I've always felt that there is great significance in one's family history and the places that so often connect us with both past and present. Both my mom & dad were born and raised in Bayonne. There story is of a boy & a girl born on two different sides of the tracks and as time, life and fate would have it they ended up together. Walking along Hudson Park or perusing the Boulevard I feel a part of what once was; in my mind I can imagine my Dad tossing a football in the park, my mom hanging with friends at the local pizza shop, my grandmother leaning over her sowing machine working piece meal and my grandfather spending hours in his lab working on some new project. My family has instilled a sense of loyalty, hard work and love that I am eternally grateful for. It is through their eyes that I gained the greatest sense of who I wanted to be and now, as an adult, I owe them my greatest gratitude. They are my heroes. So when I walk these streets there is a connection to a place and time that had a bearing on who I have become.

And with that Keith & I met up with my mom's side of the family to attend a gala honoring my cousin, Varda, and four other women for their service to Bayonne and the Jewish Community Center. It was an evening of dancing, eating and wonderful conversation. Listening to speeches and side conversations it was so neat to be part of something so wonderful and much of that centered around my cousin.
For nearly 30 years Varda has been part of the nucleus of Bayonne. Her involvement has ranged from fundraisers, community projects and activities aimed at involving kids from all walks of life all for the sole purpose of bettering her community. I have tremendous respect for her and my hope is to continue living, learning and pressing onward in a way that will make even a quarter of a difference that she has in her life time.
We also took the time to visit the 'Teardrop" monument located right along Bayonne's Port in memory of those fallen on 9-11. Standing in front of the 2,000+ names etched in marble overlooking the Statue of Liberty was pretty moving. Those names are connected to thousands of family members who will grieve for their loved ones as long as they walk this earth. My prayer is that we do not forget them, that we take pride in our country and know that by all means freedom is not free.


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It's unbelievable how quickly time passes. In just a short while November will be making its debut and with it comes a little less light, the absence of the brilliant leaves on trees and a little more stress as the Holidays approach. Sunday I had the opportunity to take a trek to Ocean City. Walking the boardwalk in late October with clear skies, a strong sun and warm soft sand on my toes just has a way of putting life in perspective. It was good for my soul.

The time near the Atlantic also allowed for time to think and clear the head a little. Sitting on a bench facing the shore I became overwhelmed with the richness of life surrounding me. Only a few short evenings before we had a Coffee House at Seneca to raise money for our food pantry. Honestly, I went into this crossing my fingers that we could convince kids to turn out to drink coffee, eat some cookies and jam for a good cause. So I was floored when our cafeteria was filled with kids and parents. We were easily over 200 once things started rolling. Epic. Hundreds of canned goods were brought in and our money jar was filled to the brim. Kids played the bongos, the piano, guitar and even a few trumpets all in the name of music and our Seneca family. At present, our local churches and food banks are being innundated by families in need. If you think you KNOW what hunger LOOKS LIKE...you're wrong. There is no longer a face, a name or a type that can be placed on those who are just simply struggling. It is not about pity, but rather that we may strive to look into the eyes of our fellow students, neighbors and co-workers and have a pulse on who is in need and in what ways those needs can be fulfilled. Do not turn a blind eye. Do not take the blessings and abundance that you may have for granted. I pray each day for the eyes of Christ and that my ears are in tune, my eyes are open and my heart is receptive. Never take what you have for granted & always make it a point to not let one day slip by without looking into the eyes of someone and giving a smile, a hello or the attempt to make at least one person's day a little bit brighter. Because the honest truth is that we can all make a difference - you just have to try.

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I'm not really a die hard anything. Ok, so let me rephrase that. I am hard core surfer, traveller and coffee consumer. I dig ocean, flip flops and the feel of sand on my feet. I would spend a whole day in my car driving just to have 30 minutes on the beach when I'm in need of a shore fix. But that's my thing. Sports, on the other hand, doesn't fall under anything close to that description. I like taking in a game once in awhile, but as for statistics, rosters and records I'm pretty challenged. I guess that's sort of a bummer since I live less than an hour from Philly. But in the midst of Philly Fever, I do have a tendency to find the rally towel, dig out that old jersey and prop myself in front of the tv. So die hard no, but I typically get caught up in the madness of it all. Good madness that is.

Keith & I took in the Flyers game last week where they were pretty much pounded (as Tristan would say) by the Penguins. The seats were great, but the puck movement was a bit challenged on part of the Flyers. Post-loss we took a stroll over to Citizen's Bank Park where game one of the series was in full motion. I couldn't tell you the Phillies line up, but I always get a kick out of the whole 'Philly ambiance.' From the shady shopping carts filled with questionable pretzels, knock off shirts & the rowdy tailgaters Philly is a place all its own.


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Although the weekend went by quickly, it is one that had an impression on me. I had a great time taking in the flavors of fall at the Cranberry Festival with Keith & Jordan. There's nothing that quite reinforces fall's presence like the smells of cranberry muffins, home brewed root beer and apple turnovers along with hundreds of vendors selling everything from knit gloves to knock off pocket books. This small little area is transformed into a semi-carnival attracting thousands from all walks of life and for 48 hours this little patch of land becomes a tourist attraction. I look forward to it all going back to normal tomorrow where I pass a handful of cars on the way to the shore and there are more pine trees than people.
Before heading out to Chatsworth with the crew I spent the morning at Freedom Park in Medford. A little over a hundred people gathered for the unveiling of a monument raised in memory of soldiers who lost their lives in service within our surrounding communities. Young and old were gathered all for the same reason, to pay tribute to someone that they knew who gave their life for our country.

As I stood among men and women in uniform, young children holding flags and family members holding back tears it was nothing short of powerful. Each day we wake, drink our coffee, head to work, head home, spend time with family and head to sleep only to do it all over again. For the majority of us we don't think twice about the possibility of a terrorist ramming into us on the way to work or grenades being hurled at us while playing at the park with our children. We are a free nation. We are a nation laden with privileges, blessings and abundance. We are also a nation, too often, with a short memory.

Everything that we encounter on a daily basis came with a price tag and it was a hefty one at that. Men and women who strapped on their boots, wore our country's uniform and battled in far off lands to ensure our freedom; some returned, some did not. Standing under a sky of blue watching our nation's flag flapping in the wind as mothers and fathers touched the names of their children etched onto the black granite monument my heart swelled with pain for them, but pride for our country.
I rolled out of bed earlier that morning with a lump in my throat thinking of a young man that I hadn't seen in a long time. Driving the short few miles to Freedom Park seemed eternal with faces and memories that flooded my memory. I too, was among the one hundred plus who knew one of the thirteen young men. Scrolling down the list of names, there was one that tugged even stronger at my heart. Jared Michael Leonard.

Jared was a boy that I grew up with who turned into a man that wore our nation's uniform and paid the ultimate sacrifice. I am forever grateful to Jared and the countless who served, fought and paid the greatest sacrifice. Thank you, Jared, you will never be forgotten.

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Diggin' Disney

I haven't been to Disney World in nearly ten years. This past weekend marked my fourth trek to the Magic Kingdom & although a whirl wind journey, it was a blast. There were 19 of us in total and we hit the ground running arriving late Friday evening & we were out the door early Saturday for a full fledge day of Disney madness.

Jordan, Taylor, Anna's kids & Tristan and Gabe made the Disney experience all the richer. There's just something about taking a step back, letting yourself off of 'adult status', and viewing the world through the eyes of a child. Watching the kids stare with mouth agape at the characters walking around the park, taking in Cinderella's Castle and the look of sheer exhaustion for a full day of utter imagination just does something to the heart. To have been there for Tristan & Gabe's first time in Disney was amazing. I had a blast counting down with Tristan and all the Disney characters anticipating the clock to strike nine & the doors to swing open.

Even though it was a jam packed 48 hours, it was nothing short of perfect. Keith, Taylor & I headed back to the Magic Kingdom after dinner at Epcot & found a pretty empty theme park in the last hour plus. Thunder Mountain & Splash Mountain were ours for the taking with the attendants asking us if we just wanted to keep on riding. How cool is that?

So, the week is already mid-through and I'm clinging to the blue skies, full sun and sheer goodness of Disney Magic as long as I can. After our inservice yesterday I hopped in my car and savored a short surf session. The waves were as small as they come, but I was able to pull off wading in the Atlantic with just a bathing suit and short rash guard. It was an awesome way to wrap up a long weekend and take some time to just reflect on the blessings of life and the ones I love. Lots of goodness and a heap of blessings that I thank God for every day.



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feeling a tad autumnal

It's already Sunday night and I find myself asking exactly where the weekend went to. With the quick weekend accompanied the beginning stages of switching the wardrobe, but not yet fully committing to fall's arrival. As we have fully tranistioned into a new school year there are moments I have a hard time grasping how fleeting time is. Tristan celebrated his 5th birthday last week. I can close my eyes and vividly remember him cuddled under my father's arm riding for hours on the tractor; now the little guy has already attempted to start the John Deer on his own.

Even with a rapid speed weekend there was time to drive with the windows down, take in a little fall festivities (Oktoberfest in Medford:), sip on a few pumpkin lattes and savoring the goodness of family and friends. Even though I am summer, beach and sun through and through I'm not sure how I would respond to living in a region without the season's changing. With change in temps and scenery it marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of something new.

As we press into another fall and yet another school year, my hope is to spend more time enjoying what is instead of chasing what has yet to come. So for now, I will step away from the computer and join the family for a little hang time before setting the alarm and gearing up for a new day.


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