(43-301) THOUGHTFUL

We've all heard the expression, "If you look up (blank) in the dictionary, you'll see a picture of (blank's) face."  Well, I have to tell you that if you looked up THOUGHTFUL in the dictionary, you would see a picture of my dear friend, Rachel S' face.  I've written about Rachel S a couple of times during the course of the 43 series; but I really sang her praises (and deservingly so), in "The Care Package."  Just to refresh your memory, (or if your a new rider)  Rachel and her mom, Penny had sent me a very generous care package of some comfort foods that I'd casually mentioned missing.  It was entirely unexpected and incredibly appreciated, and the words that I wrote really didn't do them justice.
I told you about Rachel again, when I shared my plans to go to New York this summer, and then again when I told you last week about how Rachel told her mom that I liked to shop at Kohl's and her mom sent me $20 worth of gift cards.  What I didn't tell you was that a couple of months after I posted "The Truth About Ladybugs,"  I received a little package in the mail.  The return address was Rachel's and I had no idea what or why she would be sending me something.  When I opened the package, I found the most adorable little case that was shaped like a strawberry, and inside the case was a ring with a ladybug on it.  Once again I was blown away by Rachel's thoughtfulness.  I couldn't believe that she thought of me when she saw that ladybug ring; and the fact that she bought it for me, touched me deeply.
Well, on Monday morning I logged on to my work computer, and Rachel had sent me an email.  It didn't say anything; it just had this picture...  

And that meant the world to me.  How many people would see a picture in the newspaper and take the time to email it to a friend just because they thought that they might like it.  Sometimes it's just the little things that a friend does for you that makes you realize just how thoughtful they are; and lets you know how much you mean to them.  Rachel is the epitome of THOUGHTFUL.  It runs in her family; and I feel so blessed that it does. 

Sometimes saying "Thank you" just doesn't seem like enough.  So I'd like to share these sentiments:
 

"Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves."
~James Matthew Barrie

"A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses."
 ~Chinese Proverb

"Because that's what kindness is. It's not doing something for someone else because they can't, but because you can."
 ~Andrew Iskander


"In about the same degree as you are helpful, you will be happy." ~Karl Reiland

"It's not that successful people are givers; it is that givers are successful people." ~Patti Thor


All of these quotes exemplify how Rachel lives her life.  She is wise and fair, and generous and understanding; and her friendship is a precious gift.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-155) The Care Package

Today was unusually, cold and rainy in Phoenix.  It was 52 degrees according to the Wii, and the kids and I decided that it was a stay in PJ's all day, kinda day. 

I was at the table working, when  all of a sudden our doorbell rang; (and this doesn't happen often, especially if we're not expecting anyone.)  Lyndzi looked out the window and told me that we had a package.  My immediate thought was "My pink bra from Lane Bryant;" but much to my surprise, it was a BIG box, from Zabar's.

Now for those of you who aren't familiar with Zabar's; I'm turning to  Wikipedia, to provide you with a lil background.  "Zabar's is a specialty food store at 2245 Broadway and 80th Street, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City. It is known for its selection of bagels, smoked fish, olives, and cheeses. Zabar's is frequently referenced in popular culture; it is mentioned in the 1998 film You've Got Mail, the 2009 TV series V and episodes of Will & Grace, Dream On, Mad About You, Sex and the City, The Nanny, Seinfeld, The West Wing, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, 30 Rock, and Castle."

With that being said; I was in utter shock, to be receiving a package from Zabar's; and I honestly had no idea who had sent it.  I opened the package, and found a note that read "SENDING YOU SOME MUCH NEEDED 'COMFORT FOODS' FROM NEW YORK.  KEEP UP THE GREAT BLOG.  MUCH LOVE RACHEL & PENNY."  And then I promptly cried because I was so moved by their thoughtfulness.  Oh my goodness!

Rachel, is the Rachel S that I wrote about in "A Note Of Gratitude;" and if you've had the opportunity to read it, then you may remember how touched I was by Rachel's words of encouragement and how thankful I was that she had called me the other day.  So, can you imagine how overwhelmed I was by the kindness and consideration that Rachel and her extraordinary, mother Penny had shown by sending me this gift?  I adore Rachel and Penny; and not because they sent me a care package in response to my "Comfort Food" blog; but because they CARE.

I've known this magnificent mother and daughter since I was 16 years old; and although I typically only saw them during the summer, at the Pine's, they were very dear to me.  I remember that Rachel (who's a few years younger than me;) ALWAYS had her head on her shoulders. She had a unique maturity and she never cared what anybody else was doing; she invariably did what was right for her. She loved her parents profoundly and their relationship was admirable. They all showed each other love, respect and devotion; and after talking to Penny today, I realized that she was one of my first "parent" role models.  Much like my mom, Penny always took the time to get to know Rachel's friends and whenever I saw her, she never failed to express her fondness and genuine interest in me. 
Rachel and Penny went out of their way to attend my Nana's funeral; and went even further out of their way to surprise me at my bridal shower.  We've all managed to keep in touch throughout the years, and my family had the pleasure of seeing Rachel and her sister just a few years ago when they came to Phoenix; but by no means do we talk, write or see each other regularly; which makes this gift even that much more surprising.

