I was looking for something to pay tribute to the importance of our eyes and vision. My daughter-in-law and son have each had eye surgery and are seeing better than ever.

An Ode to My Eyes
By Meirav Malter, age 8

"Oh, eyes, you are forever there,
Right above my nose,
Right below my eyebrows.
You are still very special,
Even if you don't see very well.
Eyes, I am glad I have you,
Glad that you let me see the world.
And all the things in it.
If I was blind it wouldn't be the same,
I wouldn't see the sparkling sea,
The big tree in my yard,
Or the shiny sunrise.
I would never see the excitement of the circus,
Or the gentle flowers.
So eyes, I just want to tell you once again,
I'm glad to know you're there,
Right above my nose.

This was written to show gratitude for his sight despite having a disease that meant he was unable to see any colors. It wasn't a case of being color-blind and unable to distinquish colors, he lives in a world devoid of color.

I am not in the market for a new car and if I was a Lincoln wouldn't be my choice BUT...

I saw their ad in a magazine today and thought, "that's me."

"Like an astronaut counting down to launch.
A racehorse stomping at the gate.
An archer's arrow trembling just before release.
My dream is to unleash my potential.
Ready or not here I come."

Yeah for voicemail.

I either tumbled into voicemail boxes or when I went exploring, I discovered great messages from my family and loved ones. It was a very Happy Thanksgiving.

I would love it if you would send me an e-mail and share how you are going to celebrate Thanksgiving. As the world famous pilgim, Dirty Harry said, "Make my day."

Wishing you and your family a healthy and blessed Thanksgiving - Judy
mzdavinci@aol.com

Amazingly, the fire alarm hasn't gone off once. In the past, I've burnt cookies. Somehow I totally forgot about them until the blaring squeal of the alarm reminded me. I guess that is somehow appropriate as the cookies and brownies I'm baking end up at fire departments.

This year I am busy working on my sales & marketing book at my diningroom table. I guess being in close proximity and not distracted by the TV has saved the day.

The house smells great and festive. That is especially nice since I won't be with my family this year to enjoy the loving chaos of people enjoying the day together. The smells can remind of times shared in the past and makes me smile as I put a batch of Toll House cookies in the oven.

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
Dr. Seuss

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr. Seuss

Thanksgiving is just a few days away. Like the premise of the old story "Scrooge" I have been thinking of Thanksgivings gone by and smiling. There certainly has been an assortment. Some were celebrated with my family, aunt, uncle and cousins.

One memorable one was in New York where I even got to see the Macy's Parade in person and was joined by family for a holiday weekend of fun and the creation of fantastic memories.

I remember one when returning from West Virginia we became snowbound and there was no room in a hotel so we slept in the car.

I've traveled from Florida on Thanksgiving to join family later in the day and eaten a traditional turkey dinner at Cracker Barrel while enroute.

I have shared a Thanksgiving weekend with friends when traveling to be with my family wasn't possible and those celebrations were also very wonderful.

I have had beach bound Thanksgiving and even enjoyed celebrations at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. All in all my memories of Thanksgivings gone by are excellent and put a smile on my heart when I remember them.

My current Thanksgiving plans have me staying here in St. Pete. Geographically, I will be far from my family but the one thing I have learned over the years, distance doesn't deminish or distract from how many blessings I have. They are numerous and even though I am far from family I hope they can feel the warmth and happiness of the loving thoughts I am sending them.

Each member of my family is uniquely different and I've come to embrace the positives of these uniquely special traits. Wendy and her husband have opened a wonderful Yoga studio that not only helps people become more fit but has been a catalyst that inspires miracles of health, mind and spirit. Their two daughters, my nieces are incredibly beautiful from the inside out. Caitlyn is doing amazing at school and is daring to learn and explore lots of interests. Jasmine is a businesswoman who understands the keys to successful management and has found a way to keep balance in her business and personal life. Not an easy task but I admire that she never puts life on the back burner and wants it all.

My sister Bonnie is about to become a grandmother for the first time and her excitement is wonderful. My niece Valerie and her husband Heath are looking forward to welcoming the new year and their new baby due January 6th. Dawn, my other niece is amazing. She epitomizes resilience and re-invention. I admire the way she continually reinvents her looks and manages to survive all the challenges inherent in growing. She is doing a great job in the Hospitality Industry.

I am also blessed to also have a terrific brother. Speaking of being a survivor Bob is an inspiration to me. It would be impossible to list all the ways he has been like a "Timex" watch, he's taken lickings and keeps on ticking. Dianne, his lovely wife is a wonderful support system and incredibly pretty and fun. So is Amber, my niece. Amber has given me many smiles with her nice notes and newsy letters. I am blessed with one Nephew, Josh. He is a risk taker like his father and my dad and has an enormous passion for adventure (of course I think he got that gene from me - smile).

As you can see my parents can look down from heaven with great pride at the assortment of children they created.

As for my own children and grandchildren, writing about how much they mean to me and how thankful I am for them would overflow the Internet and tangle the world wide web. The many memories we share fill me with joy. I am very blessed and proud of each of them.

When I look into the future (remember Scrooge's story) I see happy holidays and Thanksgivings shared with members of my family and friends. I see some celebrations at homes and some in unexpected places.

My life has definitely taken many twists and turns over the years and isn't what I had envisioned. As enormous as my imagination is, I never could never have predicted the adventures I've had, the obstacles that have taught me lessons, and the love I have been blessed to rejoice in. Lucky me.

The one constant about Thanksgivings past, present and future is that I am blessed and what's more important I know it and am very, very thankful.

Wishing you and your family and friends a safe, happy and fun-filled Thanksgiving - Judy

The house shook, and lit up with lightning as storms rolled through during the night. Thankfully there was no substantial damage in our area. We awoke to some flooded roads and tree limbs blown down in the wind.

Hearing the news this morning, it was evident that we were very fortunate and blessed. The severe storms that cut across the south caused much damage and destroyed structures. People were put in harm's way.

We must never underestimate the power of Mother Nature and the weather.

Yesterday, I learned that Dorothy Hallal died of a heart attack. She was a terrific lady. I shall always hold memories of her in my heart. I have always believed that we are spiritual beings having a human experience. Dorothy epitomized a loving mother and caring friend who had a generous spirit.

The first time I met her was at her home. She kept apologizing that she didn't have any food to offer. It didn't matter that I wasn't particularity hungry she was hostess with the mostest. She went to the refrigerator and pulled out more food than I was used to having at Thanksgiving! It was amazing. It kept coming out of the refrigerator like clowns coming out of clown car at the circus, it was unbelievable.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I enjoy looking at the stars at night and imagining that they are windows into heaven where my loved ones can look down and watch over me. I am confident that Dorothy will be looking down and keeping watch over her precious grandchildren, family and friends and that she will be smiling.

It was a blessing for me that she was part of my life.

I Have a Place in Heaven
Please don't sing sad songs for me,
Forget your grief and fears,
For I am in a perfect place
Away from pain and tears.
It's far away from hunger
And hurt and want and pride,
I have a place in Heaven
With the Master at my side.
My life on earth was very good,
As earthly life can go,
But Paradise is so much more
Than anyone can know.
My heart is filled with happiness
And sweet rejoicing, too.
To walk with God is perfect peace,
A joy forever new.
~ Author Unknown ~

Today is the annual memorial service at Marshall University to pay tribute to the 75 victims of the 1970 Marshall plane crash.

"The crash on Saturday, Nov. 14, 1970 occurred at about 7:47 p.m. when a DC-9 jetliner, returning Marshall home from its football game at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., clipped some treetops just short of Tri-State Airport and went down. Dawson coached in the game at ECU, but after the Herd’s 17-14 loss continued by car on a recruiting trip as the players, coaches and fans flew back to Huntington."

There will be a special screening of the movie, "We Are Marshall" tonight at the College Hall of Fame in South Bend.

I know that everyone is excited about the upcoming December premiere of the movie in Huntington. Early previews show that the film is respectful and honors the people whose lives were lost and the hope of a town that prevails.

The best thing about Monday morning is that it is an opportunity for a brand new beginning.

I love these quotes. I have spent a lifetime exploring the possibilities that each "new beginning" offers.

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."
Seneca (Roman philosopher, mid-1st century AD)

"Be willing to be a beginner every single morning."
Meister Eckhart

"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending."
Author: Carl Bard

After years of enjoying "Chick Flicks," I've recently gone to the "dark side - guy movies." You know the ones I mean..."The 40 Year Old Version," and "Napoleon Dynamite." I think you need to have testosterone in your system to really appreciate them.

I laughed at "Old School," and the "American Pie" trilogy, they didn't quite cross-over to the "dark side." On Thursday night I went to see the movie "Borat." This was definitely a trip to beyond the dark side. It was irreverent and insulted everyone, every group of people everywhere. On the worst side watching 2 very hairy men running chasing and wrestling with each other nude was enough to make me want to remove my eyeballs. On the better side, having seen it, having survived the experience...I will understand the references when they are made on my favorite Sports Talk Show.

Many cautions before you go to see this movie.

To the Marines all over the world I wish them a very Happy & Safe Birthday. I remember with great pride being part of that community, when I was a wife to a Marine.

I was only 18 when I got married to Tom, a Naval Academy graduate. Although our marriage didn't end in "happily ever after" the time spent in association with the Marines was one of pride, sacrifice and love of country.

A couple of unusual memories stand out. I remember working at Donderos in Arlington, Virginia. They supplied military personnel with ribbons and medals that they had been awarded. Soon after I was employed, I received a call from a gentleman who was frustrated that his ribbons had been prepared in error. Please keep in mind I was only 18 at the time (smile), so when the gentleman said he was a Marine...I was quick to assure him that since I was married to a Marine so I would take special care that he received his ribbons done perfectly. He asked who my husband was and I proudly announced his rank and name.

As you know by now I have an "over-active" enthusiasm gland. Needless to say I was bubbling with pride as I told the gentleman on the other end of the phone all about my Marine husband.

A few days later we received an invitation to the Commandant of the Marine Corps Home. It never occurred to me that one situation was associated to the other. We were going through the receiving line and when we were introduced to the Commandant he said, "So you are Judy. Thank you for my ribbons. They are perfect and this must be your Marine husband." I was excited and thrilled, my husband was a little taken aback and surprised. It turned out to be a great evening. I even got a tour of the Commandant's quarters and I learned the lesson that in business just as in your personal life, it is important to treat everyone as a VIP. Afterall sometimes they are.

I remember going to my first Marine Corp Ball and dancing with my husband. I was wearing a pretty dress that my Mom had made for my high school prom. Unfortunately, the full length slip I was wearing underneath had a loose waistband and fell to the floor. I had to shuffle my feet and make my way to the ladies room so I could lift my skirt and take remove my slip. It was embarrassing.

I don't think anyone realized my slip had slipped but the thought of being discovered or maybe accidentally stepping out of it and have it laying on the dance floor was definitely nerve wracking. Once the slip was disposed of in the ladies room, I returned to the dance floor and had a great time.

I was pregnant when Tom was sent to Vietnam. It was a difficult time in our country's history. There was tremendous division over our presence in Vietnam. People said the most hurtful things about our troops.

Ed Bradley died yesterday. He was the reporter that I turned to for coverage on what was happening. I had more trust in his coverage than any other. It was a life changing time for all of us.

Today we have troops all over the world. The military is a special community. One that deserves our respect and gratitude. To all the Marines currently serving and those that have served I wish them a Happy Birthday.

To all our veterans I say a heartfelt thank you. Tommorrow is Veterans Day. I hope that we all take a moment to acknowledge their contribution and show appreciation.

Writing is the only thing that, when I do it, I don't feel I should be doing something else.
Gloria Steinem

It would be terrific if being nice would become fashonable. I don't know when it became a source of pride to say that you are a B__tch or when cursing became common place. It is more likely that you will be condemned for being "too nice" than it is your kindness will perpetuate other acts of caring. Even men are told that "nice guys finish last."

I have been blessed to meet angels disguised as people living ordinary lives. It would be even more awesome if being nice was expected and common courtesy not rare. Then these wonderful angels could stay incognito more easily. Now their disquise is unveiled simply because they care.

"It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice." Author Unknown

I am looking forward to the end of the negative commercials and candidate bashing.

This is the time of the year when most companies evaluate their employees and see where the company is in relation to its goals.

Like a corporation, I believe we should all take time to assess our lives and evaluate where we are we in relation to our lifetime goals? Some people may choose to do it once a year, others may choose to do it more often. We don't need for the arrival of the New Year to make resolutions to change the direction or quality of our life and/or health. We can get a headstart and begin evaluating our lives right now.

Have we reached our goals? Are there things we can weed out that we don't need? I'm not talking about just cleaning out closets and throwing away old shoes or clothes. I mean we need to lose our bad habits or behaviors that hold us back. We need to remove the clutter that fills our minds.

That being said, it is easier to know that it should be done and even realize that it can have a positive result, than it is to make the commitment to actually take the time and assess our lives.

A turbo powered year that is rapidly coming to an end combined with my ever growing frustration that I haven't yet been able to meet many of my self imposed deadlines and goals have inspired me to stop and devote some time to self evaluation.

Life is filled with "if." I guess the trick is to make sure you don't waste it pondering "what ifs." Instead grab hold of the possibilities "if" provides.

You need to be careful when taking shots with your words that they don't recochiet and hurt someone else. Although Mr. Kerry said his words were meant for our President, our military and their families took offense at his remarks.

I love this picture sent by our troops in response.

There are lots of ways to describe yourself. Bill Gates can accurately be described as a college drop out or the richest man in America.

How do you see yourself? Is it time to rejuvenate your identity?