DONALD TRUMP (a personal encounter/memory)

A little "background" before "the story"........

In 1980 I joined my father's business, which provided advice to owners of privately-held businesses. Having been a HIGH SCHOOL ART TEACHER for 4 years, I didn't know ANYTHING about finance or business (I was truly surprised to get the job - so, THANK YOU DAD!!), but I DID have a MASTERS in COUNSELING, which gave me listening skills.

In 1987 I was asked to join management - training new sales guys (yes, "guys", since it was a rarity to find a female in this business back then). My background in teaching made it a natural transition from my 7 years in sales.

Also in 1987 DONALD TRUMP published his book, "TRUMP - THE ART OF THE DEAL" - written by and about a very successful BUSINESS OWNER - our client profile. I read it with complete enthusiasm and shared it with "my guys" to help give them inspiration, a sense of confidence and drive. Ours was a "self-made-man" kind of business, and you needed mentors and BIG aspirations in order to succeed.

I was so impressed by DONALD and his book that I got up before the crack of dawn to drive to Atlantic City by myself for his book-signing - to stand in line for an hour or so, to have him sign my book and shake my hand. He looked me straight in the eyes. Yes, I was a bit (!!) STARSTRUCK and must admit that I've felt that way ever since the handshake and eye contact.

He dedicated the book to his parents. I liked that.  

The inside jacket cover starts with his quote, "I like thinking big. I always have. To me it's very simple: if you're going to be thinking anyway, you might as well think big."  I liked that too. It fit right into the attitude I wanted "my guys" to have.

The opening paragraph of the book says: "I don't do it for the money.  I've got enough, much more than I'll ever need. I do it to do it. Deals are my my art form. Other people paint beautifully on canvas or write wonderful poetry. I like making deals, preferably big deals. That's how I get my kicks."

And if you want to know how I got MY kicks, after I shook his hand, I handed him my business card and said that I would love to have the time to share some thoughts about business with him. No, he never called. But I called him! No, he didn't take the call, nor did he return it.  Ok, so I tried!!

With DONALD TRUMP in the news daily, running for President, I can't help but reflect on those days back in 1987.

JOAN

WAXING KARA

Do you remember the Blog I posted back in March 2015 about dry skin and the wonderful products made with HONEY that I found from WAXING KARA? 

In the FALL I ordered some of her yummy HARVEST scrub that had the delicious scent of PUMPKIN + SPICE + WALNUTS, made especially with the smells for the season. A great way to start your day in the shower!  I loved it so much I bought several more to hand out to a few special people. It's over for the season, but I noticed that she still has some, on sale for $21 (regularly $28) on her WEBSITE (click on this highlighted word).  

Her CANDLES are wonderful too, if you haven't tried them yet....... and NO, I'm not getting any kickbacks, nor am I in the business of advertising for her, I just LOVE what she offers and wanted to share.

I happened upon a video of KARA today (included in her January Newsletter ) that I thought I'd share, so that you can have a peek at KARA (she's adorable), and a glimpse at some of her products. ENJOY!!

VIDEO of KARA and her HONEY Products

AND....... if you signup to receive her MONTHLY NEWSLETTER (not daily, not weekly), you will then receive 10% off your first purchase!!  

DO IT.  CLICK HERE and BEE HAPPY!! ----->   SUBSCRIBE

JOAN

PS   Did you know that:

Honey will not expire. It is a sugar, and all sugars are hygroscopic, meaning they don’t contain much water in their natural state. Very few bacteria or microorganisms can survive in an environment like that. One thing that sets honey apart from other sugars, and makes it an excellent long-term resident in your cupboard, is its high acidity. The oldest honey that has been found dates back 5,000 years.

COLD, RAINY DAY WITH NOTHING TO DO - YIPPEE!!

What a pleasure it is to be able to spend the day doing NOTHING!  OK, THAT will never happen (have already done a load of wash and played indoor ball with CLOVER for an hour), but at least I have the leisure to decide WHAT to do, if anything.

