Author Archives: A Star on the Forehead

Love is in the Air – Easter Weekend Update

13 Thursday Apr 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Dating, Finding Me

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 I cannot pretend I am without fear. But my predominant feeling is one of gratitude. I have loved and been loved; I have been given much and I have given something in return; I have read and traveled and thought and written. I have had an intercourse with the world, the special intercourse of writers and readers.

Above all, I have been a sentient being, a thinking animal, on this beautiful planet, and that in itself has been an enormous privilege and adventure.”
― Oliver Sacks, Gratitude

As usual, I am short on time, but I wanted to give everyone an update.  Things with M are going marvelously well!  Love is blooming to coincide with spring. Sometimes I am afraid to talk about it and jinx it.  He adores everything about me.  I keep finding reasons to adore him.

I believe in fairy-tales, and he is becoming my version of fairy-tale.  I plan on enjoying every second for as long as it lasts.  With him I feel natural and beautiful, I don’t care about the stubborn several pounds that I keep losing and getting it back.  I still cannot find a single thing about him that gives me pause.  Nothing.

It doesn’t even matter to me that he lives in Florida.  A state that I said I would never live at.  He gave me the house keys, and says it is my home now.  He said that any time I need, I can just call and he will catch the next flight to NY.

We started communication on Match.com on February 8.  On February 23 we met in person when he flew to NY.  We barely know each other and yet it feels so right.

At times I remind myself that I have been searching for someone for over 10 years, so it may seem fast, and yet it is not. I am grateful, but also aware that it was about time lol

I have already been to Florida twice, and he has come to NY twice.   And we spent time in Park City, UT.

The last meeting was when he came to spend Easter.  He arrived last Thursday afternoon and stayed until Tuesday.  Yesterday, Wednesday, he visited some relatives in NJ and flew back home.

This time he stayed in my apartment.  It was just so easy having him there.  On the day that I had to work, he stayed out of the way watching his financial channels and doing research on some things for me.  When I went to the mosaic studio on Saturday morning, he walked around my neighborhood with my sister.

“That I may be able to say of love (that I had) 

Be not immortal, since it is a flame,

 But be infinite while it lasts” – Vinicius de Moraes

 On the other days he fixed some stuff around my apartment, we went to Kohls, and a couple of other stores, and we also went out to eat a bunch of times.  The most memorable restaurants were:

  • Harvest on Hudson in Hastings, NY. The location is just gorgeous.  The food was not as amazing as it normally is, but still was very good.  We had cod fritters, eggplant meatballs, cod fish with mashed potatoes and cauliflower, and a pasta and asparagus dish.  For dessert we had tiramisu and chocolate tart.  To drink we had the Brazilian Caipirinha (sugar cane alcohol, lime and passionfruit).
  • Telly Taverna in Port Chester.  Beautiful place, great waiters, and amazing food.  We had so many different foods, so is hard to remember, but among the dishes were:  For appetizers: Mixed fried vegetables, zucchini croquettes, fried potatoes, pita bread with hummus and yogurt dip, spanakopita (the best ever!).  For entrees we had: the flounder, the cod, and the salmon.  For dessert they gave us what looked like donut holes with cinnamon and honey.  We went a little nuts with the ordering and took some food home. To drink we all had a different cocktail and all 3 were delicious.  They were: Drunken Telly’s (Passion fruit, citrus, Metaxa and malibu), Paros (Aperol, St Germain, prosecco, Greek honey) and he third one I don’t remember the name, but it had cucumbers in, and it was my least favorite.
  • Alvin and Friends in New Rochelle. We were going to another restaurant, but it was closed for Easter, so we just walked into Alvins.  Always great, but some of the items were not as usual, and a bit pricy as it was $65 per person for the food, as it was an Easter pre-fix menu.  We had cod fritters and empanadas for appetizers.  Entrees were: Fried chicken with macaroni and cheese.  I had coconut rice with ribs, and M had salmon with macaroni and cheese.  For desserts we took home chocolate cake and fruit tarts.  To drink we each had a different cocktail and they were all awesome. They were: rum punch, peach martini and a prosecco raspberry.  The owner visits every table, every time, and that always feels like the nicest thing to do.

Breakfasts, and one meal I cooked at home.  He later commented to my sister that he keeps finding amazing things about me, such as the fact that I can cook.  All I did was makes eggs in the morning, and for dinner, heat up left overs and make some salmon, which I overcooked.  For some reason he is so easily impressed by me. (yes, I giggled writing that)

I will be taking 2 trips to Brazil.  The first one, in about one week, will be very short, just to get my mom and bring her to NY for her 88th birthday.  I will be returning to Brazil in May to take my mom back. I will stay there about 3 weeks.  At that time, M will come to stay some time and meet the rest of the family.  We haven’t discussed the itinerary yet, but we are both excited about it.

He has been learning Portuguese since meeting me.  I so appreciate his efforts in being ready to communicate with my family. He even offered to stay with my parents in Brazil if I needed a break.  He is one of a kind! And he is now mine! 😉

“You may not be her first, her last, or her only. She loved before she may love again. But if she loves you now, what else matters? She’s not perfect—you aren’t either, and the two of you may never be perfect together but if she can make you laugh, cause you to think twice, and admit to being human and making mistakes, hold onto her and give her the most you can. She may not be thinking about you every second of the day, but she will give you a part of her that she knows you can break—her heart. So don’t hurt her, don’t change her, don’t analyze and don’t expect more than she can give. Smile when she makes you happy, let her know when she makes you mad, and miss her when she’s not there.” ― Bob Marley

Mirror, mirror on the wall

10 Monday Apr 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Mosaic and other crafts

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“It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another loving, caring human being.” ― John Joseph Powell, The Secret of Staying in Love

M. came to spend the Easter weekend.  He is leaving tomorrow.  I will be posting about it in the next couple of day.  In the meantime, here is a mirror I made at the studio a month ago.  I forgot to take pictures at the beginning and along the way.    “Every man carries with him through life a mirror, as unique and impossible to get rid of as his shadow.”
― W.H. Auden, The Dyer’s Hand and Other Essays

  

“For I do not exist: there exist but the thousands of mirrors that reflect me. With every acquaintance I make, the population of phantoms resembling me increases. Somewhere they live, somewhere they multiply. I alone do not exist.” ― Vladimir Nabokov

   

“Mirrors,’ she said, ‘are never to be trusted.”
― Neil Gaiman, Coraline

“Why on earth do you carry a mirror around with you?”
“It’s purely a defensive device. We seldom quarrel, and this is one of the reasons. Can you imagine yourself getting all worked up and contorted and illogical and then coming face to face with yourself, looking at yourself exactly as you look to everyone else?”
― Theodore Sturgeon, Venus Plus X

 

 

 

About last weekend- 2nd weekend in New Smyrna

06 Thursday Apr 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Dating, Finding Me

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“…And my heart opened
like a flower under sky,
its petals of desire,
its stamens of dreams…”
― Federico García Lorca

On this visit to M’s house in Florida I went alone.  Everything else was the same.  I took the same flights. Left Friday evening from LaGuardia to Orlando and returned Sunday night.

We didn’t have any set plans.  On Friday he picked me up at the airport.  When we arrived at his home, we had some cheese and crackers with a Prosecco drink.  

On Saturday morning, after a late breakfast, I organized his closet and some drawers. I had been wanting to do that since the first trip.  His home is very clean, but it needed some organizing, which I am happy to do.

After I was done, we took a walk into town, picked up nachos at Yellow Dog Eats and drove to the beach. There was a line to get into the beach at this time, so we started eating in the car.  We finally got settled in our spot at about 4pm.

It was great at the beach.  We sat looking to the ocean, people watching, got ice cream at the only vendor in the beach. In Brazil, there are a lot vendors on the beach.  Here there is only an ice cream truck that drives by.  And immediately I want ice cream.  Yes, sometimes I behave like a 5 year old.

We would have stayed longer, but at 7 pm the beach was closing.  When we got home we were supposed to get ready and go to dinner.  I was tired and decided to just order pizza.  We went to Baci Restaurant to pick it up.

It was delicious. Then while stopping at a convenience store to get lemons, I saw Dippin Dots ice cream (some version of it), and I had to bring it home for dessert.  At home,  I made a drink of Prosecco and St Germain.  I had two drinks and fell sleep while sitting on the couch.  I think it was a combination of the ocean and the alcohol that made me just pass out.

“It is not time or opportunity that is to determine intimacy;—it is disposition alone. Seven years would be insufficient to make some people acquainted with each other, and seven days are more than enough for others.” ― Jane Austen

Next day, Sunday, we had a late breakfast. Then I organized the pantry.  I love organizing, and he seems to enjoy my interest in doing that.

We spent the morning at home talking about investments, and other subjects.  I want to retire as soon as possible and join him in travels and adventures.

We were supposed to go to a couple of stores to get some little things for his home, and for me to have it there when I come, but instead we shopped online. I got bathroom rugs, hangers, small containers for Q-tips, a phone charger, Valrhona chocolate for my coffee, a bath robe, etc.  He wants to make sure that I have all I need there.  So thoughtful!

After shopping instead of having lunch, we decided to just drive to the airport.  I was not hungry, but we left in plenty of time so we could stop for lunch if we wanted to. We stopped by Publix to see if they had asiago cheese Einstein bagels for my sister.  His idea.

I ended up eating at at the airport.  I had rice and beef at the Delta lounge. It was delicious. No kidding.  I wrote Delta to let them know.

Speaking of delicious, everything about this trip was delicious. All was perfect, laid back, fun,no pressure. We seem to just mesh so well.  He is very easy going. With him I feel calmer.

He will be here any minute to spend a few days.  We don’t have a lot planned.  We will be doing life together, going to Costco, cook, go out to eat.  He will fix some stuff around the apartment for me, as well as my sister’s apartment.

All is great!!

The celebrity on the plane this time was Chevy Chase. Seeing him made me want to watch European Vacation again.

Please forgive typos, and other errors.  I don’t have time to edit this, and wanted you all to have an update.  This love continues to blossom. Thank you all for your good wishes!

“I was for a while troubled with the haunting fear that if I handled the flower freely its bloom would fade—the sweet charm of freshness would leave it. I did not know then that it was no transitory blossom, but rather the radiant resemblance of one, cut in an indestructible gem.” ― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

Flowers done right

30 Thursday Mar 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Dating

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“I must have flowers, always, and always.”
― Claude Monet

If you recall the first time that M sent me flowers, I felt that 1-800Flowers didn’t do a good job.  I wrote about it here: https://blessedwithastarontheforehead.com/2023/03/09/they-are-yellow-but-they-can-also-be-red-they-love-the-sun-and-they-make-my-heart-sing/ 

 On my birthday, I got to my door and there was another box from 1-800Flowers. It was a surprise as we had already celebrated my birthday. 

As I opened the box I couldn’t help but expect to see damaged flowers.  I was already thinking I would have to tell him about it, and ask him to choose another delivery place.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the flowers individually wrapped in netting.  Each flower had a straw holding it up. They were perfect!

My heart is full and happy! I am enjoying the attention and looking forward to the blossoming of this relationship.

“A flower blossoms for its own joy.”
― Oscar Wilde

“Surely the flowers of a hundred spring are simply the souls of beautiful things!”
― L.M. Montgomery, The Watchman and Other Poems

“In love, treat your relationship as if you are growing the most beautiful flower. Keep watering it, tend to its roots, give it lots of sunlight, and always make sure the petals are full of color and are never curling. Once you neglect your plant, it will die, as will your relationship.” ― Suzy Kassem, Rise Up and Salute the Sun: The Writings of Suzy Kassem

Being blessed with seeing another year – 57 and it feels so good!

28 Tuesday Mar 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Dating, Finding Me

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“I grabbed a pile of dust, and holding it up, foolishly asked for as many birthdays as the grains of dust, I forgot to ask that they be years of youth. ” ― Ovid, Metamorphoses

Thank you all for your birthday wishes.  I don’t feel 57 at all.  Well, don’t ask my body.  Sometimes it feels like 107.  My mind keeps getting younger and younger.  

I knew my trip to Florida would be good and I was correct.  I have a lot to write about about Utah, and now about Florida, but will keep this short and write additional posts in the future.

M was the most gracious and caring host to my sister and I.  I asked him not to buy anything special as we would be there for only 2 days.  He didn’t listen.  He had all kinds of foods that he thought we would like. He had paid attention when he was at my home, and made sure to have some of the same things waiting for us.

There were various types of coffees, bagels and popcorn for my sister. For me it was cappuccino mix, oat milk, scones, macarons and Pellegrino water.  He also got prosecco, St. Germain, lemon and lime to make my sister’s favorite drink.

He also gave my sister and I a cute mug (the one above), along with a birthday card and an Amazon gift card.  I love that he gave my sister and I the same amount $100.00.  He has been gifting me things since I met him.  In Utah he gave me an electric hairbrush when I pointed  one out in a store and commented that mine was getting old.  This weekend we were talking about electric toothbrushes and he had one delivered to my house. 

“I was brought up to respect my elders, so now I don’t have to respect anybody.” ― George Burns

I am now very careful when talking about things. I don’t want him thinking I am hinting at him buying me stuff.  Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy him wanting to make me happy by getting me stuff, but it is not necessary.

On Friday night, he picked us up at Orlando Airport.  It was already late when we got to his house so we just had a drink and some cheese and crackers.  

He lives in a condo, townhouse style, in a golfing community in New Smyrna Beach.  He doesn’t golf.  He prefers surfing.

Saturday morning we enjoyed a breakfast of bagels and croissants.  We declined eggs.  After, we went to the beach.  It is a cool beach where one can drive the car on the beach.  That was a whole new experience to me. Supposedly there are sharks in these waters.  But apparently these are good sharks.  Is there such a thing?

I really wanted to feel the sun, so I used sunscreen on my face only. I think that my Brazilian skin never burns.  Wrong!  Burned cleavage anyone?  It turned out that it was one of the hottest days ever there.  Lesson learned. Always use sunscreen all over.

“I see birthdays as a reward for having shown up 365 in a row. It’s like getting a badge for attendance.” ― Gina Barreca

After the beach we stopped at a local favorite Joe’s Subs where we had fish sandwiches and burgers.  Then we went home to get ready for dinner.  We could have skipped lunch or dinner, but on vacation my sister and I forget all reason.

We had dinner at Norwood Restaurant and Treehouse Bar.  The food was great, but the drinks were awful. We ordered too much food.  That night my sister and I come to an agreement: no more ordering of appetizers when out to dinner. 

We got home and watched The Whale.  I fell sleep towards the end.  I woke up with M and my sister wanting their money back. It was great acting by Brendan Fraser, but we didn’t really like the movie.  Expectations, I guess we had too many.

“We do have funerals for the living,” Jill said. “They’re called birthday parties.” ― Andrew Shaffer, Hope Never Dies

On Sunday we had a late start and skipped the beach.  We drove his golf cart around the complex to get a tour.  Then we went to a small spiritual community called Cassadaga.  It has many psychics, healers and mediums. 

M knew I am interested in such things and wanted my sister and I to get a reading. It was interesting.  I will be talking about the reading in a future post.

After the reading, I chose Olive Garden for lunch.  I have never eaten there before.  We were passing by it, and I remember a friend mentioning that he loves their tiramisu.  It seemed like the perfect time to try it.

First thing we do at the restaurant?  Order appetizers!! We were pleasantly surprised with the food and drinks we got.  Everything was great.  And the tiramisu was indeed delicious.

We got back to his house, packed and got ready to go to the airport.  Our flight was delayed.  There were long lines. I try not to let those things bother me.  But my sister got a little stressed, worrying about getting home very late and having to get up early the next day.

As I am at the gate, I realized I didn’t have my carry-on. After being sent to different locations, I went back to the TSA screening and saw it on a table.  I had to wait for an officer to inspect and then was free to go.  In 40 years traveling it has never happened.  I told my sister it was her fault, she got me so frazzled and made me forget.  She smiled sheepishly, because she knows it is true.

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” ― Dr. Seuss, Happy Birthday to You!

We boarded, it was a quick flight, just a little over 2 hours.  Kristin Chenoweth was on my flight with her dog and her fiance.  She is a tiny little thing.  She was escorted to the plane first.  Everyone left her alone.  I am not sure a lot people recognized her.

My sister and I will be having a quiet birthday evening.  I will be getting her her favorite Black Forest cake, and also the Nutella cake from Martine’s Bakery.  I am thinking of getting Walter’s Hot Dogs for dinner.  

When my sister and I were discussing what to have for a special dinner, we realized, once again, how blessed we are.  We want for nothing.  

Tomorrow I am having dinner with my friend A.  Then Thursday dinner with my sister and another friend.

On Friday, guess who is boarding a flight to Florida again?

Life keeps getting better and better.  So infinitely blessed and thankful!

“A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman’s birthday but never remembers her age.” ― Robert Frost

ps. Happy Birthday Lady Gaga!

Where fear and happiness meet

24 Friday Mar 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Dating, Finding Me, Food

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“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.” ― Kahlil Gibran

Time is short, so here is a quick summary of my quick trip to Park City, Utah.

I had the most awesome time. M is the most thoughtful and caring guy I ever met. He was always making sure that everything was exactly how I wanted. I had to keep reminding him that it is not all about me. oh wait, it should be all about me 😉

And the mountains are just majestic!  A mixture of beauty, freedom and happiness permeates the air. And yes, a bit of fear and panic I get some times.

I arrived in Salt Lake City on Saturday, we spent the night there and drove to Park City the next day. No skiing on Sunday, just getting our equipment, getting to know the town, and getting to our charming 1-bedroom condo with a balcony and fireplace.
I had been to Park City in 2015, it was fun to remember some areas.

We skied only 2 days, Monday and Tuesday. On Monday I did okay. I still struggle with fear. The moment I pick up speed or it is a steeper hill I lose confidence. Still, I love it! I love the challenge; I love the freedom.

On Tuesday, while in line to get our skis M befriended an older man that is a ski instructor in a resort in Virginia. He offered to give me a few pointers. He spent the whole day teaching me. It is incredible to see how much I improved from one day to the next. I take lessons every time I go skiing, but this time I didn’t book any. This man was so helpful. His instructions really boosted my confidence.

We bought him lunch, and at the end of the day we gave him $100 as an appreciation.  We asked if we could buy him dinner.  He said it was not necessary, but accepted.

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” ― Marcus Tullius Cicero

I had memorable meals, and forgettable meals. The memorable ones were at:
• Aqua Terra Steak Sushi in Salt Lake. The best ever! Everything about this restaurant was awesome. He had sushi, and salmon. I had the black cod. To drink I had the Golden Goose and he had the Garden Party. Best drinks ever! We shared a chocolate tart for dessert.
• 710 Bodega in Park City. We had a bunch of tapas, including patatas bravas, almondigas for me, shrimp for him, and others. To drink he had beer, I had the Laverstoke- I asked for vodka instead of gin. The waiter said no one ever asked for that before, but it was so delicious. For dessert we shared the Broken Pavlova -Yummy!
• Baan Thai Cuisine in Park City. We had noodles, spring rolls, sticky rice, and chicken satay (not my favorite, but still good). Lychee martini for me, beer for him. Great meal!

I bought my ticket to Salt Lake City, and he paid for everything else, lodging, lift tickets, meals, etc as my birthday present. The big 57 is on Tuesday. He even wanted to pay for the souvenirs I bought for my family. I didn’t let him do it, though. I felt it would be taking advantage of his kindness.

On Wednesday morning we left Park City and drove to Salt Lake City Airport. My flight was leaving first, his would take another 5 hours. He made a point of making sure to be there when I arrived and also when I left, even if it meant staying at the airport several more hours.

“Pursue what catches your heart, not what catches your eyes.” ― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

I got home Wednesday at 9:30pm. I worked Thursday, and part of today. At 5pm my sister and I are flying to his house in New Smyrna Beach, Florida for the weekend.

It is a quick trip, just as a trial to see how would this long distance relationship work.  He will be showing us around and also talking us to dinner for our birthdays (sis and I). He had offered to fly to NY to take us out to dinner on Tuesday, but I decided to go there this weekend instead.  

I remain very happy and excited about this blossoming relationship. I am afraid to talk too much about and jinx it.  I will be mentioning some additional details about Park City as time permits.

Stay tuned for the Florida report.

“It’s amazing how a little tomorrow can make up for a whole lot of yesterday.” ― John Guare

I have angels, you have angels, we all have angels!

16 Thursday Mar 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Daily Message

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“Be content not with your lot in life but with being here in the flow of life. The glories of creation are in your very cells; you are made of the same mindstuff as the angels, the stars, and god himself.” ― Deepak Chopra, The Book of Secrets: Unlocking the Hidden Dimensions of Your Life

By now, you know I believe in all things magical.  I believe in a lot things that cannot be proven. I don’t need to see it, or have any kind of proof, I feel them.  I believe in a powerful being, God, Universe, whatever name one chooses to use.  I believe in unicorns and fairy-tales. I believe in prayers and angels.

For the past several months, every day, it never fails that I see the same number repeating itself.  I mostly see 111 or 1111.  But also repeating 5s, and 2s.  Every time I see them, I smile and say a silent thank you.  I know I have angels around, guiding me and telling me I am in the right path.

Every time there is something happening in my life, such as an important meeting I need to attend or a medical procedure I need to go through, I will ask people close to me to send me angels. 

Yesterday I had a dental procedure scheduled for 2pm.  I asked my mother, my sister and M, to send me angels.

“When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but we know their presence by the love they create in our hearts.” ― Mary Baker Eddy, Poems by Mary Baker Eddy

As I walk into the dentist’s waiting room just a few minutes before 2pm, I look on the ground and see what appears to be a little paper angel.   I couldn’t believe my eyes.  I picked it up and smiled.  My guardian angels wanted me to know that they really came.

It filled me with love and it was just a confirmation of how blessed I am; to be always surrounded by angels.  Not that I needed any confirmation.  

No, the procedure was not painless and it may not be 100% successful.  It was more painful than the last time, and there is a chance that I will need to do the left side again.  

But the point is, that I was not alone.  There will always be problems, pain, heartaches, curve balls, audits, dentist’s visits, but knowing I am never alone makes me feel I can take anything on and come out a winner. 

I now carry that little angel in my phone case.  I hope that you know that you are never alone.  At this moment I am sending angels to those who are in need of them.

“A person who goes in search of God is wasting his time. He can walk a thousand roads and join many religions and sects–but he’ll never find God that way. God is here, right now, at our side. We can see Him in this mist, in the ground we’re walking on, even in my shoes. His angels keep watch while we sleep and help us in our work. In order to find God, you have only to look around. But meeting Him is not easy. The more God asks us to participate in His mysteries, the more disoriented we become, because He asks us constantly to follow our dreams and our hearts. And that’s difficult to do when we’re used to living in a different way. Finally we discover, to our surprise, that God wants us to be happy, because He is the father.” ― Paulo Coelho, By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept

Just a dog with flowers on his hair, unfinished

14 Tuesday Mar 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Daily Message, Mosaic and other crafts

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“It’s just the most amazing thing to love a dog, isn’t it? It makes our relationships with people seem as boring as a bowl of oatmeal.” ― John Grogan, Marley and Me: Life and Love With the World’s Worst Dog

I was asked by my friend Andi (from https://coffeewithandi.com), if I make all my mosaics only at the studio or at home.

I make most of them at the studio.  It is easier there.  The materials are all there.  L. is there.  L. is the owner of the studio and the master of all things mosaic.  She is always ready to give her advice and direct us when she knows something should be done in a different way.

I have done some at home, before I found the studio.  I don’t have a lot materials at home, but it is fun being resourceful with what I have.  Most recently I have made the one of my sister.  Here: https://blessedwithastarontheforehead.com/2023/02/01/here-is-my-sister-well-something-like-that/

And just last week, I finished the little dog below.  Everything I did with this one is wrong, starting with using canvas.  It is a great lesson, in mosaics and in life.  We have to start with a good base, with firm ground.  Building on shaky ground may result in failure.

I had used canvas before but it had a frame around, so it was a bit more sturdy than this.  Of course I knew I shouldn’t have, but this stubborn Aries thought that she could get away with it.  I didn’t get away with it, as you can see.

As a result the grout keeps cracking.  Then I tried to use resin in middle, but didn’t have enough to cover it. It turns out that mosaics cannot be as forgiving as I thought.

Lesson learned.  I will attempt some corrections, but still, I am in love with this little dog.  It makes me smile when I look at him. 
 

 
“You can say any fool thing to a dog and the dog will just give you this look that says, ‘My GOSH, you’re RIGHT! I NEVER would’ve thought of that!” ― Dave Barry

“They [dogs] never talk about themselves but listen to you while you talk about yourself, and keep up an appearance of being interested in the conversation. ” ― Jerome K. Jerome

“Don’t accept your dog’s admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.” ― Ann Landers

   “They [dogs] never talk about themselves but listen to you while you talk about yourself, and keep up an appearance of being interested in the conversation. ” ― Jerome K. Jerome

“I’m suspicious of people who don’t like dogs, but I trust a dog when it doesn’t like a person.” ― Bill Murray

    “I believe in integrity. Dogs have it. Humans are sometimes lacking it.” ― Cesar Millan

  “Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished.” ― Dean Koontz, A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog

  “Slowly, Anna put up a hand to his muzzle and began to scratch that spot behind the ear where large dogs keep their souls.” ― Eva Ibbotson, A Countess Below Stairs

“The dog’s agenda is simple, fathomable, overt: I want. “I want to go out, come in, eat something, lie here, play with that, kiss you. There are no ulterior motives with a dog, no mind games, no second-guessing, no complicated negotiations or bargains, and no guilt trips or grudges if a request is denied.” ― Caroline Knapp

Should I keep it under the mattress?

12 Sunday Mar 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Daily Message

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“There is only one kind of shock worse than the totally unexpected: the expected for which one has refused to prepare.” ― Mary Renault, The Charioteer

My week was going well… until Friday.  I was planning on leaving earlier,  getting some chores done, and that way having a lighter weekend.  But as they say: “man plans, God laughs”.

Instead, it turned into a busy, stressful day.  You may have heard about the Silicon Valley Bank collapse.  While we don’t bank there, we bank at another bank that it is next to them on the list of troubled banks.

We don’t don’t know if there is a real reason to panic, but we are worried and can’t afford to wait and see.  So we had to scramble and open other bank accounts, transfer money, etc.  It was not until after 7pm that we had some of the money fully transferred.  

Now, in the next week, we will have to decisions to make regarding payroll accounts, invoicing accounts, customers notification, and a bunch of other things that will come into play.

I feel bad for the people and companies that had money in that bank.  I cannot even imagine what we would do if we were in that situation.

“The phrase ‘travelling towards uncertainty’ is unnecessary because all journeys are always towards uncertainty! Why? Because there is no certainty even after a second!” ― Mehmet Murat ildan

This situation highlights how fragile the US economy really is,  and how easy could topple.  These are my feelings.  I have been told that, perhaps, I have not been paying attention, the economy has been shaky for the past 15 years.  Others, want to assure me that there is no reason to panic, that the economy is cyclical and it will all turn around. 

It is true that I have never been as interested in the state of the US economy as much as I have now.  All of a sudden the idea of retiring sooner, rather than later, is a current thought in my mind.  Well, it is not all of a sudden, the idea of working less has been brewing as the years are going by.   

As I have been talking about retirement more and more, with friends here online and IRL, I have been thinking of how to make that idea a reality.  And also, to come up with a date, with an age where I say good bye to working for a paycheck.  

60 seems like a nice real number to aim for.   And when I say retirement, I don’t mean stopping work, I mean working just as much or as little as I wish.  I want to be the owner of my time.  I want to be the boss of all my hours and be accountable only to myself.

“Whether it is good or evil, whether life in itself is pain or pleasure, whether it is uncertain-that it may perhaps be this is not important-but the unity of the world, the coherence of all events, the embracing of the big and the small from the same stream, from the same law of cause, of becoming and dying.” ― Hermann Hesse, Siddhartha

How much money do I need to have to be able to retire? Where should I keep that retirement money?  What about health insurance?  It seems that is one of the main costs.  If the state of the economy is a concern, don’t get me started on the state of health insurance.

Another major consideration is where to retire.  Retiring in Westchester County, New York, may not be the way to go.  Should I move to another state, go back to Brazil, or to another country?

Still, no matter how bad the economy is, not matter how bad things are, I feel blessed to have choices. Having always lived below my means has afforded me to be able to actually be thinking about retirement.  I know a lot people that will not be able to retire even when retirement age hits.

Spend wisely, live simply, have fun.

“The business of philosophy is to teach man to live in uncertainty… not to reassure him, but to upset him.” ― Lev Shestov, All Things are Possible

This will be a crazy busy week for me.  Besides all the financial issues at work, I will be facing another dental scaling and root planning.  Half of my mouth was done 2 weeks ago, the other half will be done this week.  Not fun and not cheap, but I have  had worst procedures done in the past, more painful and more expensive, so it is all good.

Now for the fun part, I will be packing for my skiing trip that happens at the end of the week!  Yippie – Park City here we come.

And, 2 days after I return,  I will be going away for another couple of days… I will save the details for a next post… I am also very excited about it.

Life is tricky, maneuvering the sometimes long winding roads can be difficult. But it is all so worth the effort, when the scenery is so amazing.

I want to wish you all a blessed new week, full of miracles and reasons to smile! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your energy and comments!

“Is the road ahead uncertain? Great, be happy! Uncertainty means surprises, and if the path you’re walking on isn’t one full of surprises, you’ll get bored! When you get bored, your life energy goes out! Walk in uncertainty, encounter new things just like an explorer and they will keep you energetic!” ― Mehmet Murat ildan

 

They are yellow, but they can also be red. They love the sun, and they make my heart sing!

09 Thursday Mar 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Daily Message, Dating

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“All this was new to me. Life takes us by surprise and orders us to move towards the unknown – even when we don’t want to and we think we don’t need to.” ― Paulo Coelho

I arrived home yesterday and there was this huge flower box waiting for me by the door. I suspected was from M. 

 And it was.  He knows that I love sunflowers and daisies. So, to celebrate International Women’s Day he sent me 10 beautiful sunflowers.

I am so happy with his care and attention.  Everything he says and does, makes me feel not only wanted, but cherished and safe.

There is only one detail with the beautiful flowers.  Each flower should have been protected by netting, as per the description inside the box.  Because they were not, some were damaged.  I didn’t tell him that, but I want to give him a tip when ordering flowers again.

Since I have been disappointed,more than once, with 1800Flowers, I now search for a florist in the area where I am sending to.  I get a local florist and get flower arrangements done with attention and care. 

Would you say something, or just leave it alone? I don’t want to appear ungrateful.

“I have been finding treasures in places I did not want to search. I have been hearing wisdom from tongues I did not want to listen. I have been finding beauty where I did not want to look. And I have learned so much from journeys I did not want to take. Forgive me, O Gracious One; for I have been closing my ears and eyes for too long. I have learned that miracles are only called miracles because they are often witnessed by only those who can can see through all of life’s illusions. I am ready to see what really exists on other side, what exists behind the blinds, and taste all the ugly fruit instead of all that looks right, plump and ripe.” ― Suzy Kassem