Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Inspirations from Ninpo

"...But, in reality, the highest point is the posture of the mind and spirit."

"It is best to deal with everyone and everything with your true heart."

"To have an indomitable spirit means getting up after every fall."

"like grass that is stepped on many times but never gives up living."

"If there is a village on which the moon shines, for a person who wishes to see it, it is there."

"To calm waters or rough waters, if I give my body, I may have the chance to float."

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Thank you Dove

The self-esteem foundation by Dove has put together a video called evolution. It is really worth seeing. It is good to see what really happens to create those ads and billboards.



Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Time in Toronto

Great weather, great food and great company! There are more photos on my flickr link....

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Taking Action

It is inspiring to see others take action in their lives for what they believe in. Without ambitions or expectations but just to do, live, and be. This morning I received an email from a good friends friend, who I have only met twice, but both times, I sensed that she was a remarkable person.

I am honored to support Lindsay in her journey.... please take the time to see what she is about and how she is taking action....


You go Lindsay! May each stride be full of strength and love. Good luck!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Garden Girls


It was so nice having my mom in town! Her and Rosie spent the night and we played the garden in the morning... there are more photographs from the garden fun and a wonderful party that Marino and Lisa had for the holiday weekend on my flickr link. Enjoy!

@ a Studio....

New journey!!!

...teaching in a yoga studio...... instead of a aerobics room or a church.

Is at a small intimate studio that is in Berkley. Here is the website, which is still under construction, but you can get a feel for it.


I will be teaching a vinyasa class on Thursday nights (6:30-8pm) and Saturday mornings (10:30-11:45).

Every Sunday night (7:30-8:30) I will teach for donation, a gentle yoga class.

The last Sunday of the every month there is an event called Candle Light Yoga, which I will be teaching this month too.

Hope to see you all soon!



Friday, August 21, 2009

Just found out

I just found out that there was an article and photos of the DKWIO event that I volunteered for.
Here is the link....



Saturday, August 1, 2009

Great cut

She did it! She went short and it looks great! Yeah, Priya! Super cute!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Yippy

Yippy! Yippy! Yippy!

I am now the teacher for a fusion yoga class at BHC! Yeah!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Take me out to the ball game...

I went to the game on Sunday to see the tigers lose to Chicago, but it was a great time. I haven't been to a sporting event in a long time. Fans are sure odd. I fell in love with the ferris wheel and all the cool tiger stuff. It was a good time, even though we lost. It was nice to be out in the city again. I really do see hope in Detroit. There are more photographs on my flickr link.

Birthday for the boys


Boy those boys are getting BIG! There are more photographs of the party on the flickr page. Not as many as usually because I was too busy jumping on the trampoline! I want one now, too bad I just landscaped my back yard!

Monday, July 27, 2009

Caseville


It took two days for the weather to get nice. But we made the most of it. Check out the photographs on my flickr link.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Cityfest on the 4th


The American Flag hanging in the Fisher Building. Detroit's Cityfest was full of fun this year. The people watching was one of my favorite things, other than good music and over priced food... check out the photographs through the flickr link.

On our way to taking the plunge!


Here they are... the long drive from Zia's house to Uncle Marino's house! With Rosalie's birthday money she bought "The Plunge"! It is an air pumped water slide with a pool at the bottom. It says that the weight limit is 180 pounds, I beg to differ. I am well under 180 and I was almost crushing that slide... check out the photos on my flickr link.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Magnanimous

1. generous in forgiving an insult or injury; free from petty resentfulness or vindictiveness: to be magnanimous toward one's enemies. 2. high-minded; noble: a just and magnanimous ruler. 3. proceeding from or revealing generosity or nobility of mind, character, etc.: a magnanimous gesture of forgiveness.

I love words that inspire...

thanks mom!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Uploaded

I did some serious uploading yesterday. Now on my flickr page are photos from Visiting Mom, Andy's Birthday, Curin & Tiffany's Wedding, Rosalie's Birthday Party, Pool fun, and Family time. Hope you enjoy them!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Naoe

I don't think that there are words for such an amazing dining experience as this was.  Other than, I can't wait to go back! Here is the website to learn more about what this place was like... which is unlike any other.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Peppe in USA!

Peppe is here....for good! This is Peppe and his fiancee Rachael. They were supposed to give a sad face...doesn't seem like Peppe knows how. There are more photographs on flickr.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Donate and Experience

Learn more about yourself and donate to a good cause.  

