LEGO® for Christmas

I’m always amazed at what can be done with Legos. I saw this display in a toy store a month or so ago. Zoom in, there are a lot of legos in this display.

THEN, this weekend, I saw these Christmas LEGO® sets. Is it a sign, buy legos? Both of these LEGO® Christmas sets are wonderful. I love the reindeer and the sleigh, Santa with is list. Look at the Christmas tree, it has candles on it with heart ornaments.

Life is interesting, even as we grow older, we are still kids at heart!

Merry Christmas!

Italy – Florence, Love Locks and more…

As I was exploring small streets, I came across Dante’s Church with all of these “love locks.” Will they work? I think it is the ritual for people / couples, to add a lock, and “feel” their love lasts forever, right?!

In that frame of mind, I saw these teddy bears in a window, positioned in such a humorous way. I thought of an older couple, comfortable in their relationship.

Of course, we must see a Pinocchio. Again, another humorous siting, next to Tigger. Whatever sells, right!

I walked by this toy store. I liked the world puzzle map they had. In America, we are focused on the 50 states and American history. Yet, our kids still need to learn more about the World.

This was funny. I was sitting and having a gelato. Different tourists walking by. I heard this man telling a younger guy he was with. If we get separated, just look for my green shoes. Of course, my ears perked up, I looked and he was right… no chance of missing the “green shoes.” Brilliant idea!

I discovered this shop with the most beautiful colored pencils. I have not heard of this Italian brand, Fabriano. I liked the pouch the colored pencils were in. I wish I was an artist, I would have bought them.

Of course, I have to end with a photo of the Ponte Vecchio. Gold prices were so high, that they don’t have beautiful jewelry anymore. Also, there is an owner that must own 7-10 shops on the bridge. They sell the same jewelry, so it was a bit boring looking in the windows. This is a view of the entire bridge.

I’ve been to Florence, so I was not there as a tourist. I mean, touring monuments, etc. This time, I was just going around. I walked the streets, I had walked with my Florentine grandmother when she was alive. One thing I forgot to do, was walk back to see her home, etc. Next time, there’s always a next time.

Ah, Florence!

Italy – Florence… YES, a Starbucks!

I was recently in Florence, Italy. My mother was born / raised there, so it feels like a second home. I was fortunate, there were not many tourists. I was able to walk the streets and actually “see” the buildings, etc.

And guess what I saw… YES, a Starbucks! Amazing how they are everywhere. You’d think in Italy, they have the best coffee, who would go to Starbucks? Obviously, people go. Same with McDonald’s which is by the train station, always packed with people.

I noticed that more cafes offer coffee to go. Years past, that was not an option.

Oh, and of course, I saw the Apple Store too.

Imagine walking by the Duomo and being able to walk right in, no long line. That hasn’t happened in years. I lit a candle, look how full, so many prayers.

It’s interesting, no matter how many times I go to Florence, I still take photos of the Duomo as if it is the very first time. I was thinking about that this trip when I took photos.

Did I need another photo of the Duomo? YES, of course!

Happy Traveling.

Happy Halloween Birthday – MAURA!!

Do you know anyone who has a birthday on Halloween? I do!!

I once asked her if she got tired of Halloween colors / stuff. Nope, she still loves it.

So, Maura, in the spirit of Halloween and this picture. I hope you are stirring up a fantastic witches brew of some sort. It’s your special day!

Start celebrating. It’s your Birthday Eve!

HAPPY 🎃 Halloween 🎃 BIRTHDAY!!

LEGO®, always a new design…

I was at the store the other day. As I walked by the children’s section, I saw the legos. I always stop and see what they have. I fell in love with this owl, the book and that different animals can be made with the kit.

LEGO® had their Advent Calendars out too. They looked fun, but I don’t have any grandchildren yet.

The holidays are coming, I decided to look at their website, see what adult legos they have. Look at this, they have the Mona Lisa. What a great gold frame. There are so many great designs.

Here’s to feeling like a kid. Fond memories bring us back, don’t they, especially with holidays approaching!

Birds – The Morning Workday Huddle

Walking can be boring, but not this particular morning. A friend sent me this photo.

Heading to work, it looked like the birds were also having the early morning workday huddle!

Discussion – How to tackle customer food donations that day! There has to be a BETTER way, they nod!

Happy Fall!

A Feather… Spiritual meaning?

Do you believe that seeing a feather has a spiritual meaning?

Here is why I thought this feather was interesting. There were no birds around. It’s a BIG feather. As I walked quickly by, I saw it out of the corner of my eye.

My thought was, “Did I just see a feather? Where is the bird?” I felt the urge to go back and look at it, but I didn’t have time. Later, I was still thinking of that feather.

The next morning, I was walking in the same area, rushing to work, when I saw the feather AGAIN. This time, the feather had moved, it wasn’t in its original spot. This time the feather was at the Stop sign, right at my feet, in front of me. NOW, I took notice.

I had this feeling I was meant to see this feather, it was in my path for a reason.

So, what do you think? Is there a meaning behind seeing a big feather like this, when no birds are around?

Do you believe in Guardian Angels?

I meant to write this post on October 2nd, the Feast Day for Guardian Angels. I found this day interesting. I woke up with a sad feeling. It happens to all of us. Turn on the news and it’s “doom and gloom.”

On this particular morning, I knew I had a choice to make.

Be sad… OR… Be happy!

I’ve learned, our minds are powerful and we “own them.” It’s up to us to CHOOSE what we think about. It takes practice to change the direction of our minds, but it can be done!

It was early in the morning, I decided to walk and stop by church. Our church has a 30 min mass every day. At the steps of the church, I was greeted by happy school children heading in for mass. So sweet, hearing their cute little voices and the teacher instructing them.

When it was time for the Priest to speak, he said, “Today is a special day, it’s the Feast Day of our Guardian Angels.”

CHEERS from the children.

WOW – my own ears perked up.

There had just been a woman doing the reading. She had not done her homework and couldn’t pronounce many of the cities in the text. It was PAINFUL to listen to her. My mind drifted off, not uplifting at all.

Imagine my SURPRISE to learn that there was “no time” to feel sad. Instead, I needed to CELEBRATE my Guardian Angel. My heart grew big. I kidded MY ANGEL and said, “So, that’s why you wanted me to walk by church. To celebrate you! How clever!”

I always think of Clarence, the angel in the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” too, so cute.

As we head into the weekend, if you believe in guardian angels, you might want to THANK yours.

Look, I even saw this angel in a store this week. My Angel wants me to know she is grand and beautiful! Come on, you do have to chuckle. Perfect timing!

Have a wonderful Fall weekend! —> (You might spot your angel somewhere too.)

The Lion’s Roar…

My father passed away recently. When I think of my father, I imagine this lion.

It’s how my family feels right now — A HUGE ROAR!

My father loved music, he had an Ipod full of great songs. One song, I distinctly remember was “Rose Marie I Love You.” Here it is for you to enjoy too. It’s sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy.

A passing makes us reflect on life, so many emotions.

So, dear Blogging friends, stay well, hug your family and friends! 💕🙏