The Brood and the Brooder

Top photo:  The Brood (sans stray, gray tabby, Emma;-)

Lower photo:  The Brooder, McGregor who has more nicknames than all the people on our planet.  McGregor, as you can see, is claiming his territory in the usual way, ensuring his "Alpha" status.

Meet my Sister, Carolyn!

I have a dear friend, Carolyn, (top photo; far left) who in our earlier years, spent many moments and long nights having crazy fun with me.  She went on to receive her Juris Doctorate, practice as a lawyer, marry a mercantile exchange mensch and eventually conceive two intelligent and beautiful children.  I am very proud of her and the way she works hard to be the Mother children love to have.  After all these years, we have reconnected (thank you FB;-) and to this day, I still have so much fun with her!!  Her kids are amazing and she is like the sister I never had but always wanted.  Like many of my Mom's longtime friends who have become aunts to me and like Dina's sister-in-laws whose children I have come to love as my own nephews and nieces, I guess you could say in a way, I have become an aunt again too with Carolyn's kids.  My story with her began over 20 years ago at a time when nights out were long.  We gabbed and laughed for hours and hours back then; and even now, that has not changed - we still do...much to the chagrin of some :-)  At any rate, she is an angel to me for reasons only few will ever know.  I wanted to publicly declare my adoration for my strikingly beautiful and dear friend, Carolyn, who has become my sister.  ---Marla

The Power of Perception

Miguelito

This is a quote that Mike gave to me many moons ago in the aftermath of challenging moments that forcefully flooded my time with what some of us unfortunately face but fervently overcome when we change the way we look at things with our belief systems which color our perception of reality.  It is testament to its powerful nature and the instrumental role it plays in the orchestra of life.  --Marla

Giving thanks on the heels of Thanksgiving

Even though I missed celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday with so many people I dearly love and care about, I am in a reflective mood and wanted to use this public forum to enumerate my blessings.  I am grateful to my higher spirits for giving me family members and friends who reach out to me on a personal basis outside the periphery of the vast realm of advanced technology to share a reciprocating kind of love and kindness for an overarching sense of humanity on our trajectory of life.  I am grateful to my higher spirits for giving me the opportunity to spend quality time talking about those things that mean the most in life with people who have struggled tremendously with medical problems and those special friends and family members who think with depth, integrity, kindess, gratitude and humble consciousness. I am grateful to my higher spirits for all the new opportunities I have been given to share some of the best parts of me in milieus and with people that I care about so deeply - and receiving the same in kind, to enjoy with immeasurable pleasure, the creation of life memories beyond the superficial.  I am grateful to my higher spirits for reconnecting my past with my present, leaving behind what doesn't matter and carrying with me that which does.  I am grateful to my higher spirits for being exposed to selfless and inspirational people with phenomenal instincts - all which has given me the strength to meet life's challenges as I routinely reflect on and learn from their sage insights and competent, caring and cultured ways.  I am grateful to my higher spirits for giving me not what I want but just want I need.  So on the heels of the Thanksgiving holiday, here is wishing that you are reminded of your many blessings which will hopefully go far beyond the sales offered by the retail industry today.  For a higher purpose, I give thanks to those who have served for our country to protect our freedoms and those who have suffered and struggled in doing so.  I also will say prayers for those who have struggled with this holiday and those forthcoming due to either the estrangement or loss of anyone in your life that was once or remains very much beloved.  I share your pain and have sincere hope that you remain determined to keep the faith, and stay strong and brave enough to live on in the way that your beloved would want you to.

Tranquil thoughts and love to all, Marla:-)

Prayers for my loving uncle Glenn and gratitude for his inspiring spirit...

http://glennfriedman.com/

http://glennfriedman.spaces.live.com/

http://cid-a8bdfc2b0a76936d.skydrive.live.com/albums.aspx

Differences Between Cold and Flu Symptoms

Fever: Fever is rare with a cold. Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.
Coughing: A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold. A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
Aches: Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold. Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.
Stuffy Nose: Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week. Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.
Chills: Chills are uncommon with a cold. 60% of people who have the flu experience chills.
Tiredness: Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold. Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.
Sneezing: Sneezing is commonly present with a cold. Sneezing is not common with the flu.
Sudden Symptoms: Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
Headache: A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold. A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
Sore Throat: Sore throat is commonly present with a cold. Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.
Chest Discomfort: Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold. Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.

