up house here. We call them Acquired Exotics. We have huge numbers of Quaker Keets that live close by and build amazing nests on the electric poles. Nanday Conures, Ruby headed Conure, Cockatiels, Parakeets are among our regular visitors. A couple of years ago we noticed a single Peach Faced Love Bird flittering around with the Quakers that he lives with.

     This delightful little guy was quite amusing but still it was a little sad to think of one little love bird all alone. Soon we were happy to find that our Love Bird, found love. Their were 2 little LoveBirds in our back yard. And you know what happens when you have 2 little Love Birds. Yep the pictures above speak for themselves.

     This is quite a thrill for me. For 15 years I raised many different types of tropical birds. I had a pet shop in <st1:State><st1:place>Louisiana</st1:place></st1:State>. 5 years ago when Brad and I divorced was the last time I had a pet of any kind with the exception of fish.  To have these beautiful creatures

living so close by without the confines of captivity is a gift indeed and one more thing I am grateful for on this amazing journey that I call life.

                                     

                                          *** Coy ***

                             

Best Friends

     Mary Lou is one of my very best friends and has been for a long time. I spent the day with her today, first time I had seen her new condo on the intercoastal. Oh how lucky to live so close to the beach.

     Since she got married a few years ago, their are times that we will go for months with out seeing each other. But life always brings us back together, she is a life time friend. Not a reason or a season friend.

     Her husband Louie has become one of my favorite people as well, we always have so much fun together. I am blessed with good friends and thankful.

     Mary Lou and I have been on many adventures together. and it's not over yet. She has been so busy selling her house and buying and decorating her new condo. How awsome is the view from her back porch?

     Looking forward to the Christmas Boat Parade from her back yard this year, YAY!!

     Photo 2 is of 2001 journal entry from before AOL-J's.

                 *** Coy ***

 

Weekend assignment. The hike I never took.

HTML problems tonight

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The <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place>Appalachian Trail</st1:place> as far back as I can remember I had a dream of taking 6 months off from my day to day rounds and hike all the way thru the <st1:place>Appalachian Trail</st1:place>. From <st1:country-region><st1:place>Georgia</st1:place></st1:country-region> to <st1:place>Main</st1:place>, 2175 + miles, thru 14 different states.

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The anticipation- of waiting for a commitment from my fellow journeymen or women. Hopefully at least 3 others, safety in numbers and all.

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The excitement- of planning each and every detail of this life altering experience. What to bring, what not to bring, what we will need to pick up along the way. Where will our mail drops and pick ups be.

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The shopping- for all of the right gear. As many comforts of home as you can fit in a 25-50 pound sack. Not forgetting who will be carrying it.

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The fashion- hiking boots, shorts and a t-shirt, except for when it snows.

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The rebuttals- to the objections from well meaning family and friends that will no doubt be trying to talk me out of going.

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The pre training- practice hikes and physical training before the hike so important to early success on the hike.

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The mental preparation- anticipaitating being homesick, having blisters on your blisters, loss of apatite, the boredom of trail food, the necessity of using out door facilities, if you know what I mean, sleeping on a pad on the hard rocky ground. And accepting these things as part of the journey.

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The sight – of nature’s beauty. The mountains, the lakes, the ponds, the rivers, the sunrises the sunsets, the bridges, the land marks, the wild flowers. Wow!! Just think of the photo opps.

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The smell- of the earth, the rain, the sunshine and all of that fresh air.

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The taste- of trail food, 3-5 days between re supplying points.

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The sounds- of laughter, song and storytelling around a blazing camp fire at night. Prohibited in some areas.

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The joy- of reconnecting to self. Time to clear the mind and possibly redirect the path that will be waiting after the hike is over.

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The privilege- of meeting new people along the way and becoming like family to those on the trail.

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The whimsical- trail names. Mine would possibly be dancing in the rain or maybe just Coy.

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The once in a lifetime- opportunity to follow my dreams. For me happiness has always revolved around where I have been, what I have done, who I have met and the photographs that document it all.

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The hike I may never take.<o:p></o:p>

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                                                        *** Coy ***<o:p></o:p>

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Wednesday, May 26, 2004

A message to all of you in AOL-J land.

       Thank you for the stories that you share here. They are like mini invitations to explore your lives, your passions, your fears, your laughter, your self confidence and your creativity. Your stories nourish my soul and encourage me to get out and try new things passionately, to photograph them and to come back here and write about them.

    I doubt that I am alone, if your stories inspire me I am sure that they inspire others as well to open up their lives and share them with strangers in turn becoming an inspiration in creativity as well. Wow what an art form!

      To anyone new here, "WELCOME." Come in and explore the journals that you find here, leave comments and get involved. You will find that we are richly connected by the stories that we have to tell and that we use the pages of our journals to clear our minds by saying what needs saying and to connect to the heart strings of other creative souls.                                                            

                                       Love you all ,                                  

                                        *** Coy ***

Tuesday, May 25, 2004

Bitter Sweet

     A whole new world of challenge and adventure awaits my neice Brittney.  Today, she graduates High School and in just a few weeks heads off to College.

                                  *** Coy ***          

 

Monday, May 24, 2004

Billy Jack

Well coolness! I didn't expect a response so fast. LOL! Billy who?.... 

1971- I loved this movie.  So Golden Child might not remember, does anyone else?

 

Billy Jack  (1971)

Genre(s): Anti-Heroes, Native America, Rebel With a Cause, Top Grossing Films of 1971, Veterans

Cast: Tom Laughlin, Delores Taylor, Clark Howat, Bert Freed, Julie Webb, Victor Izay, Teresa Kelly, Lynn Baker, Stan Rice, Howard Hesseman; DIRECTED BY: Tom Laughlin; WRITTEN BY: Tom Laughlin, Delores Taylor; CINEMATOGRAPHY BY: Fred W. Koenekamp, John Stephens; MUSIC BY: Mundell Lowe. PRODUCER: Warner Bros., National Student Film Corporation.

Review: On an Arizona Indian reservation, a half-breed ex-Green Beret with pugnacious martial arts skills (Laughlin) stands between a rural town and a school for runaways. Laughlin stars with his real-life wife Taylor. Features the then-hit song "One Tin Soldier," sung by Coven. The movie and its marketing by Laughlin inspired a "Billy Jack" cult phenomenon. A Spanish-dubbed version of this film is also available. Followed by a sequel in 1974, "Trail of Billy Jack," which bombed.

Or this song…

 

One Tin Soldier


Listen, children, to a story
That was written long ago,
'Bout a kingdom on a mountain
And the valley-folk below.

On the mountain was a treasure
Buried deep beneath the stone,
And the valley-people swore
They'd have it for their very own.

Go ahead and hate your neighbor,
Go ahead and cheat a friend.
Do it in the name of Heaven,
You can justify it in the end.
There won't be any trumpets blowing
Come the judgement day,
On the bloody morning after....
One tin soldier rides away.

So the people of the valley
sent a message up the hill,
Asking for the buried treasure,
Tons of gold for which they'd kill.

Came an answer from the kingdom,
"With our brothers we will share
All the secrets of our mountain,
all the riches buried there."

Go ahead and hate your neighbor, go ahead and cheat a friend. Do it in the name of heaven, you can justify it in the end. There won't be any trumpets blowin', come the judgement day. On the bloody mornin' after...
One Tin Soldier Rides Away.

Now the valley cried with anger,
"Mount your horses! Draw your sword!"
And they killed the mountain-people,
So they won their just reward.

Now they stood beside the treasure,
On the mountain, dark and red.
Turned the stone and looked beneath it...
"Peace on Earth" was all it said.

Go ahead and hate your neighbor,
Go ahead and cheat a friend.
Do it in the name of Heaven,
You can justify it in the end.
There won't be any trumpets blowing
Come the judgement day,
On the bloody morning after....
One tin soldier rides away.

(Repeat last verse)



Thanks to Thomas Clifford (rihananon@hotmail.com)

Sunday, May 23, 2004

I'm taking 3 questions too!

I am taking 3 questions too!

     You may have noticed that several journals have opened them selves up for answering your questions. I thought I would try it too.

     You ask me 3 questions, I give you the answers and will probably ask you 3 questions too. Guess it's a good way for us to all get to know each other a little better.

