Another really cool project that I worked on - was the huge Give Kids The World Black & White Gala, held at The Peabody Orlando. This May event brings in an audience of over one thousand of the 'Who's Who' in Orlando 'society' ... and is the largest fundraiser of the year for GKTW. This was the fourth year that I produced this exciting event, along with the CS2 team (where I work).This pic was taken during the rehearsals. We had a 70's theme - and these singers and dancers were spinning on a 'Go Go' Cage. It was pretty wild! The event was a huge success, and our client (The Peabody) said that this year truly was 'the best crew ever'. Very cool!
And ... now ... the personal! Had to say 'Good-Bye' to my dear friend, Susannah (far right) - when she moved to the D.C. area - to take on a new job. We had a little going away party for her - at one of our favorite haunts, 'Moon Under Water' - in downtown St. Pete. I will surely miss her! But - of course - it's a great excuse to travel to D.C. - once she gets settled in!
Another exciting 'happening' ... was news of my niece's pregnancy (my younger sisters daughter). April (the soon to be 'famous' screenplay writer from Hollywood) is on the far left (due to have her son in September). Others in the pic are my younger sisters step-daughters, Amanda, Emily (also pregnant in this pic) and Sarah. They were all in Vegas - for a Baby Shower for Em.
And ... here is Em - post Baby! Beautiful little Zolten Penn (first baby pic) - named after Em's maiden name and Penn's first name. That's the family together - with Moxie (Zolten's big Sister) - on 'Birth-day'. And, of course, my brother-in-law (Bob Zolten) is loving the name!
And ... that same week ... another family Baby Boy born (2nd baby pic) ... to my nephew, Matthew (my older sisters son), ... and his wife, Natasha (looking a bit tired - but happy). So ... meet amazing Matthew Landon: sleeping like an angel (above) ... and in his Daddy's arms.
Lastly ... but not the least 'happening' ... are the preparations for my youngest sons wedding - rapidly approaching in September! Here's Chris (25) ... and his beautiful fiance, Carey. They are so much 'in love' ... and I just love seeing them together. And ... I am so very happy that they have found each other!
This is a photo of Carey ... at her first Shower that was held last Sunday - in Deland (only a three hour round trip trek - but well worth it)! The second Shower is coming up in a couple of weeks ... so I'll be doing the same trip again ... but wouldn't miss it for the world!Also keeping me busy - has been the planning of the wedding video (which is one of my gifts to Chris and Carey) ... and the creation of their wedding website - which we hope to launch this weekend. The wedding is September 30th ... in Orlando, FL!
So ... as you can see ... life has been very full for me! And ... I've even been back on Match.com ... venturing very slowly back into that world. Very slowly (ha ha).
With all that I've been involved in ... and all that has been happening ... I've been also striving for balance in my life ... and have maintained my 15 pound weight loss (yeah!) ... had a 'thumbs up' from my Oncologist - on my 5 year Anniversary follow-up ... and have begun the hard and exhausting effort of re-organizing my home (and actually making progress). So I feel like everything is 'as it should be' (most everything) ... and I feel very blessed. Life ... is good!
Thanks for stopping by. Would love to hear how your life is going ... and what you've been up to!
Warm regards,
Brenda aka ClickGirl
21 comments:
Brenda, kudos for coming back on and with such gusto~lol~
Your family is beautiful and I am glad to know that you were so well occupied with work projects and the upcoming wedding. A very exciting time indeed for you!
Glad to have you back and I will be staying in touch over here.
Cheers,
Enid
Hi Enid!
Thanks so much for stopping by! So good to hear from you ... and thanks for your kind comments. I'll look forward to seeing you here again too.
Later,
Brenda
you know brenda, after i just read about all of the blessings that have been going on in your life the past few months, it made me think of job in the Bible. job had lost everything, but in the end, he gained double. i thought about things you've shared about when you were sick with the cancer, and after chemo treatments, etc. and how you stayed in the house for a long time. now you're healed and healthy, have a fantastic job (you can do my wedding video whenever i meet mr. right & carol aka beachgirl will do my photos), and a beautiful family, that's still growing. God has truly blessed you (more than double)for all you had to endure, and i'm excited about all that's happening to you and that's going on in your life right now. WELCOME BACK
sylvia
Thanks Sylvia. I agree! I did go through a lot ... and it really showed me how strong I was ... and how strong my faith was. I am very fortunate - to have made it through with such a great prognosis ... and able to enjoy all of these special moments of life now. And I will be eternally grateful - for the sense of humor that I was able to maintain - through almost all of it. : )
Thanks for all of your positive and wise comments - here, and on Franny's Blog. Very good insight ... and encouragement. Much needed!
I just had a big scare here at my Condo! I was working on the website stuff and heard sirens ... that seemed to stop right outside of my door. I grabbed a robe - and went to the door - to find three fire engines, one rescue unit and police cars ... and lots of firemen and police officers on the street, and in our cul de sac. And there was the smell of smoke in the air. I asked one of my neighbors what was going on - and I was told that someone called and said there was a fire. Just then, a fireman walked by my unit and was shining a light on my roof. Very, very scary! Anyway - they climbed all over our roof - and couldn't find anything. So ... I'm back inside ... and think I will not sleep very well tonight.
About a year ago, another condo in Pinellas County had a similar situation. The firefighters came and inspected, couldn't find anything and in the night, the place burned down. There was a small fire smouldering in an attic.
I went around and felt all of my walls ... and then opened up a brand new fire alarm that I bought a while back - but hadn't put up. It's upstairs now! And I tested the one downstairs too - just in case. I have another one - that I'll put in the bathroom, next to my bedroom - before I go to bed tonight. Can't be too careful. And - there are four of us that are connected - so it is always a little bit of a worry - because you never know if others will be as careful as you. But - I think it was probably people doing fireworks - because I heard popping and stuff earlier tonight. So - hopefully - that's all is was. :0
Well ... back to the website. : )
See you later!
Warm regards,
Brenda
Hi Brenda! So good to have you back. Congratulations on the new members of your family - so many! Wishing you a great weekend.
just wanted to add that you have a beautiful family, really good-looking.
i pray all will be well tonite for you. you think it could have been fireworks? that's the only thing i don't like about the july 4th holiday--the firecrackers. they are illegal here, but people always get their hands on them anyway. good thing you have the extra smoke detectors. i have one that's centrally located in my apt, plus we have sprinklers in every room, but maybe i may ask my management office about extra smoke detectors. have a great nite's sleep.
sylvia
Thanks Leslie! I'm going to come visit your Blog soon! I want to catch up ... and I know you've posted new stuff. : )
Good to hear from you!
Warm regards,
Brenda
Hi Sylvia.
I hope it was just fireworks! I don't smell anything anymore ... so ... fingers crossed.
And I agree! I hate them too. They always make me nervous and, though they are illegal here too (except poppers and sparklers) - they are selling them at the big intersection - one light from where I live. I don't understand that. Our local news just had a report on that last night - and said that our police were going to crack down this year ... and I'm thinking, 'How about closing down the tent at the corner - selling all of this illegal stuff?'. Doesn't make any sense to me. How can you legally sell illegal stuff? Hmmmmm
Anyway - I'll go and smell outside one more time before I go to sleep (ha ha). : )
Everybody go check your fire alarms!! : )
See everybody tomorrow!
Night All,
Brenda
P.S. Thanks! I think they are all beautiful too! Of course - I am partial to all of them! : )
Hi Clickgirl!!!
Think about you and lots of others from the Blog often.
I have been very busy, as well, I not longer work the 40 hour Dietitian position that I did when I started Blogging and I stay so busy with my other ventures, I cannot imagine how I had time to breathe.
I am glad to hear and see a recap of what you have been up to, and sorry you had a scare tonight, hope all is well!!