Danialle Karmonos' Work It Out and the Yoga Shelter are holding a fundraiser on April 26th.
 
To register visit this site...

I will be there assisting in adjustments, modeling poses, and offering help. 

Would like to see some of you there!

Mr. Brown

Grill the Chef.... Presents Andy Brown!  Check it out here...
Congrats Andy!  

Henry David Thoreau Knows...

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simple.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

New Easter Dress

Hop hop goes the bunny on Easter Day, right into Rosalie's lap!  Rosalie loves her new easter dress and her new bunny...go to the flickr link to see more photos! She is just too cute!

Mariza

What an amazing concert! Her voice... The talented musicians that accompanied her! It was such a pleasure to witness that level of artistry.  There are some more photographs and videos of the concert on my flickr site. Enjoy!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Paper Airplane Fun

Nothing says "come on spring" like paper airplanes! For Jack's birthday I got him a kit called "Everything Flies". There was a book, which said for ages 8 and up (don't agree), that illustrated how to make fancy paper airplanes and there were other cool hard plastic planes to build and foam/nerf things that shot through the air. We had all sorts of contests for our planes such as; distance, basket challenge, tricks, and accuracy!  The kids had a great time... so did I! There are more photographs on my flickr link.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Can it Germinate?


According to a recent experiment by Rosalie Pruccoli, seeds can germinate without soil. She demonstrated that seeds can germinate in different environments other than soil. For instance paper towel and newspaper work very well. Congratulations Rosalie on your first place ribbon! There are more photographs of the science fair on my flickr link.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Fire house fun

The kids had a great time playing on the fire truck! They even got to go in the ambulance and fire off the sirens!  There are more photographs on flickr.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

19.03.09

this is the anniversary of the death of my nonno.  I pay him respect and honor for the time I had with him.  often those moments are fresh in my mind.  thank you.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Kodo


It was such an amazing concert! The japanese taiko drum was a symbol of the rural community, and it said that the limits of the village were defined not by geography, but by the furthest distance from which the taiko could be heard. I am thankful to the University Musical Society for creating an amazing line up this season. Check out the website and get out there and experience! http://www.ums.org/

Friday, February 13, 2009

She turned 10

It is amazing to think that Jennifer is ten years old. I remember babysitting her as a newborn. Now the years have passed and she is developing into an intelligent young girl.  We had a great time ice skating to celebrate her birthday. There are photographs on the flickr link. For some reason my memory card of the camera I took on the ice with me acted up and I lost a lot of photographs :( So enjoy the ones that made it.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Bladen James Carr

5 pounds 13 ounces & 18 inches long, Bladen James Carr was born on Friday, January 30th, 2009! Congrats to Johnny (Terry) and Susie!!!

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Everglades

What an amazing place! The Everglades are a site to see. It was a perfect day to be cruising around on an air boat and checking out the gators.  There are more photographs on my flickr link. 

Let the right one in...

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2842361881/
Go to the link above to see the trailer of "Let the right on in".  If you are in Detroit, then I suggest that you do downtown to the Detroit Film Theater and see it this weekend, because it is only showing this weekend.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Buon Viaggio



It was great time having Denise, Gian Carlo and Julia visiting. I wish them a safe journey home. You will be missed. This is a great photo of my brothers, Denise and I. It makes me happy to know that in later years I can look back at it and enjoy it more than I do now.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Music Exercise

Song: The River of Blood
Artist: Yu Zhou

As I sat with my eyes closed I allowed my mind to wander into visions influenced by the music. My visions started with me as an observer of this amazing musician playing the erhu. As I watched her play I could see that she had such artistry in her playing and living that she knew the air, the dust, the particles in space. This was a master of pure life and death, a master of the thread that connects us all or that connects this life together. Then two words came to me: seamless elegance. My vision continued into more but I want to digest this experience first and take my visions in segments. Those words, seamless elegance are so inspiring to me. To be able to move, perform, and live with seamless elegance. The true whole complete artistry. That woman playing the erhu, she was not an ordinary person. There was a magical quality that glimmered as the sound resonated from her instrument. It was so fascinating to see how she could connect everything. It was as if she could sense moisture in the air and how that would effect the sound. Her senses were beyond. There was this deeper connection to the entirety.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

You are the author of your life...

