A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS....

Last evening I finished scrap booking Christmas photos from family and friends. I began this project in 1973-the first holiday Duncan and I celebrated together-and have enjoyed archiving family stories through these holiday pictures. I especially enjoy seeing the Alms (friends who now live in Kansas City) and the Tysons (family in South Carolina) as well as new additions for the Thompsons and the Pochicks-younger families that we have known since their childhoods. Pictures are wonderful memories that chronicle special occasions. I wanted to share some of our 2009 holiday memories including a celebration of my mom's 89th birthday and Leslie, Emily and Max visiting before her new post in Amman, Jordan!

2010 ALREADY ?

Are the years getting shorter? Time seems to be passing too quickly...Duncan reminded me New Year's Eve that I was entering my eighth decade-is that even possible to be 60 plus and have lived in eight different decades? Somehow it makes 60 seem even older. I did have a GRAND year with friends and family sharing many memories to treasure. As I enter the eighth decade I somehow feel the need to "hurry up and do it all". Sadly at this age I feel that the hill is climbed and I am on the other side-not all bad but does give me pause. What to do first? Spend more time with family and friends, take time to enjoy it all and not worry about what cannot be changed. Life is short; sadly I was reminded of this when a college friend passed away late in 2009. Dr. Bettye Rose Connell was one of a kind-although I had lost direct contact with her I have great memories of our four years together at UNC-G. We were a special group of college friends, many who do our best to keep in touch via emails but often that is not enough. What a treat when I was at the Grove Park Inn in early January for the "Best of Our State" event with my mom, her sister Mark and my "cousin-in-law" Genia, sat down and was treated to a wonderful conversation with Linda & Al from Warrenton, NC who knew the Connells, the Johnsons and the Quicks-all friends from college life in the late 60's. In addition the Friday evening entertainment was "All Batten and the Blue Grass Reunion"; Al was a friend from my high school days. A 2010 resolution? Take the time to look around, say a kind word, share stories, be patient, take time to enjoy the moment. How grateful I was for that moment to meet someone who had known Bettye Rose and her family and to remember what a special part of my life she was. Leslie often says that we (the American society) need to spend time in a foreign environment-it would teach us all a measure of patience. Time is often measured in personal moments-not hours and minutes. My decade will be filled with special memory moments-who cares if it is the eighth?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS !

Thanks to all who have taken the time to remember our family with emails and cards-the photos are a special treasure. Technology has enabled me to keep you "posted"-literally- on my year of celebrating 60. It is true that age is just a number-so far the added year has not succeeded in slowing me down. Duncan and I continue to travel, golf and dance (he even still works full time) and enjoy it all. Leslie will be travelling to Aman, Jordan in early January to begin her two year post as a Foreign Service Officer in the Bureau of Global Health for USAID. This year's Arabic language studies have prepared her well for this new adventure. Blake still travels -on a smaller scale throughout the Southeast-as he is in and out of Charlotte (his home base) as a CPA for Grant Thornton. This year has been filled with blessings for our family and from our friends. I wish the same for you and your family during the new year !

A friend recently sent this quote to me....I want to share this thought with you for 2010...

" Your purpose in life isn't to arrive at a destination where you find inspiration, just as the purpose of dancing isn't to end up at a particular spot on the floor. The purpose of dancing--and of life-- IS TO ENJOY EVERY MOMENT and every step, regardless of where you are when the music ends."

FTF, YA'LL !

Literally speaking it's been a month of family, turkey and football-great American traditions. I love the holiday season and consider it to begin at Halloween and go through the new year. Halloween was actually celebrated this year with twelve couples at the beach for golf and fellowship. Aptly named "Witches & Warlocks", it is an annual event that truly "kick starts" the holidays. It was a blessing to have my mom and both Leslie and Blake home for Thanksgiving. It was great family time with an added few days in D.C. with Leslie-yes, she and I took a road trip on Black Sunday-my term for being on the road after Thanksgiving. The same week Duncan and I had a special treat-a trip to Dallas, Texas for the Big 12 championship game. With friends for the trip, it was loads of fun made even better with a win by Duncan's alma mater-the University of Texas. The Cowboys' staduim is spectacular and was an added weekend bonus. Home again in early December-the days are filled preparing to celebrate the last part of the holidays with family and friends.

RALLY FOR THE CURE

Over the last several months, I worked with my dear friend Betty and many other dedicated souls to organize and host a "Rally For The Cure" October 27 at Forsyth Country Club. As co-chairs, Betty and I coordinated the nine hole ladies Captain's Choice golf tournament followed by a Silent Auction and luncheon. A record breaking 120 women shared a day of love, friendship and hope for the vision of the Susan G. Komen Foundation-a world without breast cancer. The community support of sponsors and donors allowed our Rally committee to donate all monies raised directly to the Komen and its local Triad affiliate. We were so proud to triple the monies raised in past events for a total of $ 21,000 for breast cancer awareness and prevention. This experience showed the true power of combining creativity, vision and lots of time and hard work from a group of dedicated friends to achieve a worthwhile goal. This was my "aha" moment for the year !

CRUISING HAWAII !

Duncan and I left September 10th for a Hawaiian free style cruise on Norwiegian Cruise Line's "Pride of America". Before sailing on the 12th we were joined by friends and business associates (this was the 15th annual Pinnacle Benefits Group incentive trip for partners and agents). So a little bit of business and a lot of pleasure as we helped host a week of cruising the Hawaiian Islands. While on Honolulu we celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary at "La Mer"-my new most favorite restuarant. If ever on Oahu, don't miss it-especially the lililoku souffle (passion fruit)! We spent a somber day at Pearl Harbor, made more poignant by visiting on September 11th.; four surviving veterans of the 1941 attack were there that day to share stories and photos.

WE SAIL ! After a round of golf Saturday morning at the Hawaiian Prince Golf Club with our friends, Lynne & David-we were off to the ship. We boarded to settle into an elegant cabin for the crusie-very spacious with a lovely balcony. I loved the week on board-more food than one should actually need-the posted sign stating that the average weight gain on board is 5 to 10 pounds did not stop the afternoon ritual of chocolate milkshakes! Free style cruising gives you dining options and we were able to have dinner with friends at every venue during the week. The Jefferson Bistro (pictured with friends Lynne, David, Janis & Jerry) was my favorite. Each night we sailed and by morning were docked at a different Island. We played many rounds of golf: Wailea Emerald Course and The Dunes on Kahului, Maui.....Mauna Lani North Course on Kona, Hawaii....Poipu Bay Golf Course on Kauai. All courses were spectacular in their own way but my favorite was the golfing "experience" at Mauna Lani-built on volcanic rock so there were fairways bordered by volcanic rock throughout the course. Just amazing! While docked in Hilo, Hawaii our group visited the Volcanoes National Park that was spectaculor. And then there was dancing-the ship had a great nightclub "Mardi Gras" that provided several evenings of dancing fun. A great whirlwind of activities and fun on land and sea!

SUMMERTIME FUN !

Can it already be mid-August? Turning 60 seems to have put time on "fast forward". Leslie and Blake were home for visits in mid-July which was great; Leslie will be leaving for Jordan at the end of the year-her year in D.C. has gone by too quickly for me. It was family time at the beach in late July with my mom, aunts, cousins, sister-in-law....lots of fun! Off to mountains with my girlfriends Betty, Darlene and Nan for golf and fun. Once home have been consumed with organizing a "Rally For The Cure" golf tournament (co-chairing with my friend, Betty). The actual event is not until October but we are working at it every day. Off to beach again for two weeks in late August/early September. Some "me" time before Duncan and friends join me. Summer is almost over....best to enjoy while I can.