wow

I have accomplished so much since starting my new job. I did 16 miles last week!!! It has been 4 years since I've done that. Granted it was fast walking and not running but I should be able to start the running this week. I plan on slowly adding it and building up to all running! I feel so much better and have finally lost a few pounds. I thoroughly enjoy my 10:00 start time to Monday - Thursday. I get up early and have my coffee - then get going without a frenzied pace - work out, do some cleaning or laundry whatever. Each day I get more done than a did in a week selling cars. The other thing is that I am catching up with family. I was off Friday and went to meet my dad for breakfast - a mall walk with his golfing buddies - and some time going through old family info. Then I stopped and saw Landon, Chelsea and Ben. It was a great visit even though short. On the way out of Dodge I stopped and surprised my Mom and Dan with a request for coffee. Again, a fun little visit. On the road again home I stopped and shopped for the dinner I was making for my friend Joy who was coming over that night. We had Tilpia using my brothers recipe for the orange roughy, it was yummy. Caught up on our artistic adventures. She has entered four quilts in the quilt show for the E Lansing guild - and then of course, I shared that I will be in the Williamston Art Walk. Worked on Saturday but who cares when you had a day off! It was a fun change also, I worked in the Lansing location. Busy and I actually handled a couple patients on my own! I was supposed to have all the grandkids but their plans were changed sooooooooo Sunday was my day - I never left the house. It was grand. Worked out, cleaned and cooked! It was just so pleasant and relaxing. So, off to my new week! Mark is due home late this afternoon - his first race of the year - he saw old friends and had a great race!
dana

sharing art

I was recently invited to attend an artist reception at Mackeral Sky by my friend Jean. I wasn't able to make it but finally had a chance to check it out. There is a brief youtube about the gallery and a visit to the artist, Sandra Davison's blog, is an inspiring one! Her work takes you in and you feel as if you are there. It is soft yet strong! I hope to have a minute to go into Mackeral Sky while her exhibit is there this month! I have added Sandra's blog to my list that I follow, check it out. Thanks for sharing Jean.
dana

I'm an ARTIST

Well, I feel like I'm becoming one. I WILL BE IN THE WILLIAMSTON ART WALK !!! My first showing of my work. YIKES. Excitement and fear all in the same breath. I will only have 2 pieces - maybe 3 (probably not) but wow. Save the dates and stop by - please.
May 1st is a Friday and I will be there 4pm - 8pm. Saturday I have to work but will have someone there, hopefully my mom, to represent me. Saturday is 10 am - 2 pm. The show is at the Williamston Chamber of Commerce right on Grand River in Williamston. All sales include a donation from the sale to the Chamber from the artist. It is a great fundraising event. I will keep you updated as the event gets closer.
Yahoo.
Dana

HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY

As my dad is Irish - we always celebrate St. Patty's Day. Unfortunately, we will not be able to join everyone for dinner tonight. I really can't justify taking a day off from my new job to go eat corned beef - BUT - I am making a pot of it for our dinner tonight at home!

I just finished a baby shower invitation for my friend, Michele's daughter Lindsay. She gave me an idea to copy and I took artistic privilege and made it her own. It was fun to do and I'm happy with the result.

I am trying to enter my first artshow but, of course, missed the deadline for request for entry. I have sent a plea in to be considered anyways and am awaiting an answer. Please keep your fingers crossed. My goal this year, one of them but a key one, is to sell my art this year. Get involved in the artisitc community. I will let you know what happens and if accepted - all the details!

Go Irish - Go Green! As a U of M fan, this is the only day of the year that you'll hear that from me.

Cheers, Dana

IT'S ALL GOOD

The BIG NEWS OF THE DAY: Alex and Becky are having a BOY !!!
Ben is starting the Fire Academy, November 2nd !!!
I am beaming from ear to ear!
I am on my fourth week at RX Optical and loving it. I have time in the morning to workout - finally back in action. I can get a few things done around the house. We have been able to catch up with some family time. Last Friday (I had THE DAY OFF ) and was able to spend a few hours with my friend, Nancy ( a new Grandma herself ), and we had sooooo much fun; chatting, laughing about our trip to Jamaica and just soaking up the sun. Remember, there was that ONE day recently where it was WARM & SUNNY. This week I have the weekend OFF and plan on spending an artful day in my room!!! Then Mark and I will be grilling and enjoying time before he heads out on the road next week. Back racing this season!
Well, off to the treadmill - miles to go before work!!
Excited about life! dana

Birthdays & Family's

I finally made it to my mom's for my birthday dinner. My brother Dan had planned an excellent menu - Cilantro-Lime Orange Roughy (way outside his normal box). It was melt in your mouth good! The side dishes were just as great. Mark and I ate and enjoyed! The dessert included Sanders toppings - if you are a Detroiter you KNOW that was good. Brings back memories of walking a mile to the Sanders shop on 7 mile rd and sitting at the counter eating hot fudge cream puffs (coldstone has nothing on that!). We are not supposed to do gifts but My MOM did a special photo - the pictures I've posted are me at two in our yard in Detroit. I still remember our address 19484 Bentler! It was the best place to grow up! Seriously! The second is me and my son Alex at his wedding almost two years ago! He is holding his second daughter Cameron at 18 months (just about equal to me in my picture). WOW, alot goes on in 50 plus years. I will look at these pictures every day and smile with pride and treasured thoughts of growing up with my family!

Here we are stuffed and happy - me, my mom and my brother Dan. THANK YOU FOR A GREAT DAY!

All my love. Dana

p.s. if you want the recipe for the orange roughy just send me an email:

sinderellastudio@yahoo.com