Leap Year~

This day happens once every four years.

We can all either run forward, 

walk backwards 

or 

take the Leap!  

Tonight, this gives me reason to pause, 

reflect

 &

 remember.  

People that have touched my life, 

Places that I have been able to visit, 

&

moments that are forever etched in my heart.  

Tonight, there are friends that are rejoicing as they welcome a new child into their family. 

 I have other friends, that are praying for a miracle.

&  

I know others that are mourning the loss of a loved one.

This week has been particularly rough for me.  

Through it all, one thing above all resonates with in me...

Four years ago,

 I had no Pink Family.

Weeks like this week, would be unbearable if it were not for the loving support of this Pink Family that I have been so blessed to become part of.

So even as we Rejoice, Pray and Shed Tears

We do so as a Family and with Support.

We no longer are left alone to face these moments.

There is a Voice to Sing Praise, Hands to Pray 

& 

a Shoulder to Cry on...

In the words of a Friend, "Anne"...

‎"Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened."

No matter where you are tonight...

 I hope you feel love surrounding you...

XoXo

Power of Prayer~

          Still reeling with everything that is going on... 

An internal struggle, with things that are not in my control.  Sometimes I can manage to smile and laugh, other times I am angry or even finding myself in tears.  

My greatest constant emotion is frustration.  

It makes me gravitate back to my roots.  

My family raised us going to church every Sunday.  

They provided us with a second family.  

A close few, that I still have contact with.  

Some of my dearest friends came from my church that I attended in Virginia.  

I have never found another church like the VPC.

 They truly left me with a lifetime of memories and a desire to find a church where I would feel as comfortable in, or as accepted and loved.

I have never found that same feeling in any of the churches that I have been part of since.  

Over the last few days I have found that I am more and more...

 Going back to what I was taught, believing in the power of prayer.  

The last week especially has been difficult and has tested my faith in so many ways.  

I keep praying and try to believe that God has a plan.  

Even if I don't understand it, or agree with it... 

I have to respect it.  

Which is so difficult, when you are struggling to find the purpose.  I have to believe that he answers our prayers in his time, and how he wants.  

Even if the answer is "No", "Not at this time", or "Yes".  

He will answer our most heartfelt prayers if we only quiet ourselves long enough to listen.  

Tonight, I ask for your prayers... 

For those that are Fighting, ones that have fought & for the few that have left us, to make their final trip home.  

Lastly, I would ask that you pray...  

For the people that are internally struggling, with how to cope with the reality of the situations.  

Tonight, I will pray that God hears our most heartfelt prayers...        

God wants you to know...

XoXo

Mixed Emotions~

Tonight I am struggling to bring you something that would be relevant.  

I guess I just have to tell you what is in my heart & racing through my head.  

Chardon, where the school shooting happened today.

  My Friend Cord, & now his Brother Nick that died all too soon.  T, who has struggled for the past year with her own cancer battle & now is pregnant with twins.  

Lastly, a friendship that was unintentionally damaged, but damaged none the less and I don't know if it can be repaired.  Tonight, I have so many things that lay heavy on my heart... 

I know that everyone has their own way of coping with things that trouble them.  

Tonight my only action that I can get any comfort from is getting on my knees, praying for forgiveness and guidance.  

I  usually never watch the news... 

Why?  

Because I can't watch tragedy's happen over & over again and sit by idly doing nothing.  

My heart breaks watching everyone in Chardon grieving over what took place today.  

This Saturday I will pay my respects to Nick's family.  

One year and one day earlier, I was paying my respects to the same family in the loss of their oldest son Cord & his girlfriend Betheny.  

"T" who I got to know through the eyes of a friend over the last year.  

I gained so much respect and love for this woman that I have never even met.  

It has been an amazing and heartbreaking journey, but one that has been so frustrating as I want to do so much more to help but can't.    

Now, today, I found out that she is pregnant with twins.  

Today I also realised a friendship that was hurt.  

I want to repair the damage, as it was never meant or intended, but I have done all that I can do at this point to reach out & bring about healing.  

So many things weighing on my heart & head as I prepare to go to bed tonight... 

I pray... 

Asking for Guidance, Comfort, A Miracle & Forgiveness, but most of all PEACE...

XoXo    

Polar Plunge 2012~

Yesterday it was a lovely 30 degrees.  

Once you added in the wind factor, it felt like it was 15 degrees!

 Brrr... 

I took the kids to my mother in law's house, picked up my girlfriend Peg, and we reached the lodge about 12:00.  

I checked in then changed into my plunge outfit took some hammy pictures, and then we got onto the bus and headed down to the beach.

Once we got to the beach it was really windy & cold.  

The water wasn't looking inviting at all, and we actually had pretty big waves that were crashing up against the beach.

  Of course, I had to take some more funny pictures and then it was time to get down to business.

Or so I thought...

Here we are all freezing waiting to get into the water.  

It took them about 15 minutes to set up all of the safety precautions.

They gave us a safety brief and then, 

we braved the water in groups of 8 at a time.  

With the power of the waves they didn't want us to go out too far.  

Some plungers were upset, but getting wet up to my waist was just fine with me.

I did it!  

Then I ran up to the changing tent.  

They had a torpedo heater warming up the tent.

I changed really quickly, and then it was time to take a few more fun pictures.

We got on the bus, and headed back to the lodge.  

Once we got to the lodge we warmed up by the fire,

( Yes, once again... We took a few pictures. )

Me, showing off my Polar Plunge Towel & Shirt.

Then it was time to head home...

Once again, 
Thank you to everyone that donated... 
So, I could participate & have this experience!

XoXo

Savvy Saturday~ Sandpiper Gallery

Welcome to this week's Savvy Saturday!  

I take great delight in sharing with you this gem of a shop,

 Sandpiper Gallery.  

The Gallery is owned and operated by Nancy and Doug Hedrick.  

Their unique jewlery is designed by Nancy or Doug & each piece is a one of a kind, work of wearable art.  

Every piece is made from only the highest quality materials.  

The Sandpiper Gallery is located in the 

Historic Ashtabula Harbor.  

The Gallery features flamework jewelry along with artwork from over 30 other Northeast Ohio artists.  

They have everything from paintings, sculpture, glass, fiber arts, and photography, to name just a few.  

Every piece of art is proudly made in the USA!  

Nancy also teaches classes if you are interested 

in learning a new skill.  

Last year I met Nancy at a show, and we talked about one of her pieces that she had a picture of.  

I was touched by it's simplicity, taken with it's beauty. 

 I had to have one like it.  

Not only do I have my own stunning work of art that I wear.  

I take great delight in telling people what it represents to me.  

This is my Necklace <3

Nancy generously made a second one so that I could auction it off last year to help raise the money I needed to walk.  

This year Nancy is willing to donate 10% from every sale.  

If the sale goes over $100.00, she will donate 15% towards my walks for this year.  

Just make sure when you contact them, you use the code "Sunny" so that they know I sent you.  

I am giving you the link so that you can read more about the gallery, and see many more pictures of the wonderful 

art work that they have.  
You can also find them on Facebook under, 
"Sandpiper Gallery on Bridge Street".

They also will work with you to make a one of a kind treasure that you can enjoy for years to come.  

Sandpiper Gallery

Location and hours of Operation

1034 Bridge Street

Ashtabula, OH  44004

440-964-9069

Winter Hours:

Tue. - Fri.  11:00 - 4:00 p.m.  Sat. 11:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Sun.  11:00-3:00 p.m.

Closed Mondays

                                                  XoXo

Fantastic Foodie Fridays~ Pumpkin Muffins

            The end result is a tasty pumpkin muffin that’s much lower in fat and calories!

It’s amazing how even the simplest ingredient swaps can make a difference when you’re trying to lose weight. For instance, this muffin recipe uses pumpkin puree instead of butter to create a lighter, delicious version.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp grated nutmeg

1 cup natural sweetener

1/2 cup canola oil

2 large eggs

1/2 (15-oz) can pumpkin puree (about 7/8 cup)

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and set aside. Whisk the sweetener, oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and applesauce. Add in the dry ingredients and fold with a spatula until the flour has been absorbed. Place in muffin tins and bake 20 to 25 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes.   

Recipe courtesy of The Dr. Oz Show

Almost Time~

I was trying to be humorous and find a picture of me 10 years ago when I last participated in the Polar Plunge. 
Alas, I had no luck. 

I had a lot of fun dressing up as the Polar Plunge Princess, complete with a evening gown and heels.  

In two days I will take the plunge again.  

This time, I will have a little bit different of a costume that I will be wearing.  

If the predictions are right, it will be snowing and the temperatures will be between 27 degrees & 30. 

I have a feeling if it keeps snowing, I will be jumping into a slushy.  

Looking forward to having fun & posting pictures for you to see!

XoXo

Triple Threat~

Now, I just have to ask who's idea was it to have Lent fall on Wednesday, and have it be National Margarita day all at the same time... 

Is this just cruel irony or what?  

For some having to figure out what to give up is difficult enough, but then to have to stick to it can even be more difficult.  

So to all of you, I want to wish you a Happy Ash Wednesday.  

This is just an idea...

How about instead of giving up something for Lent... 

You do something for someone each day, and give of yourself.  

Do something for someone & it doesn't have to cost a lot of money to do... 

Random Acts of Kindness... 

It is more fulfilling to the Heart & Soul...

It helps to bring about a better world.

Every day we turn on the news to hear about all that is wrong with the world we live in and in our corner of it.

Wouldn't it be nice for once to hear all of the good?

I challenge you to be the change you want to see...

XoXo

Party~

One of these days I will make the trip to New Orleans to take part in Mardi Gras.  Till then I will say... Happy Fat Tuesday! Big or Small we Celebrate them all! Party Like a Pink Rock Star! Now go out there & earn your boobeads! 

XoXo

Fortune Cookie~

Sometimes it takes the simplest of reminders...

We each have our own path that we must travel.

Every choice we make, every road we choose...

Each one leading us to finding out who we really are.

What we are willing to put ourselves out there for?

Every year that goes by, I know that I become more who I have always wanted to be.  

I grow stronger, more determined 

and willing to live each day to the fullest.

Never knowing if I will have tomorrow.

Treating each day as a gift.

Tonight, I hope that you will remember that there is only one you.

You have the power to do anything you want.

Never settle for second best.

Be willing to reach out of your comfort zone.

The ride may not always be smooth, but the view is breathtaking...

XoXo

Sunday's Blessings~

Tonight I am humbled by the rallying of my Pink Family.  

They have once again proven to me that our relationships run so much deeper then just the 3-Day experience.  

I asked for support so that I might be able to participate in the

 Polar Plunge.  

They came through in loving, compassionate support.  

The money will benefit Ohio's Special Olympics.  

So now I prepare to make the PLUNGE!  

Temperatures are to be between 25-39 degrees...  Brrrrr... 

Well, I accept the challenge!

  I will post pictures and tell you the story as it unfolded.  

I have to say that I am feeling so loved tonight.  

To know that my Pink Family hears my truest desires and is willing to help me in achieving my goals... 

Thank you!  

To each one of you that donated towards my plunge!  

I promise that you will, if nothing else get a chuckle out of the pictures of my dramatic dip!  

XoXo

Savvy Saturday~ Heartmade Boutique ~

 Welcome to another addition of Savvy Saturday!  I am so excited to tell you about Heartmade Boutique.  They are located in the Historic Ashtabula Harbor.  All of their body care is handmade, and you can customise your products to smell just the way you want! They have over 20 Fragrances & Essential Oils you can pick from.  You can make your own bath salts, teas and facials, just to give you a few ideas.  They have an amazing assortment of flavored lip balms.  Now, if you are really adventurous... They have one that is dill pickle and another that is pizza!  Don't worry they have other ones that are really yummy too!  You could always get the one that is dill pickle and give it to a friend that just found out she is pregnant!  Melanie swears that she loves the dill pickle the best! Melanie also has a really beautiful assortment of Bohemian, Unique as well as Retro Style Clothing, Jewelry, Purses, Luggage & Accessories!  I love going into her shop to see all of her newest goodies!  I have to tell you if you like gingerbread or the smell of it... I got the most intoxicating soap from Melanie... Just having it around makes me hungry!

Now here is the really wonderful news! Melanie is wanting to help me walk in as many cities as I can.  So, if you order online and email melody@heartmadeboutique.com with your name and the code "Sunny".  She will donate 10% of your purchase total towards my walks.  Then, if you decide there are just so many things that you can't help but spend over $100, she will donate 15% towards my walks!  

Just a few of the hand made soaps they carry!

Heartmade Boutique

Store Hours: Sunday 12-4 Closed Monday; Tues. - Thurs. 11-5 Fri. & Sat. 10-7

1028 Bridge Street in the Historic Ashtabula Harbor

www.heartmadeboutique.com

Featuring unique boutique-style clothing, as well as jewelry and accessories that make perfect gifts for any occasion!

Don’t forget to check out our luxurious line of custom-made body care products!

Love their newest bags!

Fantastic Foodie Friday~Jorge's Skinny Muffin & Lemon~Limeade~

Jorge’s Skinny Muffin

Traditional energy bars are often packed with sugar, which can cause a spike and a subsequent crash. These muffins are designed to provide sustainable energy that lasts through lunch, thanks to coconut oil, a healthy fat that’s good for your brain, fiber-rich flaxseed and egg protein.

Ingredients
1/4 cup ground flax

1 tsp baking powder

2 tsp cinnamon ( I used Cassia Cinnamon from Penzeys Spices )

1 tsp coconut oil

1 egg

1 packet stevia ( I used Truvia )


Directions

Mix all ingredients together in a mug and microwave for 50 seconds. 

Allow to cool to a safe temperature and enjoy!

BONUS RECIPE!  

Lemon-Limeade

A daily dose of vitamin C can help reduce fatigue and boost alertness. In addition to the vitamin C, citrus scents have been shown to stimulate alertness. By using stevia, a natural sweetener, you won’t have to worry about blood sugar spikes. Use a few mint leaves for a touch of flavor.

Ingredients

4 lemons

3 limes
1 tbsp stevia ( I used Truvia )
Fresh Mint

Directions

Squeeze the juice from both the lemons and the lime into a glass. Add the stevia and mint leaves, and stir. Enjoy!  
My side note~ I have to tell you that I used a juicer & by the time I got done with the Lemons & Limes I had a big glass of citrus, but one that I could not drink the way it was.  For me, it was to acidic on my stomach.  
Instead of scrapping it all I added the glass of citrus to a pitcher, then I filled it the rest of the way up with ice cold water.  Added the mint & Truvia and it was delightful!   
This will be a refreshing way to replace the once beloved "Country Time Lemonade" in my house! 

Recipes courtesy of TheBellyFatCure.com