Love and a Birthday

 

My friend Kathy and yours truly, at Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh, PA.

My friend Kathy joined the #60 Club last week. Yes, she is at the magical, beautiful age that encompasses six decades of life. A couple of weeks ago, Kathy’s daughter Jesse told a few of us that she wanted to have a surprise party for her mom. We all love Kathy so of course we were ready to help.

I offered to be the decoy person. While I took Kathy out for the afternoon, Jess and her friends would get the house ready for the party. I considered my duty an important one. Kathy and her husband have a weekend place near the woods that they like to go to. I was worried she would just tell me no, she was going to camp. I sent her a message, “I would like to take you for a girl’s afternoon to celebrate your birthday. Please say yes.” Thankfully, she agreed!

On Saturday morning, I picked Kathy up. After some typical Pittsburgh traffic jams, we landed for breakfast at the Square Cafe. We both had a delicious meal and a big glass of cold brew coffee. Kathy loved the coffee and I think she’ll be a huge cold brew fan now! Square Cafe is exactly as I remembered it with great staff, pleasant atmosphere, and good food.

Next, we stopped at Le Mix in Regent Square. Just a few doors down from the Square Cafe, this little gem is filled with all kinds of stuff from your grandma’s era. It was so cool to walk around and see trinkets and treasures from the past. There was a $5 jewelry table filled with necklaces, earrings, and bracelets so we couldn’t pass up that opportunity!

After Le Mix, we headed to Phipps Conservatory! Jess told me that her mom always talks about going there but she never makes it! So Phipps it was and we both loved it. We walked around, gazing at gorgeous flowers and plants, taking pictures and breathing all the wonderful scents. Phipps is having a motion and sound event and it’s well worth seeing.

I was watching the time closely. We drove back home and everything was ready.  As I pulled into the driveway, everyone yelled Surprise! Jess did the party in a Mexican theme and it was so colorful and fun. There was a taco bar with all the toppings and of course, a big cake and singing!

Kathy and (L) her two granddaughters, Ava and Charlee.

Dear Kathy,

Thank you for spending the day with me. It was truly wonderful. I hope you will enjoy being #60 as much as I have (so far!). May we have many more years together in friendship.

Love,

Joanne

 

 

 

 

 

Open Your Windows

Photo by Toa Heftiba

Most mornings I have been opening the windows in every room in my house. A few months ago, a good friend of mine told me she opens her windows every day for twenty minutes. Mind you, she told me this in the dead of winter and (no kidding), I tried it a couple of times. I shut the heat off and opened the windows.

It was exhilarating to say the least!

My friend Daleen told me this practice exchanges stale air for clean air and I can believe it. I have asthma and the winters are hard on me. I’ll try anything that can help me breathe.

Now that summer is here, it’s definitely easier to practice this concept. It’s been very hot here (for Pittsburgh that is), around 90 degrees, so I have to open the windows as early as I can. But even this little bit of time feels beneficial.

My favorite thing about this “window time” is hearing the birds sing. They chirp their delightful melodies, over and over again. It never gets old. My daughter bought me the coolest bird house for Christmas and there’s a small bird nesting in it. I’m not sure what the variety is (a wren?), but its song is so sweet.

If it’s raining when I open my windows, that’s a bonus. I love the sound of rain.

In addition to opening windows, I love taking the time to be outside in the morning. My friend Cathy came for a visit a couple of weeks ago. Three out of four mornings together we sat outside, in unmatched plastic lawn chairs, and had our coffee. I donned my old straw hat from Hydra, Greece, a relic from ten years ago, and a necessity for bright Pennsylvania mornings.

So, picture this. A warm, bright sun. Two women, sipping coffee, sitting in old chairs, watching this small brown bird going in and out of a cool birdhouse. Me in my old hat, Cathy in her colorful beach caftan. Yes, I am lucky and blessed. We talk and talk about anything and everything. That is really some priceless stuff.

I think that opening my windows and connecting with nature is a deeply spiritual thing. It is a chance to touch base with God and be inside of myself. Sometimes I turn music on but most of the time I’m content to revel in the quiet. I try and keep my efforts to a minimum in those moments. That time is really for me.

I think this window practice can be done by anyone. Obviously, all you need is a window, or an outdoor spot, and a willingness. Exchanging the air can only be a good thing; fresh air is for everyone. I notice that if I add outside time to my window ritual, my day can take on a whole new meaning.

