remembering...

One year ago today we lost one of the kindest, funniest and warm hearted people I’ve ever known. I remember when I got the call and knew in that moment that things would never be quite the same ever again, He was like a big brother to me and our friendship was filled with lots of laughter, silliness and irreverence. He played a mean guitar, could cook up just about anything at a moment’s notice, fished out of a kayak, made everyone laugh but most of all—was just a loving, doting father, husband and friend. This photo was taken on our last day together. It will forever remain special to me. I wrote about this day soon after I got word. I had so much to say. I didn’t want to forget all those special times we shared. I wrote pages upon pages in tears and then filed them away. It’s too painful to think about sometimes but I am so very grateful to have known him. I miss him every day and still can’t comprehend-one year later-that he is not on this earth. God bless you Marty.

winter outing with the one and only M. Culpepper

Time warp

I recently caught up with an old friend from my clubbing days. (yes, one million years ago) It was literally as if no time had passed. There we were—sipping Reposado Gold margaritas, trading life stories and laughing up a storm. Time is such a strange concept. He remembered a lot more than i did—odd little details and snippets that brought so much to life. I had forgotten how we used to rollerblade in after hours bank parking lots and how he helped move me to Austin when I scored my first advertising job. I love to discover that someone is just as genuine as they always were. That is always a delight.

celebrations...

It felt so good to be reunited with my buds. What a delightful day—especially after the long winter. The sun was out, we had a long lunch on the cutest patio and sipped way too much champagne. (Kirs,really.) It felt so good to laugh in person—not FaceTime or Zoom or any of that awful pandemic crap. I am so grateful to have good people in my life. I know I can always trust them and that is the best gift of all.

quick getaway to the beach!

Summer has come and gone so fast! I was missing the ocean so much, so this week I met an old friend down in Spring Lake to enjoy one of the last days of summer. I brought a pink noodle, a weekender and a bag of books which I never actually read. :) But the water was perfect and the first day had perfect weather too! We drove down to Point Pleasant for dinner and (of course!) my beloved Skee Ball. Good times! Because my friend was new to it, I gave her my winning tickets. Combined with her tickets, she was able to choose a deluxe jump rope. I usually just get an eraser or parachute man. (also cool) And speaking of parachute man—they seem to have discontinued that goodie for good. I enjoyed tossing him off second story buildings so that a kid on the boardwalk below could wonder where it came from! Small pleasures…

reflections- summer 2020

I’ve spent a large part of the summer swimming laps and using the practice to not just work out but to sort of mediate as I move along. I am in there between 40 minutes on a normal day to up tp well over an hour on others. I have always found peace in the water-whether a pool, the ocean or even a nice long bath. 2020 has been one of the craziest times I have ever experienced. And I know I am not alone in that sentiment.

So much of surviving life (and this pandemic) is to just accept things as they are and realize that they are utterly out of our control. We can do our best to make the most of them and seek company (even if virtual) in those who we find happiness and comfort, but we really can’t change what is happening. Gone overnight were my beloved weekly trips into the city—a place packed with inspiration and energy. Most of my good friends are across the Hudson so this has been a very sad time on top of an already sad time. But we are resilient and I still see their faces each week for marathon Facetimes where we laugh and at times, depending on the mood that day, cry. But life keeps marching on.

2020 has definitely been a time of change. I think in some ways, it has clarified who the good people are in my life. It’s also realigned my priorities and goals. I am truly happiest when I am working and seeking new creative opportunities. Binge watching Netflix—not my thing. I’d like to read more in the cooler months ahead. And take up some new hobbies. More on that in another post! Be well everyone!