Lucky Amy!

G'Day Mates! I am so excited about this blog post! Not only do we all get to live vicariously through my good friend's amazing and life changing experience,  but I believe she will truly inspire you with her story...it absolutely inspired me!

"Lucky Country" is one of the nicknames for Australia, so I decided to call this post "Lucky Amy", because she got to go to her dream destination of Australia.......with OPRAH!


There are not many people in this world who are given an all expense paid trip to Australia, let alone during this trip be put up in some of the most stunning hotels, go swimming at the Great Barrier Reef, get to see U2 Live in concert, as well as get served dinner by the famous Australian chef Curtis Stone and a large group of handsome men in their swimsuits on the heavenly Whitehaven Beach, as well as hold a koala bear, beat world records, and get to meet Academy Award winning actors like Russel Crowe, and so much more .....and do all of this with Oprah Winfrey! Well "I kid you not", my good friend Amy Strike got to do just that, and being her friend for almost 14 years I can say without a doubt  that she deserved a trip like this! Amy is a truly lovely, thoughtful, easy-going, and fun person; I like it when exceptional things happen to exceptional people!

There will be no "croc" in this conversation! I am so looking forward to "chew the fat" with an "ace" of a friend who got to have a real adventure in the land of Oz! So throw on your ruby slippers and get ready to live vicariously through this "sheila"! My interview with Amy Strike one of the 302 people who got to go on Oprah's Ultimate Australian Adventure!

S:How did you get to go to Australia with Oprah?

A:One of my BFF’s, Erika is a huge Oprah fan - she really takes the Oprah message to heart in her day to day life. Once I had my girls, I found that I couldn’t watch the show as religiously as I once had, but I could always count on Erika to let me know when there were “not to be missed episodes” sitting in my DVR. When Oprah announced her search for her “Ultimate Viewers.” I knew Erika had to apply. When I thought of someone who had truly “gotten it” - Erika was it. I was delighted when I heard she had finally submitted her essay, a “thank you” to the woman who had been a mentor to her. I was even more delighted when I heard she had been invited to the show in Chicago and could bring a guest. She had invited her friend, who had also spent hours watching Oprah, living the message and sharing the joy. I was so incredibly happy for them to be heading to Chicago and loved hearing the story of the producers calling them.

While we were in Australia, Oprah said, “None of you are here by accident.” She was referring to the hours her team had spent reviewing the submissions from Ultimate Viewers (we refer to ourselves as UV’s!!!), but I knew at that point, we were all there for a reason. Erika’s friend could not go to Chicago with her and with just over a week to plan, Erika asked if I would consider a 3 day trip to the windy city. Would I???? A chance to sit in those red seats was something I could never pass up. When I got my own call from the producer, I literally jumped up and down on my bed - I’m pretty much convinced this will be my then-3-year old daughters first memory of me!!!

Erika and I chose to stay at the Hilton Hotel, where President Obama spent election night and we knew the moment we walked into that historical hotel, that we were in the middle of an amazing journey. We thought that journey was two haggard Moms getting away for a couple of days….little did we know……

The night before the taping (at this point, we had no idea that the taping was anything other than a “regular show”), Erika and I were about to board a boat tour of Chicago. We were dreaming that we might be going to a “give-away” show. I asked Erika, if she offers to make a dream come true, what will you choose?” Erika said she would choose to go to Asia. I said I would choose to go the Great Barrier Reef. Hmmmmm….

S:What is Oprah really like? Anything surprise you about her?

A:When I got back from Chicago, I remember telling people, “she is just real.” In between taping, she spoke to us, and was just a real person. Bottom line….she is amazing! In Australia, when we were at events with Oprah, some people were really assertive about meeting her, I wasn’t comfortable with that, so I definitely held back and didn’t push for the face time. However, each time she spoke to us, whether as a small group or all 302 of us, she was inspirational. I will cherish those memories of seeing her in person and I know that each speech changed me in some way. Erika is a lot like me and didn’t want to push and “bother” Oprah. We were blessed to meet Joann, who among our group of Ultimate Viewers, was the Ultimate Mom, and she pulled Erika over to Oprah to take a photo. I was privileged to be the “official photographer!” It was the least I could do for my friend who made my Australian dream come true!

The day we were flying back, about half of us headed to the airport in Sydney. I have to say, I was “all-in” during the trip and had given 110% to every activity, not willing to let a single moment of this opportunity pass me by, but by the time I got to the airport, I was done. We were taken to an area outside of our gate and there was tons of security and airport “brass” wandering around. The airport chaplain started a conversation with Erika and ended it with, “you are about to get a very special visitor.” Okay, time to put on some lipstick and see if I can rally!!!

Sure enough, Oprah arrives and stands at our gate so that as each of us is boarding the plane, we get a few minutes to speak with her. Why is this amazing? She had made it clear the night before that her “work” part of the trip was done. She was heading to Fiji with Steadman and was officially on vacation. I felt as though she was there for us, not for the show.

What surprised me is how much she affected me. I guardedly tell people that this trip was an almost "religious experience" for me. The reason for this is that bottom line, I want to be a better person. When I say I “guardedly” tell people this, it is because I know not everyone gets the whole “Oprah” thing (my husband included). One of the times she spoke to us, she talked about how we all have a “talk show.” Her message was, if you’re a teacher, let your classroom be your talk show. If you are a home maker, let your home be your talk show. We all have something to share and something to give. It had been a while since I remembered that and this is the beauty of Oprah. She isn’t making this stuff up - she is a conduit for all of us, including a mom from NH, to be reminded of the beauty and the power of each of our lives. For one hour each day, she feeds us the best of what is out there in personal growth and gives us the opportunity to move on and make dinner, or hold on to what she said and change our lives a little bit.

S: What were your top 3 favorite things about Australia?

A: 1. By far the people! Beginning with our flight attendant on Qantas, a lovely woman from Melbourne who told us to make sure we didn’t refer to our “fanny” while in Australia (in Aussie speak, this is a part of the female anatomy, to quote Seinfeld, it rhymes with Mulva….). Even the guys in the pub who “heckled” us as we were on our boutique shopping tour, yelling out “you go, girl!” everyone was just delightful. At times I was convinced they were hiring people to be around us, there is no way that people are that nice and that good looking!

2. The Beauty! I got to see one of the natural wonders of the world, and I am forever changed by it. In addition to the Great Barrier Reef, we were at this phenomenal beach (Whitehaven Beach) which is so clearly a protected resource, there were no houses lining the shore, the water was pristine and you felt that it was a point of pride for the Australian people. One of the things I really want to pay forward is that sense of pride in the natural resources that we have. This was even evident in Sydney, which despite being a bustling city is immaculately clean and crowned by the Taronga Zoo which celebrates the wildlife of Oz.

3. Attitude! One of the things that got air time on the shows was the quote about Australians “working to live, not living to work.” I think that the Australian people take themselves a lot less seriously than we do and put their “me time" first. One way this was evident was in how much they enjoyed the beauty around them, they were so proud to be where they were. I think there is also a live and let live attitude. When we finished the regatta, we went to a beautiful harbor-side restaurant for a brunch. As Russell Crowe was leaving, he stopped and chatted with a few of us and was just so friendly and real. And then, he just walked home…..can you imagine that happening in LA? This also happened with Olivia Newton-John who was on our flight home, even at LAX, she was waiting at the baggage carousel with the rest of us!

S:What were your top 3 favorite moments of your trip and why?

1.Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef - simply because it was a dream come true. I was like a child that day. I could not wait to get into the water and literally only came out long enough to eat a quick lunch. The reef is amazing, my favorite memory of that day (aside from the sea turtles and "Nemo fish"), is snorkeling over a part of the reef where I looked down and felt like I was looking over the Grand Canyon. It just went on forever, it was truly amazing!

2.Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb- Who wouldn’t love to break a world record??? I was so glad that we got to do this activity, it was amazing to see Sydney from that vantage point. I was a bit nervous (that bridge is high), but a lot of people had real fears of heights that they overcame to be a part of this event, and that was really inspirational.

3.Regatta - I loved stepping outside of my comfort zone and doing something that I hadn’t done before. It was really fun to help sail the boat, and being in a small group with those awesome UV’s was always a treat.

S:What do you feel that you took away from this experience that will stay with you forever?

A:Oprah told us (and I’m quoting from memory here so bear with me) “Don’t let this be the best thing that has ever happened to you.” This was a huge A-HA moment for me. I have had a string of tough things happen in the past few years and this trip was a true miracle for me, a reset button to remind me that good things really do happen. Once she said that, I realized that it was just the beginning. It reminded me of when I graduated from college and felt that anything was possible. Here I was, a mom of two girls who works from home (I literally live in my sweat pants), and I am on the other side of the world with Oprah. It reminded me of how powerful we all are when we believe in who we are. I don’t yet know what this experience means for me, but I know that Australia was just the beginning of something!

S: Did you get to"live like a celebrity"? And if yes, how so?

A:Yes! One thing that was kind of strange was that we were followed by papparazi. Australian paparazzi is very tame compared to American paparazzi, but it was still bizarre to be followed by cameras wherever we went. My family back home was finding me in news clips that I did not even know were being broadcast! Another thing that made me feel like a celeb was the fact that I was able to jump off the treadmill of my life for a full 8 days. Any adult can relate to this, but especially moms - I did not have to make a single decision for the entire trip. I had people lined up at the airport telling me which way to turn. I had buses lined up to bring me to my next destination. I never had to decide which restaurant to eat at, which activity to attend…it was all done for me. We had a group from “Event Architects” (we called them Blue Shirts, not very original, this is what they were wearing) who literally handled every single decision for us…amazing! This was the part of the experience that could really never be replicated, for those mom’s who are reading this, I think you can appreciate how priceless this is!!! My friend Debbie summed it up perfectly, “This is what our kids must feel like when we take them on vacation!”