                      *** Coy *** 

    

Ask Penny, Stacey, Patrick and Jeff

3 questions too!

 

Penny,   1. If you were to select music for a soundtrack of the day you've had, what songs would you play in the background and why? Thats what friends are for (because of a conversation I had with my friend David before work today) * Working 9 to 5 or actually 12 to 8 (because I did today) * We are family (because I work with some people that I am as close to as family) * Teach your children well (because of a E-mail my daughter Angie sent to me today and because of the one I sent back to her)  * I'll be there for you, the Friends song (because of all the new comments in my journal from all of my new friends here in AOL-J) 

2.  What do you really, deeply want from life?  Happy, healthy well grounded lives for my children. Adventure, love and lot's of friends for me.

3.  What emotions surface during thunderstorms? Thunderstorms are commomn place here in Florida. Every afrernoon around 3:00, in the summertime big black clouds roll out from the Everglades and nature decides how much fury to unleash. My thoughts usually lean towards, " I hope it stops raining by the time I leave work, or leave for work depending on the day. check here http://journals.aol.com/coy1234787/Dancingintherain/entries/376   to read what I like to do during a hurricane watch.
     

 Carly,

   1. What one song moves you to a great emotion? Mark Anthony's "You sang to me."   My favorite music to listen to is the original music that my friends have written over the years. 

2. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?   St. Maarten, a Carribean Island that I visited in January.

3. Who do you consider your hero or heroine? That's easy, Oprah! I think that she should be president.
   

 

Patrick,

   1. What are you most afraid of? I am most afraid of never loving or being loved the way I was in a 6 month, whirl wind, sweep you off your feet, love of a lifetime relationship that I was in about 3 years ago.

2. What lesson about life have you learned SINCE turning 40 that you MOST WISH you had learned BEFORE turning 40? Don't sweat the small stuff and It's almost all small stuff. 

3. If you had to live in any other state besides Florida, which one would you pick and why?
If it had to be another state I would choose Alabama. 90% of every person that I am related to lives in Alabama and I have never lived close to them. Truth be known I would choose to live in St. Maarten, a caribbean island that I visited in January.        

  Gregg- Golden Child Superstar 

  Hmmm. You know I'm no good at these things because I can turn anything around to be about myself. LOL! Well here goes nothing. :-)

1. Why is it that I'm so much better-looking than everyone else in the world? LMAO J/K! Okay. I'll be serious. You've gotta know how I love to hear you talk like this Boy Child :-) kiss, kiss!

1. If you could live anywhere in the world right now where would it be and why?
Everyone keeps asking me the same question. Maybe it's a sign that I should pack up and move to St. Maaarten the most beautiful place that I have ever seen on this earth. I fell in love with the natural beauty of this island. Much less developed than my second choice, St. Thomas. (see photo 1 and 2 above)

2. When you're driving alone down a  long stretch of road in your car, what come to mind? My 2 kids, Angie and Joey that live with their Father in Louisiana and about Mandy, my 17 year old that still lives at home with me. I love them so.

3. Civilzation as we know it is about to come to an abrubt end and you're the one responsible for leaving a message behind for whoever may happen upon the ruins of this planet. It can only be one sentence long. What would it be? "Peace on Earth"   Are you to young to remember Billy Jack?


 

Saturday, May 22, 2004

Friday Photo "Macro"

     This weeks Friday Photo theme was "Macro". My camera does not have a macro lense but this is an up close and personal view of a hibiscus in my back yard.

                                             *** Coy ***

 

Oh the places you'll go

Oh the places you'll go!      

Congratulations! Today is your day, you're off to great places, you're off and away!

      You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself any direction you choose.

     You're on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who'll decide where to go.        

      My favorite niece Brittney is graduating High School on Monday and will be heading off to college in just a few weeks. (Summer Classes)

     Her big blow out of a graduation party coupled with her Mom's 40th Birthday party is going to be an event to remember and is on June 13th. I still have a little time to decide on an appropriate gift for her party but wanted to have a little something package for her on Monday night.

     So... I bought this Dr. Seuss book, along with a matching journal and stationary with self addressed stamped envelopes of all her closest family and friends. Hoping to make it effortless for her to drop us a line. I know that with cell phones with free long distance, and e mail so easy to use, writing a real letter delivered through snail mail is seldom done in her generation. We will see.