In the fall, after the wedding you will have to consider coming to the mountains, we'll take a hike on the Appalacian Trail, I have been wanting to organize something on the Trail. An Adventure, hike a few miles and then have the Limo come pick us up and take us to Grove Park Inn or the
Marilyn Monroe Room for a Spa day.
Glad you are well, Your fellow philosopher and Dreamer, Cath
Hi Cathy!
So good to hear from you! Sounds like you've been in the same situation as me. There are times when I just keep thinking, 'if I can just make it to the end of the week ... I can sleep for a full night'. Just crazy, hectic schedule. But ... besides the FSC and GKTW jobs, I had the chance to do a video for our local Children's Home that helped get a one million dollar donation (from one person) when it ran the first time ... and an event for a homeless shelter that allowed me to work with Neil Berg (famous Broadway Composer) and five lead Broadway performers - for a very successful fundraising event. So - the busy-ness has been worthwhile and I feel a huge sense of self-satisfaction. So - it's all been good!
Yes! Definitely ... let's do the AT. My friend (Dave) that I told you about before - he just bought a third place up there - and it is gorgeous. He's renting out two of them - and I'm sure he'd do a deal - if we could get a group together. I used to lead teens on AT Hikes and have always wanted to go again. I love your idea of the Limo picking us up too. That would be so cool. So - we'll plan on that - after the wedding.
I also wanted to plan something for Clearwater Beach. I've researched it - and did a little survey - and need to pick back up on that - now that I have a moment. I think everyone would really enjoy it here and I would love to plan some things for people to do. So - that's something I need to work on.
Well ... I better get to bed. It's a little after 2 a.m. - and I just had success in -finally- getting a video to download on the little wedding website that I'm doing. Yeah! A huge accomplishment! I've had such problems with it - and it's been a bit 'buggy' - so I am excited. But tired. : )
I'm going to go out and smell for smoke (just in case) and then hit the sack. I have a nail appointment in the a.m. - but will check back in when I return.
Sweet Dreams to All!!
Brenda
Brenda, Glad you & blog are back. Congrats on all the good stuff. I am a wedding planner so if I can help in anyway let me know. I'm assuming that's the magician???
I was a rape counsellor & it is amazing the heartache & pain caused in this world.
Stick around awhile.
Ada
Hi Ada!
Thanks for stopping by ... and for the offer of help for the wedding. Carey and Chris are in their mid-20's ... and they are pretty independent - and have everything planned out. My Mom said I was the same way - and Carey really reminds me of how I was at that age. She has every detail organized ... and very strong opinions about how she wants things to play out. I am so impressed with that!
When we were discussing the wedding video - she had very specific ideas - and I told her that I wished all of my clients were that decisive - because it would make my job much easier.
I much prefer working with someone who knows what they want (and knows how to express it) ... than those who are wishy-washy about things (then realize what they want AFTER you've done what you think they want). I'm sure you deal with that a lot as well. Makes it SO much harder. : )
Anyway - I think we are 'covered' on the wedding stuff. Fortunately, Carey (and Chris) have been sharing much of the planning with me ... and I'm thoroughly enjoying it! Such fun!
Not sure what you meant about 'the magician'. What were you referring to on that? Just curious. : )
Having been a rape counselor, you can probably really appreciate those masks ... and what they represent. I have many more pics ... and most of them are just so sad. Some are hopeful too. And every year, FSC has a different project. We also videotaped butterlies and hearts - that were from the past two years. This year though, was 'The Year of The Mask'. Great idea - that 'art therapy'.
Doing that video - we didn't hear many of 'the stories' - but on The Children's Home - wow. That was very emotional ... and I had three little girls that I interviewed together (off camera and w/o counselors next to us - they sat at a picnic table within sight of us ... but not within earshot). I was told more than I've ever been told (this is my third year doing their fundraising pieces) ... and the girls really opened up to me. One girl said, very matter-of-factly, about having such a hard life. I asked how old she was - and she said 'ten'. Ten! She was only 10 - and had already had 'such a hard life'. Broke my heart. Fortunately, they are raising lots of money with their video ... and I take comfort in knowing that it will help these kids.