That said, we were on the run the entire time we were there. We were bussed everywhere and while on the bus, the “Blue Shirts” would tell us what our next stop would be, how we should dress, and where to meet in the hotel. To give you an idea of this, my bus cheered the one time we were told we had 15 minutes to get ready for our next event! And for those of you fashionistas, remember, these are Oprah events!!!! Can you imagine doing hair and make up in less than 5 minutes! The night of the “Garden Party” at the Botanical Gardens, we were coming back from Hamilton Island. We were told that this was “The Event” to wear our best outfit, but we had to wear it on the plane! We didn’t even have time to change at the hotel before heading over there! It is actually kind of a fun memory for me, running though the airport in my little black dress and hiking sandals, only to end up in the group at the Botanical Gardens that is going to walk the red carpet with Gayle!!!!

S:What famous people did you meet on this trip besides Oprah? Anything you can share about them?

A:Curtis Stone is my new favorite celebrity chef. He is kind and, oh, so handsome! The event at the beach was over the top, 2,000 pounds of seafood, lamb kabobs, fresh fruit cocktails, ice sculptures and of course, shrimp on the barbie. Yet, he made me feel like I was back in my waitressing days, hanging out with the chef after a tough shift! He was THAT friendly. He is dating Lindsay Price of 90210 and Lipstick Jungle fame, and while I didn’t speak with her on the beach, those who did said she was lovely. I was standing next to his parents on the boat ride home and they were giving one of the UV’s their email address, because they didn’t bring their camera! Real people, the story of Oz!

I know some people who are die-hard Gayle King fans. I always liked it when she was on Oprah but I never took it to the next level. Not anymore….I’m watching her show on OWN, listening to her on XM-Radio - I am an official fan. Why? Because she will nudge you in the buffet line and tell you to try the corn. She is that kind of person. She literally flew onto the beach in a helicopter next to Oprah and is real enough to say, “try the corn.” I like that!

Since "SITC" is such a music lover, I have to give props to Guy Sebastian. He is the Australian Idol winner and he performed for us in Sydney. I came home with one of his CD’s and I love that my kids are always putting it in the CD player. Please check out his music, he is phenomenal! If you have kiddo’s “Like it Like That” will make them dance their pants off- and maybe, just maybe, you too! It is my new favorite shower CD!!!

S:What was the group of people who went with you like? 
A:The first word that comes to mind is “powerful”!  I’m saying this because we now keep in touch regularly and morphed what started as a reunion, into a day of service and powerhouse of community giving. We have helped people network for jobs. We have set times for group prayers for people who really needed it. We have fund-raised for the flood victims in Australia. We are trying to harness the collective “power” of our group and it is amazing. This is an “after-effect.” When I was there, the people I was with were FUN!!! I had so much fun with each and every person I met.

When we were standing in line at Harpo Studios for the show, we met a mother and daughter from St. Louis, and two good friends from California. We instantly connected with these women once we knew we would be heading to the other side of the world with them, I could not wait to see them again!

In addition to these women, I made friends...Real friends. Friends who I hope will come to NH some day and hike with me. Friends who I hope will take me to their favorite pizza joint when Tom and I finally get to Chicago for that Cubs game. Every time I was with one of my UV’s, I felt like I belonged.

The night before the “show tapings” we had a surprise event. The rumors for this event were swirling, Bon Jovi concert, Beyonce, the possibilities were endless. We all lined up in the Treasury Room of the Intercontinental Hotel (our usual meeting place) and were handed boxed dinners (…ummmm boxed dinners are not what I have become accustomed to….). As I got to the door, I was told by a “blue shirt to go board the next bus.” I politely told him that I was with my friend, Erika, and did not want to be separated from her. He told me, not to worry, we would be re-united at our rendevous point!

Okay, I’m on the bus, alone. I’m sitting next to a woman I have met before and who is lovely. Her daughter is behind us, along with another woman who is a teacher and a true inspiration. The Harpo film crew boards the bus. Now I know why I had to separate from my BFF, they needed to fill these seats….Oprah comes on the TV and announces we are headed to a Jay-Z and U2 Concert, the bus goes wild (this is the bus you saw on TV)! Now, I love going to concerts, it is one of my favorite things in the world, but I’m kinda on my own…hmmm… at least the blue shirts said we would meet up at the end.

Well, they were wrong. We were handed tickets as we got off the bus so I was rows behind Erika, and here is the beauty of the UV experience, I was okay with this. I was with two women who I “kind of” knew at a once-in-a life-time experience. HOLY COW, I’m watching Jay-Z and U2 at the Olympic Stadium in Sydney Australia…..

It went beyond this, I never felt bad separating from Erika to make this trip my own. During the regatta, we were given options of which boat we wanted to be on. Erika had a bout with sea sickness and really wanted to be on the biggest possible boat. I had never actually sailed and the idea of tacking and raising the sails on a boat were really exciting to me. It felt amazing that during the session where we decided who would go on which boat, I could look around and know that there was no guilt in doing my “own thing” and letting Erika do hers. It was so powerful to know that even though we were there together, we could do our own thing and always be buoyed by the amazing group of people we were with.

S:Any life lessons you learned from this unique experience?

A: I was reminded of the law of attraction, and that when you put positive things into the world, positive things will come back to you. I have always tried to live this way, but since being back I have made a full-blown effort to project a positive attitude each and every day, regardless of how negative I’m feeling! I am amazed by the results this is producing for me!

I am trying to live with intention, but this is new for me so it is taking some practice! Each day I try to set an intention for myself, mostly around the kind of wife and mother I want to be. I’m finding that saying something aloud is a powerful way to frame my day.

S:You know how much I LOVE animals... what are Koala bears really like?

A:Ugh….I sooo want to have a Koala bear in my house! They sleep for about 20 hours per day, so they are lazy little buggers! I went to Queensland which is the only state in Australia where you can still handle Koala’s (I don’t know too much about why this is). The koala’s I met seemed fine with being snuggled (and god knows I loved it), but they did get tired and would need to be switched out from time to time. Their fur is coarse and they have long claws, but they didn’t hurt at all.

S: The Great Barrier Reef (a complete dream destination of mine..just for the sharks alone! ;) ) What was it like to swim at the most amazing reef in the world?

A:I loved every minute of it! We did not see any sharks though (thank goodness!). The fish were beautiful, and I loved being able to see those amazing sea turtles! I snorkeled the entire time we were at the reef, I never wanted to come out of the water!  I think a trip to Australia should be on everyone's bucket list!

"Hoo-roo" for now!

Song Bird

Samantha Farrell is a true talent in every sense of the word. Not only is she one of my favorite artists (her CD is in constant rotation in my iPod), but I feel very lucky to also call her my friend. She writes as poetically as she sings. She is an inspiring woman on all accounts. She has raw talent, a beautiful soul, true charisma, and sincere kindness as well as one out of this world voice! I am so excited to do this interview, because if you haven't heard of her yet you sure will. I will be so ecstatic if I am the one that introduces her to YOU first! I love to share things that make me happy and listening to her music does just that! She reached #8 on the national iTunes chart this past year and I am sure she will be on there again in the near future!

I met Samantha through my wonderful brother Daniel. Daniel always spoke highly of his friend Samantha and her talent, at the time they both lived in L.A., so I never got to meet her before this night. My father and stepmother were having a party to celebrate their 60th birthdays in Cape Cod, and we were all lucky to have Samantha perform at the celebration. She literally brought the house down that night with her smooth groves and soulful songs. That evening I also realized that she was not only a beautiful singer, but a truly beautiful person as well.

I don't want to keep you waiting any longer for this truly inspirational, illuminating, witty, and lovely interview with a musician who will make you sing to a different tune..... Samantha Farrell!








S: When did you realize you had a passion/talent for music?

Samantha: Ever since I can remember, I have always been drawn to music. My family’s nickname for me is Lala, which apparently came to be when I started singing along with the Smurfs around age 3. Music has always seemed a natural extension of myself; starting in 4^th grade with learning how to play the flute, so I could be in the elementary school band, and onwards from there. I didn’t sing publicly though until I was a senior in high school. I was incredibly self-conscious and shy, but I knew that I could sing from clandestinely practicing at home.  When I finally got up the nerve to do a bluesy version of "God Bless the Child" at a high school concert my senior year, it fulfilled something deep within me, and I had a sense of purpose and fulfillment and excitement that I had never experienced. I knew then that it was time to get out of the orchestra pit! For years my father had been encouraging me to write my own music, as I had always been an avid reader and writer of poetry- he knew it would be a great fit, but I had had a bad first experience with the guitar (i.e- I was terrible). Luckily by sophomore year in college my pride had sufficiently recovered, and with much encouragement I decided to give it another try. The first day I picked up a guitar, I wrote a song, and it’s been a continuation of my arm ever since.

S: What is your favorite song you have written and why?

Samantha; Wow, this is a hard one. Every time I finish a song, I think, this one is the best! I have a habit of feeling like the most recent song I’ve written is always the best one, and I so easily forget about older songs. It drives my folks crazy. However the one tune that has continuously withstood my critical test of time is Fade Away. It really captured a sound and time in my life that was so beautiful. I think the best songs are the ones that seem to write themselves, like they are handed down through the ether complete, and you just happen to be the lucky one to pluck it from the air. Fade Away feels like that to me. I wrote it in about 10 minutes while driving through Oklahoma on my way to Virginia to meet up and record with Roi. When he heard it, he said, “We need to send you back to Oklahoma if this is what happens there”- I don’t think he was entirely joking either!  

S: DMB I would say is my all time favorite band, and I know you were "discovered" by Dave Matthews founding member and saxophonist the late LeRoi Moore..How did that happen? What was it like to record in the studio with LeRoi Moore?

Samantha: Gosh, it’s still hard to talk about it without getting all emotional. Long story short, I was introduced to him in Los Angeles where I was living at the time and he really liked my music, which was a dream.  He invited me to Charlottesville where DMB has their own studio called Haunted Hollow, to record some demos. The demos came out so great, and the magic was in the studio air, so he offered to produce my album.  How did it feel?  Incredible. It was the most enchanting and magical summer of my life that forever changed me a musician and person. He was an incredible, generous, hilarious and kind human being and friend who left us far too soon. I miss the hell out of him.

S:When your album Luminous (which I LOVE) peaked at #8 on the national pop iTunes charts..How did you feel at that moment? 

Samantha: I was at a friends birthday party, and all of a sudden everyone came running over to me with their iphones with the apps that have the top ten albums on the iTunes store on them, and low and behold, my face was there next to Whitney Houston. Ridiculous!  I think immediately I took a shot and sat dumbfounded in the corner, then started jumping around like a maniac. It was surreal, and amazing!!! I didn’t even think my album was ever going to get released due to legal complications. I spent a year of anguish trying to get it released, and to finally have an audience who actually cared, listen to my work, was the best feeling in the world. Speaking of which, thank you to everyone who purchased my music! You are wonderful people!!!!

S:Where would you like to see yourself in the future with your music? 

Samantha: You know, I’ve been through the ringer with the music business.  Many of the experiences were not good ones, but through the struggles and the strife, I’ve come out older and much wiser and with a much saner and healthy perspective. I had to ask myself many a time why I was doing this crazy thing of trying to be a professional musician; it’s so easy to forget why you do it, and get caught up in the franticness of trying to get signed by a label and wanting to be approved by some nebulous entity called the “business,” with it’s many faceless executives who judge you and decide your fate and if you’re good enough or not (or so it would seem). It’s very easy to feel powerless and NOTHING is worse than that.  However, with a little time and perspective, I came back around and remembered the most important thing of all…you must do music because you LOVE it and can’t do without, not for approval, or for money, or record deals, or fame, or any of that nonsense. If you are an artist who wants to have a career, you’ve got to be in it for the long, long, long unglamorous and lonely haul. You’ve got to do it for the love and for the small victories of finding one more person who is moved by your art. If not, you will go nuts. That being said, in the future I want to be able to be a full time musician who can actually afford to eat and have an apartment and make music that lots of people listen to. I keep chugging along, one song, one fan, one show at a time!

S:What advice can you give to female singer/songwriters just starting out who want to get their music out there?

Samantha: If you believe you’ve got talent and you can’t live without it, go for it and don’t look back. And ignore everyone who tells you anything else! Don’t solicit other people’s opinions about your music or songs too much; it’s just depressing, and nobody knows you better than yourself (so why ask someone else?) - Watch out for sketchballs who say they are producers, but probably just want to sleep with you. Try to keep as much of your career in your control as possible at all times, don’t sign anything without a lawyer (EVER) and buy a basic home recording set up and learn how to record your own demos. Play out as much as possible, even if it’s just open mic’s and coffee-shops…you have to start somewhere! Be a decent human being, if you get free food at a club make sure you still tip the server, live life, and take good notes.  

S:Who are the artists that inspire you and why?

Samantha: So many! I’m inspired by any artist that moves me, and pulls on my heartstrings. I don’t really ever read autobiographies about the lives of musicians, so I go by how they make me feel. Their music tells you so much about their lives. Off the top of my head I love Van Morrison, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Robi Draco Rosa, James Taylor, Jeff Buckley, Nina Simone, Ben Taylor, Cassandra Wilson, Eva Cassidy, Talk Talk, the Chieftans, and anything that’s bluesy, minor, and urgent.

S:How would you go about describing your music to people who have not heard your music yet?

Samantha: Ah! So hard to answer….I would say, it’s good music! I know I float between numerous genres at all times. I would say it’s a little bit of jazz, a little bit of folk, a little bit of pop and poetry all rolled up into alternately grooving and soothing melodies to hang your hat on. Is that concise enough?! 


S: LOVE IT...perfect description... I couldn't have put it any better!

Samantha's brand new website is:

www.samanthafarrell.com

you can purchase all of her music there! 

2010... Wrapped Up In A Pretty Bow :)

2010: Can't say I am going to miss you (please let 2011 be a better year..pretty please) but on that same note  I/ we had some good times in 2010! ;) So lets focus on that!

#1: I started My Sarah In The City Blog...Yay! I am having so much fun with it, and I appreciate all the great feedback..Thank you! I look forward to doing even more with it and 2011! Thank you to all the great people who let me interview them this year..it so much fun getting to know people and what they LOVE to do! There are so many inspiring, creative, hard working, fun, and fabulous people doing extraordinary, special, and wonderful things here locally. We are a lucky city to be filled with such talented, giving, and interesting people. I also appreciate you reading my own personal ramblings with such positive feedback...Thank You- Thank You- Thank You! xo

#2 I learned about "True Strength": I have had many friends including myself who went through some major surgeries this year! We have all been very lucky with the amazing love and support we have gotten from our friends and family and each other. I also learned we all have the ability to be quite strong even when it's the hardest to be. I hope 2011 is a very healthy year for all my friends who have struggled this year with their health as well as for everyone else. With that said though the number one story of strength and survival I have learned from this year is my grandfather's story! At 89 years

old my grandfather's appendix ruptured (not quite a common situation for someone that age). An appendix rupturing in someone my age is quite dangerous let alone in someone who is 89. My grandfather made it through a very long surgery, he made it through a long hospitalization, he made it through an infection that hit his whole body and in turn ended him up on life support. We were told he would probably not get off life support..but he did..then he couldn't talk or eat, and then he started to. A few weeks ago the "miracle man" celebrated his 90th birthday at home with his friends and family. My grandfather is a fighter, he wanted to live, he didn't give up when his body was trying to. He showed me what true strength was. When I was at the hospital saying what I thought were my last goodbye's to him I kept thinking I wish I could have told him all this ONE more time while he was awake; how much I love him, how much he means to me, how much he has impacted my life in such positive ways, and to thank him for being an amazing grandfather. I was VERY fortunate enough on his 90th birthday to retell him those things face to face. Not only did my grandfather teach me strength he taught me to never put off what you want to say to someone! Always tell people you love how much they mean to you...you don't realize how important it is for you until it is to late. I love you Grampy!!!! xoxoxo

#3 You can always reinvent your life/ You are never to old to start over or to start something new!:  Since I have had some time on my hands during my recovery from my 3rd hip surgery I realized that life is short and you should do what you love. I got a new camera from D (Thank you so much for my dream gift), I have been writing my two blogs, practicing my guitar again and doing more creative things in general. Which is what I feel I am am truly meant to do in this world. I am not sure where all this is going to take me, but I am not going to let something like a 36th birthday for example make me believe that I don't have the capability for great change and to follow my passions to see where they take me...AGE SHOULD NOT MATTER..only what is in your heart! That is a lesson I have definitely learned this year and I am still currently bringing that lesson and mindset into 2011! There is a lot out there in this world..even for a chick with a "difficult" hip ;)

#4 Love At First Site: I became and Auntie to a BEAUTIFUL (and I am not being biased) niece, and I became a "mama" to a feisty, fun, and cute puppy name Sky. Both in their own way have expose me to the world of unconditional LOVE. From the moment I met my niece I knew that she will be one of the most important people in my life...for the rest of my life!  It is a feeling that even I did not understand until the day my sister gave birth. I can't wait to see all that Lil L will become as she gets older. She is the BEST!  My puppy Sky has already become a very important part of my family, and she has also presented D and I with are own little family. I felt like she was part of my family from the moment D surprised me with her, and the bond between us gets stronger every day as I care for my little "baby". Sometimes life gives you lemons, but it also gives you babies and puppies too :) So in that case in the end my world was somewhat balanced out this year ;)

#5 A Weekend Away...is always needed! Bethel NY (The site of Woodstock), Stowe Vermont, NYC, York Maine. All small jaunts away from my city..the longest was a 5 hour drive, but they all gave me a burst of new energy and a better outlook on life. I think we all need to sometimes get away just so we can appreciate what we have here at home. Long far away vacations take planning and more money (they are also needed too, but I can't personally do them as frequently ), but short little jaunts are good rejuvenators for your soul. With all that happened this year those mini trips really help me mentally during my recovery from surgery. ..made me feel like I was still living life and doing new things..we all need that feeling..so I say..don't put off life's little adventures.. just go for it!

.....and last but not least I am happy to be living back in Salem (moved back here in 2010). I love this city and I have been having a blast getting to know it, and the people in it even better this year!!! Cheers to 2011..may it be a good year for us all!!!!! xoxo

ps. Stayed tuned for some really refreshing, fun, educational ,compelling, and of course FABULOUS interviews coming at you in 2011 (maybe one will be with YOU!!!)

Peace, Love and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

GREENleaf

         

I met my friend Jodi Greenleaf 13 years ago.  Till this day she is the most creative person I know. Jodi just recently graduated from New England School of Art and Design with a degree in Interior Design.

Jodi is an artist in every sense of the word. She draws. paints, and sews. She also has a passion for cooking and her food always looks likes beautiful edible art. She is a creator.  She truly has a fire in her for hands on activities and creating beautiful and useful items.  She makes Halloween costumes that are  much cooler than any you would find at any costume shop. I have seen her many times whip up curtains and pillows for many of our friends in a blink of an eye. It always impresses me to see her natural talent at work.

 Jodi always makes hanging out a fun and creative time. On many a cold winter's day we have made purses out of random fabrics, reupholstered chairs, cooked yummy dinners and desserts, we have made designer stools to put our feet up on plus many many more items (way to much to list here). Jodi also taught me how to paint with oil paints as well as sketch different objects with just some drawing pencils and a eraser. Each time we hang out not only do we always laugh a lot and have a good time, but I become a tad more creative myself.  I wanted to interview Jodi, because it's always fun to tap a creative brain plus Jodi has started her own business Greenleaf Home. I am so proud of her and I am also happy she is finally going to be able to share her talents with the public:)

So now it's time to let me "draw" you into Jodi's "colorful" world.......here is my interview with Jodi Greenleaf:

S:What was the first product you ever made?

J: I was in third grade and I made a bed for my barbie out of flannel fabric. I also crochet a skirt for my barbie.

S:What made you decide to do more "Green" designs?

J: I love the concept of giving a new life to an old item. To look at this item in a new light instead of just throwing something "old" away. I think it is such a consumer based world, sometimes we throw away things without thinking twice about it. We don't realize all the potential our products we buy have.

S:What is your favorite way to express yourself creatively?

J: Anything with my hands! Paint, draw, sew, crochet,quilt, and cook are a few ways :)

S.Why did you start Greenleaf Home?

J: I always treated my art as a hobby, but I would really like to be able to support myself doing something I love...live the American dream.

S: Can you share an easy GREENleaf project with my readers that they could do at home?

J: An easy gift wrap for a wine bottle.  You can use an old sweater, long sleeve tshirt, or a men's long sleeve dress shirt.  Place bottle next to sleeve, adjust to leave a little overlap at the top and cut 2 inches below bottle bottom.  Stitch the bottom all the way around.  Gather the threads by gently pulling and then stitch a couple times through the gathered fabric.  Tie off and slide the cozy on.  Top off by putting on a cute bow!

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S: What is your favorite thing you ever created and why?

J:I loved doing watercolor paintings! I love the way colors mix on the paper and the translucent properties of the overall look. 


S: Where do you see the future of Greenleaf Home?
J: I am hoping to see Greenleaf Home products in gift shops everywhere. I would love to sell my products in the Mass General Hospital gift shop, because I love the idea of someone buying my product to cheer up someone who is sick. 

S.Any tips for people to help refine their skills with
A. Drawing: Drawing is like any skill. Practice, practice, and practice is the key to mastering any skill.
B. Painting: As for painting, paint from the heart and don't worry about making mistakes. Sometimes mistakes turn out to make the piece better. 
C. Sewing: Sewing is tricky. I would suggest reading a pattern and then following exactly what it says. It helps to understand construction.

Picture to the right is me wearing one of "Greenleaf Home" purple Neck Loop (Neck Loop made from 100% cotton using recycled material. 

Comfortable, stylish, and versatile. Super soft and cozy. It can be twisted for a solid look or half of it can be looped to create a look of two different lengths.)

You can see Jodi's products on Facebook: Greenleaf Home  

You can also contact her at : greenleafhome@hotmail.com
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/people/greenleafhome?ref=ls_profile

(Photo's of Jodi taken by Sarah In The City)

Happy Birthday To Me ;)

OMG!! I am turing 36 this week ...am I even allow to say OMG at my age ;)


Well instead of an interview of a fabulous person doing outstanding things....I will be "interviewing" myself this week.  ;)


 I guess the reason I wanted to write this post is that I am kind of reflecting/ freaking out about turning 36, and I am sure others have been in my shoes :) It's amazing how fast time goes by, I guess I need to learn how to appreciate it more! Let's just say birthdays are not as much as fun as they use to be when I was a kid, but then again why shouldn't you celebrate yourself, and enjoy it even if it means getting "older".

Every year since I was in my early twenties I have written in my diary about what I have liked about the year I had (to keep life in a positive perspective), and I also write what I would like to see for my future for the upcoming year. Then I look back at the previous diary entry from the year before to see if I obtained any of the goals I set for myself. I always seem to achieve a few, miss some, and discovered goals I did not think about along the way.

