Live every day as if it were your last

      

Today is yet another reminder to us that we should all live our lives with love and joy in our hearts. When someone slights us or offends us, it is very easy to get angry at them or even hold a grudge. But it takes more energy to muscle strength to keep a 'hate or anger' burning strong, or to keep a frown on our face. We should try and remember to smile, to take the time to smell the flowers, and to always let those who mean the world to us, and whom we cherish know how much we love them. Try not to live your life with regrets, such as 'I should have done this...." or "I could have done...", or even "I always wanted to be..." Life is a precious gift which we all happen to take for granted.

You never know when you or someone you love is not going to be there to share that funny story with them, or even not be able to hold a conversation like they used to due to age or illness. There may be an accident, or too many miles separating you from one another. You may doubt your own abilities, and prevent yourself from going after a dream you always wanted to fulfill. Don't  give in to the "shoulda...woulda...coulda's", and live each day as if it is your last. Make sure to  take the time to give love to those you care about, and take time to see the beauty in the simple things such as a sunrise or your child's drawing. Too many tragedies happen, and too many people lose their lives before they should.

Today the wrestling world and Poppo family lost a wonderful man known as 'Macho Man' Randy Savage.  I had the good fortune of knowing Randy for a short time, and can only speak of good things. He was selfless and compassionate, and generous to a fault. Even after Randy and his beloved (first wife) Elizabeth divorced, he had it arranged that whatever wrestling outfit he worked for would have to employ Elizabeth as well. And it didn't stop there... he also had the same clause in his contract for his brother. Randy worked with countless charities as well, and always had a smile on his face. R.I.P. Macho Man, as you will be greatly missed by so many people whose lives you had touched.

But it doesn't start or stop with today's loss. What about so many others in the world, both recognized and not that are taken from us before their time. What about the missed opportunities we prevent ourselves from having because we don't have faith in ourself? Enjoy these moments because we do live on borrowed time. No one knows when their last day will be. So make sure you embrace those and appreciate what you have.

Spend an extra five minutes with your family tonight....maybe give a sibling or parent a call just for no reason. Perhaps you'll sit on your patio tonight and enjoy a cup of tea and take in the silence of the falling night. Remember how fortunate you are to have a roof over your head, and someone to hug.  And remember to thank all those who have given their lives to ensure our safety and freedom, as well as a prayer for the people whom you don't know who were taken too soon. Live each day with no regrets....live each day as if it were your last. Because you never know.................

Macho Man Randy Savage & Miss Elizabeth

Princess Diana

Heath Ledger

Brandon Lee

All the victims & hero's of the 9/11 attacks

A Pirate's Life's For Me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ever since I was a wee lass, there has been two consistent loves in my life. (1) pirates, and (2) vampires. My pirate love I believe stems from seeing Gilbert & Sullivan operetta Pirates of Penzance, and having the pirate kings sash brush me as he rushed through the seats of the theater.Then when I was 11 years old my mom took me to Disney World for my first visit, and I fell head over heals in love with the Disney ride Pirates of the Caribbean!What made it even more cool was before they revamped the ride to incorporate Captain Jack Sparrow in to the ride, there was actually a pirate lass statue which resembled me! Yep I was hooked on anything and everything Pirates of the Caribbean. If I wasn't so covered in tattoos ( and solemnly swore to my mom that I wouldn't get another tattoo) would probably get a pirate inspired inking.

Which brings us to the terrific-and-35 birthday bash which is Pirates of the Caribbean themed and a mere three weeks away! Today we placed I finalized the cake and menu for this auspicious occasion. But what's even more cooler...is that my piratical paraphenalia for my outfit has been coming in. Is piratical even a word? Anywho...here are some of the items in my possession for making me piratey perfect!

Jack Sparrow's Dragon ring. This is supper cool for me to own, as not only do I love dragons (and Jack Sparrow)...but I was born in the year of the dragon!

This Jack Sparrow ring I actually bought when mum and I were in Disney World, several years ago. Who'da thunk it would have come in handy???

 Not exactly my favorite of Jack's rings...but the price was right.
Jack Sparrow beads. Becuz, you know...I need 'em for me head!

 Ok, so maybe the real Captain Jack Sparrow won't be at the party. But I will be having an impersonator there!

Captain Morgan rum....because every pirate knows that the only way a party ends is when the rum is all gone!

 Pirate coins...because there's no sense in being a pirate if there's no booty to be had!
 Pirate napkins to be neat scally-wags!
 And some loot to decorate the tables.

Of course there is so, so, so much more. But I have to leave some of it as a surprise don't I? Plus in juust a few hours I am off to sail Stranger Tides with the Captain Jack Sparrow, in search of the fountain of youth, at midnight!

Book review & Blog Tour: Voices on the Waves by Jessica Chambers

     Today marks a very special day for me. I have the honor of hosting author Jessica Chambers today, May 13th as she travles on her blog tour, promoting her latest novel Voices on the Waves. Having obtained a copy of this book early on I was intrigued by what this tale would bring me. Although the cover art is beautiful, had I been shopping for a book, this cover would not appeal to my eye, and I would have over-looked it. I am so glad that I did not judge this book by its cover...because hidden within these pages is a fascinating story.

When Faye Wakefield runs a competition offering nine lucky winners a two-week holiday at her beautiful farmhouse retreat in Cornwall, she promises an experience they will never forget. However, even Faye could not have imagined how bringing these people together would change their lives forever.

Just as she hoped, the competition yields a diverse mixture of characters: a shy young woman with troubled eyes, a womanizing business tycoon, an interior designer ruled by her need for independence, a retired nurse, and an Irishman with an affiliation for the whisky bottle. Yet, as sparks begin to fly and the guests share their long-suppressed secrets, only Faye knows of her ulterior motive for inviting them all under her roof.

     Ms. Chambers has created a potpourri of characters as complex and colorful as those in the real world. From the shallow, insecure Tiffany who is looking for love in all the wrong places, to the egomaniac Marcus who thinks that he is God's gift to women. Each character is creatively written, where you can empathize with their fragile and soft side, and yet want to confront and challenge their abrasive side. Cleverly written, you know that the protagonist has an ulterior motive for hosting this contest but yet, you can't help but wonder what it is, and why she is doing it, nor can you figure out who is going to be the 'winner'. You wonder if the prickly Mrs. Davis will find her heart, and give the ever-friendly Rx a chance at late-in-life romance. So many mysteries are wrapped up in this delightful tale set in the beautifully described Cornish countryside. And not to be written off as typical chic lit, this novel also touches on the sensative topic of how different cultures view homosexuality. I truly enjoyed Voices on the Waves, and can not wait to see more work from this author Jessica Chambers.

You can purchase this novel Voices on the Wave by Jessica Chambers in e-book format at several locations. Either through the author's web site or at Amazon.  This is book review # 5 for the Chic Lit 2011 Challenge Remember, it's never to early to start to read.
  

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!!

                                        

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!