Yes, I will read some of my NonFiction Book Club book, GENGHIS KAHN AND THE MAKING OF A MODERN WORLD. I just finished A PARIS APARTMENT by Michelle Gable and loved it - grabbed me from the beginning and NOT just because it was set in PARIS; although I do love anything PARIS, PROVENCE or FRANCE.

I have a whole list of "projects" to attend to, but of course they can all wait until another day........

LOVED the family time at CHRISTMAS and hope that yours was just as MERRY. Marching quickly towards the NEW YEAR. Can you believe it's 2016 already?

JOAN

CHRISTMAS REINDEER MANICURE

I'm sure that some people think I'm OVER-THE-TOP FESTIVE at this time of year...... in fact I've been reminded to remember that I'm 63 years old. But to do what makes us happy (without hurting others) is A-OK in my book, no matter how OLD you are. 

Yes, these are my nails, hand-painted by a manicurist this week. It makes me smile whenever I look at them. Are you SMILING??

ON DASHER, ON DANCER......!!

JOAN

CHRISTMAS JOY

Speaking of CHRISTMAS JOY, I had to take a moment to share my recent pedicure with you. 

It makes me smile. I hope it does the same for YOU!!  

JOAN

HUSTLE and BUSTLE

I LOVE this time of year. So much to do and prepare for. So many social activities. So much JOY!!

The first of November marks my deadline for creating a Christmas card photo of the dog(s). First I have to come up with an idea, stage it and then dress the dog(s) appropriately. As you can see, CLOVER was such a GOOD DOG for her very first CHRISTMAS PHOTO!!

Note CLOVER'S halo...... it's a joke!!! Here's one mishap to prove it........

So, after the CHRISTMAS PHOTO is a "go", then I search the web for the best "deal" for photo CHRISTMAS cards. And if you haven't signed up for EBATES yet, you're missing money in your pocket. For instance, EBATES is currently offering 20% back on any orders from SNAPFISH on top of the 60% off from Snapfish.  How can you beat that??

Most years I begin CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOPPING around August. This year because of the family trip to FRANCE in August and my eye surgery in September, I was late getting started. BUT, I had 90% bought and wrapped by THANKSGIVING so I could transport the gifts to my sister's home, where we spend CHRISTMAS together. I sure can make a mess while in "wrapping mode". And the car was pretty much packed full.

I'm surprising my grandnieces and nephew, GRACE, NORA and DEREK with a FRENCH COOKING CLASS on Dec. 22nd as one of their CHRISTMAS GIFTS. One will make CREPES, one MADELEINES and one COOKIES.  They'll then spend two nights with "AUNT JOAN" and we'll ride back to MD together on CHRISTMAS EVE, so pre-planning was required to get the gifts down there ahead of time.

My Greeting Card Business (that I thought was going to keep me busy in my retirement years) never got off the ground. So, I decorated sets of 4 cards in CHRISTMAS colors and donated them to my favorite bookstore - WELLINGTON SQUARE BOOKSHOP to hand out to their customers. Yes, it did cost me a little more to buy and add the ribbon and ornaments, but it's the season of GIVING, right?!

My Sorority Alumni Group (KKG) put together a gift box of gift cards, personal notes and goodies for a fellow Kappa in need, who lost everything she owned in the recent South Carolina floods. A couple of cat lovers made sure her cat also received some goodies. Needless to say, she was thrilled to receive our package.

Visiting 6 Chester County homes decorated for CHRISTMAS was a wonderful way to spend the day with friends last Sunday. This particular home used to be a one-room schoolhouse. It was decorated so elegantly indoors and was perhaps my favorite on the tour.

PARTIES, LUNCH and DINNER with FRIENDS, FAMILYTIME, GIFT buying and giving...... I'm in HEAVEN!  I hope you too are experiencing the JOY.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!

JOAN

HOW MANY DAYS 'TILL CHRISTMAS?

November 1st is my gauge for how prepared I am for CHRISTMAS. Is my CHRISTMAS card photo taken yet? Is my shopping under way? 

Since I traditionally send out a photo card of the dog(s), it takes some time and ingenuity. Yes, the poor dogs have been tortured annually into wearing a CHRISTMAS costume for the photo. With multiple dogs it was more challenging to get them "dressed" and then have them "pose". With one dog, CLOVER, it should be a piece of cake, right??   "CLOVER.............."

It's her first year and she's only 6 months old, so she had no idea what was going on. I think that's why it was actually sort of easy getting her to sit and stay. I was so surprised. Back in the day, before digital photography, I had to take a whole roll of film and send it off to be developed before I knew if I had a decent enough shot. This took extra time of course, so I usually started in October.

I think one of my all time favorites was dressing NIKKI and PEPPER in tuxedos and top hats. THAT was a CLASSIC. 

Some people really enjoyed when I dressed CURRY and SAGE in boas and pink t-shirts that said "DESPERATE HOUSE DOGS" - with a "cut and paste" photo their Welsh Springer Spaniel cousin, HOOVER as the "sexy gardener" pushing a lawnmower - MY GIRLS were watching him from the front porch and looking out over the neighborhood...... 

Or maybe it was my very first card - NIKKI and PEPPER visiting SANTA at the Mall. Yes, it was PET NIGHT, so the 3 of us stood in line waiting our turn with all of the other critters.  Someone was in line with their LIZARD!!

Naturally I can't show you the photo and spoil the surprise for CHRISTMAS CARD 2015. You'll have to wait until after the Holidays to see CLOVER in all her CHRISTMAS ATTIRE GLORY........

And so my internal clock is ON. I started late this year with my online shopping, but made a HUGE DENT over the past week. And then there's the wrapping........ I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!!!

Oh, and if you too do a bit of online shopping and haven't yet taken advantage of EBATES, you are missing money in your pocket. Read about it in my August 31st, 2014 Blog Post.  CLICK THIS.

HERE'S TO THE HUSTLE-BUSTLE AND MAY YOU FEEL THE JOY OF THE HOLIDAYS!!

CHEERS!!

JOAN

LETTING THE UNIVERSE FIND ME A PUPPY - JULY 2015

Isn't it curious how one is "led" to the right thing?

JULY 2015 - Right after WILLOW died, I was distraught, lonely and the house was TOO QUIET. A psychic friend told me a female puppy from PENNSYLVANIA would find me before AUGUST.

I was thinking I would instead, wait until SEPTEMBER when I return from my family trip to France - save money on dog sitting, etc. So I had in my mind that I should look for a dog pregnant NOW so that in 2 months the PUPPY would be ready to come home with me.  

Here is what was been presented to me once I put the word out that I was looking for a puppy........

• A 1.5 yr old Shepherd was returned to WILLOW'S breeder. I've felt a concern about why she was returned AND why she hasn't been placed yet after several months there.  REALLY pretty dog, but she comes with "risks".

• Found a breeder in MARYLAND and puppies were born that week. Pick up would be September. PERFECT.

• Found a rescue SHEPHERD MIX coming from the South due to arrive in PA JULY 25th. I had an appt. to meet her. Not sure what she'd grow up to look like nor how big, nor if bloodline has a sweet temperament.  A risk.

• Found a litter born 2 weeks prior, but I didn't fall in love with the look of the mother when she sent me photos (yes, I'm PICKY, PICKY, PICKY!!)

