Gratitude, 2025

Traditions are my DNA.  I cherish the ones my grandparents and parents have handed down to me, along with the ones I am cultivating. 

My grandmother’s cookie recipe.

Drying out the struffolas before frying.

Frying the struffolas

 

So instead of the usual food or entertaining related post, a gratitude blog rejoicing in the past year’s moments is fast becoming my one of my traditions. I know I skipped a few but I’m back on track.

Also, I figure that there is so much going on the week and day before the holiday that you don’t need another idea to make you second guess your menu.  Posting on the actual day would just be an intrusion with all you have to do; eye balls deep with recipes, sauces, measuring cups and the like.  So a day or two after seemed like a good time for a another dose of gratitude to keep that feeling going.

Another year of me juggling ‘what do I want to be when I grow up’. I have so many ideas but having a hard time settling on one. And thinking maybe I should stick to what I’ve always done, juggling a few at a time. I continue to cook for my small but faithful local customers. Putting any production work on the back burner for now while trying to conjure up new other ways to earn a living.   Hitting some bumps along the road may be difficult but they are gifts.  Any stumble or road block is there to guide me, to push forward and through, to focus in on the work that needs to be done, and search my soul for the answers. 

And so I do, with gratitude for all the opportunities and talents that are bestowed upon me.  I am filled with joy for my good health, and my fortitude to continue seeking out ways to build on that health.  To be grateful that I have so many people who believe in me, and to continue to find the courage to believe in myself.

Always and forever, there are my family and friends who are my rocks and a real sense of pride and joy for me.  So here we go with the yearly roundup of just some of the joys that fill my life. My nieces and nephew, who are my absolute treasures.  Grateful to my sisters for bringing them into this world, and raising such talented, accomplished, wonderful human souls.

Part of our Italian Wedding Celebration: L to R: Nicolette, Jill, Gabrielle, John, Alyssa, Michelle, Gianna, Robert and me.

Gabrielle Brooke

The leader of the niece and nephew group , she has had a most spectacular year.   Continuing to develop, expand and rebrand her Social Media Marketing Company, Terra Collective, she has complied an impressive customer list and amazes me with her knowledge and expertise, not just in the social media marketing realm but in her business savvy.  Besides buying another home, she got engaged and then curated the most magical wedding in Florence, Italy to her handsome, kind, wonderful husband, Tyler.  When I say stunning, I’ll just let the photos do the talking. She has a gift for bringing a vision to life.

The powerful, all woman team at Terra Collective

The proposal in a North Carolina vineyard. Photo credit: Erica Serrano

John Joseph

A man with a deep soul and knowledge seeking interest in all aspects of well being.  Beside, mixing up smoothies and healthy food combos with his equally loving girlfriend, Charlotte, together they created CANDID.  A set of playing cards that poses questions of introspection and curiosity.  They both are soul seekers, and ones that not just propose that we reclaim a more analog lifestyle, they live it.  They live life big and bold, and encourage others to do the same.  Check out their CANDID cards.  They will make you think, encourage you to create deeper conversations and certainly make great holiday gifts, especially stocking stuffers!

Michella Rae

What can I say but WOW for my godchild.  Michella, natural talent combined with a work ethic and discipline that makes my head spin, has honed her on air sports reporting skills to the next level.  She was invited to CNN to give her March Madness predications (yes, that is national TV, folks!).  She was tapped for side line reporting for football and continues to shine a bright light on the exciting world of NCAA women’s Volleyball.  She also bought her first home this year, marking a personal achievement among her professional ones.

Gianna Marie

My kind and gentle godchild has had a spectacular year professionally and personally.  After honing her skills with long hours at a private research firm she landed a research position in the NY governor’s office. There she excels at detailed investigative work, is thorough and precise, and beloved by her team and bosses (and basically anyone who meets her). She and her fiancé, Trevor, bought their first house and had a great vision for its renovation. A stunning starter home. And you read that right, she also got engaged, plus adopted a dog, Billie. She is always at the ready to lend a helping hand so I’m fully expecting her trusted help with Christmas cookies!

Nicolette Grace

This little peanut is a peanut no more.  She is taller than me (sure that may not be such a tough accomplishment, but it’s growth!) and stronger than ever.  Not only did she juggle the intense sports regime of WCLA lacrosse, she garnered top grades graduating from University of Georgia with a BA in Political Science with minors in International Affairs | Public Policy and Management.  All the while leading her team to a hugely successful lacrosse season going all the way to the Nationals and almost snagging the ultimate prize.  She moved to DC to attend George Mason University for a one year intensive master’s degree in National Security and Public Policy .   Her star continues to rise.

Adrienne & Gene

My parents are going strong. This year marked not only their 64th wedding anniversary, they also celebrated milestone birthdays. Dad turned 95, and Mom 86.  We threw a surprise birthday party for them.  Some questioned our choice to surprise our parents at their ages but they are strong troopers.  We were so grateful to the many family and friends who made long journeys to be there, celebrate them and share the love.  It was a spectacular day.  We all feel blessed to have them in our lives especially after a tough year of health issues but with love and support there was an amazing rally back. Their love for one another is ever present, ever evident.

JuanCarlos

What a fabulous career year for him.  After years of working on The Waldorf Astoria project he finally saw it’s completion, and grand opening. He is juggling more projects than ever all over the country as far a Hawaii and continuing to make his mark as a leader in his industry.  (I’m sure you’re thinking he’ll take me to Hawaii, but NO) He carved out time in a busy work schedule to travel to Spain to cook and food explore with his good friend, Juanfran.  And of course our fabulous Italian vacation for Gabrielle’s wedding.

An elegant black tie Italian wedding

But mostly, he is my rock.  Always there for me, building me up, supporting my back, making our dreams a reality. We celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary and continue to boogie to the dance of life together.

As for me, I had and continue to have many great joys.  From receiving appreciative notes from customers not just for the delicious meals but for the relief it provides their family, to continuing to share my children’s books with schools and young readers.

The Grumpy Frog rests peacefully in our money corner.

Book reading event at my local Barnes & Noble

Grateful for our upstate Airbnb home and great guests, and being able to block out time so we can sneak away for some peace and tranquility. We love having a place where we can introduce goof old friends to goof new friends with a bounty of nibbles.

Relaxing weekend joy with my love

And the absolute joy it was to share the most wonderful Italian vacation as a family.

I am most proud of the Big milestone of the 20 year mark of great health!  And all the small daily wonders. Gratitude abound - I’m filled to the brim.

As always, I am grateful to all of you, my faithful readers who I feel honored that so many of you continue to read and enjoy my blog for the past decade. And I am continually grateful to those who buy and share my books.

As much as the big accomplishments are wonderful to rejoice, and easy to recognize, it’s the small ones I like to focus on.
One, because they force you to dig deep to see the blessings in the small gifts.
Two, because they actually come more often, daily even.
Like the beauty of a body of water as it reveals itself upon reaching the peak of a bridge, or the burst of color in floral arrangement that came together just as it was envisioned, or a table setting that brings joy knowing that people you love are about to come over, or the love that is felt when a text arrives from a friend reaching out with gentle support.

Fall Themed Centerpiece: A tray full of fall bounty.

I am fully aware at how the world we live in can seem bleak. So much destruction, so much bickering, and so much grief where you just want to hide. But if we neglect to appreciate, and cling to the good, then it will be overwhelming to get through the harder times. It’s best to dig deep inside of hide.

Don’t hide, rather dig deep.

Life can be tumultuous but I see the beauty, the strength, the cleansing of it all.

So I focus on those. So many grateful moments. So many positive blimps in day. So much to make me smile every moment. I, too, need reminding of all that. With my super support system showing me so much joy, they help me flip the switch off on negativity and see the light.

May light shine on you. May it reflect back beauty. May it be bright and joyous. May it be filled with gifts you need to be your truest self. May you be the light to others, and shine brightly today and each day. Light of love.

May you have love and treats in your life.

May the rainbow always find you.

 




Garden Cocktail Party - A Neighborhood Goodbye

A table full of grab and eat treats.

Although this post is long overdue from the actual happening, the content is still relevant both from an entertaining standpoint and an emotional one. From previous posts you may recall that our neighborhood is full of wonderful people. So much so that we would gather throughout the year at each other’s home to just hang out. So, it was a bittersweet gathering a couple years back when our close neighbors decided to move back to their homeland of Germany. Although a much larger party was thrown for their farewell, JuanCarlos and I decided to host a more intimate Garden Cocktail Party with our core group. Not wanting to spend time in the kitchen we focused on offering food items that we could make ahead enabling us to just enjoy our time with the whole group one last time.

There were speeches and tears but as always a good time with people who have lived closed by for a long time. Sad as it was, (note the heart on the cake I made had icing dripping down like teardrops in the photo below), it was great to come together and celebrate a big, bold move.

Mara, with her husband Andre tearing up a bit about the yin and yang of moving away.

As I always say, you don’t need a special occasion to throw a party. You just need friends. And that is really what it is all about. Sharing good food, good laughs with people worth your time.

Our wonderful neighbors

Andre, Vinny and Juancarlos pondering, not what to eat but how we will all feel after their big move. It takes courage.

Here is the menu, and ideas for you to throw a garden style cocktail party. Nibbles of food that not only can you make ahead but also fill up your guests enough that you don’t need a main course and will also help absorb any alcohol intake. Click the links below for more recipe details.

Cheese/Charcuterie Platters

You simply can never go wrong with offering a Cheese/Charcuterie Platter: Grapes, Manchego, Dry Cured Chorizo, Mortadella, Cucumber, Onion Jam, Majorero Pimenton

And when something works, double it up. Especially when you have a long table, it’s a good idea to have 2 platters at each end of the table.

Grilled Sausage with Caramelized Onions

Simply grill sausage and slice on the diagonal. Caramelize onions by slowing cooking them in oil and butter until softened and sweet. This could take anywhere from 45 min to 1.5 hrs but can easily be made ahead.

Tortilla Española with crostini

Hearty, crowd pleaser - Tortilla Española served with crostini and sliced cucumbers

Pearl Couscous with zucchini

Pearl couscous is heartier than grain couscous and holds up to chunky veggies like sautéd zucchini. Small glasses for individual serving makes it easier to eat. *Note, glasses are turned upside down so no insets, or flying debris gets inside.
How To: Simply cook the pearl couscous in water (1:1.5 cup ratio) for 10-12 minutes. Meanwhile, cut yellow onion and zucchini in small cubes. Sauté onion first until softened, add salt, pepper then zucchini. Sauté until soft but not mushy. Once couscous is done, add it to the zucchini and stir until nicely combined. You can add feta and basil to finish.

3 Bean Salad

The name of this game is hearty, hearty, hearty and this 3 bean salad continues to fill the belly in a good way. This is a very easy salad not cook just toss together salad.
How To: In a large bowl combine: Chick peas, cannellini & black beans (all liquids drained).
Drain & slice Hearts of Palm.
Cut cucumber in chunks, dice red onion, slice scallions and toss with an herb lemon vinaigrette (fresh lemon juice/zest, basil, cilantro, parsley, mint -all or any combo you like, salt, pepper and olive oil.)

Triple Chocolate Cake with Buttercream

I used my favorite recipe from Sally’s Baking for the Triple Chocolate Cake. I made this one gluten free and only one layer.

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, life is meant to be shared spending time with people you care about enjoying food made and served with love.

Thanks for the all the good cheers!

 










Festive Cocktail Party

Just the other day, right after baking Christmas cookies and preparing customers gift bags I thought it’s been awhile since I hosted a true cocktail party. Like a little kid who sees candy in the store, I had an overwhelming feeling of I want this. Not sure of how it would pan out on such short notice, especially during the holidays, I was hoping that a few friends would be available. As it turned out, most were and thrilled to join. And so began the quick list making of what to make and how to serve.

This post is going to be down and dirty. First, because that is how it came about and also because if you want to pull this together for New Year’s Eve or the upcoming weekend, you don’t need alot of hoopla. I will warn you there are a lot of dishes. And you don’t have to serve all of them. Choose the ones you like or able to tackle. Honestly, I didn’t even realize how many dishes I had put on the table until my hubby, Juancarlos, said ‘Honey, we definitely do not need the spicy chorizo. You have 17 plates out there!”

The good thing about this menu is that some of these platters were store bought which take a load off. It’s as simple as open a container and find a nice platter. Others required some time. I started prepping at 10am that day and finished right as guests were arriving at 5pm, minus the time to shower, dress and blow dry my curls.

I also needed some holiday decor since our house was not decorated for the Christmas. I made a stop at Trader Joe’s for some florals the day before but didn’t arrange until the same day. Lazy stupidity on my part when I certainly could have prepped the flowers the day before. I chose the simplicity and holiday tradition of white and red with some greenery. I kept the arrangements small and low so they could be a part of the table-scape without being in the way.

White Roses with sprigs of eucalyptus. Simple and elegant.

Mini Red Mums for the Christmas holiday spirit.

Because there were so many offerings, the easiest way to share this with you is to show the platter and give you a quick instruction rundown or the link to the full recipe. Quantities will be up to how many guests you are expecting. I made this for 10 people. We didn’t have many leftovers at all, since people came at 5p and left at 9:30p. I would say it was successful last minute soiree.

Here’s the menu:

Ok, ok I know this seems like a ton. But I had small amounts of each. Truth be told, as I was making one dish, I noticed items in the fridge that I could easily make something out of. And that is how I arrived at 17 different plates.
Modify as you see fit. Here goes…

PIquillo Peppers Stuffed with Goat Cheese

The ubiquitous Cheese & Charcuterie board is a must. Grapes, Machego Cheese, Pickled Garlic, Sopresatta, Mortadella, Piave Cow’s Cheese, Coppa, Black Cured Olives, Goat Cheese Aged with Pimenton, Cucumbers

This is a riff off my Bibb & Butternut Squash Salad. I just swap the lettuce for Farro.

Boquerones are fresh anchovies. Do not say YUCK, they are delicious, delicate fish. Served here with parsley, garlic oil.

Marinated Fennel

Simple & refreshing. Cut fennel in bite sized chunks, drizzle with Olive Oil, coarse sea salt & crushed black pepper.

Mackerel

When you buy great quality tinned fish the only thing to do is let it shine. These are Cabo de Peñas Mackerel with fennel fronds for decor.

marinated feta with rice cakes

I almost always serve up my Marinated Feta because it’s a tried and true winner. It goes great on almost anything (rice, pasta, salads, crackers, bread, roasted veggies… the list goes on). I made rice cakes. Combine cooked rice with flour, egg and form into small squares or rounds. I added sautéd kale to the mix. Refrigerate to let set, then fry in oil until golden brown. You can make these ahead of time then warm in the oven to serve.

Oven Roasted Tomatoes with Sourdough bread

Oh the delicious sweetness of oven roasted tomatoes with grilled sourdough bread

Radishes with Salted Herb Butter

So simple yet so different. This dish confuses then amazes guests. The peppery, crisp bite of the radish against the sweet, saltiness of herb butter is a winner every time. Herb Butter: leave butter at room temp. Chop your favorite herbs (I used parsely & basil). Mix in course sea salt and voilá.

Crudités with orange yogurt dip

Pick your favorite veggies for dipping. I like to mix it up with soft, like Endive and crunchy like Snap Peas, sweet like Red Pepper and clean and crisp like cucumber. For the dip, use full fat Greek yogurt. Mix in orange zest, the juice for orange.

smoked salmon with watercress

Another no cook dish. Arrange watercress on bottom of the platter. Roll pieces of smoked salmon around the platter. Top with shaved fennel, sliced scallions and chopped watercress stems. Finish with lemon zest, squeeze of lemon juice & olive oil.

marinated artichoke hearts

Store bought, and yummy.

I love crunch, so it’s natural to offer nuts. You can buy any kind of nut you like. I hope you try mine. Dana’s Nuts: Spiced & Candied The pickled mushrooms are store bought. Easy peasy.

Homemade cookies

Of course you can put out whatever dessert you like. A store bought cake cut into bite size pieces. I just finished making the Christmas cookies, so naturally I put them out.

I placed everything out on the dining room table. Moved the chairs out of the way. People made their plates then we gathered in the living room to sit and chat warmed by the fire. I hope this inspires you to throw a last minute cocktail party. You don’t need 17 platters. Just a few, some wine and cocktails and good company.

Danny & Maria seem pleased with the selection.

Andrea & Jim happy deciding what to get first.

A lovely group gathered for an impromptu cocktail party. It was a great evening indeed.

Happy New Year. Here’s to Abundance…
Health
Wealth
Joy
Peace
And every good thing the universe has to offer.

Thanksgiving Table-scape: The Muted Browns

Let’s face it, nobody needs any new Thanksgiving recipes. This is one holiday meal that people expect tradition. I can attest to this after years upon years of hosting. We used to serve a variety of different meal offerings that strayed from the traditional since neither Juancarlos nor I are fans of the usual Thanksgiving fare. Our guests enjoyed it all but one year they asked if we could serve a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. In our deep desire to be good hosts we heard their pleas and provided just that: Roasted Turkey & gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry sauce and Candied Yams. And because it’s us, we also served some of the non traditional items too: Sauteéd Garlic Shrimp, Buttered Fettuccini, etc. Guess what? Everyone devoured all the non traditional items and we were left with tons of the traditional Thanksgiving meal. I probably don’t need to tell you that that was the last Thanksgiving we hosted.

So, after a long winded explanation as to why I’m not posting a recipe, the next best offering is table setting ideas. I recently picked up some new linens. And when I say new, I mean new to me as these were thrift store finds, of course. I pride myself at tracking down rare treasures. A perfect example are the three dishes below. Each one found in different thrift stores, in different years, in different towns. And yet, somehow they all work harmoniously together.

Plate of yesteryear gracefully finding a new home.

I decided to lean into the soft browns of Fall to create a quiet, more subtle toned table scape. Maybe it’s how my heart feels these days, soft, peaceful and in need of quiet calm. I had some mix and match ideas in mind, but instead of overwhelming you with too many options I will keep it to a few. Naturally, you can mix and match to your hearts content with the linens and dishes you have on hand. I had two tablecloths with several different napkin options, and one runner.

The above line up… pre-ironing.

When it came time for florals I had been scheming for weeks about creating a whimsical display using only a variety of wild grasses that grow on the side of the road. But every time I passed them, I was scissor-less, and then time just plum ran out. So I did the next best thing… walked around my yard - with scissors. Both centerpieces are made from stems I cut from our garden. Well, and maybe a few from a nearby park. Shhh, no one was looking. The most important thing was not that I clipped someone else’s branches, but that you don’t need to spend a dime to create something impactful. I created two centerpieces. One tall, while the other was long, and low.

Using a brown ceramic vase with 5 hydrangea blooms, several maple leaf branches and few grass sprigs created a burst of Fall.