“Open the window of your mind. Allow the fresh air, new lights and new truths to enter.”
― Amit RayWalking the Path of Compassion

Aditya Saxena

Happy 65th Anniversary Mom and Dad!

I happened to ask my mom the other day, If Dad was still around, what anniversary would you be celebrating this year? Mom replied that she and my dad were married in 1953 so on June 21st, they would be celebrating 65 years of marriage.

Over the years, I’ve heard many stories from my mother about their courtship. Mom spied Dad for the first time at Jeannie Drizos’ wedding around 1951. She lost track of him for a little bit but they reconnected in 1952. Shortly after, my dad gave her an engagement ring.

When I interviewed Mom for this post, here’s what she told me about her wedding.  They were married at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Monessen, PA. Their reception was also in Monessen, at the Sokol Hall, and they had a live band. The Manis Brothers were an all mandolin band. I would have loved to have heard that! My Uncle Bil Gameos was living in New York City at the time and mom said she remembers that he performed a live dance number for them.

Mom said her gown was modeled after Queen Elizabeth’s wedding dress. A few years ago, my daughter Michelene, modeled it at an event in Sewickley, PA. It is still a stunning gown to this day. The bridesmaid’s dresses, which are also WOW!, were bought at Kaufmann’s downtown, as was my mother’s gown.

My mom said they went to Cuba for their honeymoon!

My mom has two very old, very beautiful albums. The pictures are still heavily glued in place. This is why you will see the pages of the albums (below) and not scanned pictures.

My dad passed away 21 years ago this month. It was Father’s Day and Pentecost. He is sorely missed. I thought it would be a wonderful tribute to both of my parents to write this blog and share some of their pictures.

Enjoy this walk back in time! Please write any comments for my mom (now 89 years young) here on this blog, or on my Facebook post. I will be sure and share them with her.

xo Joanne

Yanni’s 25th Anniversary Concert

The Benedum Center, Pittsburgh

Twenty five years ago, I was 35 years old. My daughter Michelene was 11. I don’t remember who started it, but my sister Cally, mom, and I became huge fans of the CD, Yanni at the Acropolis.

Now I’m sure you know that Yanni is Greek. And we are Greek. We Greeks really stick together. When we heard that Yanni was coming to the pavilion in Burgettstown 25 years ago, we went. Michelene was not a huge fan. I remember her asking me why he kept flipping his long hair during the concert.

Fast forward to 2018. I’m on the internet and something leads me to the Cultural Trust’s website. I get there and suddenly I see the 25th anniversary concert of Yanni at the Acropolis! I can hardly contain myself. I look up seats and they are affordable and available still.

I began to rack my brain, trying to think who would go with me (I was ready to go by myself but having a friend along is more fun). I settled on my cousin, Gary, and so I sent him a text. I casually asked him, “Are you a fan of Yanni at the Acropolis by chance?”

He sends me a text back, “Yes! I just listened to that music this morning!”

Long story short, my cousin was game to go with me. We decided on dinner beforehand, the whole nine yards of a memorable evening. Central Diner in Robinson was my choice of course, because, well, it’s owned by Greeks!

This past Wednesday evening, Gary picked me up in a shiny blue Chevy Camaro. He was streaming 80’s music and Yanni, and we caught up as only cousins can. At Central Diner, we went classic- cheeseburgers and french fries.

My cousin Gary and I at Central Diner

We headed downtown and parked in Theatre Parking. Lots of people were out and about. Being early for the show, we hung out in the outer lobby and waited. We ended up bumping into several more people I knew from my church.

The concert started on time. The back up musicians came on and tuned up a bit. Then, he emerged…..Yanni. He was dressed mostly in white. His hair was a bit shorter than 25 years ago. But his smile was still the same.

For the next three hours (no intermission!), Yanni played many of his famous compositions. Over and over, he went back and forth from his piano to his extra keyboards. He seemed tireless. His microphone was on his piano and he frequently stopped to talk to us. I don’t remember him talking as much years ago.

One thing that impressed me was his way of giving all of his back up musicians their time in the spotlight. The two violinists and drummer were exceptional. The extra keyboardist was nothing short of amazing. Congo drums, trumpet, cello, and bass. You could tell he revered his musicians and I loved how it was not all about him.