Well ... that's my 'ramblings' for the day. I better get going ... to work on the website again. : )
Have a good one!
Brenda
Hi Brenda, I meant to congratulate you on your 15-pound weight loss. I know how hard it is to lose weight, but am pleased to say that I've lost 35 lbs so far. I'm aiming for another 25! Yes, I know - I'm ashamed to admit it but the stress of my teaching job was so unbelieveable. For example, in 7 years at that school I had 6 different principals. Can you imagine! And not all of them were the greatest. Now that the stress has lifted, I have SO much more engergy and the pounds will come off much more easily. Monday morning I start my water aerobics again, but this time I'll be able to continue on through the winter (the classes are only M,W,F 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.). This morning I've already taken the dog for a walk and spent a half hour pulling up weeds and lilies. I was sweating so much I had to come in to cool off. Anyway, congrats and keep your fingers crossed for me to get back into shape.
Oops, forgot to suggest that you pop over to my blog to read my top 20 reasons to love Canada on our 139th birthday.
Hi Brenda,
So good to see you back to blogging.
You and Sylvia deserve a Diplomacy award,
again.
Ellen
THIS TIME IT WORKED. i JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND COMPUTERS!
I MEANT PENN & TELLER, YES?
I TOO AM IMPRESSED RE THE WEIGHT LOSS. IF YOU MISS ANY OF THE POUNDAGE I'D BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO SEND SOME OF MINE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
WELCOME BACK BRENDA!!
WOW YOU HAVE BEEN SO BUSY AND SO MUCH FUN STUFF GOING ON IN LIFE.
HAVE AN AWESOME DAY AND HOLIDAY EVERYONE!!!
CAROL
Thanks Everyone!
Leslie, that's amazing! I really struggled to lose 15! It's taken me over a year ... and I have to be careful not to go back to 'my old ways'. I gained 50 pounds after I went off Chemo - and I've read and heard (from other Breast Cancer survivors and my Oncologist) that it is normal to experience that. And that it is extremely difficult to lose that weight.
Somehow, the Chemo seems to change your system - and the things that I used to do to keep weight down no longer work. So I had to experiment and find something new - that would work. It was a long - several year process - but I finally found some things that worked for me ... and slowly started losing. I've been at a stand-still for a little while now ... and ready to start the downward trend again. I'd like to lose more ... and tone up before the September wedding. : )
Anyway - good for you on your loss. Super!! And I do understand about that stress thing. My difficult time is when I am traveling and on show site. It's hard when you are having to eat quickly (with crew) - and clients will bring in sandwich trays or burgers. The burgers aren't so bad - because - if I have time - I just take them off the bun and eat the lettuce and tomato as a little salad ... but the sandwiches are harder. Anyway - good luck to you ... and me ... on continued weight loss!! : )
Oh - and I'll drop over to your site soon. Can't wait to see your latest stuff. I have stopped over from time to time - just didn't have time to write anything. : )
Thanks Ellen ... from me and, I'm sure, Sylvia. : ) Just trying to 'keep the peace'.
Appreciate it Carol! Will do!!
And Ada - yes - Penn of Penn & Teller. NOW I get it! Ha Ha I forget about him being a Magician. : ) And no thanks! I've still got plenty (more than plenty) of my own! Ha Ha
Okay now. I'm off to get some stuff done around the house. Will check back in later.
Have good one!!
Brenda
hi to brenda and everyone else here
just want to wish everyone
A HAPPY AND SAFE JULY 4th HOLIDAY TODAY
sylvia
Thanks Sylvia! Ditto!
HAPPY 4th!!
Everyone - Have a great day!
Brenda
Moving to another post! Hope to see you there ... and read your comments!
Brenda
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