An "E" ticket trip down memory lane...

For those of us in our forties, we remember a different kind of Disneyland than our younger friends. We remember the days of ride tickets instead of the modern day - pay once, ride all - concept (which I truly prefer). We didn't know it at the time, but the phrase "E - ticket ride" would transcend generations and become a true measure of ride worthiness for years to come. All because Disney decided to class their ticket coupon values with letters.

As Disney prepares to celebrate the 55th Birthday of Disneyland Park, they are unveiling some retro-styled souvenirs, including a memo pad sporting the old "E" ticket artwork! Oh, the memories.
It's hard to believe my first trip to Disneyland was over 30 years ago. Since then I have been to both Disneyland and Disney World more times than I can count. It never disappoints....the magic is always there for me. Like an old friend...always growing and evolving, yet still deep inside, always the same.

enjoy the e-ticket moments in your life!
-d.

My Time Away....

I have all but disappeared from Blogging....sorry....due to many personal issues currently on my plate. My husband asked for a divorce ten days after Valentine's Day and two weeks later I was diagnosed with MS. I've been through a battery of tests to discover what is causing my months of dizziness and vertigo and it is taking a toll.
I am blessed with incredible friends that have rallied around me, providing the much needed strength and laughter I need in my life right now. For that, I will be forever grateful.
You can find me on Facebook (Deanna Wentz) until I have time to get back to blogging. I really do miss it and plan to be more diligent in the near future. I just have to figure out which way is up first.
enjoy every moment....
-d.

How I welcomed in the Chinese New Year!

Working for a publishing company specializing in educational materials for acupuncture clinics, you think I'd be an old pro at acupuncture treatments! But up until yesterday...I'd never even had one!
Desperate for a remedy to hours of dizziness, I made the call. I was a bit nervous to try it out, but also curious and excited to experience it first hand. Turning to a doctor I trusted completely (my boss) I knew I'd be in great hands.
It was not at all what I expected. The pokes were lighter than I had imagined and the peacefulness as I laid there was a welcome change. It was not painful in any way and I found it hard to believe that they even call what they use needles! They are so thin I could not even feel them being taken out. I only knew they were there by the slight feeling of pressure they produced.
So the question most have asked..."Did it work?" Yes, I am happy to report that it did. While I don't know exactly what was causing the dizziness (stress or ear issues most likely), I was happy to have the feeling alieviated.
I'm a believer!

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

enjoy discovering new ways to look at things,
-d.

A Day of Incredible New Beginings....

All glory comes from daring to begin.
~Eugene F. Ware

On this day of incredible history, let us ALL dare to begin...

Let us lead with our hearts, surrender to our passion, and follow our own vision while respecting the passion and vision of others.
Let us speak wiser and listen closer.
Let us dream BIGGER and try harder!
Let us be what we seek to be...without limitation, without judgment, and without criticism.
Let us enable others with these same rights.
Let us not look at what makes us different, but rather what makes us the same.
Let us unite, grow stronger and be better.
Let us begin.

-enjoy the energy and unity in the air today. Let us carry it on to tomorrow.
-d.

The Election of a Lifetime!

Wow...To be even a small part of this momentous election was incredible. Never have I felt stronger about voting (all though I do every election) than this year. I was asked why I was so worried about getting my ballot dropped off in time when Obama was solidly in the lead. I realized it was because we were on the brink of making history and I wanted my vote to be a part of it.

All my life I was taught to respect people as people. To judge them by the character they displayed. Not by their heritage, skin tone, or accent. A simple ruled it seemed to me, but as I grew up, I was shocked to discover that others weren't taught that lesson. Even today, in the year 2008, there are undeserving prejudices that still exist. And that continues to baffle me.

So, as I watch the announcement that our next president of the United States will be Barack Obama...I was moved. Not because a democrat was back in the oval office, but because America voted on principle instead of prejudice.

We voted for hope. We voted for change. We voted for a man that we believe in and a man that believes in us and what we can do for our country.

And that, more than anything else has in a long time, makes me proud to be an American.

"I'm asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change...

I'm asking you to believe in yours."

-Barack Obama

What I've been doing while away...

I thought with the end of summer, I would find myself more freed up for staying in touch. Boy, was I wrong! Life just keeps moving full steam ahead and time in the home office has been hard to get. So what has kept me so busy?

I have traveled to Florida and Colorado on business. Florida was so busy we barely had time to realize where we were, but we did manage to get a little pool time and a quick trip to Downtown Disney for dinner at Bongo's - the restaurant owned by Gloria Estefen - and I LOVED it! We ate outside on the deck as the sun set; both the food and the atmosphere were awesome!

