MzDavinci

Judy's - "James Joyce Stream of Consciousness"
Random thoughts, ideas, shared memories and happenings.

Getting to know me:
I am blessed with an over active enthusiasm gland and an appreciation of the precious gift of life.

I am trying to break lose of being a hostage "to what I should do."

Do I have the courage to step across the threshold into the exciting world of possibilities?!?


Please buy my new book!

My ta-tas were fine cover
"My ta-tas were fine. I had cancer down there."
Now available from:
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Also available!

Sell More...

Now available from:
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 Sunday, September 30

Happy Birthday




Happy Birthday Tom and Jim
Prepare yourself, if you proceed you will be subject to my unorganized remembrances and ramblings. I am thrilled beyond description that I am Tom and Jim's Mom. I was blessed to have been given the opportunity to become their mother. It was a bonus that they are twins. They have always had a brother and given the circumstances of their boyhood that more often than not turned out to be wonderful. We moved so often when they were young that it was comforting to know they had each other.

Sometimes it was amazing that they survived me being their Mom. In retrospect I know I grew up with them. Married at 18 and a mom at 20, I wasn't exactly prepared for all that having those responsibilities meant. I did my best and learned by trial and no doubt error along the way. One thing that was always constant and remains a constant even today is that my sons bring me unbridled joy. I am so proud of them. I truly like them as well as love them.

Let my ramblings begin...

I could never have given my sons a hard time saying I had to survive many hours of labor to give them life because I felt none. My water broke (gross - don't worry not many graphic details) and since my husband was in Vietnam my dad took me to the hospital. I loved that he didn't let my Mom come with us so I would seem more like a regular woman going to deliver. I also love that she followed soon afterwards and was there for me.

The nurse that originally examined me told my dad that there were actually three babies, triplets. I saw him go completely pale. It turned out that she felt 2 heads and one bottom. Because of my sons positioning I felt no labor pains. A nurse had to stay up all night with her hand on my belly and time the contractions. By morning it was time to push. The only discomfort I felt during the whole miracle was when they stitched me up after I tore a little during delivery. All and all very little pain and 2 healthy boys. Tom weighed 6 lbs. 10 oz. and Jim 6 lbs. 11oz. Big healthy sons. Thank you for making it easy!

I remember getting to talk with their dad when he radio from Vietnam. It was amazing to hear his voice as he was somewhere north of the DMZ. We laughed afterwards that he said I know I who Thomas John is but who is James Edward. He hadn't gotten the word that we had twins. Fortunately before he had gone to Vietnam we had decided "just in case" on a second boy's name. James Edward was a fellow Marine who graduated from Boston college and was a dear friend.

The boys were 4 months old before their dad saw them in person. I took a chance and flew from DC to Hawaii despite the fact that the Tet Offensive was going on and there was no guarantee that their dad would get R & R as scheduled. Happily he did and he even knew which of his "little tigers" were which.

During their lifetime my sons have survived some health scares. Some were very serious and some were simple childhood diseases and others the result of trips, falls, exploration and curiosity that caused cuts and ultimately stitches. Thankfully Jim kept a finger that he nearly self-amputated when he pulled a thread off the couch. Thankfully Tom's head was able to be removed from between the banister railings of the front porch of our housing in Annapolis. Today it remains squarely on his shoulders.

Moving was a common occurrence in their childhood. They were conceived in Falls Church, born in Bethesda Maryland at the Naval Hospital, brought home to my parent's home in Arlington, Virginia. From there we lived in Annapolis, then Unicoi, Tennessee. From there Bloomington, IL, then on to Marietta, OH, then Wellsboro, PA, back to Tennessee where we lived on Chestoa Pike, then 2 different homes in Erwin, TN and back to Unicoi before the boys went on to college and their own continuation of new places to live and eventually their own homes. In addition to the places I have mentioned there were stays at my parent's home when they moved to Tennessee and stays at my husband's parent's home in West Virginia. It was definitely an adventure.

The following are what I refer to as memory triggers or tidbits. Random memories of experiences. Washington, DC holds fond memories for me. Taking the boys to the Smithsonian and the National Zoo. Dodging spitting llamas. Seeing the Pandas that Nixon received as a gift when he visited China.

Traveling and exploring has always been part of our lives together. I am thrilled that my sons continue the tradition with their own children. Whether it was going on a drive with no particular destination in mind. Seeing bulls with rings in their noses and hoping we will once again find our way home. Traveling to New York over Thanksgiving for a most wonderful holiday weekend. Meeting in Seattle, visiting in Japan or ringing in the new year in the "war zone atmosphere" of Atlanta or Gatlinburg all are memorable occasions. Even detours were fun; most notable was the trip that sidetracked us to South of the Border.

Water has always been part of our world. The boys were stars on the swim team, There were summers spend swimming at Buffalo Valley and Watagua Lake. The boys were even potty trained when we took a trip to the beach. Not having enough diapers they became tree trained. No problem until we returned home and they went in the yard of a fellow officer.

Fontana Lake, the Gulf, the Atlantic. If there is a beach and water near us we enjoyed it. We even tried tubing in the creek that runs through the Smokies and created rafts and competed in the Mellow Yello down river rat raft race.

There were always pets in the house. My sons definitely love animals. They had everything from Hermit crabs to fighting fish, ducks (excellent guards/alarms at our home on Chestoa Pike), gerbils (many, many gerbils) and dogs. We were our own SPCA. Tom adopted a forlorn basset hound that was homeless and hanging out at a convenience store. Duke ended up needing a lot of Vet care and love. He was supplied an abundance of both and when he was recovered and strong he was once again on his vagabond way. While traveling one summer we saw a cage with a large shaggy dog in it - squished in it is more accurate. We were only going to donate some food but ended up adopting "Walter" and taking him back to Tennessee with us. We loved Prissy, Crazy Horse, Muffin, Daisy, Walter and our stallion of a great dane, Dusty. It is impossible to keep from smiling when I remember our adventures with our pets, especially our beloved dogs. Both Tom and Jim have dogs now. Unfortunately, I am not permitted to have any where I currently live. I mentioned this to my grandson Jake this summer and spontaneously he said, "Want a cat? It's deaf and blind but you can have it." I laughed. Children say the most wonderful things. No cats for me though, I've never been a cat fancier.

Sports has and is important. My sons not only played soccer they coached when there weren't enough parents willing to get involved. Even now the tradition continues as my grandchildren are spectacular players. My sons competed in the Blue Devil Relays and assorted area fun runs. We have seen professional sporting events in person and on TV. Roger Staubach got us tickets and VIP passes to enjoy watching the Cowboys play in Atlanta. They have ridden on snow mobiles and I think had we stayed in Wellsboro they may have eventually played hockey. Tom went scuba diving along the great wall in the Caymans. Jim has gone windsurfing. They both have jet skied.

The boys were in the band and I remember lots of concerts, competitions and preparing them for band camp. They were excellent musicians. Tom plays the Trombone and Jim the trumpet. Each were feature performers at different times in their lives.

Food was/is a source of some fun memories. Every Friday we would drive to Johnson City to purchase Chicken Planks at Long John Silvers for our High School football coaches. Andy(one of the boys closest friends and nearly adopted brother)once ate the garnish off his plate when he visited for spring break - artichoke leaves are not to be completely consumed and are difficult to digest. Mexican Food has always been a favorite but during one spring break when the boys and their friends were visiting chicken tacos became notorious. Suffice it to say I will never eat them after cleaning up the mess.

We ate hamburgers at Big B Burger on the first day of Spring on our way to Watuaga Lake. We played "name that tune" with their juke box. The boys loved grilled peanut butter and jelly. They survived "vegetable week" rewarded with the steak of their choice on Friday. We were known to eat ice cream for dinner on rare occasions and I would swear them to secrecy so they wouldn't tell my Mom. There was tempura that was eaten as fast as it was prepared. There were food experiments such as hamburger pinwheels, torpedoes and chocolate chip surprises.

Holidays were and are to be celebrated. I remember most fondly the Christmas Trees and stockings over the years. The Halloween parties were so much fun. Even the sleepovers the boys had with their friends seemed like holidays. I loved having a houseful of their friends and the chaos and laughter that resulted. Ground Hog's Day was always special. Spring break when the boys were in school always led to celebration when they would visit with their friends. Spring Training games, the beach, Busch Gardens, Disney World, the Dog Track, Crabby Bills and the comedy club are just some of the ways we celebrated and had fun.

I've ridden elephants with Tom and Jim when they were little at the Knoxville Zoo, Little Diamond. A couple of years ago, I rode an elephant with Hope and Noah at the Nashville Zoo. I used to set up Lincoln logs and toys for the boys so they would be there when they came home from school, now I do that for Jake and soon Jonah. I watched my sons play sports and now I watch my grandchildren. I learned to play some video games with my sons and now I try to play with my grandchildren. I am so blessed.

I have been wrestling the last couple of months with getting older. So many of my friends have children that are only just now graduating college and don't have grandchildren. I realize I am supremely lucky because I am young and fortunately healthy enough to enjoy creating on-going memories with my sons, their beautiful wives, and wonderful extraordinary grand children. I could write volumes and still barely scratch the surface of the many memories I have being Tom and Jim's Mom.

The time I get to share with them now is all too short and not near as often as I would like but every moment is precious and treasured. I can't wait until the next time we are all together.

Today miles separate us but they are each in my heart as I wish them a very
Happy Birthday!!!


 Saturday, September 29

Yeah Bulls!

I had a blast watching West Virginia play USF last night from Smokey Bones in Clearwater. I had a dollar bet with my son Jim and called him through-out the game to be ornery. Better than the victory, my terrific grandson, Jake rooted with me and although I couldn't be with my son in person, his son, Jake represented and gave his dad a hard time through-out the game. Yeah Jake, you are the best!

Today I have some "have tos" to tend to but I am celebrating thanks to Jake and the USF Bulls.


 Friday, September 28

Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
A few years ago - actually many years ago I had the fun of attending this balloon fiesta in Albuquerque. It was beyond awesome. I have ridden in two hot air balloons in my life. One in North Carolina that ended up crashing into a corn field because a sudden storm blew in. The second was in Africa over the Masi and once again we crashed. This time in the jungle after just flying over lions dining on a zebra. Despite the crashes and my fear of heights both experiences were totally awesome and I would eagerly fly again.

It is amazing the shapes, sizes and colors that balloons replicate. If you get a chance I hope you take a ride

Below is a video of last years fun. This year's balloon fiesta starts on October 6.



 Thursday, September 27

Celebrating
On Tuesday I was notified that my book, Sell More, would be available for purchase in 2 to 3 weeks. I was so excited that a year long process was about to be complete and my book a reality. My hope is that it will become a tool for entrepreneurs to use to jumpstart their own imaginations and create strategies that will increase their visibility, sales, and profitability.

Unfortunately, I was all alone with my celebration. I sent an e-mail to my sons to share the great news. Everyone I knew who would be happy for me and willing to celebrate with me was either at work or geographically far away.

I thought about my Mom and Dad and knew that they would be very excited for me. They were inspirations to me during this whole process. I decided to get in my car, put down the convertible top and head to Sanibel. The last time I shared time with both my Mom and dad that was filled with laughter and smiles was there.

They used to camp in Ft. Myers during the winter months each year. They liked to go to Sanibel to collect shells or as my Mom liked to call them, "gookies." During their last visit my dad got sick and they had to return home early. I shared some giggles and with them there before my parents went back to Tennessee. The next time I saw them together my dad was in the hospital and my Mom lovingly by his side.

I like to go to Ft. Myers and Sanibel when I miss them. Today I wanted to go there to share my excitement about the completion of Sell More. As I crossed the bridge from Ft. Myers to Sanibel a storm came up and the rain came down in torrents. Fortunately, the dark clouds that preceded the storm served as a warning for me to put up my top. The rain was blinding. I pulled into the parking lot under my parents favorite spot to get desserts, Jerry's and parked my car. I saw the grape leaves where we all scratched our names and got postcards and cookies from Jerry's.

By the time I left this combination grocery and restaurant it had stopped raining. As I looked up at the sky I realized why it had stormed. Above me was the most beautiful rainbow. Of course, it had stormed how else could my parents join in my celebration. They couldn't send me a bouquet of balloons, or jump for joy with me but they could magically send me a brightly colored rainbow painted across the sky.

The moon was full in the dark sky by the time I drove home. Although there have been many changes to the way things now look in Ft. Myers and on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, the feeling of the familiar remains. I celebrated the good news of my book and know that while I was laying in the sand making sand angels and walking along the surf, my parents, their parents and even my dearest friend David Hallal were watching from heaven and this time they were enjoying a giggle.


 Monday, September 24

Congratulations Tom!


There is no doubt, I am the most fortunate Mom in the world. I overflow with reasons to be proud of each of my sons, Jim and Tom. Not a day goes by that each of them does something extraordinary.


This past Saturday, Tom participated in a half marathon in his hometown of Murfreesboro.

He did awesome. Tom and Jim used to participate in races when they were young boys and rooted for me in a couple I ran. Hearing about Tom's racing made me smile with excitement about his race and with memories of the races of the past. Jim and Tom will have their birthday next Monday, they have given double pleasure to my life.

