A Tribute in Lights at World Trade Center

Both haunting and beautiful. An incredibly powerful tribute.

Photo by Getty Images

Remembering 9/11

"Nightfall on the 9/11 Memorial at WTC"   Photo by Joe Woolhead

9/11... This is a day none of us who were alive at the time can or will ever forget.

So much tragedy.
So much loss.
So many tears.

Since that day, each anniversary is a reminder of how quickly life can change; how connected we all really are to one another; how united we can be; how precious life is and how blessed we are to have our family and friends.

I remember on that day, when I heard the news of the first tower being struck, I froze in shock standing alone in my small living room. Later, I heard that a plane hit the Pentagon. My oldest brother, Michael, works there. Without thinking, I fell to my knees. Tears fell down my cheeks. I could not think.  The phone lines were jammed. Waiting was hell. I however, was lucky. My "hell" ended. My brother was alive. One hallway separated him from losing his life.

Pentagon 9/11 Memorial - Night

Each 9/11 I give thanks for my brother making it out safe, and the safety of my entire family. I also pray for a sense of peace to fill the lives of the loved ones of those we lost that day.



Life is precious.

Change happens in an instant.

If I remember anything today, it is this. Appreciate your life and those you are blessed to share this unending adventure with along the way.  

         Flight 93 Memorial - "Wall of Names and Ceremonial Gateway the Crash Site."                               
Photo by bioLINIA & Paul Murdoch Architects

Bye, Bye "Bessie": Donating My Old BMW Convertible To KCET

Despite my feeling of exhaustion today, I was able to muster enough strength for one act of productivity. I made the call to donate my old car "Bessie B" to KCET, an independent local public television station.
They have provided me with years of great programming so this donation is the least I could do.:)

Making this move, however, does not come without a moment's pause. "Bessie B" is my 1991 BMW Convertable who has taken me around LA with pride since 2005. Back then, the car I was driving at the time suddenly died. I was planning to figure out how to get around sans car when a close friend of mine GAVE me the old BMW he had sitting in his driveway, covered up. It was not in great shape, the interior was falling apart, the glove compartment was sealed shut (no idea why), and it needed the skills of a good mechanic. But did I mention it was a FREE  BMW CONVERTIBLE??!! That was truly one of the greatest gifts I have ever received.

So, I named her "Bessie B". Shortly after ownership, I was driving her when every single belt that comes in a car engine broke all at the same time. Driven by sheer determination, I was able to drive "Bessie B" to my new neighborhood mechanic. Several thousand dollars later, he nursed her back to health. He said the engine is great, but she is very old. As long as I accepted I would be replacing parts periodically over time, she would keep running. He was right. She hung in for me a good 7 years. However, the cost of keeping her in a state she deserved to be kept in was more than it was worth.

This July, I retired "Bessie B". Another friend's sudden decision to move to Spain provided me with a surprise opportunity to purchase a much more reliable and "air conditioned" car at a low price.  I wanted to keep "Bessie B" so I could one day restore the interior and all that ailed her but that was just not realistic.

The only option is making the donation to KCET. I just cleared out her trunk for the last time...(deep sigh)  She will be taken from me within the next 5 days when they come to tow her into her new future. At least she will provide a public service and get the restoration she deserves from her new owner.


Thanks "Bessie B":) You will be missed but remain forever in my heart.

I wish you well wherever you go!  

Adding "Rest" To The Agenda

I don't know what it is with today. Perhaps my active weekend, the current LA heatwave, or my diet and exercise regimes are just shaking things up. Whatever it is, I just want to sleep.

Taking Rusty for his walks so far today felt like crossing the Sahara, but we only covered a few blocks.

Whatever is the cause, it is a reminder that I still need to stay with the slow and steady approach . Scheduling in time for rest might not be a bad idea.

I haven't been a fan of napping but today, I may make an exception.

Mirror, Mirror, On The Wall...

Yes, I kept my word. After slapping on a second coat of "Morning Marigold", I took Rusty for his morning walk, then made my way through the unending LA heat wave to the wonderfully air conditioned IKEA in Burbank. That place is a world of its own. Maybe it was an escape from the heat but the store was bustling with shoppers. There is so much to choose from you really need to go in with a plan or you will just "buy! buy! buy!"