For the Colorado trip, Roger was able to join us so I had much more fun (and a little more time off as well). Rog lived in CO for years so we visited where he grew up, went to school, etc. While we were there we also looked for Rog's biological son (now 19) that he had never been able to know. We found him, they talked, and now they are continuing getting to know each other. After nineteen long years Rog has been able to fill a huge void in his life. Could there be a better trip than that?!

And the newest thing on our plate....

Gracie. We adopted an 8-week old Dobie last week! She is bundle of energy and cuteness!

So between the Retreat House work, the book project, the Weimeraner pups, my day job and the traveling it requires, my family, and household duties, I now have a baby in the house again. Am I INSANE?!!!! No....but I am a bit tired.

enjoy the quiet moments of peace at the end of a frenzied day!

-d.

Number 200!!!

Today is blog entry #200!
It is hard to believe I've had that much to say! (Not! LOL!)

I decided to take the plunge into blogging in January 2007 after following a couple friends' blogs and wanting to "join the party!" I love to write, share my photographs, and pass along things I learn so blogging seemed the perfect fit.

Now, after one year of writing and sharing, I can say...It has been a great party! One that I don't want to end. I love the opportunity to share great news, shopping finds and random facts. I love the way it has allowed me to form some incredible friendships with extraordinary people I may not have otherwise gotten to know. I consider myself very blessed to have blog-friends all across the country. And most importantly, it allows me to stay in touch with family and friends that I just don't get to see often enough even though they may be close in distance and emotion. It is a fabulous, technological world we live in and I am happy to be a part of it!

So thanks for hanging out with me at my very own little party day after day, week after week! I'm glad you're here! Now...where the heck is the cake?! LOL!

Here are some interesting little 200'isms to share on this special 200th blog entry!

200 is....

• An HTTP status code indicating a successful connection.


• The sum of dollars given in the classical Monopoly game to a player passing Go.


• The number of NASCAR races won by Richard Petty.

So here's to another 200 entries of successful connection, collecting our $200 for passing GO, and winning even more great friends as we race along on the SuperBlogger Highway!

enjoy the milestones you've collected along your journey!
-dw

*200'isms courtesy of Wikpedia

A Nest Near Empty...

Every Mother faces it.

Some Mothers dread it. Some Mothers rejoice in it.

I stand somewhere in the middle.

My youngest daughter is moving out on her own this week. While I am happy for her and excited to see her excitement, I cannot say that it comes without great sadness.

I will miss her daily ritual of popping into my office each morning to say hello. Her whimsical ways and bouncy nature filling the house. Her smile lighting up each day. Her endless chatter. Her help whenever I need it. Her laughter. Her presence.

But I know she won't be far away and she'll still call...a lot. And she'll come by for food...a lot. And we'll still do our lunches and pedicures and shopping trips. It will just need to be a little more planned out.

I realize after she's gone her presence will still linger in many ways. Her fuschia bedroom walls will remain that color with some of the decor left in place; her award winning photo will stay behind; her mementos of high school, competitive cheer and growing up will remain in my studio waiting to be scrapbooked; Her spot in the driveway will still have those pesky oil spots. So much of her will be here even when she is not. Little things to remind me of all the incredible joy she has brought me over the years. Little reminders of the way life used to be before this new chapter arrived.

I often find myself tearing up, wanting to push back the hands of time and go slower. I want another chance to do all the little things I didn't make time for or do well enough, to soak in every second that I may have wasted thinking I had more time.

And then I remember how it felt when I moved out. Feeling so grown up; like I was suddenly in charge of my own destiny. How excited I was to decorate my first place and make my own rules. And I smile at the memories and realize this is the moment she'll look back upon.

It is scary to think of the steps that will follow....a wedding, babies. But then I realize how much joy those future steps will bring. That we must make this step in order to reach those. And I am excited.

The hands of time will not spin backwards; they will move forward at rapid fire pace. We must remember to savor each second. Take time to live in each moment. To be grateful for each joy we encounter in this new chapter.

enjoy the new chapters in your life,
-dw

Review, Reaffirm, and Resolve...

New Year's is a time of reflection for many of us, myself included. While some struggle with where they are when they reach their milestone birthdays (30, 40, etc...), I never have. I tend to get that way with every holiday season and year's end. The same questions beg answering each year. Am I where I want to be? I am who I want to be? Some years I feel blessed to be exactly where I want to be and some years have been so earth-shattering that I want to be anywhere but here!