       Any one know someone graduating this book is such a great idea. Here are someof my ideas for her real gift. Which one should I choose...       

    * Stocks

* Savings bond

* A gift VISA to tuck away for emergencys

 * Personalized desk supplies

* A small refridgerator for her dorm room

* A new Digital camera, she lost hers on a trip to California this summer.

* Nice alarm clock

* A silver Key to Success

* Book Ends

 * Coffee Maker and Thermos

* A perfect backpack    

     By the way, Grand parents giving a Cross pen and pencil set, Class of 2004 photo album and frame along with Shares of Mc Donnald's Stock. And I am pretty sure her Mom and Dad will be giving her a lap top computer and printer.  

      Any other suggestions welcome!    I also could use suggestions for the perfect 40th B.D. gift for my sister. she prefers thought filled gifts to cash, trust me.

*** Coy ***

Brittney is my only neice.

 I call her my favorite because she is.

Stella's 40th

Happy 40th Stella        

       Today is Stellas 40th birthday. Her Husband brought a cake in to work and sent her a dozen of the most beautiful perfect roses that I have ever seen. Awww he's so cute. The night shift took up a collection and bought her a spill proof coffee cup and gift certificate for Starbucks.   

     I wrote her a poem and made her a birthday card out of it (1st photo). I also bought her one of those colorful little paper holders like mine (photo 2) that they fight over when I am not there. I had to get Dave one too! Would not be good if she got one and he didn't.

       I wrap everything in cellophane and curling ribbon. Kind of my signature. If you ever get a gift from me chances are about 99% it will be wrapped like (photo 2). I guess it comes from all those years wrapping party favors at my sisters party store. Notice the kid like bubble letters too. I know it's a little corny but every one seems to like it.

     Now I don't claim to be a poet but Stella's card made her cry. You can see from her photos that she has hair down to there. She's a real beauty, a Mexican cutie and we laugh together every day. I mean real belly laughs. the kind of laughs that make your eyes tear and send to much oxygen to the brain. If laughter is the best medicine then she and I should  the picture of health.    

       Hope that all of what she wished for is the least of what she got today.                               

                                            *** Coy ***

Friday, May 21, 2004

1969, 2nd grade. Weekend assignment.

 

 

     Hmmmm, best friend in 2nd grade. That’s hard because starting way before 2nd grade, I was in a gang. Not the Crips, the Bloods or the Lords, more like the Little Rascals. We were all best of friends from Pre School until we were all in High School.

     Coy, Susan, Elaine, Bobby, Harold, Theresa (my sister) and Tina were the original founders of this gang and we stuck with each other through thick and thin from Pre School through Elementary School and Middle school and  then on into High School. Others came and went over the years but we were the permanent players.

     If  I close my eyes, I can remember a million games of kickball, climbing trees, catching lizards and doodle bugs, water bomb fights, riding bikes, picking oranges, swimming, playing house, doctor and Barbie’s forever and a day. We would walk in groups from Dawn until dusk during the summer (not in 2nd grade) with nowhere to go, just anxious to spend every waking moment together.

     It’s funny, I was just reminiscing all of these memories in my mind over the past few weeks. My sister is having a huge 40th birthday bash next month and oh how I would love to be able to find these guys and surprise her by having them there. I just don’t have the time or the know how to find them.

                                                          *** Coy ***

 

Monday, May 17, 2004

what classic movie are you?


What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com      

 

     I took this classic movie test that I found in Penny and Mumsey's journals. I can't believe it says I am " Mr. Smith goes to Washington" and that determining and doing the right thing is the foundation of my personality.

     They actually hit the nail right on the head but I was hoping for something much more exciting. Hmmm maybe a personality make over is in order, or... maybe not.

                                           *** Coy ***       

Sunday, May 16, 2004

Not your typical day at the beach

Sometimes you get what you pay for.