Instead of doing my diary entry this year I am writing it here. I wanted this blog to not only be interviews with interesting people, but also to put myself out there and maybe inspire others to do the same. Some people believe privacy is important, and I do agree with that to a point. I also believe we can learn from each other, and the only way to do that is to share. I am putting my thoughts out there that I want to share, and it's your choice to read them or not. You can agree or disagree with me, that's not important. I think what is important is talking and sharing with each other. I have learned a lot from others, and I have always been fascinated with people's stories, so I figured might as well share  some of mine too ;)



This past year has been a hard one for me to say the least. 35: I spent half the year on pain medication, so part of it is just a blur and the other half  I spent in pain. I have been angry about the whole "hip situation" and threw a few pity parties for myself. I have been through a lot and until you experience the level of pain I have been in it's hard to understand, even if you want to. I think that even though my 35th year has in someways been defined by my hip, I don't want it to be defined that way in my mind.

This is how I want to remember my 35th year:
 I found out what an incredible support system I have. I am TRULY lucky to have so many people in my life that care about me and want to help me out. I know I am quite fortunate to be this lucky and not everyone is as blessed as me to have this. The people in my life truly made a hard year into a year where I learned what true love and support is all about. I appreciate the people who have been there for me in my life. I am grateful to them more than words could ever express and I hope I can be there for all of them in any way they may need me in their life.


 I learned how to be a stronger person. Life isn't easy if you live long enough. You will have your hard times, but it's the way you handle them is what truly defines your life. I have learned to find strength in places I didn't know I had, it hasn't been easy, but I have to say it makes you feel so empowered to pick yourself up when you are at your lowest. It makes you realize if you can do that you can do anything! To me this lesson has gotten me through some very tough times this year...bottom line..you can't give up hope even when you feel like there is none left (Trust me...I do understand it is easier said than done, but we all have the ability to do this. )


This has also been the year of true self reflection. I thought at this point in my life I would probably be at  different place....married, kids, a successful job...what the world has made me believe that I should have/be at by this point in life. Not to say that all people believe this ,and not to say that the people who are at this stage are not happy, but as my sister said to me "even with all that you have been through you still have more fun than most people I know". I laughed at her when she said this, but in some ways it is true. I may not have the stuff listed above, but those things don't always equal happiness, not to say I don't want it, but if is meant to be it will happen, but in the meantime I am trying not to focus on a number or what I should or should not have. I am trying to just live each day to it's fullest (which isn't always easy, but at least I am trying). Like my sister reminded me even through my hard times I have had a lot of fun/amazing times and experiences in my life too, which again makes me very fortunate. It's nice things to reflect on when times do get tough.


 Even though it's been a difficult year I have also been given the opportunity that most people are not given at my age; a time to think about just myself, to reflect on what will make me happy, and what I want from my life. I am still reflecting, but I am starting to find answers to these questions with all this "time off" I have had. 

 I also have started a new chapter in my life with my boyfriend "D" who I moved in with this year. D has shown me the true meaning of what caring and being in a relationship is all about. He has been there with me through the good and the bad this past year which I know hasn't been all easy,  but he did it without judgement and with a kind and caring hand and heart to lift me up when I truly needed him most. I am so lucky to have him in my life! We make a great team... D has been such an incredible and important part of my 35th year, and I am very happy for that. 


I also became an Auntie for the first time this year! The love I have for my beautiful niece is indescribable. I just look forward to her future and taking part in her life. She has been the shining star of my 35th year!


Plus I started THIS BLOG this year which has been a great place to put my positive energy and focus.  I hope people have been enjoying reading it as much as I enjoy writing it :) Thank you for all the wonderful feedback..I really appreciate it :)


I hope that this year coming up will be the year my hip will finally give me some peace and quiet, so I can move on from it. If it doesn't I hope I can find a way to at least work with it. I hope that I will find a career that I  can enjoy thoroughly as well as make money from. I would like to get involve with charity/volunteer work to help others since so many people have helped me. I want a chance to give something back.  I want to keep working on getting better with age and to keep on learning. I also have some other hopes and dreams for my future year, but maybe I will keep a few to myself...just like a birthday wish ;)

Age is truly just a number and I do have to remind myself that, but that doesn't mean I haven't been getting up in the mornings more recently looking in the mirror to see if wrinkles are forming..I swear I am seeing laugh lines appear..like seriously in the past two weeks...like they know I am turning thirty six...why do I have to smile so much..damn it ;) I am not saying I don't have fears about getting older, but I am trying my best to stay away from that mindset as much as I can, because all I got is the present and what I do with that is most important. I guess in 10 years I will be wishing I was turning 36 and thinking how young that sounds ;) 

In the end we all get older..it's a part of life. As my wise younger sister said to me on one of my birthdays...you have two options. A.You get older B. you die...blunt, but that's it. She has a point, so I guess I go with option A! So cheers to 36..hope it will be my best year yet!








(**Pictures on this post are of me from different birthdays in my life..the last two capture my last week at 35 ;)