The other night Rog and I were looking at some old pictures left on an SD card and were trying to figure out when and where they were shot. I finally realized "Hey, these are from the wedding last year!" He responded with, "...whose wedding?!" After a quick toss with a sofa pillow aimed directly at his head, I said, "YOURS!" He quickly tried to save himself by explaining that it didn't seem possible that our wedding was only a little over a year ago. And I have to admit, I agree.

It seems like this year took the span of three years. We had a lot of family stuff going on. BIG stuff. Kid issues. The loss of Rog's dad. My dad's heart attack. Selecting a place and then moving my Grandmother into assisted living. Rog's mom staying with us for a couple weeks. His sister and bil here visiting. So many big events. Not to mention our cruise. 4 litters of puppies. Melissa's graduation. A major job change. Opening the Retreat House. The list just goes on and on. How ever did we fit ALL of that into one year?! No wonder we are exhausted!!!

But after all of that, when I ask myself that same ol' year-end question...Am I happy where I am at in life? My answer is, Yes, I am. Am I who I want to be? Well, like any ever-evolving project, I am not completely finished, but I am happy with who I am right this minute. I know there are things I need to still work on (my weight, my income, my patience level...), but overall I am content with the person I have become.

Like many of us that consider ourselves still "in work," I have things I resolve to try and improve on. So I will share that list another day. I need time to really think it through. Why make resolutions, some may be asking. Well, because I know, and Stephen Covey agrees, we are more likely to achieve the goal we write down and share out loud. So...I will make my list and get back to you.

Did you write a list? What is your greatest 2008 resolution? Did you write one last year that you achieved? Do tell.....

enjoy the accomplish of goals achieved!!!

-dw

Reflections of the past 18 years...

Today is another Milestone day

in my life.
It is my youngest daughter's 18th birthday!

As I sit here in this quiet house I find myself reflecting. Looking back on 18 years of change, growth, happiness and tears. My mind is flooded with memories. All the moments her quirky, upbeat attitude made me smile, all the times I burst with pride at her accomplishments,
and of all the moments I found her teaching me the lessons in life.

I see that pudgy-cheeked, baby girl who I was sure was going to be a boy.
I hear that big hearty laugh that always made me laugh as well.

I see her hand reaching out for mine.

I see her on her second birthday, with cake on her nose.

I see her sleeping, cuddled up in bed with the dog.

I see the terror in her eyes on that very first day of school.

I see her excitement as she makes the cheer squad.

I see her strong athletic ability as she leaps into the air

for another cheer maneuver.

I see the pain on her face when she loses her first love.

I see her celebrating her talents and successes.

I see her working on her own car.

I see her pride as she accepts her high school diploma.

I see the smile that never ceases to brighten my world.

I see her taking big steps toward independence.

I see her true beauty shining on the inside and out.

Everywhere I look, I see her.

At 1:45 pm, eighteen years ago, the nurse handed me a precious bundle wrapped

tightly in a little, pink blanket and my world was once again changed.

I was now a mother of two. I was doubly blessed.

I have discovered many things along the way in the past eighteen years...

but her gracious heart and generous smile have brought a warmth to my world

I could not fully comprehend or foresee all those many years ago.

Children truly are a gift from God.

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!!!!! I love you!

enjoy your moments of reflection...

-d.

Joy, Pride...and Tears.

Yeah, I cried. I cried when I first saw her standing there, dressed in graduation garb, with that music playing. I cried when she made her long walk to collect her diploma, as memories of her younger days flashed through my mind...That first scary day of kindergarten, running in her first track meet, standing on that very same track cheering on the football team. I cried because I was sooooo proud of her. I cried because she has grown into such an amazing young woman. I cried because I can't believe my baby girl isn't a baby anymore.

enjoy every minute!

-dw

The Countdown is on...