 

     I went to the beach today, I’ve felt exceptionally tired this week and there is nothing as rejuvenating as a day at the beach. For the last year and a half I have had to move north from Traders Beach to Deerfield Beach to make way for progress. Yes they tore down the hotel at one of my most favorite places on earth to build high-rise luxury condos L (but that’s a story for another day). When I got to Deerfield Beach they were holding an annual festival on the beach. Ordinarily I would want to be right there in the middle of it all but today I just wanted to get oiled up from head to toe and relax in the sun. (I didn’t even bring a book, only music to chill by). That beach was very crowded, and they were asking $10.00 for parking. So I decided to go north which is something I have not done in years, I always  go south.

     I had my new snorkeling gear in the car so I thought I would go and check out a park that I’ve planned to visit with some people at work to snorkel on its reef. (One of the few easily accessible spots near here). I figured if I was going to pay $10 bucks for parking it should at least be the park with the reef. Now I would not ordinarily consider my self cheap but when I found out they were charging $18.00 for parking, I thought I would shop around for a better deal. This is the beach not Disney World. I went to the next park and it also was $18.00 for parking. I asked if their were yearly passes available and was told yes $30.00 for the year and today’s $18.00 would go towards the yearly pass. Now that’s more like it, right?

     I decided that if I was going to pay the $30.00 it should at least be for the park that has the reef, so back to Red Reef I went, (this is so not like me). When I got to the gate I asked the attendant about the yearly passes and he asked if I lived in Boca and I said yes, then he asked if I lived in East or West Boca and I said West. He said Oh, then you will have to use the other park in order to get the pass.  

     OK, now I live in beautiful Boca Raton Florida but I’m considered the other side of the tracks. If I lived in East Boca My $30.00 would get me a yearly pass to all 4 parks but being I am from lowly West Boca the same $30.00 only gets me 1 park and not the one of my choice.

     The game was getting old and I was supposed to be relaxing, right? I asked about the reef and the attendant said that there is good news and bad news. The bad news is that there were rip current warnings out along with jellyfish and sea lice warnings as well and that there would be no snorkeling on the reef today anyway. The good news was the 1 park that my pass would be good for was right next door and if I would park at the very North side of the park then the reef was only about a 300 yard walk down a boardwalk. By now I had enough and daylight was a wasting so I went down to still another park and was delighted to find that parking was only $5.00.

     I would recommend to anyone that was considering which one of these beaches to go to that you not choose the South Inlet Park. Although it seemed a better deal, this time you really do get what you pay for. I just kept looking around saying Ewwww this beach is so dirty. The sand was blackish and your feet got dirty if you walked on it. I was just so ready to get somewhere that I decided to stay but Yuck, I’ll never go back there again. I did get my Friday photo “ Parts” there but give me Deerfield beach anytime. This was defiantly not your typical day at the beach. I think I was more tired when I left there than I was before I got there.

                                             *** Coy ***

    

Weekend Assignment

Brushes with fame.

     I don't recall to many brushes with fame over the years. I was in an elevator with Jack Klugman (Oscar Madison) once when I worked at Resorts International Casino in Atlantic City. There is no story there, I said hello he nodded and then I got off the elevator.

     My Dad was in the movie "Where the boy's are in the 50's. Actually he was just a really cute guy in a really sweet red Corvette, guess that didn't make him to famous.

     Then there is my friend Nikko who owns one of the largest entertainment companies in South Florida. My story is not going to be about Nikko and his fabulous, nationally know entertainers but I would like to invite you to check out his website.  

http://www.nikkoent.com/home.html   NikkoRocks!!! or as Golden Child might so eloquently put it Nikko is the Shiznit!!!

     I am going to take the alternate assignment this time. I guess I just don't have it in me to be star struck. I have not had a celebrity crush since David Cassidy, Leif Garrett and Donny Osmond posters adorned my walls when I was a kid.

     I have however found my self very inspired by the Ricky Williams story and his month long journey to self in the Outback. Ricky Williams is the new Miami Dolphins Running back and I have to admit a momentary desire to be along on that journey if only asa quiet observer.    

     This was an Australian vacation all alone in a 1974 Volkswagen Van in search of inner peace. I admire the reasoning for this journey especially coming for a man so rich and so famous. It is relatively easy for some of us to take time out of our hectic lives to feed our artistic spirits and work on our hearts callings like painting, photography, reading, journaling, meditating, and questioning what life throws us in fact, most AOL journalers take time out almost every day to do just that. Lucky us. But for someone in the public spotlight  it's just gotta be a little tougher.