I am definitely the most fortunate Mom in the world. My sons stay in touch and share what is happening in their lives adventures. I wish I lived closer and could share in their days but hearing from them and sharing long distance is a precious gift they give me and I cherish. Thank goodness for phones, e-mail, snail mail and pictures.

I hope you enjoy the route that your day takes you today. Here is the one Tom took on Saturday. Congratulations Tom!



 Friday, September 21

A fact that is an important reminder.
"It is never too late to make a change. Take control of your life."

Bob Harper, Trainer on the show "The Biggest Loser"


 Wednesday, September 19

Thanks to Dan Miller
"A lawyer had successfully handled a difficult law case for a wealthy friend. Following the happy outcome of the case, the friend and client called on the lawyer, expressed his appreciation of his work and handed him a handsome Moroccan leather wallet.

The lawyer looked at the wallet in astonishment and handed it back with a sharp reminder that a wallet could not possibly compensate him for his services. My fee for that work," snapped the attorney, "is five hundred dollars."

The client opened the wallet, removed a one-thousand dollar bill, replaced it with a five hundred dollar bill and handed it back to the lawyer with a smile."



Cloudy day today
Today it is grey and cloudy. It looks more like the grey, chilly days I experienced in Tennessee. The biggest exception is that palm trees and beach dot the landscape. Another difference is that these grey skys don't last long.

It is still hot here so I have cranked the air conditioner so it will feel cool in the condo. I used to enjoy a cool grey day in Tennessee. It was perfect for curling up and watching a video or reading a book.

I heard from my publisher this morning and my manuscript is now out of my hands. I guess the next time I will see it will be when it is a book. It is exciting that this process has reached this stage. There was more involved than I ever anticipated when I started writing the book last September. It will be awesome to go into a book store and see it on the shelf. No matter what the weather that day will be sunshine and rainbows.

Today I am cleaning and organizing items for the community sale they are having this Saturday. I would love to get lots of money for my trinkets and treasures. Much will depend on the weather that day and the turn out. Hopefully, there will be a tremendous crowd who will all want to take home the many items I have accumulated over the years.

It is fun to hear the talk radio sports jocks talk about the Bucs. Last week they were filled with doom and gloom about the team. This week they are talking like we are already in the playoffs and bound for the Super Bowl. Talk about fickle!

So much for the news from here today. I hope you enjoy your day and that every cloud in your life is followed by sunshine and rainbows.


 Friday, September 14

Fantastic Friday & Wonderful Weekend
The world is crazy, hectic and the most popular 4 letter word that everyone uses is "busy."


"I'm sorry I've been busy."


"Wait just a minute, I'm busy."


It is the state of affairs here in the United States. More prevalent than being overweight is being "busy." Families are juggling dual jobs and taking their children to various activities, classes and sports. Being "busy" isn't just a condition experienced by people in relationships or the employed. Being "busy" knows no sexual, racial, religious or ethnic preference.


To all my readers I wish them a fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend. I hope you are able to escape being "busy" and find time for unbridled fun, relaxation and mischief.

Escape the rat race unless you are participating in the Mello Yello River Rat Race!


 Thursday, September 13

Wishing everyone good health and joy in their lives.
It is amazing how feeling even somewhat better makes everything better. No matter how much we might proclaim that we won't take good health for granted we do. It is natural.

We rarely (I say rarely because someone out there reading this will say, "I do.") appreciate that our hearts are pumping blood, our lungs are working, our tongues taste, our eyes see, our ears hear and our skin is sensitive to hot and cold and touch. When something hurts we are more likely to appreciate that it feels better when it doesn't. When something stops working we are more likely to appreciate that it usually works.

Today I am feeling better. Only the pain down my neck remains. It is amazing how wonderful it feels to feel better. It also makes me take pause and have sincere appreciation for those who suffer with pain and physical challenges everyday of their lives. I admire them. They have a resilience that is amazing.

May you be experiencing good health and be pain free. I hope you have a day filled with smiles, laughter and good news.

It would be awesome if on one special day every person, man, woman and child throughout the entire world felt joy, a sense of well-being, the absence of pain or sickness and security. Now that would be a magnificent miracle.


 Wednesday, September 12

Perfect reminder
I have not been feeling well the last couple of days. As too often happens, when I am under the weather my mind becomes filled with disjointed thoughts. I feel overwhelmed. This morning I came across this quote. I don't know who deserves credit for it; however it was a perfect reminder for me. When you aren't feeling well it isn't the time to contemplate all the "have tos" that you have pending or to examine the possibilities that life offers.