The long wooden tray is one of my favorite pieces that I inherited from my mom.  My parents brought it back from their honeymoon in Mexico. So besides being old, it’s unique, versatile and has a tray load of meaning.  I placed the center candlestick in the middle, added a bark-less tree limb and then tucked in the tree branches and grasses to create a long, low centerpiece.

Let’s set the tables. That’s to say; one table but with two different looks. I promise I’m not going to drive you crazy with countless options. Sometimes, I even annoy myself.

The first table is truly soft brown tones with a long, low centerpiece. The line up:

  1. Tablecloth of muted brown, soft orange, green tones

  2. Table runner with black, beige and brown stripes

  3. Brown cotton napkins

  4. Plates: Gold trimmed dinner plates, floral salad plates, burgundy floral soup bowls

  5. Glassware: stemless red wine, stemless white wine, green & gold water glasses

  6. Brown iron candlesticks

  7. Burlap wrap (not in below photo): to be used as an organic placemat

The line up of dishes, napkins, tablecloth, glassware and runner.

To start, just layer in the above items. Here’s how I laid out mine with one twist at the end for non conventional silverware placement. Note: after putting the plate down without a charger or placemat I felt the dishes needed a landing spot. So I grabbed some burlap wrap and laid it down in an organic bunch, then placed the dishes on top.

Then the runner, candlesticks, silverware atop a simple napkin fold. Fold it in half lengthwise, and then again. Place to the right of the plates letting the bottom 1/3 hang over the table. Line up your silverware, then fold the bottom 1/3 up to create a pouch. Add a single sprig of grass.

Place the red, white wine glasses with the water glass to the right, and the dessert spoon above the plate.

Add the centerpiece, and call it done.

The centerpiece mimics the tablecloth pattern which is a happy accident because when I was in the park cutting branches I just cut what drew me towards them.

Nature in all its beauty and glory.  This is nothing more than some random leaf branches and grasses.

And now for a few alternates. Push the soup bowl to the left and place the silverware directly on the plate. Place the napkin and grass sprig inside the wine glass. And lastly, you can swap the low centerpiece for the taller one.

Onto table number two. Here is the line up:

  1. Burnt Orange/Brown tablecloth

  2. Taupe Linen napkins with orange border

  3. Gold rimmed plates, bowls

  4. Stemmed red & white wine glasses and gold rimmed water glasses

  5. Wooden board for centerpiece

  6. Silverware

The line up for a table with more orange than brown.

Ok, you know the drill. Start the layering all the elements. The napkin isn’t a fold as much as a natural falling with folds. To achieve this look simply grab the center of the napkin allowing the natural folds to occur. Then place it on the soup plate and adjust as needed to create a natural 3 folded effect. If you need more napkin ideas check out my post 5 Folds - Countless Options

Once you place the florals on the center of the wooden board, fill in with candles and some pine cones. The wooden board not only plays into the brown theme but also makes it easy to remove if you prefer putting your food platters on the table.

Nothing store bought, just some fall foliage in a vase.

Pine cones and candles round out the centerpiece.

As i mentioned, my original centerpiece ideas was natural, beige grasses.  So this pop of color was unintended but ended up working well.

Now for the last swap out. Switch the taupe linen napkins for plaid ones swirled into a rosette. Change out the gold rimmed water glasses for golden yellow goblets, and the stemmed white wine glass replaced with stemless.

Plaid napkin in rosette bundle.  Gold rimmed water glass swapped for golden yellow goblet, and stemmed white wine glass replaced with stemless. To create the rosette effect, check out the video in my blog post about Table Settings - A Multitude of Options

I hope the browns were soothing. And as promised, I didn’t go nutty with variations, but hopeful gave enough for you to create your own festive table-scape. If more options are your jam, then check out a past post that offers variations on the variations! Thanksgiving Table Settings - Casual to Elegant

 

Happy Turkey Table Dressing!

Miami - The Long Goodbye

Our idyllic view

As I sat on the balcony of our beloved Miami condo for the very last time, I couldn’t help but think about fate, about destiny, about a convergence of life happenings that brought me there. Decades ago I moved to Miami to advance my career in television production. Ironically, I only stayed at that job position for 1 year but ended up staying 9 more, partnering with Brian and Kevin of Forti/Layne Entertainment producing, editing and co-directing so many wonderful projects.

Our most spectacular view from the balcony.

Obviously, I racked up hundreds of experiences during that decade. However, for this story to come full circle I want to focus on the night I went to a party at a building that jutted out into Biscayne Bay. I have crystal clear images of that night;

  • meeting at my best friend, Emilce’s house, downing some pre-party cocktails

  • packing into a car with a group of friends singing to Santana’s “Maria, Maria”

  • pulling up to the grand building tucked back off the busy, kinda seedy main street of Biscayne Blvd.

  • the warm wind that gusted off the bay as we entered that forced us to walk with leaned intention

  • the spectacular water view from the apartment

  • and finally the seed planted in my brain that I would live there one day

Biscayne 21 as it was known.  Located at 21st Street and North Bayshore Drive off Biscayne Blvd and jutting out into Biscayne Bay.

Fast forward a decade, I moved back to NY having never lived in that building of my dreams while actually living in Miami. I settled back into New York living by buying my first co-op and moving in with my now husband, Juancarlos. Then 2 years later by absolute luck…AKA fate, an apartment in that very building came available. So, I bought it sight unseen. That is how much I wanted to be there.

Our beloved southern home, at just the right height, just the right location, just the perfect view.  Just perfect.

After the closing, keys in hand, I pushed open the door that turned my purchase from wishful dream to glorious reality.

Not a lick of substantial furniture, armed only with an air mattress and some linens.  It was all I needed to feel at home.

514, magical numbers.

At first, we rented the apartment full time thinking it would be an investment property, and then eventually turn into a retirement pied a terre. But after awhile Juancarlos and I realized we wanted this place all to ourselves. Now after 20 years, we were forced out. The greedy glut of overbuilding and erecting enormous monstrosities has bought us out. A developer will tear down the quaint 15 story building to replace it with not 1 but 3 towers of 53 floors each! Yet another part of Miami history turned to rubble. If you have ever seen the movie “Something About Mary” then you have seen our building. It was the one to the left of the singers on the final scene. And oh yeah, they tore down the historic beautiful house that Mary lived in to construct an obnoxiously tall building that used to block the sun on our pool. But what can you do, fight city hall? So, we sold off most of the furnishings, gave away some, packed up the rest and drove back to NY with our memories in tow.

Even with clouds the days were beautiful.

Miami represents a million things to me. My first venture out of my native NY to pursue a career in live television. Being away from my beloved family and all our gatherings. Buying my first car, having 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms all to myself. No more elevator to the basement to wash my clothes, I had a washer/dryer all to myself and only having to deal with my lint, and no one else’s. Meeting new friends that would last a lifetime, Winning awards for my production work. Meeting my husband, being proposed by him in Miami. Having a second wedding celebration there for our friends who couldn’t/didn’t want to fly after 9/11, honeymooning in Miami and the Keyes and so much more. We have hundreds upon hundreds of photos, and I will do my best to inundate you with images so you too can be wrapped in the warm glow that tugged at my heart.

Engagement Party smiles. Juancarlos proposed to me in Miami two weeks before September 11. 

It was a second home, and as such we welcomed our family and friends. For many years, my parents would spend the entire month of February there. Sometimes we would join them and spend precious moments together, by the pool, at the beach, but mostly eating. Who doesn’t enjoy a good meal with the people who bring you joy?

Since Miami had such meaning to us from a marriage point of view, we used to go down in October to celebrate our anniversary. And of course, we would meet up with friends or invite them over for nibbles and drinks, laughter and good cheer. We celebrated not just anniversaries but many a birthday as well, with our dearest fra-mily. Our home was small but mighty in the joy it provided.

Anniversary tapas dinner.

Another year of celebration.

Happy Birthday to me!

Birthday celebration with framily, during a February visit when my parents were down.  See my dad in the background? On this occasion our friends, John & George, hosted at that fabulous house.

From an uncomplicated lifestyle, to enough room to entertain, to a view that never got old, only got better. It fulfilled my every dream from decades prior.

The sunrise that warms our souls and inspired us to get up and get out.

Midday beauty.  Nature’s artistry at work.

Reflections.  Even the tall buildings provided interesting views.

At night the glow provided a different kind of warm.

A glow that filled not just the sky, but my heart.

Never boring, never got old.

Blue, but never the ‘blues’.

One sure way of knowing when I’m comfortable and completely at home is preparing and enjoying meals. And boy, did we do that. If I have a kitchen, I will be stirring up some food of love. Every morning we would take our coffee & breakfast to watch the sun rise. Every late afternoon after a day at the beach we would make a healthy meal and eat on the balcony. In the evening, a cocktail or wine and watch the lights brighten the skyline. It was endless joy.

Balcony moments with my love.

Sun rays reaching towards us to welcome us to another picture perfect day.

Here is a smorgasbord of food offerings over the years.

That balcony was filled with LOVE.

I’ve even had the great fortune of selling my children’s book at the famous Books & Books stores in Coral Gables and Miami Beach, as well as school author visits.

Signing books at the Coral Gables Books & Books store.

Proudly showing off my title at the Miami Beach Books & Books location. (Unfortunately, that store closed after the pandemic.)

A school assembly, getting the kids energized and excited.  There is nothing better than a child’s enthusiasm, and to encourage creativity, imagination and curiosity.  I have been blessed.

Many a time this place has grounded me. I used the beach and the water to find my way, to answer my questions, to assuage my doubts, to remind me of my talents and all the opportunities that the universe has locked and loaded for me.

The ocean vastness was never overwhelming. It showed me the greatness that was far reaching and touched us all.

Moments of thought.

Long walks along the golden sands providing quiet time to reflect.

We frequented a beach that rarely had crowds of people.  Most of the time we had yards of beach to ourselves.

Ocean and sky in various forms.

Seagull happiness

Perfect days

Gorgeous, striking color contrasts

Shining sparkles that bounce off the water as if you say, look at all the possibilities life has to offer.

Each sparkle an opportunity, all rushing towards me.

The quiet expanse that calmed and soothed me.

Sun that would warm my skin and my soul.

The sun and water that rejuvenated me.

The gratitude for all I am given.

My happy place

Happy in our home.

Quality time with my husband, where we walked for miles, talked for days and dreamed up our future.

My personal sherpa.

Together in the place where we met, fell in love, got engaged, celebrated our wedding and honeymooned.  How could this place not have meaning to us.

Just another day at the beach

Change is hard. And this change is not just hard but ironic. Since over two decades ago I made the hard choice to leave Miami to return to New York. To once again further my career, to be closer to family, and be near my beloved city. When the thought of leaving Miami became hard, I enlisted the advice from the popular book, Who Moved My Cheese? Back then, I was so afraid of making the move, of making a mistake. Would I find work? Could I survive freelancing? Would I miss the diversity of work, my friends, the sun and warm weather? But as the book professes, there is Cheese everywhere, and enough to go around for everyone. My cheese may have been moved again, but I know I will find an abundance and variety no matter where I turn.

Togetherness

Sky, sea, land

And so here is the long goodbye, as we drove away from a view that will forever be etched in my mind. With gratitude and love for how much the universe has provided me, I give thanks for all the blessings in my life. And am reminded that the sun shines in the sky, no matter what longitude or latitude in which you are standing.

 

One last goodbye