Graduation is just two days away; the party I'm hosting is tomorrow and I am attending another graduation this evening with my daughter at her previous school...and what am I doing today in preparation?!
Not much of anything!!
Pacing, stalling, and shuffling, with a few heavy sighs thrown in for good measure! I cannot seem to get engaged this morning.
I overdid it a bit yesterday and now I'm paying the price for it. I am on the home stretch for getting the Studio completely organized, as well as 2 bedrooms (of children who have already flown the coop), the laundry room and the hall/game closet!
Why did I suddenly don the Super Organizer cape and fly into action, you ask? Because it was WAY overdue! When we moved into this house a year ago, we merged two complete households...we had a LOT of stuff! There was so much to move that I didn't have the desire to look through another box of anything by the time we got the all basics unpacked. I have puttered here and there purging out doubles, tossing the obsolete and trying to make more space, but there was only so much time and motivation! Now, however, with people arriving for the party (and soon after for out-of-state visits), I figured NOW is the time!!
So I've been purging, sorting, moving, and re-organizing everything I can get my hands on. And now my hands (as well as my feet, back and arms) are sore! They are shutting down; protesting their overuse and abuse. (Oh yeah, I forgot to mention I've been weeding outside too. Ugh.)
This modern day June Cleaver needs a vacation! Or maybe just Mrs. Cleaver's REAL schedule: working to be the perfect mom and wife for only 30 minutes a day! LOL!
Oh well, so we can't all be June Cleaver, or Carol Brady. (Darn it! Alice sure would come in handy right about now!!!). We do the best we can, and in the end nobody really cares that the floors weren't perfectly mopped or the pantry wasn't quite up to par...it's really all about celebrating Melissa and her accomplishments. And if I'm lucky, and hang the decorations just right, maybe the guests won't notice that I never found the window washer's phone number! ;)







enjoy the weekend!
-dw
Update: Here are a couple pics of Melissa with her graduating friends at her previous high school.

...and then they danced.

Friday night was Melissa's senior prom. A night truly worthy of a princess.

They donned their formal wear. They posed for hundreds of pictures. They boarded a Hummer limo. They dined overlooking the Puget Sound and then sailed away on a Argosy Boat.

The next day I asked Melissa what was the best part about their fairytale night. She visibly pondered for a moment but didn't reply. After an hour had passed she said, "We danced!" Of course by now the conversation had moved in many different directions and I was momentarily confused, "Huh?!"

She said, "You asked what the best part of prom was....it's that we actually danced!"

After she reminded me that her boyfriend never dances, I began to understand. He had stepped out of his box for her. He did something for no other reason than to make her happy. And he had succeeded in making her night unforgettable.

Cost of limo/couple............$120.00

Cost of nails.......................$50.00

Cost of shoes.....................$15.00

Cost of dancing together............

................................priceless!!!!

The fact that she had spent so much time weighing out her answer, meant a lot to me. She obviously had a lot of great memories to choose from. And after all the attention that is focused on this one, big night....that is all a parent wants. A child home safe, selecting from a bounty of beautiful moments, struggling to narrow it down to just one, favorite thing.

My world is good.

enjoy your fairytale moments!

-dw

Milestone Tears

Today is simply Thursday to most of you, but here in my house, it is officially the day before Senior prom! That means it is the calm before the pre-prom preparation storm! We have the dress, the shoes, the jewelry, and the pedicure; the hair and nail appointments are scheduled...everything seems to be right on track. So why am I so nervous? Almost near tears!? Because tomorrow is not just any formal dance, it isn't even just any senior prom. It is my youngest daughter's senior prom. The final time I get to help prepare one of my daughters in princess-style fashion to set off for a magical adventure. The final time that is before one of their wedding days. While that (we hope) is miles down the road, it is a weird feeling knowing the next time you see one of your daughters dolled up like a princess, she'll be walking down the aisle; ready to start her own family. That is {gulp} BIG stuff. And I can't help but shed a tear of two along the way.

Senior Prom, however, is merely a stepping stone to the next teary event...Graduation Day. Knowing how choked up I got last year when my oldest daughter graduated, Lord knows, it will be a Kleenex kind of day! But those tears will be happy tears. They are milestone tears. I am so proud of her and how far she has come in the past few years. She has always been a strong athlete and her competitive cheer achievements came as no surprise, but now she has really focused in on school and done incredibly well. She has earned great grades and even recognition as a blossoming photographer. She has grown in so many ways. As a student, as an artist, and as a person. She amazes me daily with her new found, mature outlook on life.

So as I approach these new milestone moments, a part of me can't help but miss that chubby, baby hand grasping on to my finger; holding tight for security. There is a time in life when they must let go and brave the world on their own. We all know the day is coming, but somehow when it arrives it seems to have come so quickly. Almost too quickly. But we let go of their hand, move to the sidelines, and continue cheering them on from there. Still close by if they need to reach out for our hand. Only now, as we look down...we realize the hand reaching out...is the size of our own.

enjoy the milestones and grab the Kleenex!

-dw