"Don't take life so seriously. No one gets out alive."

It may seem like an ominous quote, but to me it is a fun reminder that lately I have been taking things far too seriously and uncharacteristically been filled with trepidation. Today I will do my best to quiet the chaos of thoughts swirling in my mind and as challenging as it is for me, I will have a do nothing day. Tomorrow I will hopefully not only feel better but emotionally be more prepared to handle the exciting "have tos" and possibilities that life offers.


 Saturday, September 8

Favorite Sports Movies
Here is a listing of sports movies I enjoy. Some are old titles and some more recent films. As this list indicates, I enjoy sports movies. I am sure there are many movies I have left off the list only because I have forgotten them. Don't get me wrong, I don't automatically like all sports movies but I sure do enjoy most and I am looking forward to the ones due to be released later this fall.

One thing I have noticed in compiling this list, Kevin Costner has had far more success in the genre of sports movies than in some of the others he has made or starred in. Field of Dreams, Bull Durham and For The Love Of Game are three terrific movies.

Here are some addtitonal Baseball favorites: Angels in the Outfield, A League Of Their Own, Fever Pitch, The Rookie and Major League (It is a special reminder of the many times I have enjoyed watching the Indians play at Jacob's Field.)

Hockey Favorites: Miracle, Mystery Alaska and the original Slapshot and Mighty Ducks

Race Cars: I like Talladega Nights, the Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Fast and Furious and the old Thunder Road movie I watched with my dad. The bootleggers running moonshine were the roots of Nascar - at least I think that was the way it evolved!?!

Soccer: I loved Gracie although it also made me cry. I also like Air Bud.

Basketball favorites: Finding Forrester, Coach Carter, Glory Road, White Men Can't Jump, Hoosiers and Eddie

Football: Rudy, Invincible, The Grid Iron Gang, Facing The Giants, Jerry MaGuire, Wildcats, Remember the Titans, We Are Marshall, the originial Longest Yard and The Replacements

Biking: American Flyer, Breaking Away

Motorcycles: World's Fastest Indian

Swimming: Pride

Running Favorites: Jericho Mile, The Steve Prefontaine Story, and See How She Runs


 Friday, September 7

Football Season Has Arrived
I was asked today to share my favorite sports movies and who I predict will win the professional football games this weekend. They were teasing me about liking sports so much.

Today I will share my uninformed football predictions. Thankfully, I don't gamble so being wrong isn't risky. Tomorrow I will list my favorite sports movies.

Are you ready for some football?

Here are my projected winners: Houston, Denver, Pittsburgh, Tennessee (Go Titans!), Carolina, Green Bay, Minnesota, Miami, New England, Seattle, San Diego, Detroit, Dallas, Baltimore, and San Francisco.

I wish you good luck with your predictions and hope there are no injuries to any of the players.



Football Season Is Underway!
Last year's Superbowl Champions started the season living up to their title. The defense that was suspect, was awesome. Don't count New Orleans out though. I think they will be in the playoffs.

Our home team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, head to one of my favorite cities, Seattle. It is a fantastic place to explore. You can walk everywhere. There is a bohemian, artist atmosphere there that I enjoy. Unfortunately, traveling across the country and playing football against a strong football team that has a huge fan base might not be so enjoyable. I hate to admit it but if I were a betting lady I would go with Seattle for the win. Hopefully I will be proven wrong.

I have great memories of Seattle. The workshops and seminars I have held there have been well attended and full of energy. The interaction was fun. I enjoy the music of their own Michael Thomlinson. Years ago my son Jim and I attended a retreat held by Michael and in 2005 we met again in Seattle when Jim attended a conference there. Great memories.

Whether you are enjoying the view from the Space Needle, watching them throw fish at Pike Place Market or taking the Underground Tour, Seattle has more to offer than Starbucks Coffee. It is a place where despite the rain, spirits are invigorated and the people are friendly.

I hope our Buccaneers return victorious from their travels to the great northwest. I'll be rooting for them and remembering my wonderful visits to this great city.


 Thursday, September 6

My sister, Wendy, sent this to me. The great compliment is that she said it reminded her of me.
Whenever you have an opportunity to laugh, laugh;


Whenever you have an opportunity to dance, dance;
whenever you have an opportunity to sing, sing
and one day you will find you have created your paradise.


Osho, 1931-1990
Indian Spiritual Teacher