Yep. I'm stuffed. With good food and good memories from Thanksgiving. Some of the great moments I will remember for a long time:
--Giggle sessions with my sister. There's something about growing up with siblings that link your funny bones forever. I laugh often with friends, but there's nothing like the tear inducing all-out silliness that happens when I am in the presence of my brother and sister.
--The sweet look of horror on my 9-year-old nephew's face. We were all gathered for Thanksgiving Dinner up at Uncle Leonard's house. Different branches of Jaffes, Kagans, and our family friends the Ferraros. It was the first time the Ferraros' 2 1/2 year-old granddaughter, Parker, joined us. Boy, did she ever take a liking to 9-year-old Joe. She followed him around everywhere. At first, this was quite the ego boost for Joe-Joe. Since he's the younger brother, it's not often he gets to be the big kid, the one who's looked up to. Joe catered to Parker's desire to play puppets with little straw scarecrow figurines they pulled out of the floral centerpieces. He pretended he didn't see where she hid when she wanted to play Hide N'Seek. Somewhere in there is where IT must've happened. Joe came up to me with cheeks redder than a pomegranate looking absolutely horrified and bewildered.
"Aunt Daryn!" he said, "Parker just told me to lean over so she could tell me a secret," he said confusion laced through his voice. "Well, what did she say?" I asked. "She told me she loved me!" he gasped. "What did you say back?" I asked, trying not to giggle. "I told her, 'You barely know me!'" he exclaimed.
And there it was. The Look. Yeah, y'know, that look men get when they are utterly confounded by us women and our sometimes unexplainable emotions. Being as I live in hope, I wanted to tell Joe that he was only 9. Parker only 2 1/2. Surely, women will be easier to understand as he gets older. However, Aunt Daryn didn't want to lie. Not on Thanksgiving. My next best option. When all else fails. Dish up the pumpkin pie. Extra whip cream.
As for the real meaning of the day, long after leftovers are gone and extra pounds sweated off, I will be thinking about a remarkable story done by ESPN's Shelley Smith. You need a refresher course in gratitude, make sure you watch this story about one special boy who shows us how to carry on after losing a precious gift so many of us take for granted.
Here's hoping your holiday left you with some precious, lasting memories, as well. Feel like sharing? Just click over to our social online community.
November 16, 2009: Why I Love My Dog
I look at this quick photo I snapped yesterday with my iPhone and think, "How can I not smile?"
She is Darla Louise, my quirky, 9 1/2 year old pup taking in the beauty of a mid-Fall afternoon.
I have no idea if anyone else sees the beauty I do when I look at my own dog. I don't think I really care. I'm just so thankful and delighted for the many moments of joy she brings to my life each day.
How does she know not to get out of her doggy bed each morning until I ask, "Do you want to go for a walk?" There is no barking or whining if she's ready to get up and att'em before me. Sure, there might be some intentional rolling over with a doggie version of clearing her throat. A kind of, "Kh-kh-kha-hum, excuse me," kind of sound. But it's just a suggestion that I might want to get the day started.
I love how she's my social "wing man" in the neighborhood. Have you ever noticed that walking witha dog instantly makes you a friendly person that neighbors can stop and talk to? Who would do that if you were just out walking by yourself? I've met so many great people in the 'hood because of Darla. Admittedly, with many of them, I only know their dog's name and forget theirs. Does that ever happen to you? You run into a fellow dog parent in the market and the best you can say is, "Ohhh...it's Griffey's mom!" or "Hey, Sheldon's dad!"
I love that Darla has one specific lawn in the neighborhood that she loves roll on. I have to admire a woman who knows what she wants and Darla wants the lawn around the block and to the right. There are other houses that appear to me to have the exact same kind of grass, but none will do. Thank goodness the new neighbors from Florida who just moved into that house are cool and love that Darla loves their lawn. Bet the realtor didn't tell them the new abode came complete with a rolling dog outside their front door.
To watch Darla roll on that grass with all her might is to witness pure bliss, a sight Darla treats me to with each midday walk. Thank you, sweet girl, for showing me daily what pure happiness and contentment looks like.
I'm a little extra in love my dog today as I have to take up to a vet specialist for some tests. To me, she looks totally fine, but our regular vet has been seeing some things in her blood work that has him concerned. So, please keep Darla Louise in your thoughts today. (And her mom, too!)
Meanwhile, please share with my why YOU love your dog. We're talking about that over in our social online community.
November 11, 2009: Here's To The Veterans!
Here's to all the men and women who have sacrificed serving America. I appreciate your service and all that you've done to make so much possible in this great country.
About 18 months ago I was able to get an even deeper understanding and appreciation for some of our most recent veterans. The folks at Sun Valley Adaptive Sports invited me for a week of skiing with a special group of veterans. You'll see more about that incredible experience in today's featured story.
It was wonderful to be able to spend more than just a couple hours or a half-day with these remarkable men. That's how it would've been in my old life as a CNN anchor. Get in, shoot story, get out. Nothing against CNN. That system suits what they do. But with what I do now, I can say, "Have laptop; will travel!" and set my own schedule. What a treat.
The time with these men moved me to share my thoughts on camera. Right after that trip, I created what I called my first "blogideo," my blog + video.
Here's a look at that.
November 2, 2009: Riding The Post-Halloween Candy Buzz
Here, in no particular order, are my Halloween confessions:
-Few things taste as good as that first piece of Halloween candy I pop into my mouth when I open the bag a few days before the big day. The joy each next piece brings quickly diminishes. So why am I still grazing on an array of candy buffet more than 24 hours after the last trick or treaters rang the doorbell?
-My friend's husband, Darren, (we call him, "BoyDarren") assures me that because of "fun" size, the line up of Hershey bar, Reese's cup, Whoppers, Kit Kat bar and Dots is actually the equivalent of a single serving. He's a really smart lawyer in Silicon Valley so I'm going with his judgement. Why would he lie?
-Seeing trick or treaters at my door makes me tear up. Don't know what that's about. I just get such a kick out of getting to share their big night. Even the little Freddie Kruger made me a little misty.
-This year the kids told me I had especially good candy. It's highly likely they saw me as an easy mark and just said that so that they could take more. That's just fine by me. As Bill Withers sang, Oh you just keep on using me until you use me up Until you use me up.
-I found out that Halloween candy is still a valued currency the day after. Two of my favorite neighborhood goblins came by Sunday to help me plant bulbs through out the yard. They even helped dig into the compost after I explained that it was a big pile of cow poop. Couldn't phase these junior gardeners. I told them they could help themselves to a piece of candy by the door once we were done. They asked for two each instead. Who knew 7-year-olds could drive such a hard bargain? I caved. I'm sure their mothers are thrilled. Just what they need--more candy.
-DarlaDog is still in the Halloween afterglow, licking crumbs off the street, refusing to give up her Jack-o-lantern regalia. Whatever makes you happy, sweet girl. Whatever makes you happy.
