Sunday, September 28, 2008

Celebrating the Season!

Fall Greetings from Alana


This week marks a change as the calendar turns another page. We celebrate the beginning of the fall season. Regardless of where you might live, you are likely experiencing something different in the air.





A friend in Vermont told me he and his wife have gone out and covered their flower bed every night. In the morning they lift the cover off very carefully and look skyward and say a little prayer that they’ll be able to enjoy yet another day with that splash of color before the night air becomes just a bit too crisp to allow these lovely blossoms to persist.

A relative in Chicago declared that it is absolutely beautiful weather they’re having. (When there is beautiful weather in Chicago, the natives want to make very sure that we Southern Californians are aware of it!) After a deluge recently, the weather gods are blessing the Midwest with a teaser of a few days that feel almost like summer – almost, but not quite. One feels just the hint of crispness in the air to indicate that winter is lurking and will be upon them very soon.



Here in Southern California, I’ve been taking daily walks around the bay. The summer visitors have all returned home and the neighborhood is quiet and peaceful once again. Even here, where the rest of the country feels we don’t know what weather is, there is a subtle difference.



Whether alone or with someone special, go out, take a walk. As you look up and notice the first leaves beginning to fall, marvel at the miracle of one season coming to a close and another season about to begin. Celebrate the continuity of what we call “life”. Rejoice in the fact that with all the ups and downs of life, the busyness of our daily routines, we can still take a few moments out of our day, look around and say, Let’s celebrate!”

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Give it up for the Grandparents!


This Sunday, September 7, 2008 is Grandparent’s Day and I’ve got some great ideas for ways you can honor your grandparents or help your children cultivate a great relationship with their grandparents.

Be sure to view our latest episode of “Celebrating Life” posted on youtube because this week it is all about grandparents! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQdsQNHojio You can also subscribe to our show by clicking the yellow “Subscribe” button so that you don’t miss a single episode of “Celebrating Life; Past, Present & Future”.

Gift Ideas for Grandparents:

Typically, Grandparents are at a stage in their lives where they are not looking to accumulate more things. Many are downsizing or are looking to clear out clutter. So look for a way to bring joy to a Grandparent through a gift that is a yummy treat or something that makes them smile rather than another thing to dust!

*Delicious Treats-Even kids can be a part of this one! Bake up a yummy treat of cookies or brownies. Place them in an airtight container and wrap it up with pretty ribbon and a great card. Deliver a special surprise they can enjoy or share with friends! This works great for Grandparents that are nearby or far away. I just sent cookies to my Grandfather and he enjoyed them for over a week. You can send them in a Priority Mail Flat Rate Box and they usually arrive in 2-3 days. Be sure to bake them fresh on a Monday or Tuesday and run them to the post office that day. That will ensure they arrive fresh and as quickly as possible.
*Photo Post Cards-Personal mail can be a real treat for anyone, but especially for a grandparent who may not be close by or who may not be able to be as active as they once were. Select 5-10 photographs of children, yourself, a favorite place or a special time you or your child spent with a grandparent. Make a print of each photo and write a brief message on the left side of the back of the photo. Use the right side for a stamp and address, (just like a post card). Get all of your post cards written, addressed and stamped and then just pop one in the mail each day for an entire week. Just think how you will brighten someone’s day! For a more professional look, visit http://www.the2buds.com/suph2pc.htm to order their post card backings, ($3.95 for 10).

I also want to recommend a great book I recently discovered, Grandloving filled with wonderful ideas for creating bonds and making memories with your grandchildren. www.grandloving.com Check out their great ideas!