(43-319) White Feathers

On Thursday morning I was working in my office, and I thought of my Uncle Harry (Jackie's father.)  I wanted to text Jackie to see how he was doing, because he has Leukemia and was recently admitted to the hospital; and all of a sudden I saw white feathers drifting in front of my face.  I'm pretty sure that I said out loud, "What's with all of these feathers," but then I think that I immediately forgot about it.(Almost like it hadn't happened.)  Then, a minute later I saw a single, white feather float in front of my face and I KNOW that this time I said out loud "What's with the feathers?"  I grabbed the feather, because I wanted to have proof of the occurence.  My friend Kathy and I were the only ones in our office at this time, so I asked her if she was seeing feathers; and I probably don't have to tell you that her response included something to the effect of "Are you nuts?"  I told her that I'd seen some feathers and I showed her the one that I grabbed.  Neither one of us knew what to make of it, but I immediately thought ANGEL - and texted Jackie to check on her dad.

I put the feather in my wallet while I anxiously awaited Jackie's response.  All she said was that he was depressed, but that's OK; at least he's still with us.  I didn't tell her anything about the feathers, because quite honestly, I didn't know what to make of it.  Of course I thought that my mom had paid me a visit, and leaving a few feathers was her way of letting me know that she was there.  Interestingly enough, at his swim meet that night, Nicky swam better than he ever had.  He took first place for breast stroke, first place for butterfly and his lane took third place in their medley relay.  Was there an angel watching over him? 

Wanting to know a little bit more about the significance of seeing white feathers, I did a little research.  YES, research; and I found the following "possible" explanations:
KGBabswers states:  "According to spiritualists a white feather falling on you may mean that you have been visited by an angel."  "Some people believe that when you receive a white feather it's actually the angels letting you know that they are with you, surrounding you with love. Be safe!"

According to the " Symbolic meanings blog by Avia Venefica" It is commonly thought in most cultures that feathers are symbols of higher thought, spiritual progression. The line of thought here is that birds were considered divine creatures in primitive/ancient cultures because they are creatures of the sky (heaven) and therefore closer to God.
When you find feathers upon your path it could be taken to mean that you are on a higher spiritual path (whether you accept it or not), and it may be a sign of encouragement as you philosophically travel on this path.
Finding feathers on your path is also symbolic of having a lighter outlook on life or a particularly situation. When we see feathers in our midst it is considered a message that we need to lighten up, not take things too seriously, and try to find the joy in our situation."

Wikipedia states that a white feather can either be "a sign of cowardice,or pacifism and in the United States, of extraordinary bravery and excellence in combat marksmanship. In religion, a white feather has been interpreted as a message card of peace from angels."

If I had seen the feather in my home or some place where there were pillows or blankets, I'm sure that I wouldn't be giving the feathers a second thought. But in my office?  I find that peculiar.  Nonetheless, as Freud said "sometimes a cigar is just a cigar."  So what do I think?  I think that people choose to believe whatever they find comforting.  I like the idea of believing that my Mom paid me a visit.  Maybe she was there to  reassure me that now was not my Uncle's time.  Perhaps she was their to look in on me because now is NOT my time.  Maybe she popped by to reassure me that she's always with me; or because she wanted to join me for the kid's swim meet.  Or maybe it was just a fluke, but I don't think so.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-318) Three Times The Charm...

Today I posted my Facebook status as “All packed up, just waiting for the Messer's so we can go camping!!!!! YES, Camping!!!!!  ” And my friend Thom responded “finds this cool, yet amusing at the same time!”  To which I replied ”I can understand why you'd say that Thom. I feel the same way! LOL"

I know that it’s difficult for people who knew me back in the day, to picture me not only camping, but enjoying it; but ya know I do. Now just in case you’re new to “The Ride”, or by chance you’ve forgotten; camping for my family includes a tent that fits two Aerobeds comfortably, and my Aerobed is a high rise that I would gladly sleep on anytime, anywhere. I bring my pillows and plenty of blankets and pardon the pun - but I’m a happy camper.

In a number of previous posts, I told you that I wasn’t sure if camping was worth all of the work that goes into packing, and setting up for a trip; but then I always wind up saying that it is. So this time I was determined that things would be different. I didn’t want to pack everything up last minute and be exhausted before we even headed out, so a few days ago I told my kids what kind of clothes to gather up, so that we could start packing. Well best intentions be darned. The kids got their clothes together, but I didn’t, nor did Luis. And as far as the rest of our necessities, yup, those got packed up this morning. I tried to be proactive and I made a list of everything that we needed to bring, so that I could check them off as I packed them up. I thought about posting the list of everything from Cherries to a can opener, but you probably don’t really need to see it. Suffice it to say that after 4 straight hours of packing; we were ready to go.