Write life the way you want it. 

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Closed

I am closing. Closing the blog from being the update of my daily life. I am bringing it back to what I started it out to be. A journal of thoughts and works.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

A real penthouse

Now my mom's apartment is a penthouse. A new coat of paint on the walls and some new furniture have really made this place more like a home. It is coming together nicely. I will post pics when I return. She is finally making her environment hers.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Lynn's Visit


Lynn, Ericka, Austin, Wes, and Troy came to visit. We went bowling then to Ray's Ice Cream. I think all the kids had fun. Rosalie bowled a 91! Check out more photographs here.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157610553182774/

Friday, November 28, 2008

Thanksgiving meals for the homeless in Detroit

This Thanksgiving I volunteered at a local Detroit Church in feeding the homeless. Together we feed over 200 homeless all over Detroit. It was amazing to see how many people from all over Michigan came out to help. I decided to volunteer with this church because they were taking food to the people on the streets. The homeless didn't have to make their way to a church or an organization.  Sometimes churches or organizations that feed/shelter the homeless during the holidays run out of food and close early. Bringing hot plates of food to those on the streets who are in need really appreciated it. Most of the homeless that I gave food to were shocked and surprised that there were people out on the streets going to them to help. Fox news did a story about the church earlier this week. Here is a link to that report.
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=7946219&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=3.2.1

To see more photographs of the day go here...
http://flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157610299289726/

Sleepover with the kids

It was a full room! Grandma Vicki bought the kids pajamas for their sleepover. I can't believe how good of swimmers they all are. It was a fun night.  Here is more photographs of the night and the breakfast in the morning.
http://flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157610299289706/
http://flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157610262944139/

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Mom cut the...



While cutting some 24 month old Parmigiano-Reggiano for a late night snack my mom cut her hand. Off we went to Beaumont Hospital. Just like Michigan roads there was a detour for the emergency entrance. I was impressed with how fast she was taken in and seen. We were out of there in just under an hour. Here is some raw footage of her wound.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157610135782926/

Monday, November 24, 2008

Amazing, just amazing!


Yesterday Jennifer and I went to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to see Evelyn Glennie. Dame Evelyn Glennie is the first person in musical history to successfully create and sustain a full-time career as a solo percussionist. If you haven't seen the film "Touch the Sound", I suggest that you do. It is wonderful to see an artist pushing and redefining the format of their art. She is an inspiration. It was an amazing experience to hear her live and see her as she performs. I hope that she returns to Detroit soon.
Here are some more photographs our time at the DSO.
http://flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157609904793957/

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Da Joint


Fun, fun, fun! Mary and Steve's birthday party! Is there cider with sesame sticks? Here are more photographs...
http://flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157609730143259/

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Bladen James Carr


Technology is amazing! This is a 3D ultrasound that Susie had in late October. Bladen is due to arrive on February 5th. I am so happy for Johnny (Terry Truck) and Susie! Only a couple more months!!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

The Reception


The funniest things happened at this party! Young wedding crashers, crazy dancing, silly cake spills, Bob getting booty slapped by an unknown crasher. The list goes on. Here are more photographs and videos.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157609204846791/

My balls have luggage


We all went bowling when Jill came into town. Let's just say that I am undefeated! I think I might invest in some monogrammed wheeled luggage for my balls! Here are photographs of that night.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157609206475117/

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Jane Hammond you inspire me


Friday night at the Detroit Institute of Art was a blast. I am re-inspired! Jane Hammond: Paper Work, which is in the Schwartz Galleries of Prints and Drawings inside the DIA, was a great exhibit. It is somewhat similar to what I have been planning on doing for my self-portrait series, except I would use photography as my base and build mix media/print/drawing/painting with it. Here are more photographs of my time at the DIA.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157608758937250/

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Fall Fun Day



The weather in Detroit has been so wonderful for the past couple of days. Today was especially nice. Not only for these kids but for our country. History in the making- Go Obama!

Here are more photographs of the day out with the kids.
http://flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157608663691162/

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Conjoined Twins


Mary and Maddie were conjoined twins. They looked HOT!!! Here are some more pic of the party.
http://flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157608587492832/

Blondies, Halloween 2008


The zombies were out and attacking! I met some new people and shared some good times. Here are some more photographs of the Misfits cover band rocking it out. Lead vocals by Patricia, guitar by James, guitar by Andy and I don't know the drummers name. It was a good time. Some photos not intended for children to see...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157608577604671/

Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween


This Halloween was the best weather ever! I was just wearing a t-shirt. Jennifer was a army girl (I made the dress). Dallas was a skeleton of a hockey player. Jack was a clone trooper. Gavin was a dinosaur. Betty was a witch with a dumbledwarf (spelling?) hat. And I was a gypsy. Here are some more images of the kids running house to house!
http://flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157608544789748/

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Like I have never seen it before...


Here is Spring Mill Pond at Island Lake Rec. area. This was at 8:40am and 23 degrees outside. I was preparing for my first dive of the day. While waiting for James (aka: pirate of elegance), I was watching the fog lift from the frosted ground and pond. Here are some more photographs of the interesting things I found.
http://flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157608520747463/

Monday, October 27, 2008

Family Fun Night


This was family fun night at Rosalie's school. She is Dorothy for Halloween and I am a gypsy. There was a Mad Scientist there to perform for the kids. Here are more photos of tonight... http://www.flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157608429598796/

Practicing in the pool...


This was my weekend... Learning to be a better diver. Here I am just playing with the camera during class. The quality of the video was pretty good I thought. This pool was a therapeutic pool, meaning that is was warmer than normal- which means more bacteria grows- which means more chemicals needed to be added. My hair and skin are dry- bone dry! But I did a egg yolk treatment last night which helped my hair but my skin is itchy!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

As Tim Gunn says... Make it work

No mater what you have or don't have... make it work. Take the time to see what the true priorities are. Really think of what you want to do or what you want to accomplish. Then look at ways to achieving those goals. What are the step by step things you can do. Are they daily tasks? Or weekly tasks? Make a plan, but be flexible. Understand that there are other things in life that will cause you to adjust. Keep the focus in mind and gradually move toward your goals. Don't give up.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Chicago...

Leaving for Chicago today for the weekend. Going to see Dino before he does his middle east tour. Also I will be doing some paddling with Rami, Priya, Vik and Mona. I'll post pics when I get back.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

For yourself

Everyday I think that people debate with themselves about what they should do. It is this ongoing inner monologue that writes its way into our perspectives. Well I am taking an active step in listening to what satisfies me and I'm going to make the adjustments to live the way I see. If I want to create something, even if my brain says that it won't look good when done, I am going to create it anyway. It isn't about the end product. It is the journey of learning while creating. Making things for yourself. Creating the space, the time, the moment for you to be with you. Your physical body is the only one you have, honor it. Your history is your own, learn from it. The time that is now is yours and has always been, decide what to do and take action. Support yourself in your dreams. You are worth it.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Here it is raw...Journal entry, 07.10.2008,

Pull things off beautifully and elegantly. Why does it have to be pulled off, who am I fooling? What is the great Self that I am acting for?

Monday, October 6, 2008

No longer in the Republic

That's right I am out of RSM and in Holland. It was a different leaving that I have ever had. Not sure how I really feel about it this time. But my last evening was very nice. I spent over 2 hours walking around Citta like I used to do almost every night when I was in the apartment. I felt good about it all, it was brief but I felt it.

Hunting you say???

I am also hunting amazing cowboy boots that could change my life...

There isn't...

A bike in Amsterdam that compares to mine in Detroit! I am now on the hunt for saddle bags!

Saturday, October 4, 2008

New obsession

This is a must for everyone! When it is dark, with stars are out, and with least amount of light pollution possible, have someone drive while you have your head out the window looking up at the stars. It is as if the with world is turning fast. It is even better here in Italy with the the winding roads and mountains! It is like the world is spinning left and right. It is really such a beautiful sight. Try it!

Monday, September 29, 2008

San Leo


San Leo is a city about 5 km away from San Marino. It is stated in the history of San Marino and San Leo that Marino would share a hammer for chiseling rock with Leo. They would throw the hammer back and forth to each other over the distance. Even though it isn't really possible, the story is more about their kinship. Here are more photographs of San Leo. http://www.flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157607576424438/

Pugliano


In this city of Pugliano they have a market for a month in length. This was the last Monday of the market. They sell everything there. Animals, sheets, clothing, food, pets, home goods, and shoes. Here are more photographs of the Pugliano market. http://www.flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157607579992755/

Vecchia Fattoria-Old farm house


I love wandering around the hills of Italy. This is an old farm house that once had cows and horses. Now it is a haven for pigeons and mice. Here are more photographs. http://www.flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157607564429716/

Mushrooms! Oh Mushrooms


A festival of mushrooms! I have never seen such a variety of mushrooms. I got to touch the most deadly mushrooms in Europe! Here is a link to more photographs. http://www.flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157607569870321/

Friday, September 26, 2008

Guests?

In America we are not guests anywhere. We are just another table top at a restaurant being hurried out the door for the next "guest". In Europe you are a welcomed guest. Stay, eat, drink and take as long as you like. It is about you, the guest, not how many people they can get in and flush out a night. It is a shame that we Americans submit to this type of service.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Caccia


This is Ducky an 8 month old mutt. It was his second time going hunting. He got so scared when he heard the gun shots. We didn't get anything but the hike was very tiring especially at 6:30 am. He was lucky to sleep on the ride back.

Thumb sized BEE!


Yep, that is a bee. It was the size of my thumb. I would not want to be stung by that. I couldn't believe its size. It was bigger than most hummingbirds. Like a size of a butterfly almost. It was the size of the ivy leaf next to it! It would be like instant death if you were allergic.

Mannequins caught in a lude act!


While shopping yesterday for boots for Rosalie, I was caught off guard by these mannequins. People passed by and didn't even notice. This made me laugh.

Love these hills


I love driving along the country side. It is so beautiful here.

They drive mercedes


I never knew that mercedes made fire trucks. These are Italian firefighters stopping by a cafe for some coffee after their lunch.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Actualization

Make the best of what you have and progress with fearless intent. You are profound, creditable, and worthy of your dreams. You have the choice to continue. Don't let those small daily frustrations inhibit you from achieving what I know that you can do- which is anything! Actualize your strengths and blossom into the woman that has been waiting to be freed. It takes courage to be the person you know you can be. Let the best out. Nobody is judging you, it is you that is judging, you are your worst critic. Be proud of yourself and your talents. Acknowledge your accomplishments and see them as what they are- remarkable points in life that have brought you to the present. Forge forward and look back in honor of your path that you have paved. This life is yours and it is only you that can make it what you want it to be. So, go on and create. Be the change you want to see in the world.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Outta Detroit


This is the plane that I took from Detroit to Amsterdam. It was a great flight. I sat next to a woman that had a very interesting story. She and her husband have been working for over a year and a half trying to adopt these two teenage girls from Kiev. They just found out that everything is okay and they are on their way to pick them up! It is very exciting. They are physicians and they take a long trip every year to travel around donating their time to assist others who need medical attention. It made the flight go by very fast talking with her. There was even a minor emergency on board that she responded to. What I thought was nice is that Northwest gave her miles for volunteering to provide medical care to another passenger. And another thing that was nice too is that Northwest has a adoption rate and open ended ticket (change dates without fees) for those who are adopting internationally.

The weather is a little chilly with light showers here. It is nice to be back in San Marino. The only thing is that I was excited to have some good food tonight and it wasn't at all. In fact this was the first time that I have had poor quality food in San Marino. But I am here with my cousin and family and that feels good. Julia loves her Jessi doll that I bought her and Denise loves all of her goodies too. I can't wait to have my cappuccino in the morning! yummy!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Ducks in the park


This is a duck at Beverly Park. The whole flock was being fed left over bread by a 3 year old and his mother. It was nice to enjoy ducks again. They are so interesting. Flight-swimming-walking.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Motorcycle in Ferndale


This beautiful bike was in the parking lot in Ferndale. It is made by Honda and it is called the Rebel. Love it!

Friday, September 12, 2008

How Tall am I this Fall?


This is a cider mill that I grew up by. It was a special place to me. I am glad that it is still around. Here are more photographs of the cider mill and surrounding area.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157607252879266/

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Fire in Windsor


On our way back from wine tasting in Canada we saw a house fire. It is amazing how you feel the heat from 20 feet away. I couldn't imagine what it feels like to go inside it, although I would like to try. Here are some more photographs of the fire and the Windsor firefighters putting it out.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12469605@N06/sets/72157607158847799/

Detroit's Skyline


Detroit looks nice when looking from WIndsor, Canada. It is nice to be by the water and watching the sunset again.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Big Wheel


I wish they made big wheels for adults.