I always wanted a circular mirror, not as ornate as in the picture, but you know what I mean.. There is just something cool about the look. Maybe I was just sick of the large square mirror that came with my apartment. All I know is, I saw that big circle of glass and I was in love. No matter how you slice it, my bathroom has transformed from it's former aging eggshell white to a ray of sunshine brightening a small part of my abode. The room truly glows like the sun gave it a kiss and is quite beautidul when the light cascades through my tiny window. I also found a styling towel rack that is an upgrade as well from the standard issue it is replacing. IKEA always delivers.

Feeling happy with my domestic discoveries, I found myself stopping by Big 5 Sporting Goods to invest in my continuing workout regime. I purchased the Iron Gym Total Upper Body workout bar. My chest definitely needs some serious attention. I have wanted a rocking chest all my life. I never quite made it happen. If not now when? I'm making it a priority. I also picked up for the low low price of $9.99, a complete10 set of dvds called "Yom Holland's Supreme 90 Day System". I have never heard of it, although it says as seen on TV. It mentions it features "muscle confusion" and includes a bonus dvd called Supreme Rock Hard ABS as well as nutrition plan.  Translation... it is a cheaper version of the P90X workout. Hey for $9.99, it is worth giving it a go. It doesn't hurt to have options.

I rounded off my day with an enjoyable chat with my mum in Philadelphia.

It seems almost fitting after today's Mirror adventure that I should wrap up the evening with the "Once Upon A Time" Marathon.

All in all a full day.

I will leave you with a little tribute to the power of a good mirror. If my mirror starts to talk to me I will be sure to let you all know:) 

My Dietary Re-Education Continues...

In my new journey of dietary re-education, I found a great website called Eating Healthy Hub. They have a lot of very informative articles that I know will be a valuable resource for me to make the life changes I need.

I came across a featured video that was quite good and so I thought I would add it to my blog so I can refer back to it. If I incorporate things slowly, I know I will see sustainable progress.

Life's a marathon not a sprint. It is a new mindset for me to make small changes in a slow, thoughtful manner. My prior "modus operandi"  has been to have an insight, start out with big plans and eventually discover days later that I had already abandoned those "big plans" without even realizing it.

Slow and steady... Slow and Steady.... I think the key is staying in the present moment and keeping things as fun and adventurous as possible.

   
   

Making an Apartment a Home: One Color at a Time!

I have lived in my apartment for a long, long time. The egg shell white walls have been showing signs of age. It reminded me of my chat with a close friend last night, about the need to not get so wrapped up in  pursuing one's career goals that you forget to actually enjoy the rest of your life.

When I woke up this morning, I took a good look at my living space. I quickly realized it reflected my years of living like a "starving artist". If I am really going to make my transition to a mindset/worldview of  a "professional actor", my apartment needs to look less like a "hostel" and more like a "home".

After walking Rusty, I washed my car and decided I would start the "home" transformation with my bathroom. It is a small space and will inspire rather than overwhelm me at these early days of change.

I headed to my local Lowe's to look at paint colors. Surprisingly, I ran into a dressed down and radiantly pregnant Heather Tom, who also seemed to be perusing the painting aisle. I did not approach her as a fan. I feel if you are a celebrity living your daily life, you deserve your privacy and sense of normalcy just like everyone else. I saw running into a successful professional actress in the paint section, nevertheless, as a sign I was on track with my mindset transition.:) I, however, am so clueless about the whole home decor thing, I asked Ms. Tom for advice. She said it is all a matter of personal taste. I told her all of my apartment walls are white and she said I definitely need some color. She thought the color options I was considering looked great. I thanked her for her help and moved on my merry way. I know it may seem silly but it feels nice to move forward with life choices and sense the "Universe" guiding your way with fun and laughter.

I left Lowe's to consider what color "spoke" to me. I eventually found my way to the "Do It Center" in Burbank where I picked up my first paint brush supply kit. As for color, I settled on the Valspar brand paint called "Morning Marigold". As I returned home, the real work began.

I cleaned the walls and counter tops then marveled at how my small little bathroom suddenly had a bit of character by simply adding a little color! I removed the towel rack and bathroom mirror, inspired to give the room a completely new look.

Tomorrow, I will hit my local IKEA. I have a feeling I may find something interesting to give the space the "homey" feel I desire.  

I thoroughly enjoyed my day long adventure in "home transformation". Can't wait for what tomorrow will bring.

Life is not only great... it's getting more colorful!