We arrived at Houston-Mesa campground in Payson at about 430; and I couldn’t help but think, three times the charm. On two other occasions we had reservations at this location, and both times we had to cancel. Once we arrived, I was so glad that we had given this campground another try because it is beautiful. It’s a lot more woodsy than Pine Grove, and the campsites are lovely. The clearing for our tent is under a canopy of trees, the picnic table is in a shaded area, and our particular site has two large logs which just add to the ambiance.                                                                     

As soon as I was able to take in our surroundings, I was once again convinced that camping is worth all of the work that goes into it. I love being with my family and friends and enjoying nature. Yes, you read that correctly “old” friends, I said “enjoying nature.” No I’m not going hiking or anything radical like that, but I think that there’s something about camping that just makes everything BETTER. Luis makes really good burgers at home; but at camping – they’re GREAT! I’m at peace when I’m camping, and no one can be more surprised to hear me say that, than me.

It’s now time for Smores and the computer isn’t conducive to that activity, so I’m going to say good night.
Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING                                                             

                                                                                                             

(43-317) 50 Things To Do In New York

Just 50 more days till I'm in New York.  So, since you know from "100 MORE Random Things About Me", that I make lists; and I've demonstrated numerous times that I'm a big (yes) HUGE fan of continuity - I think it's appropriate that I do a 50 things that I want to do in New York list.  Interestingly enough, most of them involve friends and food, but that should come as no surprise.  So in no particular order...

1.   Go to the cemetary to visit the graves of my Mom, my maternal grandparents and my great aunt and uncle.
2.   Take Lyndzi and Jackie to "The Condos" so they can see where I grew up.
3.   While at "The Condos", visit my old neighbor Elayne.  (She knows we're coming)
4.   Show Lyndzi and Jackie where I went to elementary school.
5.   Take everyone on a tour of New City.  I think it will be really interesting to see what's changed.
6.   Go to a diner in Rockland County
7.   Spend the afternoon with Ruthie (AKA Big V) and her husband Joe and daughter, Olivia.
8. Go to The Rockland Bakery. I have memories of walking in and having the delicious smell of fresh baked bread hit me in the face; and catching HOT rolls as they came shooting out of the oven. Now that was heaven.
9.   Try to catch up with Stefanie S.
10. See my friend Patti from High School.
11. Visit with my old roommate, Tammy and her daughters Allie and Isabelle.  Although I've never met Tammy's girl's, I have a feeling that Lyndzi and Allie are gonna be the best of friends.
12.  See "Mamma Mia"
13.  Meet up with at least two of the girl's (now women) that I used to work with when I was a Social worker.
14.  Have lunch with my friend June.
15.  Although I haven't called her yet, I REALLY want to see my mom's best friend, Millie.  I'm not sure when or how I'll be able to do so; but no trip to NY would be complete without seeing her.
16.  Eat and buy New York Bagels.  It's the one thing that Luis has asked me to bring home.
17.  Spend as much time as possible with the magnificent, Rachel S.
18.  Never let Michele Q out of my sight. 
19.  Go to The Hamptons
20.  Show Lyndzi and Jackie where I went to college.
21.  I was going to say Eat Splat (Fresh clams, shrimp, steamers, mussels, and lobster) at the Lobster Inn in Southampton, but I've read mixed reviews. I'll have to check with Michele Q on this one and if in fact it's not as good as I remember; we may just have to make our own.
22. Go to Central Park.  I'm a native New Yorker, and in the 26 years that I lived in NY, I'd never been.
23. Go to the Statue of Liberty.  It's the one place that Lyndzi has asked to go, and additionally, another place that I've never been.
24.  Have a NY hot dog from a cart.
25.  Go to China town
26.  Go to Little Italy
27.  Hang out with my childhood friend, the SLENDIFEROUS, Judy.
28.  Enjoy the company of my dear friends Dawn and Michael.
29.  Visit with the magnificent, Rachel S' extraordinary mom, Penny.
30.  Meet my cousins.
31.  See my friend Jasmine
32.  See my friend Bobbi
33.  Spend time with my friend Stacy S.
34.  Catch up with my friend Stacy F.
35.  Meet the wife of my senior prom date, Berger.
36.  Enjoy as many meals as possible with as many friends as possible.
37.  Eat Challah french toast
38.  See my beautiful, friend Stephanie M while I'm in The Hamptons.
39.  Go to the beach
40.  Laugh
41.  Hug all of my friends - A LOT!
42.  Snuggle with Lyndzi
43.  Introduce all of my friends to my incredible daughter and my wonderful cousin.
44.  Go dancing in The Hamptons
45.  Take lots of pictures!
46.  See everyone and anyone who wants to see me; even people who haven't made plans with me yet - hint, hint!
47.  PLAY
48.  Eat Pizza
49.  Shop!
50.  Relax. - Really, I'm gonna try.

No matter how many of these things I actually do, I know it's going to be the best trip EVER!  Can't wait to tell you all about it.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING