Happiness is When....

...you realize that your children have turned out to be good (amazing & kind) people!

I'm so incredibly proud of my two boys!
My First-Born:
A few days ago, in his High School Freshman French class, a fellow student dropped her things so he helped her pick up her stuff. As his Mom, I wouldn't expect anything less from him.  But what touched me is that, the girl tells him, "I can tell that you're a kind and humble person".  I'm so touched that a fellow classmate, his own age, was able to see this in my son and was kind enough herself to express it to him.  He was actually taken aback by the compliment and expressed to me, "How can she know that already..."   Yes, he truly is humble and his kind energy just radiates.

My two hearts! 💖

My Youngest: His school presents Virtue Awards every month.  The month of October is for "Acceptance".  To be honest, sometimes these Awards can feel like it's just handed out randomly, given to kids that seem less deserving than others.  Some months, it feels like, yeah, the kid who received the award really deserves that.  And unfortunately, there are times when, from what I know or have heard about certain kids, the award presented seems so off base. His teacher approached me and said that she asked the newest kid in his class (a 7th Grader who just started this year) who he felt welcomed him the most and showed him the most kindness.  The boy answered that it was my son, my youngest baby.  This news made me so emotional.  I'm so proud of my son for inhabiting such a beautiful trait as "Acceptance".

The Huz and I are so blessed with high achieving sons, ambitious in achieving their goals and passionate about the things that stir their souls.  And we've always been so proud of every accolade, every Report Card, every achievement.  But what really stirs my emotions and makes me feel accomplished as a Mom is when I hear what good, kind-hearted people my sons are! I can not adequately express how incredibly proud I am of both of my wonderful sons!!!  Thank you, Lord, for blessing us! 🙏 May we continue to put forth love, compassion and positivity out into the world! 🌎💙

 

 

 

Be Informed About DACA

So much has been said about DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).  I've seen school institutions send out letters assuring students that they are safe.  I've seen celebrities post heartfelt and in my opinion, intelligent reflections in support of DACA. And on the other side of the coin, I've heard disdain for the program mainly complaining about following the law, defending jobs, and protecting citizens from criminals.  Since the election this past November, I've learned that it doesn't matter what facts are told to those that have taken a stand--either way.  If you support the government wholeheartedly and without question, I have to admit I have a hard time relating or understanding you.  But I can be open-minded to the idea that most people have the best of intentions and have no desire to hurt their fellow human beings. I have no interest in addressing the racists, misogynists, xenophobes...and all those with similar ideologies except to say, I wholeheartedly stand against you. With that in mind, I wanted to throw in my personal support for the DACA program and share what I know about it.

DACA participants are contributing members of society.

DACA participants contribute more to the government than they receive or are eligible for. Before standing in judgement and calling someone "illegal", please endeavor to see these individuals as human beings.  They have lived in this country their whole lives, have assimilated into the culture and may not have any knowledge of their country of origin (lifestyles and/or language).  Like I said, I'm not trying to convince anyone who stands in support of rescinding this bill.  I'm just trying to share what I know & what I believe.  It's my hope that I help spread some compassion for human kind...that every person has a story and every person deserves the chance to be heard.

 

 

Reading is Dreaming with Eyes Wide Open

When I'm reading a book I enjoy, I get to experience a world different from my own.  It's the best way to practice empathy and understand the idea of perspective.  No matter what genre you enjoy, you can learn and get something new out of every book you read.  Here are three book recommendations from me.  These books are in the genre of Contemporary Romance and are meant for adults, 18 + years old.

Cancun: Bad Boys on the Beach by Kimberly Fox 

It was hard for me to read the beginning part of this story.  Tanya is headed to her best friend’s wedding in Cancun, only she’s been downgraded to “bridesmaid” playing second fiddle to the obnoxious groom’s sister.  She is also attached to the worst boyfriend on the planet (my very biased assessment).  I feel like Tanya is the most patient, nicest character, almost to the point of being a doormat.  Enter Ethan, the groom’s cousin, & total hottie & hero. He is completely smitten with Tanya & makes no qualms about letting her know.  And as a reader, I began immediately rooting for him, if only for Tanya’s sake.  Does Tanya get the man of her dreams?  You’ll have to find out. 

Sparked by Lily Cahill 

There are numerous themes in this story—the division between social classes, domestic violence, romance, family ties, forgiveness, letting go and supernatural abilities.  Wait. What? Supernatural abilities? Yes, this book has that too!  But first, let’s journey with Cora and Clayton and root them on as they maneuver through their feelings for one another while trying to deal with the judgements of both of their families.  It’s often a rocky ride, but never once did I NOT root for Cora and Clayton.  Loved them both & I love this story! It’s the beginning of the Independence Fall Superhero Romance series.  Not sure if the title of the series gives away what it’s all about. LOL! Read this. It’s a good one!

The Navy Seal’s E-Mail Order Bride by Cora Seton 

Sounds like a funny title.  And it does start of quite funny.  Due to a stipulation regarding acquiring a family ranch, Mason Hall must find a bride and have a baby within a year.  Being a Navy Seal, he knows how to tackle assignments and missions. He approaches “task” like he would any other.  Through an on-line ad, he gets acquainted with Regan and makes it his mission to convince her to agree to marriage and a life on the ranch.  And seeing as how she’s pretty much given up on love, it’s fun to see what he’ll do to convince her.  It’s not like Regan isn’t instantly attracted to Mason either so maybe this “mission” won’t be so difficult after all.  This was a very fun read. 

Completely relatable!

 

And the struggle is real!   LOL!

It's the best way to enhance the skill of  "walking in someone else's shoes".

 

An Atheist and a Christian Walk Into a Bar

Ultimately what's most important is that a person is kind, good, compassionate, authentic and any other words that describe an overall decent person.  I am Catholic.  But I've met Catholic people that make me wonder if they understand what it means to accept Jesus' teachings which is basically summed up as "Love one another."  That means, stop judging and stop thinking you're superior to anyone else because of your race, creed, or social status.

Stop hating.

Be kind.

Be compassionate.

Something that seems simple never is.  But try anyway.

Love and peace to all!

Love one another!

Meaningful Choreography: Believer by Imagine Dragons

I'm attracted to all forms of art, and I'm particularly excited about any form of entertainment that speaks to my emotions.  Brilliant dancing & choreography is no exception.  One of my favorite groups Imagine Dragons released a song called "Believer" that is hauntingly beautiful and powerful. This choreography by Janelle Ginestra does a tremendous job representing the emotions this song conveys. I can't listen to this song without thinking about these dancers and this exceptional choreography! Clapping my hands with enthusiasm for the choreographer & dancers! Believer Lyrics:

First things first
I'ma say all the words inside my head
I'm fired up and tired of the way that things have been, oh-ooh
The way that things have been, oh-ooh
Second thing second
Don't you tell me what you think that I can be
I'm the one at the sail, I'm the master of my sea, oh-ooh
The master of my sea, oh-ooh

I was broken from a young age
Taking my soul into the masses
Write down my poems for the few
That looked at me took to me, shook to me, feeling me
Singing from heart ache from the pain
Take up my message from the veins
Speaking my lesson from the brain
Seeing the beauty through the...

Pain!
You made me a, you made me a believer, believer
Pain!
You break me down, you build me up, believer, believer
Pain!
I let the bullets fly, oh let them rain
My luck, my love, my God, they came from...
Pain!
You made me a, you made me a believer, believer

Third things third
Send a prayer to the ones up above
All the hate that you've heard has turned your spirit to a dove, oh-ooh
Your spirit up above, oh-ooh

I was choking in the crowd
Living my brain up in the cloud
Falling like ashes to the ground
Hoping my feelings, they would drown
But they never did, ever lived, ebbing and flowing
Inhibited, limited
Till it broke up and it rained down
It rained down, like...

Pain!
You made me a, you made me a believer, believer
Pain!
You break me down, you built me up, believer, believer
Pain!
I let the bullets fly, oh let them rain
My luck, my love, my God, they came from...
Pain!
You made me a, you made me a believer, believer

Last things last
By the grace of the fire and the flames
You're the face of the future, the blood in my veins, oh-ooh
The blood in my veins, oh-ooh
But they never did, ever lived, ebbing and flowing
Inhibited, limited
Till it broke up and it rained down
It rained down, like...

Pain!
You made me a, you made me a believer, believer
Pain!
You break me down, you built me up, believer, believer
Pain!
I let the bullets fly, oh let them rain
My luck, my love, my God, they came from...
Pain!
You made me a, you made me a believer, believer

Source: SongLyrics

 

Celebrating the True Geek Fan and Collector

The crowds at San Diego Comic-con and pretty much all "Cons" are enormous! And the purpose & goals of every attendee is different.  Every person's experience and memories are tailored to what their interests are & it's absolutely fabulous and exciting. The perks to being an attendee is the assortment of free swag and exclusives that different companies and genres offer their fans.  For instance, for my brood, Lego is tops!  Every year has the potential to change, but typically, Lego offers Brickhead exclusives that one can hope to buy via a lottery ticket system AND exclusive Lego Minifigures.  In order to score any of these "prizes", one must wait in line & cross your fingers that the tides are in your favor & you hit the "awesome" button which means that, yes, you got it!!  And the lines are long.  The wait is long.  And more often than not, the wait is uncomfortable---in the hot sun squeezed in between people.

There are times when we question our sanity.  But I believe a true fan finds the payoff absolutely worth it.  For my guys, the acquiring of an exclusive Minifigure to add to their collection makes up for any hardships along the way.  It's kind of like giving birth....the labor is painful and sometimes the would-be mother questions why she consented to do it.  Then that baby comes out & the whys are answered.  It's all worth it. As a Mom, I can completely relate to this analogy.

My happy guys scored the first Lego Minifigure exclusive: Deadpool Duck!

Thrown into the mix, unfortunately, are what we call "flippers" or scalpers.  They are mixed in with the genuine fans & collectors, acquire the prizes and then turn around & sell them at exorbitant prices--I mean, literally 400X what they paid for it.  In fairness to them, memorabilia retail is a true business.  And since they suffered and waited in the long lines, they earned the right to do whatever they want to do with what they acquired (as long as they do everything legally). And frankly, sellers can't sell without willing buyers.  So, if you're willing to pay $400 for a Lego Minifigure, that is your insanity (or not) to live with.  I can judge all day, but what is will continue to be what is. And it could be argued that these buyers who are willing to pay car payments & mortgages for these items are also true collectors themselves who just couldn't be at these events.  I'm just sorry that you have to pay so much (unreasonable, in my opinion) for things that you value & love.  

Congratulations to my guys for acquiring the second Lego Minifigure exclusive: Vixen! She's awesome looking!

I celebrate the true fans! I applaud the true collectors--the ones that appreciate & love the freebies and memorabilia that are given in the spirit of true geek fandom! For these geeksters, it's not about the money--each piece of merchandise is priceless.  It's part of a collection showcasing their love of their genre.  I proudly live with three of them!  They are what make Comic-con a place of excitement and wonder! My wish is that these amazing conventions and events are filled with more authentic true fans than flippers. There.  I put it out into the Universe. XO

Cosplay is King at SDCC 2017!

This year's San Diego Comic-con was as it always is--jam packed with pop culture galore in all shapes, sizes and disguises.  It was a feast for the geek soul & my family and I had an absolute blast & memories that will stay with us for a lifetime! There were so many amazing cosplay outfits and the Huz especially had a fun time taking photos with some of the best ones! Here they are....

This was one of my favorites as well as the Huz'. It's the Walking Dead crew! There's Rick, Alice and Carl! Notice the chocolate pudding prop...diehard fans would recognize that from an episode.

The Huz with Disney princesses/female leads!

This amazing dude is the "Hip Hop Storm Trooper" & he's built quite a reputation as a cosplayer. Everyone knows and recognizes him.  So, of course, I had to snag a picture.

This is a great couple cosplay of Tarzan and Jane.

Link (my youngest) and a cute cosplayer Young Link.

My teenager with a couple of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

The boys loved this cosplay of Link that bought the DLC.

This is a fabulous Speedy cosplay.

There were a few Reys walking around & this one was by far one of the best we spotted.

These Storm Troopers would not tolerate The Huz' shenanigans. LOL!

What can I say except, you're welcome!?! 

At least the boys can say they caught two!

and the last one I'll be sharing is pretty special and appropriate...

My AFOL and a Lego guy!

We have so many more pictures of a really wonderful few days! If I shared them all, this entry would simply be too long! LOL! Comic-con 2017 will be in our hearts and memories for years to come.  I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to share such wonderful experiences with my family. Celebrate you & never be afraid to geek out! XOXO

 

 

 

 

Embrace Your Reading Addiction

Here's three more contemporary romance novels to check out!

Can't Shake You by Molly McLain

Josh has a two rules in life: never mix business with pleasure and don’t date women his friends have dated.  But rules are sometimes meant to be broken especially when it involves Carissa.  Yup, the dude breaks BOTH of his rules.  But Carissa is a great girl and it’s worth it, right? And Carissa can’t help herself when it comes to Josh—it’s an undeniable pull he has over her. And keeping their relationship a secret to avoid hurting others can only go on for so long.  And then to complicate matters, there’s a vandal around town trying to sabotage Josh’s work and maybe even try to hurt it.  Life is complicated and if you doubt that, read this book.

One With You by Sylvia Day

This is Book 5, and the ending to the Crossfire Series, so make sure you check out the first four books to get the whole story of Gideon and Eva. I’ve been so engrossed in their love story and their intense romance (big stress on intense).  Both their pasts are enough for a lifetime of therapy and it’s pretty mind boggling.  I still can’t believe that all 5 books span only a few months!  And some reviews are very upset at how it ends.  I’m just upset that it can’t go on.  The author leaves it open ended because it’s going to be a crazy road for these two (off pages…unless we can convince Ms. Sylvia Day to write more).  I agree it’s not enough, but isn’t that kind of a good thing? Start reading the series…if you dare. 

Becoming Us: College Love Never Hurt So Good by Amy Daws

This is a story about Jake & Finley.  They meet & become best friends.  The problem is Finley has a huge crush on Jake so it becomes a sort of unrequited love, just-friends relationship. While reading, I thought this was the direction that the story was going to go, but then enters Brody.  He adds a whole ‘nother dimension to the layers that is the full story of Finley.  Just when you think it might be headed one way, it makes a turn.  I was rooting for her the whole time & that’s what makes a great story.  This story is part of a series and does have a “To Be Continued” ending. Look for “A Broken Us” as the follow-up. 

I've embraced it!

 

Thank you, Shakespeare, Sir! 

Books make me happy.

Read on everyone! XO