It's finally playtime!!!

Top photo: D and Me with our buddy, Kris at Bannerman's last Saturday....what a great time we all had:-)
Photo below: Nancy Martinez King with her infamous goody-bag;-)
Photos beyond...see Facebook;-)

Marketing at the Chicago Bungalow Expo...

Photograph taken by Mike of Dad and Ma at the Chicago Bungalow Expo this last Saturday.  Despite the challenges, my parents pulled together as a team to support my Dad's craft.  My father's work ethic is phenomonal.  And seeing my folks together makes me think of love in its various forms of expressions; no matter which one is illustrated, and no matter how unique its form may be, its mark always leaves a masterpiece creation. After all the hell Ma's been through and all the challenges that will continue to face her future, it's good to see her join the land of the living again even if just for awhile. It's even better to see her trying to smile again.  It's the smile that completes me and the one that my heart depends on.

Support is Near from Afar

My Bro, Greg, and his wife, Elizabeth.

Greg:  I just wanted to give you public props for the emotional support you've given to your family from afar. It means more than words can tell. We know how difficult your juggle is right now and yet you still manage to pull through when we need you the most. I honestly don't know what I would do if I didn't have some pinch-hitters here so I wouldn't have to miss so much work.  Believe it or not, Mike, Dad, Ma's friends and some of our family members are trying very hard to help in any way they can but it's not easy to see that from so far away. So keep your mind on high and find your peace in knowing we are bringing your supportive spirit with us wherever we go on this journey. The sojourn is sometimes difficult, but the circle is so divine if we choose to see it that way; and with the support of those who show concern, I am starting to see that despite all the inequities, there are still so many beautiful moments that make this ride so wildy wonderful. With that being said, please often recall how proud we are of you and for doing your best to balance this amalgamation of overflowing plates. Stay strong and sweet and know you are so very cherished. 

Quote for the Moment

Along with another, this poignant quote was shared at Rose Seybert's memorial service not long ago by her family and I find it fitting as I ponder the fragility of life after seeing the persistent, enormous and often silent suffering of people I care about so deeply.  We can juxtapose this negative energy with the idea that for every moment of darkness, there is light...silver linings to our clouds as they say, which give the impression of purpose and harmony in our global existence despite its ephemeral nature.  This quote opens the mind to think beyond and bifurcate between inequities and realities.  Props to Aunt Rose's family for including such a simple yet profound quote for all of us to thoughtfully consider.

Photo taken in June 2001

Courtesy of Glenn Friedman

And in this vein, if you could, please keep my beloved MA, her baby bro, Glenn, and our families in your prayers because aside from the positivity that our friends and family bring into our lives, these Earth Angels could really use a miracle right about now.

Way to Go Hunter!!!

Photo courtesy of Lori Stroh:
Left in Blue and Yellow; our Nephew, Hunter, scoring a TD for the Falcons!

Rage to the Rescue

Photo courtesy of Rage to the Rescue, a charity created in honor of the late Dean Stroh, Dina's beloved Pops, which in its first year, donated it proceeds to Stand Up to Cancer/Cancer Research Institute. Thank you so very much to all the members on the Rage to the Rescue committee and those on the periphery who made this inaugural golf tournament a success. The Dean Stroh Rage to the Rescue team is working on establishing themselves as an independent charity, withstanding its support for Stand Up to Cancer/Cancer Research Institute, by holding annual golf tournaments in Dean Stroh's honor, to raise money for people who are personally afflicted by cancer and for those family members or friends who are personally involved in that individual's fight against it. The first photo you see reflects our team initially entitled in the tournament as, "Poppa's Pippins." It was not long before we decided to change that (even though the 'pippins' part was perfect;-) to --now close your ears conservative ones: "Mitches Bitches." Mitch Wegner and his wife Susan were members of our team and they were SO much fun to play golf with. Funny thing was, Mitch and Dina know how to golf, and Susan and I are kind of, well, "Sallys" about the whole thing! Classic examples can be seen in the other photos where the ball is where the swing is not! Aside from the inclement weather we had last Friday, it was a good day, with good people for a good cause. All are welcome to join us next year and all those that follow to continue this very meaningful and fun tradition. Below are just a few from a handful of others that represent the day her Pops would beam and chuckle about with pride and gratitude.  One photo featured of Mar missing a shot is no surprise.  Committee members Chuck Garcia and Adam Stroh are also featured here where you can see a rare photo of Adam hung up in in a cast from an Archilles tendon-tear from a softball game with his son.  Poor lad doesn't know his age yet;-)  Behind Adam and Chuck were two extremely wonderful ladies who are part of the large group of friends that go way back.  The last photo features Dina's oldest brother Randy (back row: 2nd from the left) with his talented son, Hayden (in Falcon's jersey) and their team which did quite well. Special thanks Mar's Ma, for hanging in there that day while we stole away to participate in this very important event.

Congratulations KYLE!!!!

http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=gilbertfootball

Congratulations to our nephew, Kyle, Rory and Denise's son, for leading his Gilbert Dawgs football team to victory and helping to sweetly set his team up for the national championships. And props to Kyle's parents for guiding Kyle, his brothers, and his teammates towards success!!

Tin-Tin Turned 21!!!!

Photo courtesy of Tin-Tin's Mom, Tammy. A couple weeks ago, we were fortunate to be among the many to celebrate Justin's special day. We all had such a great time reigning it in and all we hope for from this day forward is that he continues to enjoy his life, meets his self-actualization needs and dreams and that he remains safe, happy and well! We are so proud of you and love you dearly, Justin!!

For Glenn and Deb

Before You Leave by Ellis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfDucYehPlc

The Inaugral Dean Stroh Rage to the Rescue Golf Tournament

This is a message from Chuck Garcia, Commitee Member for the Inaugural Dean Stroh Rage to the Rescue Golf Tournament benefiting Stand Up to Cancer. He is a very dear family friend of the Stroh family and wanted those who are interested to be aware of the following. He writes "I know some of you have declined the golf outing invitation...for different reasons I am sure but I just wanted to remind that with the format we are using for this tournament, you do not have to be a golfer..let alone a skilled golfer.You will be grouped with 3 others (requests will be seriously considered) and we will be playing a scramble format. In a scramble, each player tees off on each hole. The best of the tee shots is selected and all players play their second shots from that spot. The best of the second shots is determined, then all play their third shots from that spot, and so on until the ball is holed.It really makes for a great...relaxed time. Let's see some old friends and help a great cause. Thanks,Chuck"

Please click on http://ragerescuedeanstroh.golfregistrations.com/ for more information or to register for The Inaugural Dean Stroh - Rage To The Rescue - Golf Tournament benefiting Stand Up To Cancer on Friday, August 21, 2009 at Pinecrest Golf Club11220 Algonquin Road Huntley, Illinois 60142 with a 1:00 PM tee off time. Phone: 847-669-3111Website: www.pinecrestgc.com

Don't forget; it's not too late to mark your calenders: Rage To The Rescue, Pinecrest Golf Club - 11220 Algonquin Road Huntley, Illinois 60142 - Friday, August 21, 2009 1:00 PM. See you there!

About MY Poetry

Wow, am I angry and astonished. After an arduous work-week and having a great time catching up with a very dear old friend of mine on Saturday night, I came home to find out that poetry I wrote many, many years ago has been hijacked by some website who had no authorization to post it. Seemingly, it stems from a poetry contest submission I made to a publisher called Poetry.com. After my research, I determined that Poetry.com has, in turn, authorized a website called Lulu.Poetry to post my poetry contest submissions for all the public to see - without my authorization to do so and with a copyright date of 2009 which indicates THEY own MY poetry. I am so confused. These were supremely personal poems that I wrote. I never thought that these would be so accessible and so free to read where I would earn no royalties from such publishing. I feel my rights and privacy have been violated. Heavens knows I have been violated enough. Don't get me wrong. I am very proud of my poetry. I am even more proud to have had one of my acadamic pieces published in a college-based publication in 2007. But I gave the college my permission to do so. And while there was no financial value for having my academic research published, it was permission I gave the college nonetheless. And when I gave that permission to the college, their publishing parameters were crystal clear. So at this point, you're probably wondering why then, for heaven's sake, would I post links to those very personal poems right here on my blog, especially if I wanted to protect my rights and privacy. Well, all I can tell you is this: The poems are MINE and I wrote them with rights reserved. They belong to me and wherever I authorize them to be published. Lulu.Poetry was not one of them. So there you have it. Metaphorically speaking, I am taking back what was never theirs to post or financially benefit from. Does anyone know a good lawyer?

ADDENDUM dated 9/7/2009:  Prayers answered...somewhat.  Just checked the LuLu poetry website that hijacked my poetry and saw that what they posted without my permission has seemingly been removed from their website.  Thank goodness.  How that happened, I haven't a clue...perhaps an Earth Angel smiled upon my soul. I must admit this pleases me to know this matter may not --after all, be taken into a court of law after all.  Therefore, you may notice the hyperlinks to that location have been removed from my blog.  Sharing my experiences through these creative writing processes are cathartic and significant in my evolution as a person, poet, author, and overall mostly as a student of life, but I can appreciate the idea that it has its place and certainly, a suitable viewing under the proper conditons through which they would exist and thus be publsihed.   Many family members or friends are aware of it, but some are not.  All my writings are highly personal and tailor-made to personal experiences written with facts firmly entrenched in non-fictional cirumstances.   I can appreciate the idea that not everyone is into that sort of thing and in a manner of speaking, I have no interest in shoving that down your throat.  As such, if someone is interested in discussing my sculptures or my writings which happen to extend far beyond what you may have seen or been aware of, please feel welcome to ask because you must know that while my work can be deep, I certainly don't take myself that seriously!  Thanks for allowing me to share my random thoughts with you today.  Best to you and yours,
~Mar

Happy 29th Anniversary!!

Happy 29th Anniversary Uncle Jim and Aunt Lynda!!

May you celebrate many, many more with well health and happiness!

Most lovingly,

Your Fam;)

Thank You!!

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who remembered my birthday the other day. I really appreciate the effort you made to make me feel special and loved. I know there is still some more celebrating to do with some of you, but I just couldn't wait to share my gratitude for those of you who made my day. Thank you for loving me the way you do. And to Dina, my Mom/Dad and Dina's Mom..may you not mistake these words as mere platitudes when I say thank you for going WAY above and beyond to show your heart..
Best of health, love and tranquility to my cherished fam and friends,
~Mar

TJ On The Brain....

Photograph from Michael Andrew's Facebook-displayed photo of TJ Andrew with his special Angel-lady, Jill.

You haven't fallen off my radar screen, buddy...in our thoughts and prayers, everyday TJ. Remain the warrior you are and stay hopeful that your situation will improve with a little patience, time and loving support from your fam and friends.

Soul restoration and the poignancy of our nation's holiday...

Whether you believe this or not, feeding geese can be a way of tuning into the the forces around us that keep us grounded to Mother Earth. It also serves as an alternate philosphy that the world does not revolve around us as humans, rather we around it to make it what it is, good or bad. Not only do I hope that everyone enjoyed their time over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, but I also hope we all remembered to grasp its poignancy...the meaning behind the holiday that makes this country what it has been is subjective but I think we all agree we are proud to be part of the human race that values life and values freedom. On behalf of my folks and Dina, we also want to give a HUGE thanks to Cynthia and Kenny for that super Saturday soiree in your Logan Square digs and the memorable rooftop experience involving fireworks all along the city's periphery. As usual, in fine tradition, you outdid yourselves as amazing, attentive, and fun-loving hosts who crafted some of the finest noshes around. It was a nice way to end the day which began for Marla, in an early, cloudy, morning march in her hometown parade as an Medical Reserve Corps, Emergency Response and Fire Rehab Team volunteer. Love to you all.

Showing our Love...

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Banach Carden June 2009: Jen kindly captured a photograph of us gals celebrating the reunion of Dina and first best friend from childhood, Kelly, who can be seen between Dina and I. Jen, who also was their dear buddy, can be seen first from the left with her sweet and killer smile. Kelly and Dina grew up together in Streamwood and wove some very wonderful memories together before Kelly moved away to the west coast to grow her amazing family and a career which just so happens to be eerily similar to Mar's. When the reunion with Dina's friends Jen and Kelly was over, many tears were shed but we hope for more reunions in the future to freeze some more amazing moments in time! Until next time, stay well and keep in touch.
All our love to you and your families.

Happy Father's Day, El Jefe

Mi Padre,

I hope you enjoyed your Father's Day at our digs today. We did as well as the levity and chuckles we shared that followed the eggs, bacon and challah bread we prepared for your brunch. After all the orange juice, rasberry smoothies, and coffee we drank while we watched the game that the Cubbies won, we hope you found your time with us to be rife with serenity, something we can easily become bereft of in this busy world we live in. Just like the old days in the 70s, like the one this photograph captures, perhaps we can aim to incorporate more of these kinds of low-key moments with greater frequency for chakra alignment and spirtiual rejuvenation ;-) Like you said, you will never be able to replace Dina's Pops, but you sure did a good job today trying to "pinch-hit" by enjoying the Cubs game alongside her in the same gentle, fun-loving, laid-back spirit her Pops would have wanted. Thanks again for taking out time to spend your Father's Day with us.

Most lovingly

Your daughters,
Marla and Dina

Happy Birthday Dina!!!!

June 16, 2009

Happy Birthday Dina!!!

Most of you know our story but basically, for those who do not, I've known Dina since 1990. We met at a radiopharmaceutical company where we worked in separate departments...she in distribution, me under financial and marketing affairs. One day, as the company softball team captain, she was making the rounds to sign up new team members. Instantly expressing interest, I knew full well I couldn't hit a ball to save my life, but just as quickly I realized it wouldn't matter. From the start, we became fast and best friends. Throughout the years, we have ridden the viccissitudes of life together, balancing the challenges of life or our differences with the things that glue us together. If we looked alike and had the same interests, you'd think we were the same person but really, we are two different people who bring out the best in each other, share way too many laughs than most people do in a lifetime, and know that while we differ in so many ways, our hearts and value systems are the same. And so it goes on that we again, celebrate another birthday together, just like so may along the way. But this is not just any birthday. The world has changed around us, like it always will. But we always come back to center despite all the transitions, pulls from the past, unfulfilled desires for the present and external influences of power that tilt and twirl us from our feet. Dina will be celebrating almost 4 decades of living next Tuesday. No one needs me to tell them what this special day means for everyone who is lucky to know her. No gift has been greater than her warmth, love, and laughter. This moment will be bittersweet of course because her beloved Pops, (may he rest in peace), was someone Dina was so incredibly close to and someone she loved so dearly with every fiber of her being. My greatest wish for her today and everday of her life is that she feels her Pops spirit...his gentle, loving presence revealed in a warm smile and a big arms-and-hands-feeling around her. Hopefully she will also remember the pride and love that continuously emanated from her Daddy's eyes each time he glanced her way. May she know that he still does from where he now rests with Angels. Carry on his legacy, Dina - just the way he would have wanted you. Carry his heart in yours with the same warm and fun-loving strength and character and in his wishes, as well as ours, live the healthiest and happiest life possible. Today and always, may you experience all that is good and pure: Love; laughter; levity; serenity; well-health; warmth and joy.

Our love and gratitude for sharing his spirit by being the amazing person you are and breathing life into ours,

Marla and everyone you call friend and family

Happy Birthday Auntie Lynn!

June 8, 2009
Happy Birthday to my Aunt I hold so dear.
Words can’t aptly express how special you are to me, Aunt Lynn. You’ve made so many family gatherings wonderful with your kindness and smile. I will forever be grateful for the warmth and love you gave me during my early years when I barely understood life or myself. No matter what has passed, our love has not waned. With all the blessings you’ve received in your life, it has made our unification stronger in spirit, despite this day and age when time is more limited but faster in passing; the miles are longer in length, and the cultural stress of our current economy seems more expansive. So for your birthday and for everyday, I wish all that is good for you and your family. May you continue to receive many, many more blessings. May you also always know true love and tranquility. Happy, Happy Birthday, Auntie Lynn! ;-)
Most lovingly so,
Marla

A fave fam photo with G...

Greg with me, D, Mike and Mom (sans Dad who was taking the photograph:-)

My Bro-Buddy Greg

My buddy when I was a baby! Today is a good day to share this thought: Although you're my bro, I just want to thank you, Greg, for still being my bro-buddy and showing - in your own way, how much you care.

XO,

Your loving baby sister, Mar;-)

Mom's Reflections on Greg's Birth Day and Thereafter...

This is a photo of Mom looking up admirably to her cherished son. Only Mom's eyes could express what her heart feels when she looks at him or hears the sound of his voice or laughter. She is so proud of the man he has become. Once her blonde baby, he has now grown to be 6'4" (unless he is starting to experience osteoporosis;-). But it's not just the physical attributes that have changed and expanded. With intellect, he weaves his creative multidimensional nature with an amazing sense of humor that fortunately, has not waned over the years. Mom loves the hopes he has for the kids he has adopted in his heart when he married his wife, Elizabeth who has three children. That is because it reminds her of those hopes she has had for her own children. Despite the viccissitudes of parenting. Mom has big love for Greg. During this time and all the days of his life, she hopes he remembers that.

Happy Belated Birthday Greggy-Poo!!!

Here are a few photographs which exemplify the playful and loving nature I've always had with my brother, Greg, whom I adore and admire for his heart, work-ethic, intelligence, rational value systems, andhis concientious, unselfish philosphies peppered ith his famous belly-busting sense of humor. These photos were taken a long time ago - like when the eyebrows I plucked dutifully for the "perfect arch" began their telophase and eventually stopped growing back altogether; the photos (sans my other older brother) were acutally intended to be a "nice little photo of us kids" at Mom and Dad's house.  As you will see, Greg tried ever so lovingly wedged a a crack into the formality of it a ll with some nose-tissue I've since removed from this blog out of courtesy and respect for Greg.  I just wanted Greg to know I love him and that those of us who are lucky to know him hope his birthday is filled with the love and laughter you have always filled our lives with.  And like I've said before, may your life be blessed with what you wish for and everything good and pure. My tribute to Greg is displayed with "indefatigable" (the word Greg makes fun of me for using) love for his treasured soul is and the long-held laughter we've shared over the years that have been sprinkled with the occasional slice of unsolicited, brotherly advice is something I am so grateful for. XOXO, your little sis, Mar;-) and your other loving sister, Dina, who also sends her love and best birthday wishes to you ;-)

Happy Birthday, Glenn (1 day early;-)

Photo courtesty of Deb's relative on Easter 2009

Happy Birthday, Glenn. You made it. Hold your cowboy hat up and keep your face to the sun and sky. This is a good time to thank you for being the special person you are, for everything you have done to make our world a better place, and for showing your unique and expansive love, kindness, compassion an modesty - virtues you've long held valuable. Our wish for you today and everday is that you know the true intagible gift of love, tranquility and kindess - especially the love that your family and friends have for you We love more than our words can ever express. Never forget that, Glenn. Our heart and thoughts are yours on your special day and always. XOXOXOX.

Introducing the Newest Star in the Friedman Family Circuit...

Congratulations Dan and Jessica and to everyone in your families!

Welcome to the world Emily Elizabeth!

On behalf of our family, we just want you two to know how thrilled we are to learn about the beautiful blessing you and your families just received: Emily is absolutely beautiful. just like her handsome brother John Zacharias, and her three nieces, Michelle, Kaitlyn, and Megan. May she live a healthy and happy life rife with love, and may all of you be equally blessed!!!!!

Thoughts & Prayers for our Bud, T.J.

Photo of T. J. Andrew courtesy of: http://www.wbbm780.com/pages/322268.php?contentType=4&contentId=387688
Many prayers for you, my buddy. Bereft by your recent bouts of events, Dina and I are keeping you very close in heart and thought. We just wanted you to know that in the event you are internet-bound and checking e-mails or blog posts. Real beauty exists in the fleeting, intangible moments we live and capture. The vicissitudes of life has made happiness elusive, often replacing any sense of levity with a sadness in our soul for your suffering. Today, we pray the future holds more hope for your wellness and safety. In your spirit, may we all live with the feeling of not wanting more of more things, but a desire and earnest attempt to live with your sense of humanity. Lovingly, your buddies, Marla and Dina.