Yanni remains one of my absolute favorite performers of all time. I’d put him up there with Bette Midler and Bruce Springsteen (who I saw at The Stanley when I was in my early twenties). He smiled constantly, engaged with the audience, and talked about his family.

He played a song named for his mother. Felitsa was absolutely beautiful. Here’s a version I found, taped two years ago in Egypt. This will give you the closest feel for how magical and intimate his Pittsburgh concert was.

One of my favorite songs of Yanni’s is Until the Last Moment. Yanni told us about his father’s words. He said something like this, “My father would say, the past is gone, the future is tomorrow. What we have is today and we should enjoy every moment, until the last moment.” Truer words were never spoken.

What did I think of the concert? I called it “Soul Touching”. The music touched me deep in my heart and soul. It lifted me up and made me forget everything for three solid hours.

I’m so glad I got to go to this concert! Anyone want to go to Cincinnati, Ohio on July 27? 🙂

Click HERE to see Yanni’s tour dates.

Thank you to my friend Paula Y. for the photography.

“On the plane home I remember thinking that I am who I am because I have faith in myself, and it has always been the possibility of emotionally rewarding the experiences that has encouraged me to gamble on myself; those experiences have made all that I do worthwhile.” Yanni

 

 

 

 

Happy Anniversary Jim!

Wow, were we young!

It’s hard to believe but 37 years ago today, Jim and I tied the knot. It was a Sunday, Mother’s Day 1981, and I remember so many wonderful  and interesting things about that day.

My grandmother and grandfather were at my house. While we were all getting ready, it began to rain heavily. Since we hadn’t left yet, this was somewhat distressing. My yiayia said, “It is good luck to have rain on your wedding day.” I felt better when she said that. Thankfully, the sun came out later during the reception.

For some reason, I drove my sisters and myself to church in a new Nissan 200SX. It was a manual transmission so I’m wondering if they couldn’t yet drive a stick. And yes, it was still pouring rain when we arrived at the church.

Driving to Church.  Remember those Kleenex flowers?
My dad. Boy, do I miss him. (I bet that’s my cousin Nick on the left.)

Sometimes you find out things after your wedding that you didn’t even know went on. I found out that one of the groomsmen was dizzy up on the altar and the others didn’t know if he was going to faint or not.

Here we are! All Photography by Dan McConnell.

One of my girlfriends was dating someone at the wedding and I think they had a bit of a disagreement there. Another guest was with her fiance and professed undying love to someone else during the course of the evening. What drama!

Our reception was in the church hall and the Barlamas Family (Franzee’s) made a fantastic meal. Everyone had a half chicken on their plate; it was so generous. I don’t remember having a cookie table but I do remember a delicious white almond cake by Keystone Bakery in Monessen. My mom and the owners were childhood friends.

Look at those smiles!

Our favors were very traditional. We had wrapped white Jordan almonds in white netting. In the Greek culture this is called Bomboniere. I still love Jordan almonds in white netting to this day, don’t you?

Our guests came from Chicago, South Carolina, Monessen, and of course, Ambridge, Pennsylvania. Father John Kiramarios was our priest at that time. I hope I get to see him someday again.

The Gatgounis Family from Charleston, SC.  My godfather and godmother.

I think my mom planned my whole wedding. Back in the days, that is how it was done. I picked out my own dress (the first one I tried on), and I think I went with my bridesmaids to pick out their dresses. Other than that, I bet my mom took care of everything.

Today, I’m a wedding coordinator. I’m assisting at a wedding this weekend and next.  It is amazing to be here, 37 years later, helping other couples enjoy their day. I am one lucky gal.

Happy Anniversary Jim! Thank you for 37 wonderful years. Two beautiful children and two amazing grandchildren later, here we are. I love you and pray we have many more years together. Love, Jo

Heritage Floral made my silk bouquets.

My big brother, Cousin Gary and Me
Lots of Greek dancing!

How the Light Gets In

Steph from Findlay Township and Yours Truly, at the Rainbow’s End Playground

Last year I wrote a post about finding a garden at Susquehanna University. It was no ordinary garden. It was a garden that held inspirational rocks with messages of hope and love.

The rock I chose that day held the message, “You are Worth It”. It meant so much to me, especially during this time that I am my mother’s caregiver. Even though I did not have a rock to leave (and it doesn’t matter if you do or don’t), I took that rock home and placed it in my flower pot.