     I love the part about him shaving off his Bob Marley type dreads along the way. This was his claim to fame and the one distinguishing chearistics that made him so recognizable to the world. He did this to find his truth instead of taking Gillette up on their offer to give him $750,000.00 to use this private moment as part of a national advertisement campaign.

     Click here to hear the rest of the story

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/football/8546067.htm?1c

    

                                             *** Coy ***

Saturday, May 15, 2004

What I read, what I wrote, what I got back.

what I read...  

 http://beta.journals.aol.com/lucylouladybug/OnTheTipOfMyWings/entries/552      

 what I wrote...     

 Great thought so late on a friday night. Reminds me of the Martina Mc Bride song below. My Mother bought me the cd for my birthday in the middle of my nightmare of a divorce and said how the song reminded her of how strong I am.  
 

 She loved like he was the last man on earth. gave him everything she ever had.
He’d break her spirit down, then come lovin’ up on her. give a little, then
Take it back. she’d tell him about her dreams - he’d just shoot ’em down. lord,
He loved to make her cry. "you’re crazy for believin’ you’ll ever leave the
Ground." he said "only angels know how to fly."
And with a broken wing, she still sings. she’ keeps an eye on the sky. with a
Broken wing, she carries her dreams. man, you ought to see her fly.
One sunday mornin’, she didn’t go to church. he wondered why she didn’t leave.
He went up to her bedroom, found a note by the window, with the curtains
Blowin’ in the breeze, and with a broken wing, she still sings. she keeps an
Eye on the sky. with a broken wing, she carries her dreams. man, you ought to
See her fly. with a broken wing, she carries her dreams. man, you ought to see
Her fly. (with a broken wing oooooh) 

 

  what I got back...

That was my marriage in a nutshell.  Thanks for sharing that with me.  I have a thing about wings.... Another thing we have in common it seems... But we fly now, I know we do. Love you, Penny

 

Thursday, May 13, 2004

Hodgepodge of incomplete thoughts

I’ve been way to busy and much to tired to update my journal this week.

    

     Training for a new position at work all week in a very high paced environment that requires multitasking at all times.

 

     Working on invitations to my Sisters 40th Birthday/ Nieces Graduation Party on June 13th.  I know that’s in 4 weeks. Custom invitations, gives me a chance to show off my creativity a little, I just don’t like being rushed. This is no small party and this is no small invitation job with my sister everything has to be done in to the extreme and that’s a good thing.

 

     The invitations are turning out better than I expected. The Theme of the party is Brittney’s Changes in Latitude as she graduates High School and moves on to college.

Theresa’s Changes in Attitude as she turns 40

Nothing remains quite the same.

 

     That’s right folks we are bringing Margaritaville to Boca in a really big way. I’ll keep you posted on party plans.

 

     1 day weekends and 6 day work weeks for 6 ½ years is catching up to me this week in particular. I don’t normally require a whole lot or sleep or rest but I feel extremely exhausted this week

 

     Being a mother to Mandy is a full time job in its own. Trust me when I say to you that they need you more at 17 than they do when they are 5.

 

     So… tired old me has not updated my own journal but I have spent some relaxing leisure time reading others. I am very surprised at the impact that some of the other journals here in J-land are having in the day to day rounds of my life.

 

     I love reading journals as much as I love writing my own. On my down time it is easy to sit down at the computer and spend hours hopping around from journal to journal soaking up information about the interesting lives of their writers.

 

     I still read my original 4 daily reads, every single time they are updated no matter how busy my day has been. I have added a new one to that list as well. My new journal entry alerts has not been working this week so I have had to read the journals the old fashioned way by clicking on each one each time I am at the computer.

 

    Back to surprising impact… The three women on my daily reads list are SloMo, Freepeace and Penny. These 3 amazing dynamic women always keep me coming back for more. I love keeping up with the events in their day to day lives. They are so brave in bearing their souls and sharing with us their highs and their lows. Their words and their messages are often so intimate. I think I know more about each of them right now than I do about most of my closest friends.

 

     I feel happy for them when they are happy, excited for them when they are excited, concerned about them when they are going through extremely tough times. The one thing I think all 3 of them have the most in common is the ability to put down into words their fears and their pain in a way that allows us to feel for a brief moment  what it might be like to be them. They are my hero’s.