• A friend had suggested I check at BRAXTON'S (a reputable, local pet food store) for puppies they might know about. By "coincidence" (?), a few days later, I drove by there, stopped in and asked - they gave me a list of good local breeders (PA, NJ, DE, MD). I emailed one who is nearby with the story of losing WILLOW and asked if she had any puppies. No, she didn't, but suggested I call her good friend, who did. I found her friend on FACEBOOK (gotta LOVE FACEBOOK!!!) and sent her a private message. She messaged me back and said she would call me the next day. When we spoke she said that she had the PERFECT 12-week-old female puppy for me (based on my description). The one she had in mind was the same puppy that caught my eye in her FB video of the litter - Lime Green collar - female. And I LOVE the look of the father AND the mother!! The AKC puppies are all show quality and the father is a Champion.  WILLOW'S breeder is "coincidentally" (?) related to this breeder.  She's in PA. 

As predicted this PENNSYLVANIA PUPPY found ME - before August. I named her CLOVER.

She sure is adorable.  I mean LOOK AT THAT FACE!!!  But she's been in "THE TERRIBLE TWO STAGE" since August. She doesn't hear me when I say "NO!".

I have to say, it was a LOT easier to train a puppy when I had an older dog who would do most of the work AND keep the puppy entertained. Thank goodness for her crate or I would get NOTHING accomplished!

More photos to come!!


JOAN

CINNAMON TOAST - YUM!!

I recently ate "CINNAMON TOAST" for breakfast. Buttered toast with cinnamon-sugar on it. We had this regularly growing up. Cinnamon is good for you, but I'm not so sure I'm doing much for myself with the sugar and white bread......... But hey, it brings back fond, homey, loving memories and that's a great way to start any day, right?!!

I posted this on Facebook and received a lot of responses from friends who grew up on the East Coast, which made me wonder if it was just an East Coast treat.  So I followed up with a question about whether anyone from other areas of the country grew up with this tasty treat.  YES!  California, Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Northwest pretty much covers it, so I guess it's a favorite everywhere (at least in America).

My mom (a Depression baby) used to eat plain sugar and butter sandwiches for lunch when she was a young girl. I was in Kindergarten when she told me this and it fascinated me..........

JOAN 

A WILLOW MEMORY

One of WILLOW'S cute "LITTLE HABITS" when she was a puppy (not yet a year old)..........  

I kept my paper recycling in a paper bag in the laundry room.  WILLOW would gently pull one piece of paper or an envelope from the bag, then she'd SLOWLY SAUNTER across the room with that single piece of paper in her mouth, lie down on the carpet and SLOWLY tear it into a few pieces - GENTLY and DILIGENTLY. She never disturbed any papers on the counter or anywhere else - she KNEW she could take only from that one bag. 

She'd go back for another and sometimes another........  

One night I watched her work on 6 separate pieces, one after another, leaving a small pile of shredded paper on the floor while she'd walk back for another. I'd shake my head. 

Too funny. 

Too smart. 

I really LOVED that precious, little, darling WILLOW!!  And I miss her so.............

JOAN

AFTER MY EYE SURGERY

Well, THAT'S something I hope I don't have to do again.........  

THREE DAYS FACE-DOWN.  I was able to rent a chair that looks much like a massage chair, which came with a shelf and mirror to reflect the TV so that I could watch it with my face down. Naturally I had to put it together, but it was quite easy.

The same head piece was provided for the bed.  THAT was more tough to get used to, particularly because the right cheek pillow wasn't glued on properly and kept slipping off so I'd wake with my cheek on the metal bar.  

BUT, the GOOD NEWS is, the gas bubble they injected into my eye is almost gone. Just another day or two and then 3-4 weeks of additional healing and I'll be back to true normal. No more wavy lines and faces - like in the FUN HOUSE MIRRORS - it was kinda cool and kinda creepy actually. But I'm glad to say good riddance.

The reason I had to lay face down was because the bubble floats "up" and when I was face down, the bubble would float "up" to the back of my eye and keep the "repaired macular hole" (in front of the retina) flat. A miracle really. WHO was the first doctor to think this up? And WHO was the first patient? AMAZING.

It was a happy day when my neighbors, MONICA and LEX packed up the equipment to send it back!!