I talked to my daughter’s childhood friend about the garden I found. Having researched the Kindness Rocks Project Garden website, I knew I wanted to have one in my hometown of Clinton,  PA. Steph, who works in the recreation department for Findlay Township, said “Sure!”. Last November we held a community event and painted rocks. They were beautiful!

On Saturday, April 28, 2018, it was a rainy, chilly morning. A social media site popped up on my phone and said it was “Pay It Forward” day.  Wow, I thought, There are no coincidences! Starting this garden was a wonderful way to pay forward the inspiration I found last year.

I checked my weather app at 9:30 am and it said the rain was stopping in 15 minutes. I arrived at the Rainbow’s End Playground in Clinton Park, and indeed, the rain was ceasing. Minutes after 10 am, the sun came out from behind a cloud and shone down on us.

Here comes the Sun!

I knew this was a magnificent sign. God always reveals the light whenever we need it, doesn’t (s)He? We all have those moments when we need to know that we are on the right track. Having a project where I can do for others, without thought of payment or obligation, is what I’m about these days. There are some things you just cannot put a price on. This is one of them.

When I placed the rock I found last year into our Kindness Rocks Garden, I had a special feeling. I knew that is where it belonged. It was ready to make someone else feel loved and special. When I visit the university this June, I am going to take one of our rocks and place it in their garden. Yes, full circle.

I want to thank Steph from the bottom of my heart. She made my dream come true. I want to thank all of my family and friends who painted and participated. Special thanks to Armstrong Telephone, Chris Caruso of Findlay Township, Sue, and both the Parks and Recreation, and Road Departments. Without all of them, this garden would not be a reality.

If you live in the area, please come and visit! Take a rock if one inspires you! I’d love if you would take a picture if you do come and share it on our Facebook page. Findlay Township Kindness Rocks Project. (please like and follow us!)

Here’s more pictures from our dedication!

 

 

 

Another Day in Paradise

Photo by Jeremy Bishop

Just in case you think the person in the picture above is me, well, it’s not. I wish it was but (sigh), it is not.

I went to Florida for a week this year but it was chilly. I already had a cold and I’m probably the one who subsequently gave a cold to my sister and my mother. Mom spent three weeks recovering (she still is) and it was a bit scary. She rallied for Easter and (whew!) I breathed a sign of relief.

I remember having a friend who, whenever I complained about how things were going, he’d say, “You’re living in paradise, you just don’t know it.” I’ve thought of this many times and wow, it can really change my perspective.

Sometimes when things are getting me down, I go back to the basics. I have a warm house, food in the refrigerator, a family that loves me, and we have the ability to pay our bills. Even though these things seem like life in general, there are many around the world who do not have these simple luxuries.

About eleven years ago, Jim and I went to the Riviera Maya, Mexico with seven other friends. It was Jim’s 50th birthday and he signed up for many excursions. So did his friends. I did not because frankly, I was scared to leave the safety of the compound we were on. Never mind that these were sanctioned excursions; I was still scared.

A few years later we went on a Princess Cruise to the Caribbean. Determined not to be such a wallflower, I signed up for the Rays and Reef excursion with everyone else in our party. Little did I realize that we’d be out on a boat, in the middle of the gorgeous blue water in Grand Cayman Islands. The Australian guy-in-charge gave us the low down, mate. We’d get into waist high water and these (supposedly) gentle sting rays would swim around our ankles. Afterwards, there would be snorkeling in the coral waters.

Everyone got out of the boat except me. Now if you think I’m a brave person think again. My mother has drilled safety first into me since I was born (she still tells me to look both ways when I cross the street). All I could see was me being the first person to get whipped by a stingray and die on this excursion.

Finally, after everyone was in the water for a good few minutes, I decided that wimp city was over. I went off the boat and into the water. I remember being scared for about a minute then the fear was gone. The beauty of the surroundings, coupled with the love of my friends, relaxed me. I let those rays swim all around my ankles.

The bonus of this was the snorkeling.  If you’ve never snorkeled, it needs to be on your bucket list. Wow, the fish were so colorful and gorgeous. I hope I get to do it again in my lifetime.

Even when things seem not exactly perfect, we can rally and realize the paradise we are really in. Remember your blessings and count them.

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
― Epicurus

I did it! Jo and Jim in the Grand Cayman Islands.

Rebirth

Photo by Joshua Earle

What is spiritual adversity? I actually had to do a bit of research before I wrote this post. The word came up when I was looking for a quote for rebirth. Funny how looking for one thing leads you to another.

Have you ever been through something so difficult it rocks you to your core? I’m sure that while you are reading this you can think of more than one time in your life when you’ve been challenged. How did you get through it? If it is happening to you now, how are you coping?

When I went through spiritual adversity twenty years ago, I had very little tools. I relied upon myself. I didn’t want to bother other people. I kept my sadness to myself and isolated. Depression inched in and I felt as if I was down in a deep well.

Finally I knew I had to do something. I reached out for help and guess what, people helped me. They threw a rope down the well and pulled me out slowly. I started to see the light. The light was bright and shiny.

When I began my ascent, I was willing to talk to other people about how they had overcome adversity. They shared their own struggles, life lessons, and stories of renewal. They were a beacon of hope.

It became clear that people who relied on a power greater than themselves were the ones who were doing better in their struggles. If you prefer, you can go ahead and do it all by yourself. I tried that and it didn’t work. Heavenly power keeps me more centered, happier, and yes, healthier.

This spiritual adversity was the beginning of my new life. It gave me tools in my toolbox. I have used those tools many times since.

For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.  Isiah 41:13

Special greetings to those celebrating Palm Sunday, Easter or Passover today. 

A Gift From Above

The Second Day of Spring 2018

Here in the Northeast, we are buried under inches of snow. The usual hype (do you have milk and toilet paper?) continues- bad roads, accidents, and how much more will we get?

I had plans for today. I was supposed to go and watch my granddaughter Penny. This after seven consecutive days of helping my mother through the worst cold she has had in five years (or that I can remember). I either visited her or she stayed with me, and with doctor appointments and other nursing duties, I was pretty tired.

So God decided to give me a gift. He sent seven inches of snow that rendered me stranded. When I looked out the window this morning I had brief thoughts of waiting until the roads were clear, then trying to drive to Pittsburgh. It wasn’t until I checked the radar that the reality of the day hit home. There was no going anywhere and I knew it.

Instead, I stayed in my pajamas for a long time. I made myself a second pot of coffee and a nice breakfast. Two loads of clothes were washed and dried, and a pot of homemade bean soup is on the stove. The cardinals and woodpeckers were thrilled that the bird feeder was full to the top. They kept me company with their bright colors and happy dispositions. I chatted with my west coast friend for a long time.

Did God do this just for me? Well, maybe. Maybe He did it for a whole bunch of people who needed the reminder that to stay home once in a while is not such a bad thing. We all need a day off, a therapy day so to speak, where not much is asked of us and where we can just enjoy being with ourselves.

“I suppose the best kind of spring morning is the best weather God has to offer.”  ― Dodie SmithI Capture the Castle

Confessions of an Anticipater

You Are Enough, from the upcoming Kindness Rocks Garden, Clinton, PA.

I grew up with years of conditioning to be an anticipater. My mother was the queen of hospitality and loved to bake and cook. She kept an immaculate home. When she and my dad entertained, there was always too much food but it was so good that none of us ever minded the leftovers.

When we invite friends or family over, we anticipate how many people, how much food, what will guests need or want to drink. This anticipating serves us well and in my work as a wedding planner, it serves me even better. I am constantly looking ahead to what’s next when it comes to weddings and the big day. Whatever the bride, groom, their respective families, and the guests need, both Sara and I will deliver on.

These same characteristics that serve me so well in my line of work do not always serve me in normal living. As a person who is committed to “letting go” of trivial matters and over planning, it is a challenge to wrestle my elite planning skills with my desire to live a simpler life.

Spontaneity is not one of my greatest characteristics. Yet I do try and be so, especially when I have no desire to cook for myself. I search for a friend who might be available for breakfast,  lunch, or just shopping. It used to be that I had to plan these things ahead of time. Well, no more.

I have several friends that I can reach out to who will likely meet me on the spur of the moment. If I can’t find one available, I simply take a book and go myself. No planning necessary there.

If I want to live life as a spiritual journey, I have to be open to whatever is sent my way. Control is best given up. Life is so much easier when it is allowed to unfold any way it wants. Sometimes the best things happen when we least expect them to.

I have a friend who likes to say, “God has a plan for us but we are not on the planning committee.” So true. Divine love is best experienced without boundaries or borders.

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