 

     Billbinford is also one of my daily reads. Bill was the very first person to leave a comment in my journal and has taken great care from day 1 to make sure I don’t have zeros on comments added to an entry. Thanks Bill.

 

      I have gotten to know a lot about Bill and his wife and daughters from reading his journal every day and I really missed him when he was gone away for so long to the Miami and New Orleans Cable Shows.

 

     The new kid on my daily read list is Golden Child Superstar. His entries seem to come more on a weekly basis and I look forward so, to him coming out to play. I love the way he writes and I love the way he’s got all the girls in j-land wrapped around his little finger I patiently await his new entries. A Superstar indeed.

 

     This entry is a hodgepodge of incomplete thoughts that are on my mind right now because I am to tired to write a real entry. Guess I will call it “Hodgepodge of incomplete thoughts.      

                                        Good Night All

                                           *** Coy ***

 

Sunday, May 9, 2004

Mothers Day 2004

     Early Mothers Day breakfast at Denny's before Mom and Dad go off to church. I have to work today so everyone going to the beach on Mothers Day with out me today:-(

    

Saturday, May 8, 2004

Mothers Day Memories

     I am working this year on Mothers Day, I go in tomorrow at noon. We are taking my Mother out for Mothers Day breakfast tomorrow before she goes to church.

     I have so many lovely Mothers Day memories, maybe because it comes at such a wonderful time of year. Water Parks, Parrot Jungle, the Beach with 25 of my closest friends and relations, Pool Parties and Bar B Q’s etc…

     My most treasured Mother’s Day memories however are of when (J.A.M.), my 3 children were very little. Joey’s teacher taught her 1st grade class one year how much mothers loved breakfast in bed on Mothers Day.

     My children took that lesson and created a tradition that lasted for years. In the early years, I was always surprised with the most creative and unusual culinary delights one could imagine. I’ve had untoasted English muffins smeared with strawberry cake frosting, cinnamon rolls, pretzels and vanilla wafers with peanut butter, and what ever other surprises they could dream up. After a few years I got smart and started leaving the fixings for the perfect breakfast in bed where they could easily be found on Mothers Day morning. The pictures above are of a Thank You card I wrote to them in 1997 after a beautiful breakfast in bed.

     The first time they went shopping alone was also for Mothers Day. I gave them some money and turned them loose in Wal-Mart while I waited in the snack bar. I was surprised the next morning with the most unusual package of hand held American Flags, (3 of them), highlighters in various colors and white out. I guess that these were the things that they thought I wanted most

                                           Awww precious memories,

                                                     *** Coy ***.  

Most memorable present

     Like most of you I was expecting Scalzi’s weekend assignment to be about Mothers Day. That would have made this assignment sooo much easier for me. After getting home from work at 10:30 on Thursday night, I thought I would check out the assignment and maybe get it in early this time. When I saw what the assignment was I drew a complete blank. I am 41 years old, I have never, not had a birthday party in my life and I could not remember a single birthday present I had ever gotten.

     If you knew how completely compulsive we are in my family about frantically shopping for just the right gift and making sure it is wrapped and presented in just the right way you would understand why a total blank might be cause for concern. (note to self, finding the perfect gift may not be as important as you have always thought).

     My birthday is on July 6th so it has always been celebrated jointly with Independence Day. Often we celebrated with a Neighborhood Block Party, a Family Vacation or with a Big Old 4th of July Parade. YAY me! By Friday morning I started to remember.

    My most memorable Birthday present. One year in the middle of my divorce when I was feeling at the lowest in my life. My niece Brittney and my Dad came into my work with the biggest, most elaborate 5 foot birthday arrangement from Party Perfect that I had ever seen. I was part of the company’s management team at that time. For 6 years I was the recruiter and trainer for cold call. We had close to 120 employees working for us at that time and to see them ohhh and ahhh over these amazing decorations was a great pick me up at a time when I needed it most. Amazing it’s not the big dollar gifts that you remember first.

     With the new do not call policy that has gone into effect this year, we have no more cold call (no applause please) I miss all 120 of them. I am in a different department now,  I am no longer a part of management since our company downsized from about 150 total employees to about a total of 25 employees in our location. No real complaints because with our company like in baseball, the managers do not make nearly as much $ as the players. There are 3 things that I do miss most about cold call and one of them leads me to the extra credit part of this assignment.

 

The most memorable Birthday Present I have ever given. When we were a team of 12 in management, it seemed that every week or 2 we were celebrating a birthday. These private parties in the conference room, complete with cake and a luncheon were always a welcome distraction in our work day. This was a time for jokes and laughter and a time to just be together. If it sounds a little sappy for work, you are right but that’s just the way it was. Being the close knit, fun loving group that we are we eventually came up with our own version of the Happy Birthday song.

     Each of us would sing off key, starting at various intervals, singing a little bit different song than the others. Imagine this times 12 voices and what you would get was a sound to behold. This very unique version of Happy Birthday became our signature song and we would sing it to each other in private, we would sing it to each other in public restarunts, and we would even sing it to strangers if the occasion would arise.

     That song and those luncheons are one of the 3 things I miss most about cold call. I heard them singing that song with out me on Wednesday with only 5 voices instead of 12 and I felt very sad L for the rest of the day. That song is one of the most memorable Birthday gifts I have ever given or gotten. Is gotten a word?

                                                         *** Coy ***

 

 

Thursday, May 6, 2004

5th of May, Latino Style

 Cinco de Mayo

     I made a Costco run after work yesterday to pick up new snorkel gear that my friend David recommended. I love when someone else does all of the research and leg work picking out something really great and then all you have to do is go get one of your own. Thanks Dave.

     While I was there I ran into my sister (imagine that). We did some shopping, looked at the orchids and then she invited me over to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with some friends that I had not seen in way to long. YAY!

     No, the party was not at the Cathedral of Puebla, there were no Grand Parades, no

 Mariachi Bands and Dancers and there were no Aztec’s reenacting the battle of Cinco de Mayo but we did use it as an excuse to indulge in Grand Fiesta.

    Good friends Good Music and plenty of Guacamole. (Useless Trivia) the Aztecs consider the avocado to be an aphrodisiac; they are great for facials and massage as well.

     We had Fajitas and although I don’t eat skirt steak or chicken, there was also plenty of shrimp and Mahi Mahi, Mango Salsa, Jalapeños, Guacamole, Sour Cream and the works.

     We did the same as many American Latinos and used the 5th of May as an excuse to celebrate Mexican Culture; their food, their music and their customs. Ole!

                                                         ***Coy ***

 

Wednesday, May 5, 2004

Pimped

        

   We've Been Pimped

          By The Best!

 

A Shout out to the Pimptress of Ceremony herself, SloMo.Does she look great in purple folks or what?

 

http://journals.aol.com/slowmotionlife/slowmotionlife/entries/453

 

Thanks so much Slo, way to make a girl feel loved! Better than making the AOL top 5 list any day!

 

Thought you might want to see the photo above. Real picture of me as the original Pimp, Hustla, Gangsta 25 years ago.

                         

                      *** Coy ***  

Tuesday, May 4, 2004

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.

 

 

     Ok so we have all heard the old saying about making lemonade. Right? Well in our case life gives us Roses… and Carnations, Snapdragons, Daisies, Lilies, Baby’s-Breath etc…

     My sister is in the party decorating business and what a business it is. Someday I will WOW you all with an entry about Party Perfect a behind the scenes look. First I must learn how to add the graphics and photos to HTML. Ahhh for a single 2 day weekend to get it figured out.

     Anyway, back to lemonade. Flowers are a big part of Theresa’s decorating medium. Not the main part but defiantly an important part. Soooo sometimes on weekends after arrangements have been created and safely delivered to every corner of town often there are tons of left over flowers. Not wanting these beauties to go to waste and being to totally exhaust to use them herself, Theresa will drop off garbage cans full of beautiful blooms to our door.

     So when life gives us lemons we make lemonade, when life gives us flowers we make arrangements and spread beauty and cheer across the neighborhood to our unsuspecting neighbors.

     The photos above are of my Mom and Dad doing just that this past weekend. Awww aren’t they cute?

                                           *** Coy ***