This past Wednesday, one week after the surgery, I was given the go-ahead to resume normal activities - even DRIVE - even drink WINE. WHOOHOO!! It took me a few extra days, but yesterday I intermittently read a PEOPLE magazine and then ventured out in the car - got a pedicure (only to find out that the owner sold the place and it was her last day - I don't care for the pedicure I received from the new owner, so the hunt is on for a new place - another CLEAN place!!). I then drove to the grocery store, but as I looked down into the refrigerator bins, the gas bubble was right in the center of my vision and it made me a bit woozy. Needless to say, it was a short visit.

Typing on the computer must still be short-lived too - floaters, gas bubble and glasses are still learning to "get along" simultaneously. I HAVE caught up on Seasons 3 and 4 of HOMELAND and am looking forward to Season 5 starting October 4th.  A few movies, and the Presidential Candidate Debate kept me satisfied in front of the TV - an activity I can do without any problem.

Before you feel TOO SORRY for me, take a look at the "DAY BEFORE SURGERY DECADENCE" that I enjoyed - a NORDSTROM CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE!! It was truly as good as it looks!

A shout out of THANKS to all of my FAMILY/FRIENDS/NEIGHBORS/BLOG FOLLOWERS who have wished me well and taken care of me. HOW could I have done it without each of you?! It was much appreciated and brightened my days!! You have no idea.

I have much to say about my trip to FRANCE and ITALY with the kids the week prior to surgery....... that's coming up.........

JOAN 

I'M STILL HERE........

Hello again,

The last few months are a bit of a blur as the days sped by with one thing after another.  Losing my precious 4-yr-old dog, WILLOW on JULY 6th hit me hard - I was literally left stunned by her sudden illness and passing.

Shortly after she died, I noticed some impaired vision in my right eye - right in the center - a bit like looking into the "wacky mirrors" at a "Fun House" - wavy, distorted and some blank spots. Needless to say I rushed to the eye doctor and she wanted me to get the earliest appointment with her retina specialist. Because the specialist wasn't available for 2 weeks, I asked a friend of mine if she could get me into hers. Lucky me. An appointment the next day!

He identified a "MACULAR HOLE", which CAN be repaired. The recovery he described was to lie FACE-DOWN FOR 10 DAYS!! IMPOSSIBLE!! I have "ants in my pants" as it is and can't sit still under normal circumstances! 

So I spent some time researching other alternatives. I found 2 doctors locally (at WILLS EYE) who have a "NO-FACE-DOWN" recovery. I was able to get an appointment with one of them within in the next 2 days. He said that the macular hole I have is small and I could probably get away with only 2-3 days in a face-down position. In addition to this good news, I liked his style and confidence. The facilities seemed cleaner and more up-to-date and the fact that this Doctor is Head of the Retina Dept. doesn't hurt either.........  

But just to be thorough I also saw the surgeon recommended by the first Retina Specialist. However, he didn't seem as "confident" to me, yet he did suggest 5-7 days face-down, not 10 days. 

I decided to go with the doctor at WILLS EYE.  My surgery is this WEDNESDAY.

While these appointments in July were happening, I was also searching for a puppy to fill the hole in my heart and the silence in this house!! My plan was to find "just born" puppies that would be ready to bring home in September, after my late August trip to FRANCE. 

Well, the UNIVERSE delivers when it feels it's best and CLOVER found me in the middle of my dog sitting a friend's Black Lab for a week. More about CLOVER in my next BLOG Post. She's ADORABLE!!

• My grand-niece NORA was here for a week of camp until JULY 17th
• CLOVER arrived on JULY 20th
• The following week, five high school girlfriends and I did a 5-day VIRGINIA WINE TASTING TOUR together.  We also hit some historical sites.
• Two weeks later TWO OUT-OF-TOWN FRIENDS visited for 5 days.
• Three days later I left for FRANCE (returning 3 days ago)........

So, please forgive my negligence in posting on my BLOG.......  BUT I'M BACK!!

All is good,

JOAN