Rugelach

I started looking through my package, and I was just blown away.  These incredible women sent me 2 dozen bagels, a lb. of lox (smoked salmon,) plain cream cheese, scallion cream cheese, a lb. of coffee with an official Zabar's measuring spoon, and two different kinds of rugelach.  The package also contained an insulated Zabar's tote and of course; ice packs.  

I immediately called Rachel to thank her and I believe that I was still choked up, maybe even crying; as I left a message expressing my utmost gratitude.  I asked Rachel to please call me back so that I could thank her properly, and provide me with Penny's phone number; and within a matter of minutes, Penny had called me.

It was so comforting to hear Penny's voice; and after reading my description of this dynamic duo; it shouldn't surprise you to hear that after I thanked Penny for the wonderful care package; she said "You can believe me that it gave us more pleasure than you can imagine."  She went on to say that it was more of a pleasure to give to me than to receive.  And I KNOW exactly what she means.

Penny and I chatted for a while, and amongst other things, we talked about my kids.  I bragged (of course;) and told her how fantastic they are; and she told me  "You get out of them what you put into them;" and you know what?  She's absolutely right!  We talked a little bit more and Penny said "You're so fortunate that you have love all around you.  If you have love and your health; you're way ahead of the game;" and I couldn't agree more.  Penny is a sage woman who has always given great advice; and the fact that she still thinks so highly of me after all of these years; is just a testament to what a loving, compassionate woman she is; and surely the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, in the case of her daughters.

Although it was cold and rainy in Phoenix today, I was warmed by the unbelievable benevolence that I was shown.  I feel so fortunate to have these astonishing women in my life.   Rachel and Penny make me feel So VERY special and so cared for; and that in and of itself is a gift.  I think that I could write for hours and hours on the subject, and never fully convey the depths of my gratitude and my love.  I am blessed, I am blessed, I am truly BLESSED!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-148) My Smart Shopper

In case I haven't mentioned it in like the past five minutes; I have the BEST, most GENEROUS friends EVER!!!!!!!!!  Truly, generosity of spirit is more than enough for me; but I am very blessed to have friends who are magnanimous with gifts as well.  December brings EVERYONE increased expenses; so it means more than I can say, when my friends send birthday gifts to my daughters or holiday gifts to my children; when I know that they have their own responsibilities to tend to.

All three of my kids were fortunate to receive a couple of gift cards as well as some money, from our very altruistic friends.  As always, I encouraged them to think carefully about what they might buy.  Luis had to go to Target this past Sunday night, and the kids wanted to go along. They all brought their money with them, but Lyndzi was the only one who bought anything. Lyndzi spent $5 on a Luigi (from Mario Bros) key chain; as she'd bought Mario the last time that she had money.  Then last night, we went to the Disney store, because I needed to buy a gift card; and Lyndzi found a comic strip Mickey, plush toy that she wanted to  purchase.  Lyndzi is a big fan, OK you got me, I couldn't resist, (say it with me) yes, "HUGE," fan of vintage Mickey; and the plush was only $12.50, so we both agreed that this would be money well spent. Then later that night Lyndzi was looking at the Michaels flyer and she found an art set with markers,colored pencils,crayons,oil pastels,paint,a paint brush,a pad of paper and a pencil sharpener,for only $3.69; my smart shopper.  Lyndzi asked me if she could buy it; and I told her that I would take her to Michaels when I was done working on Wednesday. 

Lyndzi asked me multiple times today if I was still going to take her to Michaels; because she was SO excited about buying the art set.  I assured her that we would go as soon as I was done working; and then I made her a couple of propositions.  FIRST, I reminded her of the time that I had asked her to draw a picture for "The Bumpy Ride," and she wasn't able to do ("What A Mom's Gotta Do...")  Lyndzi did remember and so I suggested that once she purchased the art set, she could draw me a picture for me to use in today's post; and Lyndzi LOVED that idea.  My next proposition was that she come up with her own character, and draw me some pictures to go along with my "A Blueprint For A B.F.F" post; so that together we could try and get it made into an article of some sort, or a children's book; and Lyndzi was delighted that I'd asked her.

As soon as I finished work, we promptly went to Michael's and Lyndzi found the only set that the store had left.  As soon as we got home, Lyndzi got right to work; and this was her finished product...

Mario & Luigi race to save Princess Peach

In case I haven't mentioned it in like the past five minutes; I am SO incredibly proud of my children; and when it comes to spending money, I have to say that they are all incredibly responsible and conscientious. I don't think that I could have made better choices for Lyndzi, than she had made for herself; and as a parent, that is really gratifying. 
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING