America celebrated her 247th birthday this week. It was a busy and wonderful weekend for us, as we had an out of town visit from my brother. He and Stacey drove up from Ohio on Sunday. They spent all day with us on Monday. We ordered Pizza for lunch, Barbequed chicken for dinner, and went for ice cream before they headed back to their hotel.
On the fourth, they met us at this little zoo nearby and we spent the first part of the day there. It’s been years since I have been there and forgot that they actually have some pretty cool animals. They have brown and black bears, a white Siberian Tiger, Kangaroos, Lions, and a plenty of birds (more on that in a minute).
The zoo has many places where you can buy feed to give to the animals. They kids loved feeding the goats.
The look on this goat’s face in the picture cracks me up!
The animals are so close to you and there are many you can pet.
Sam does not like birds. I’m not saying I do, but the kids wanted to go into this parakeet experience. When you walk in, they give you a stick with bird seed on it. The birds will fly over to your stick and eat the seeds. I made a friend quickly, and didn’t even need birdseed.
This bird flew to the top of my head and STAYED there pecking at it until we were done. I swear we were in there for at least 10 minutes. This bird would not leave my head. Finally, when the kids were ready to go, we walked to the door of the exhibit and the door guy had to shoo the bird off my head so I could walk out. It was freaking me out!
We went back to our house to wait for our local fire works show. Sam’s folks and a friend from college (who just moved to our neighborhood) joined us in our backyard to watch the show.
Every year, since Ella could walk, we’ve taken pictures of them walking down down the sidewalk with a flag. It was fun to put them all together in a collage and see how much they have grown.
For such a small town, they really do a fine job with their fireworks show. I wish cell phone photos could do it justice.
Ella said it was too loud and Nana and her went inside. The rest of us stayed outside and enjoyed a nice show. I wish that the tree in my neighbor’s yard wasn’t there.
As I scrolled through the photos I took on the fourth, there was one that struck me for the weirdest reason – the shadow.
I thought this was just such an amazing picture. I love the way the shadow is.
You have probably noticed that I have been talking about a lot more books recently. This is not by accident. I am reading more. I have always loved to read, but never seem to find the time to do it. I have made it a point to read more and am utilizing the local library more than ever.
It is sad to think that people don’t believe that libraries are important anymore. It is true, though. Many just don’t realize how important they are. My brother, Christopher, has worked in a library for many years and I thought it would be interesting to take his answers and post them here as a guest blog. I truly hope that you will enjoy reading this as much as I did.
Without any further ado, here is my brother Christopher:
My Journey in the World of a Public Library
Libraries have always had a special place in my heart and being offered the opportunity to spend some time sharing my experiences, answering questions, while also providing some thoughts on what I see as the future of libraries is special gift and I am grateful for it. I’ll start by providing a little background of my career.
I started my library career as a Page at the Walt Whitman Branch of the Warren Public Library in Warren, Michigan in 1991. At the start, it was simply a much better after school job than working in fast food and would be a means to allow me a decent pay check to do what I wanted to do. However, the longer I worked there and the more I demonstrated my enthusiasm, the more responsibilities I was assigned. I loved it. I was learning so much and enjoying what I was doing.
However, despite the director telling me multiple times that they’d get me full time, the bureaucracy of the city and the unions, made it seem impossible. At first, I was determined to stick it out, but then I visited a library in Columbus and it changed my mind. I had been contemplating moving out on my own for a while and seeing this beautiful library inspired me to take an application (yes, this was still when applications were on paper) that day and truly considered moving.
In August of 1994, I was hired as a General Aide in the Technical Services Department of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. It was the start of one of the greatest journeys I’ve ever taken. I’m proud to say that I started at the ground floor and worked my way up to where I am today, a Customer Service Manager.
On to the questions:
(Keith: So I asked a bunch of random questions, in no particular order. Please excuse the “all over the road” order of them.)
At one library branch close to home, they actually have a booth for podcasting! What do you think the future of libraries looks like?
The role of libraries has evolved dramatically over the years and many will debate if all are true fits. Library’s are no longer the solemn little rooms where librarians shush you for making too much noise. Libraries today are vibrant and active community hubs where customers from all walks of life enter to enrich their lives. We have to continually adapt and evolve to meet the needs of our customers and sometimes that means offering services and programs beyond books. For example, during the pandemic we immediately saw the impact moving the majority of resources to online only was to our lower-income families. Customers who never used a computer before were now desperate for help in filing for unemployment, job searching, getting their children logged in for school. Libraries were the lifelines for so many people. Where else can you go and get help for free?
What’s the most interesting question you’ve been asked by a patron?
When a customer doesn’t know the title of the book, but knows something about it. Sometimes this can lead to some of the most fun or the most frustrating interactions because it becomes all about the hunt. There are some amazing resources available to libraries that help with storyline and plot and others that are great with generalities. Speaking for myself just hearing a question along the lines of “it is a juvenile book about a female who worked for NASA”, brings me excitement. There are so many questions to ask because sometimes you might know right away and other times it could be something you have no knowledge on. The look of surprise and satisfaction on the customer’s face when you find it, it is priceless.
Is there one genre of books that seems to be the most popular?
This is truly based on the community the library serves. For example, there are 23 locations in my library’s system and while we try to ensure that all locations have materials and resources that meet the needs of a fair and balanced collection, the neighborhood itself has different needs and interests and will tend to have more on subjects and genres that are popular for that community. I’m going to purposely avoid children’s materials (picture books, board books, etc.) as they are always high circulating items, so my answers here are going to focus more on adult materials.
My current location is a high circulating branch where fiction and non-fiction both circulate really well. General fiction tends to be high here and subjects like cook books, graphic novels, and biographies are also popular. At other locations Mysteries or Urban / African American fiction might be the higher circulating items, while at another it could be Horror or Decorating. One of the biggest growing non-fiction collections over the years is Graphic Novels and Manga. It seemed for a while (early-mid 90’s) that libraries didn’t give much value to Graphic Novels as they were deemed “just comic books” and Manga was just a passing fad. I truly believe that part of that changed because libraries really started thinking about Teens and discovering that we couldn’t offer them the same programs or spaces in our buildings as we did for children. Once we started tailoring collections and programs to teens, Graphic Novels and Manga just exploded and it is an amazing cross-over between children and adult materials. I’ve read some graphic novels that are far better written and with a better storyline than some popular fiction.
Do your library host a community event that you enjoy or look forward to?
My library system hosts numerous events throughout the year. This year in particular is our Sesquicentennial (150) celebration so we are doing far more programs and events that we might in a normal year. On March 4, 2023, each location hosted a birthday celebration for their communities and offered special programs all day.
How has technology changed the role of a librarian?
One of the most noticeable changes is that libraries no longer have massive collections of reference materials. Before the internet, to locate the answer to many questions you had to look it up in a book. Libraries purchased more maps, atlases, encyclopedias, almanacs, car repair manuals, price guides . . . you name it. The internet changed that and now we have electronic resources that provide vast arrays of information; and actually, the information is timelier and more accurate.
Back when we were kids, dad used to rent that 8mm projector for us to watch movies. What kind of equipment is popular to rent today?
This is another of those questions that I just love to think about. I’ve worked in libraries for over 30 years now and I’ve seen things come and go (e.g. VHS tapes, Audio-tapes, CD-ROMs). Additionally, working with a cooperative of library systems in my state, I also see how vast and diverse the offerings can be. Some examples of things I know library systems circulate are: video games, records, hotspots, board games, and guitars). Some libraries also offer in-library use only for laptops and tablets. One of the newer editions we’ve added at my library system is Culture Passes. A culture pass allows admission to other Ohio organizations. Some of our passes included the Columbus Museum of Art, Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus Zoo, Columbus Symphony, and Ballet Met.
What’s the most unique item in your library’s collection?
I had to reach out to a friend who works in our Local History and Genealogy department for help on this. This stereograph is one of the earliest known photographs of downtown Columbus.
Our LHG department has really been working hard for many years to digitize as much of their collection as possible. During COVID closures and partial re-openings we were able to send them extra staff to help with scanning and they were able to get over a years-worth of work done in just a couple of months.
What is the biggest misconception about libraries?
“It must be such a calm and peaceful job where you can just sit and read all day”. I always laugh when people say that to me because it couldn’t be further from the truth. As I said before, libraries are vibrant and exciting community hubs where customers come to get support and information. As with any job, there are indeed quiet times but those are rare. On any given day you have story time taking place, customers have conversations, people using computers for research or job hunting, staff performing tasks as shelving and checking in materials. This is movement and life happening in our buildings.
At the same time, we are also open to all which means that we get customers from all walks of life coming in. We are a public institution which means we are dealing with the public all day long and some times it isn’t always easy. We have incidents where customers yell, argue, fight, sleep, and threaten staff. Thankfully, for many of our locations these are rare – but it is a fact of dealing with the general public.
What is the most important role that the library plays in the community?
Libraries are Open to All. That means we welcome everyone into our spaces without judgment. We are a vast resource to communities whether it is for education or enjoyment. You want a great book – we’ve got it. You to do research on your family – we can help you. You need to apply for a job online for the first time – we’ll help you. You need resources on shelters and food pantries – here is a list. You need a space to study – we’ve got study rooms. You need a space to host your business meeting – we’ve got meeting rooms.
We may not always have exactly what you need, but we’ll do what we can to help you locate it or tell you where you can find it.
How do you stay up to date with new material? Do they advance books to you?
Most libraries purchase materials through one of two major book vendors, Baker and Taylor or Ingram. My library system uses Baker and Taylor and we are able to purchase items approximately 3-4 months before they are released. In our Collection Services department we have a team of selectors who primary job is to purchase materials for the entire system. Obviously, there are authors and subjects we’ll always buy (James Patterson, Danielle Steele, Cookbooks, Medical) and distribute throughout our locations, but the selectors also know what subjects are popular at each location and will attempt to send those items to those locations.
My library system is fortunate in that we have a very healthy budget for materials so we can order high quantities of materials to ensure we have plenty of copies and meet demands in a timely fashion.
What’s the most rewarding part of working in the library?
That I work for an organization whose values (Respect, Integrity & Inspiration) are ones that I believe in and support. That on any given day I could make an impact on a colleague or customer’s day just by being kind and approaching situations with an open mind. Seeing a customer cry with joy because I was willing to waive the replacement cost of an item is a feeling you can’t forget. I’ve had my fair share of customers who have called me every derogatory name you think of or use every curse word known to man, but those pale in comparison to the far more joyful examples I could share.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned working for the library?
When I started working in libraries I never realized how much I would learn about mental health, socio-economic issues, diversity, and education gaps. Being Open To All truly means you see all works of life every single day, no matter what part of the city you work in. Issues effect all classes, all genders, and all races, you have to be willing to put your own issues and bias aside and do what you can to provide service. Sadly, we can’t do it all and unfortunately some are not willing to hear that. However, you have to be willing to keep smiling and push on try to not become jaded.
Libraries are important to many people who don’t have Internet access. Do you have issues with people accessing things they shouldn’t?
In order to receive certain funding, we do have to have a filtering software on our computers to ensure that content harmful to minors is blocked. As with any software it is not 100% accurate and sometime things slip through or topics that shouldn’t be blocked (breast cancer) are. However, according to the law anyone over the age of 17 who provides a photo ID can request to have the filter removed. In those cases, a security screen is provided to the customer. We also will not remove the filter on computers located in children or teen areas or in School Help Centers.
Now, that is not to say that customers who request the filter to be removed are indeed viewing inappropriate things, as I said the filter is not always correct. However, it is possible. We have had police arrive in our buildings before and arrest someone at our computers for viewing child pornography. It is rare, but again a sad fact of life.
However, I would also say that since my library system re-opened during the pandemic I have not once removed the filter. The majority of customers using our computers are doing research, job hunting, resume writing, or just simply watching videos on YouTube.
With thousands of books coming out every day, is there a process for “weeding out” old material? Is there always one copy of something saved somewhere?
Libraries have to weed their collections regularly or they would simply run out of room on their shelves. There are many factors that go into how often your collection is weeded. Some of the things to think about would be: popularity (is it still circulating well, is the author still popular); does it include out of date information (e.g. old medical practices or out of date laws); has it been superseded by newer editions (encyclopedias); do we have the funds to replace or buy more. There are always certain authors and titles that we will routinely purchase replacements for. Examples would be titles considered classics like Hemingway, Shakespeare, and etc.
My library system would be considered a popular library because we tend to focus our materials on high interest and topical themes. However, that isn’t to say we don’t keep some older or rare titles. At our Main Library we have a department called Local History and Genealogy that focuses on rare materials related to Ohio. They have a rare book room but you aren’t going to find every copy of someone like James Patterson sitting there or even an old edition of something like A Christmas Carol.
How do donations or book sales/fairs benefit the library?
Libraries are non-profit and our budgets come from levies, taxes, and here in Ohio a public library fund included in the state budget. We have an organization called The Friends of the Library and a Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation that are separate entities from us and can actually raise funds to help supplement our budget. Book sales are huge events that bring in lots of money that the Friends of the Library then use to run a store in our Main Library as well as provide support to our Summer Reading Challenge and other events where our budget may not allow us to do all we want to do. The Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation also fundraises and seeks donations to help with building projects, support programs.
Is there an author that you have met that you found interesting?
While we have hosted many, many famous authors over the years, it is not always possible for staff to do much interacting with them unless you are working directly with their event. I’ve been able to meet numerous local authors and some famous authors in the Graphic Novel genre since we host events for a festival called Cartoon Crossroads. I got to meet Judd Winick who has written and drawn for Marvel and DC. He was so kind and personable.
When a book or item is checked out, it isn’t always properly treated right. How often do you find yourself replacing items because of this?
Damaged items are something that each location encounters on a weekly basis. Sometimes it may range from something as simple as a torn page to something as grievous as a book that is warped and mold due to some type of liquid damage. We really try to look at each damaged item and determine is this normal wear and tear or is this malicious. Something like a tear or a dust jacket that is coming loose or ripped would fall into the category of wear and tear and we would not charge the customer for it. It also depends on what type of material is damaged. Is it a kid’s paperback or board book? We probably have enough copies in the system that we don’t worry about it and don’t charge. Water damage, mold, urine, burnt, dog chewed, those are the types of damage that don’t happen just from every day use. We’re going to charge the customer for the replacement cost. Some libraries include processing fees and possibly overdue fees as well, but my library system doesn’t charge overdue fines or processing fees. Fees from damaged items goes back into our materials budget and our selectors decide whether to replace that item or purchase another item.
How often do you host signing events with authors – local or famous?
My library system hosts authors every couple of months and for different events. We have a series called the Carnegie Author Series where authors are hosted at our Main Library downtown with seating up to 500-800 people. During themed weeks like Teen Read Week we host Teen genre authors who do a presentation at Main and then maybe visits one or two branches as well. Local authors are also hosted, usually at the branch in their neighborhood.
Our local library has a story time for kids once a month. Does the library ever host something like that or maybe a book club meeting?
We love to program. Each location can tailor programs to their community’s wants and needs, but each location is doing something at least once a week. Here in my current location Story Time takes place twice on Monday through Thursday with each day geared to a specific age group (Babies, Toddlers, Pre-School, and Family). Monday through Friday we have a School Help Center open from 3:30-6:30. We have an art café’ program for teens twice a week and a once a week D&D club. We tend to take a three week break in May as we prepare for Summer Reading Challenge where we will have 3-4 programs a day June – July. August gets another three weeks break and then its right back into our standard story times and teen programs.
We haven’t done much adult programming here in a while and it is definitely something we want to bring back. We’re really hoping to bring more diverse options for not just adults but for all ages as well. We’re hoping to kick this off more once Summer Reading Challenge is over.
For the first time ever, we are hosting a Book Festival this July in honor of our Sesquicentennial Celebration. It will be a huge two-day event at our Main Library and the Topiary Park directly behind the building.
So many people feel like libraries should go away. Personally, I have been actively using the library for books, music, and many other things. What is your argument for why they are vital?
If the COVID pandemic taught me anything, it was how incredibly necessary libraries are for a community. The vast majority of customers who needed help navigating a new digital world that was not ready for it was overwhelming. Everything went online and sadly, if customers didn’t have the skills or comfort dealing with technology they just gave up.
Libraries across the country became the places where companies and organizations told customers to go – because they didn’t have the time or patience to help their own customers. Even before we allowed customers back inside the buildings we were copying and faxing through curbside service. Once we allowed people inside, it was helping people complete job applications, submit payments online, complete unemployment applications. Additionally, many of our locations offer summer lunch or afternoon snack for children and we had to adapt move to a grab-and-go service instead of being able to offer children a chance to sit down and eat a healthy meal.
Libraries became and continue to be lifelines to our community whether it is for education and knowledge, social services, and basic life skills.
Did a love for books growing up influence you to work in a library?
I would say that at first, I didn’t make that connection as I thought it was just a part-time job. However now that I am a bit older, I see my love of books helped me truly see the value and joy in what I was doing.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of working for a public library? Any suggestions for what they need to do?
Be realistic in your expectations. Visit a library and actually look at what staff and customers are doing. Don’t assume that we just sit and read all day – we don’t. We’re there to serve the public and provide service to customers from all walks of life. It isn’t always going to be easy. Some days are definitely better than others. Budgets are not always great. Children will make a mess and be loud. Technology changes all the time. Be realistic and true to what it is you want. You can make wonderful connections and truly impact someone’s life without even knowing it.
______
I cannot begin to thank my brother, Christopher for taking the time to answer these questions. Let me say here publicly that I could not be more proud of him. As he stated, he came up through the ranks and is a respected manager now. He is passionate about his work and his work makes a difference in his community. His library system is lucky to have such an amazing employee who truly cares about his co-workers and the patrons.
Final Thoughts
As I began to check more and more books out of the library, I knew I wanted to write a blog that would stress the importance of a local library. I kept trying to find a way to express this, but always seemed to come up short. Then I asked my brother if he might be willing to help. In a sense, he wrote this entire blog!
I guess the point I was hoping to make was that libraries are not obsolete, if anything they are the exact opposite. They are essential to local communities. They are more than just lending out books. They serve a vital role in our society.
Today I encourage you to visit your local library. Renew that library card. Check out the best seller lists. Get a Good Reads or Story Graph account. Find other blogs that feature book recommendations. Get lost in a good book. Let your imagination run wild! You will not regret it!
(Thanks Chris! I appreciate you taking the time to be a part of this, I love you!)
My dad sent a photo to me and my brother this week of my Great Grandma (Grandpa’s mom) that I’d never seen before. That got me to thinking about the last time I saw my Great Grandma. It was at my high school graduation party where today’s photo was taken.
This is a truly amazing photo, as it marked one of the few times all of these family members were together.
In the front row from left to right – me, my Great Grandma, and my brother (sporting the pink Miami Vice jacket). In the back row from left to right – Grandpa P, his sister Marietta, Grandma D, Mom, Dad, Grandma P, and my Great Aunt Rose.
This photo was probably taken close to the end of the part, as my dad and grandpa have their suit jackets off. My grandpa came wearing what we called his Century 21 coat. For those who don’t remember, the real estate agents from century 21 used to always wear these gold colored jackets.
Here is a story about my Great Grandma that still makes me laugh. We used to call her “Light Finger Louie” because she had a very bad habit of swiping things from people and then giving then to my Grandpa. They weren’t necessarily big or expensive things (most of the time), but there were watches, Zippo lighters, cuff links, and such that would miraculously appear in my grandfather’s hands (or pockets) as he was leaving his visits from Great Grandma!
I think the saddest thing about finding old photos like these is the realization that those people are no longer with us physically. The only ones still around in that photo are my brother, my dad, and me.
I get ribbed a lot about all the photos I take of the kids. This week on Facebook, when I posted about my grandpa, I stated that the reason I take so many pictures is “because one day those pictures, and the memories from them, are all we have left.”
I have been reading more over the last few months. As a matter of fact, I’ve probably read more books in the last 6 months than I did all last year. I just finished up another one from Anthony Horowitz. He has earned a spot on my list of “must read” authors.
I went through my “want to read” list on Good Reads and requested a few more from the library. I am currently reading a fascinating book from Patricia Cornwell on Jack the Ripper.
She wrote it back in 2002 and I think I found this at a used book store a few years ago. When I ran out of books from the library, I went to my home “to read” stack and picked this one off the top. I don’t know much about the Jack the Ripper murders, but this book seems to line up with a PBS special I saw a few years ago.
I also got my hands on a DVD copy of The Offer, which was a mini-series that streamed on Paramount+.
If you know anything about me, you know how much I love the Godfather movies. This is the behind the scenes story of how the Godfather went from a best selling book to the amazing award winning film. I haven’t gotten far, but I did get one episode in. I can’t wait to finish this.
On the Horizon …
I think I have decided on a topic for a “feature” I want to host. It will probably involve childhood Saturday mornings …
I recently finished up my post for Dave’s (A Sound Day) Turntable Talk. It involves a childhood musical memory.
I have been wanting to write on something for a while and I’ve decided that my brother is the perfect person to help me with it. That will be coming soon.
I stumbled on the above quote as I sat here thinking. If writing (or blogging) is the best way to improve my thinking, I figured I would just start typing and publish whatever winds up here.
Looking Ahead
I just finished another post for Dave Ruch’s Turntable Talk recently and I have come to really look forward to it. Yesterday, I put the finishing touches on an post I wrote for Max at the PowerPop blog. He is doing a “Beatles” themed week. Watch for that to post here in a week or so.
Max and Dave are just a couple of the normal bloggers that I have come to know. There are many others who participate in these monthly (or occasional) features. In the past I have also participated in Blogathons about movies and other “themed” features. I have also done “answers” to interview questions for more than one blog about radio, sleep, and other nonsense.
I say all that because I have often thought about hosting some sort of “theme” feature. Maybe not a monthly one, but an occasional one. Would any of my readers even want to commit to something like that? I don’t know if it would be music, movie, or book related. I really don’t even know what I could come up with. I know that my followers have increased because of “cross blogging,” so maybe I could help others get a few extra followers, too. My mind is still churning this around.
I have also had a couple “Guest Bloggers” here. I would love to do that again. My brother (who does not have a blog) wrote some very fun stuff about me and Max offered up some Beatles thoughts (no surprise there!). I have featured poetry from a few poets I follow that hit home. I wonder what the best way to handle a “guest” blog would be. Is it an interview? Is it giving a topic? I don’t know.
I did a few “call outs” to Facebook friends who could provide questions that they’d want me to answer on here. Keith’s Q&A. I did that a couple times and it was fun. The last time I asked for questions, I got stuff like “If a train leaves the station at midnight … blah blah blah.” I know they were trying to be funny, but I was hoping to get some serious questions.
The whole thing is churning around in my mind like when I used to try to create a bit to air on my radio show. The idea or topic is there – I just need to find the angle or the punchline to create around it. For now, I will keep thinking. If you have done anything similar, I’d be open to your ideas. If you have an idea for something you’d love to write about, let’s chat about it.
A to Z
Do you do the A to Z April Blog challenge? A couple blogs I follow have mentioned that it is coming up and to begin planning for it. Basically, you write about something every day for the month and each day the topic is a different letter – starting with A and going to Z. Some pages offer themes for the challenge – Favorite Books, TV Shows, Movies, Actors, etc…
Committing to an entire month sounds difficult to me, so I am trying to decide whether or not to participate. I guess I will have to see if I can find theme that I wouldn’t mind visiting 26 days in a row (although I think you take Sundays off). More to come on that ….
Contact
If you would like to write something or offer an idea that you would rather not put in the comments, you can reach me at: nostalgicitalian@yahoo.com
Welcome to another edition of the Friday Photo Flashback feature! This time around we go back to 1988 (and 1999).
In the past it has been fun for me to find a picture and examine the things in the background. The picture I have chosen really doesn’t allow me to do that, because there’s not really anything more than some of my favorite people.
In going through photos, I came across one from my graduation party and it made me smile and sad at the same time.
The photo above features from left to right: Papa Joe, my Uncle Tom, my dad, my grandpa, and Mr, Kanne.
What I love about this picture is the connection to another picture, which connects some friendships. Look at the photo below, which I may have posted on here in the past. It was taken at my first wedding in 1999:
I think it is extremely cool that the two photos are almost identical in that Papa Joe is on the left in the top picture and his son, Joe, is on the left in the bottom photo. Mr. Kanne is on the right in the top picture and his son, Steve, is on the right in the bottom picture. My dad is in the center in the top picture and I’m in the center (center-left) in the bottom picture.
(In the wedding photo: Joe, my brother Chris, Me, Steve, Jeff, and Steve)
Sadly, in the top picture, my grandpa, my uncle and Mr. Kanne have all passed away. My uncle and Mr. Kanne are buried in the same cemetery as my mom and are not that far from each other. I often stop at all three graves when I am there.
Collectively in those photos are 10 men who all played (and continue to play) important roles in my life.
On a humorous note, I can’t help but think that both photos look like a police line up …
We took Ella and Andrew up to Cabella’s after their dentist appointment to get pictures with Santa yesterday. I thought for sure that I had posted some of my childhood Santa pictures before. However, after glancing through some of my past Christmas themed blogs, I discovered that I hadn’t. For what it is worth, it was a quick glance, so there is the possibility that I missed them. If that is the case, I apologize for repeating.
I thought it would be fun to check out some of these amazing photos from the past –
I cannot be sure which of these photos was taken earlier, but I think it was this one.
My dad wrote on the back of this that I am “about 2 years old.
My all time favorite photo with Santa is this one, in which I am wearing the craziest pants ever.
I joke all the time that the reason I am crying is because of those pants! I am probably 3 here, but I cannot be sure.
After that time, my folks probably decided to wait a few years before trying to get a picture with Santa. The next one that shows up is from when I was 6 years old, and it is with my brother and I.
I’m sure that we probably had more taken of us, but I have no idea where they are. Maybe a family member has a copy of one somewhere, but I don’t think I do.
I don’t know that we really ever took my boys to get their photos with Santa when then were tiny. So Fast Forward to 2009. Dante’ would have been 7 and Dimitri is 2 in this one. My brother actually took the above photo and put it in a frame with this one of them. It’s cool to see just how much they boys look like us.
One year later, we took them again to get photos at the mall. I remember this Santa. He was SO good!
I want to say that this Santa was the same Santa that appeared at an office networking party my morning show co-host, Stephanie, and I emceed in 2007.
He sure looks like it to me. If it is, the picture above would have been taken 3 years prior to the one with the boys.
I found this one after I posted this blog! This must have been a year or two after the boy’s previous picture. They used to like their hair “spiked.”
Some of my favorite Santa pictures were not professional ones at all. Ella was born just before Covid hit at the world shut down. A good friend of mine was out doing an appearance as Santa and stopped by the house. I blogged about it here:
Jan was such a great guy. He passed away not to long ago. I can never thank him enough for making a special trip over for Ella. I miss him.
Andrew was only about 2 months old at Christmas last year. We went to Cabella’s and Covid was still a worry. They had a bench in front of Santa for the kids to sit on. There was no way he was going to be able to so that, so the entire family got our picture with St. Nick!
Ella knew that after her dentist appointment yesterday we were going to see Santa. She was very excited. We arrived about 30 minutes early for our appointment. I didn’t matter, there was no one there when we arrived and we were able to get right up for pictures. When Ella saw Santa, she yelled, “Hi Santa!” and ran up and gave him a hug! The photographer deserves kudos because she actually snapped a picture of that.
She made sure that he knew she wanted a “princess castle” for Christmas and then she sat on his lap. We placed Andrew on Santa’s knee and the tears started! The photographer snapped a few photos and we got the best one. It’s totally ok that he was crying. Like father, like son, right!? Ella never has cried when she has seen Santa, which still amazes me.
I think it came out cute. Maybe next year, they can talk about Twinkles, our Elf on the Shelf, and about how she reports things to him at the North Pole.
It’s time for another Friday Photo Flashback. As we get closer to the Christmas holiday, I picked another Christmas photo to look at. It is from 1974.
I found this on a hard drive. I am guessing that it is a scan that my brother did of some of the photos from my aunt. My Aunt Jodi and I are 4 years apart. This photo was taken on Christmas Day in 1974. My aunt and I are featured in the picture.
There are a few reasons I chose to feature this particular picture. First of all, I do not remember it. As I said, it had to be one my grandmother took. I don’t recall seeing it in an albums at my house, or in any batch of digital scans from my dad.
Next, it takes me right back to my grandma’s living room. Where the Christmas tree is, my grandpa’s rocking chair was usually there. Next to it, or on the wall next to it (which was a half wall as I recall) was where my grandpa kept his cabinet phonograph.
Those things were awesome! He had many big band albums, and one with Harry Belafonte singing in concert. He always played the song about a hole in the bucket or something.
The fireplace was a real fireplace as I remember. I may have only witnessed one real fire in it growing up. I recognize the red candle that is behind me and to my right in the picture. Grandma had that for at least a few years. I am four in this picture, but it is in the same spot in another Christmas picture from their house when I was 2.
I love the mess of open boxes and wrapping paper all over the place in the picture. It is a bit too blurry to tell what some of the toys in boxes are, but that army jeep was probably my gift. This may have been the year I got a GI Joe Doll. The GI Joe came with a small hand grenade. This must have been years before anyone worried about kids choking on things, because it was quite small. It was so small that my brother stuck it in his nose and it got stuck! I know that required a trip to the ER to have it removed! The more I think about it, he may have stuck it in his ear, I don’t know.
UPDATE: My brother was able to zoom in a bit on the picture and told me that the box behind me is actually a Weebles set! Sure enough, here is the box!
I’m not a fan of the buzz cut that I am sporting, but it was a favorite haircut of my folks. I had them often. I also don’t know what to make of the outfit I am wearing. Wow! The 70’s sure had some crazy patterns on pants! Even my aunt’s pants look like something you’d see on an old golfer.
I really have no idea what my aunt is handing me. Of course, the way we fought as kids, she might be taking whatever that thing is away from me. Is it a snake? Is it a dinosaur? Is it a fish? I really cannot say. I don’t remember that thing at all! I’m smiling, so I must have thought it was cool.
The crocheted shawl my aunt is wearing has GOT to be something my mom made. If I were to make a wager, it very well may have been her Christmas gift from my mom. Mom loved to crochet and made a lot of things for family. She made me some sort of sweater vest one year. When she was into ceramics, she made something for every one. When she was making fabric painted sweatshirts, everyone got one. Because the pattern, I would certainly think that the shawl is my mom’s handiwork.
You will also notice that on the tree, right behind my aunt is a crocheted diamond ornament. My mom made hundreds of those ornaments. One year our tree was full of them! Want proof?
The other thing I notice in the picture with my aunt and me is the garland. It seems like garland was a necessity for Christmas for my mom and grandma. It is wrapped around the tree, which is where you’d expect it, I suppose. But you see the lone strand hanging down along the wall by the fire place? Right there between the tree and the melted plastic Santa? I can almost bet that it is strung along the top of the fire place.
I stopped writing and went to my hard drive to see if I could find a picture of the garland. Sure enough, a couple years earlier, here is my aunt and I in front of the same fireplace. There along the wall – is the garland!
The first episode of the Price is Right hosted by Bob Barker
Gas that only cost 36 cents a gallon
Nacho cheese Doritoes
Time Warner launched HBO
PONG!
Oakland A’s were World Series champs
Dallas Cowboys won Superbowl VI
The Godfather hit movie theaters
My baby brother was born
The story goes something like this – my mom and dad brought my brother home from the hospital after he was born and introduced us. My first response was “I don’t want him. Take him back!” And so begins the relationship of two brothers who couldn’t be more different.
Back in 2019, I asked my brother Christopher to write a little something for this blog. I went back and reread it today and found myself laughing again. It is worth sharing again.
Now that he has been older than me for 13 years (I’m stand on Jack Benny’s position that I am 39!), I wanted to find a special way to salute his 50 years on this planet. So, how about some photographic memories (in as chronological order as I can get):
I’d say the above photo is early 1973. He is obviously still too young to be that big of a problem to me.
This might be 1974. I’m not sure, but it seems like this may have been an outfit my mom liked me in. I think it is the same one I wore in a professional photoshoot.
Sure looks the same to me. Despite the terrible outfits, I love this picture of my brother and me.
Sesame Street was such a big part of our lives. I guess Chris really liked Big Bird. This picture cracks me up because I have mismatched PJ’s on! I may have to revisit this one for a Photo Flashback!
One of the first family photos I remember. We were at my dad’s work open house. Nice shirt, Chris!!
My mom made that ceramic Yoda for my brother for his birthday!
Christmas cheese! This might be the only picture of Santa with both of us. I could be wrong.
HA! We made these hats.
This was a Halloween costume I wore one year. Then they had some play at school and we recycled it for Chris.
I have posted that one before – fishing in Caseville! LOVE this picture – but hate my outfit!
Chris and I in matching shirts at my grandma’s house.
Terrible picture of both of us – but the look on his face cracks me up!
ANOTHER terrible photo!! Not sure about the ugly flannel shirts or our hair!!!
From my first trip to Columbus. I think this was the trip we had professional pictures of us taken for our folks. Thankfully, I cannot find those pictures!!
My aunt and uncle had a place on the lake and had a big picnic every year. Always loved going to them and it was always an added bonus when Chris was able to make it.
Best man at my first wedding.
A favorite photo of my brother, me and my dad – 2010
Again in 2013 – Christmas Eve I think
First anniversary trip in 2019 to Cleveland. My brother met up with us for dinner … somewhere in Ohio!
He’s quite a good Uncle to his niece and nephew. 2020
Family Photo shoot 2021
I have so many wonderful memories with my brother! We had a lot of fun growing up together. In recent years, we’ve become closer and I am grateful for that. I’m proud of his successes and am thankful that we are family. I wish you a wonderful day full of smiles and happiness.
Thank you for being such a wonderful friend, a support, and caring brother. Thank you for loving my family. Thank you for being such an amazing uncle. Thank you for taking us all to Disney (You are doing that, right?!)
Here is to another 50 years! Happy Birthday, Christopher. I love you, always!!
When I worked on the radio, we would often “recycle” bits. We would take something we had done in the past and “re-run” it, often updating it to be current. This blog is actually a recycling of an earlier Thanksgiving blog from three years ago, updated for 2022. I have gained many new followers over the past few years, all of this will be new to them. For those who have been with me from the beginning, I hope you don’t think I am being lazy. By recycling this, I am reminded of just how blessed I am!
Updated 2022
The blatant truth is that we should be thankful for everything in our lives. One of my favorite Bible verses is I Thessalonians 5: 18 which reads “In everything give thanks”. That means good things and bad things – and that’s sometimes hard to do! Believe me, I know from experience! Well, here goes…my list, in no particular order:
Things I am thankful for
My parents. Let’s face it, without them, I wouldn’t be here. I was blessed with a mother and father who raised me right. They supported decisions (good and bad) and were always there for me. Even though my mom is no longer here, her presence is ever-present. Dad is always around to talk music, old movies, and more. As with most holidays, he will be the first call I receive this morning. Laughing with him is always something I am thankful for. The kids always look forward to their Sunday morning video chat with Papa, too!
My wife. Without her, I wouldn’t be here either. She saved me and I am forever grateful. She came into my life at a very turbulent time – first as a friend, and then as someone much more than that. She made me smile and laugh during a time where there was little or no happiness. She cried with me and was a great support through very dark days. Thanks to her, I have found an unconditional love. I cannot imagine life without her, nor would I want to. She accepts me with all my faults and quirks. She makes me feel special. She makes me fall in love with her more each day. She completes me and I am thankful to have her in my life each and every second of the day.
We’ve experienced many changes over the last couple years. With the addition of our two kids, life is a bit more stressful and we’re a bit more tired. The “us” time has been lacking a lot. I need to make it a point to make more “us” time. I need to make sure that I don’t let all of the stresses in life make me forget how important she is to me. I need to step up – listen, love, and support her in ways that she truly needs.
My daughter, Ella. When I originally wrote this blog, she wasn’t even born yet. What a joy Ella is to have around. Her personality shines through now. It has been fun to watch her blossom into a toddler. She is so smart. Her imagination flourishes. I love sitting on the family room floor and “playing princesses” with her. I love watching Bubble Guppies with her. I could listen to her sing the songs from Frozen all day. She will forever have me wrapped around her finger! I’m so thankful for my princess.
My son, Andrew. He is the busiest baby I have ever had! Wow, do I wish I had his energy! Talk about a one track mind! He is forever grabbing for cell phones, TV remotes, and whatever toy Ella has. He was walking early and he hasn’t stopped. Now he is climbing all over the place. It is funny to see the relationship that he has with Ella. They truly love each other, but at the same time, they love to aggravate each other, too. It is rare to see him without a smile on his face. He’s a handful, but I wouldn’t change him for the world!
My sons, Dante’ and Dimitri. They could not be more different from each other. They both have their own talents. They remind me so much of my brother and I when we were growing up! They are creative. They are silly. They are loving. They are smart. They make me laugh and drive me crazy! I miss them when they are not with me and I love when we are together. I love to think back and remember the things they did as babies and I love to think about what they will do in the future. They make me proud of all their accomplishments. It is crazy to see how much they have grown. Dante’ is working hard and going to college, and Dimitri is in high school. I’m thankful for both of them.
My brother. Just like my sons, we couldn’t be more different. Growing up, we tormented each other! He has listened to me complain about life. He has offered advice on more than one occasion. He, in my opinion, is the more successful of the two of us! He has written – and published – books! He has made his way up the ladder at his job and is now a “big wig”. I am envious of him. Over the years, we’ve grown closer and are working separately (and together) on a project that will honor our mother. This project will only bring us closer – which I look forward to very much. Some of the stuff I have written for the project has been posted on this blog. There is still work to do, and it is slowly coming together. We really need to get together and see where we are at with things.
He has been an absolutely amazing Uncle to the kids. Ella just might have him wrapped around her finger, too. There always seems to be some package arriving for her or Andrew with Disney loot in it! Despite the miles, they kids love being able to video chat with him when they can.
My job. It’s really an amazing thing to help people. So many patients come in to our lab who are struggling with poor sleep, insomnia, apnea, narcolepsy, and other sleep disorders. To be able to offer advice, help them get therapy, and in some cases, save their life, it is pretty satisfying. I am lucky to have some pretty cool co-worker friends, too.
My education. For years, my mother begged me to go to college. She had sadly passed away before I finally enrolled in classes. I am grateful to have had some of the finest instructors and professors to guide me and teach me in my journey. Not only did I gain a degree, but I made many new friendships with classmates and teachers. I still hope to one day further my education.
My friends. Napoleon Hill said, “That man is rich indeed who had more friends than enemies…” I am truly a rich man! I am lucky enough to have made many friends throughout my life. Many of them I have known for over 40 years! So many good times! So many good memories! I am thankful for each of them!
My enemies. Yes, my enemies. First of all, they make me more appreciative and thankful for my friends! Second, they actually help me, too. How? Here is a great quote (I wish I knew who said it) “Your enemies evolve you at the core. They force you to defend and endure more than you thought possible.” Yes, my enemies may be full of hatred toward me. They may spread rumors about me. They may discredit me and bash me, but I am stronger because of their ignorance and loathing. Over the last few years, I have gained lots of strength!
My faith. It may not be important to you, but it is to me. I am thankful for God, His Word, His Son, and all that He has done for me. I am thankful for His unconditional love for me. No matter how many times I mess up, He is still there for me – loving me. That just amazes me.
Modern Medicine. We are blessed to live in a time where medical advances are curing diseases and saving lives! While there is a long way to go, and there are still many diseases that need a cure – we continue to make progress. I am thankful for the great minds who strive to find the answers, treatments, and cures. I hope to see cures for things like cancer in my lifetime.
Coffee. I was 12 when my grandpa introduced coffee to me (it was probably more cream and sugar than coffee, but I liked it.) Coffee has helped me through many overnight shifts on the radio, many 12 hour shifts in the sleep lab, and is just perfect to drink on a chilly autumn morning. I am also thankful for some of the wonderful flavors.
My country. I am thankful to live in the United States of America. I am thankful that we live in a country that allows us many freedoms. While I have not visited every state in the union, I can tell you that on a recent road trip, I was in awe of the beauty that I witnessed while driving. I am thankful and proud to be an American!
Cameras/Photographs/Videos. How many precious moments and memories have been captured by cameras? Without cameras how many things would be forgotten? Think about all of the historical pictures that have meant so much over the years. Now think about how looking at old family photos can immediately place you back in that exact moment with loved ones! Think about how awesome it is to watch an old home movie and hear the voices of loved ones who are no longer here. I am SO thankful for the memories that have been preserved for me on film.
I sometimes look like the crazy dad. I seem to always be taking pictures of the kids, but I do that because I want to remember these times. I don’t ever want them not to have pictures of themselves or their relatives.
Dreams and the ability to dream. I am thankful that every now and then, I will have a dream where I am once again talking with my mom or my grandparents. In the original blog, I mentioned that in my Facebook Memories for that day I mentioned a dream I had where I was hanging out with Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin – only in dreams!! The morning of the baby shower, I dreamed about my mom. Dreams are really interesting things!
My Past. Sometimes looking back at the past can be painful. Hindsight is 20/20, right? It’s always easy to look back and see the mistakes you have made and kick yourself for making them. I look at it another way – I am who I am today because of my past. The things that have happened to me along the way – both good and bad – are a part of who I am and have played a role in who I am today. Yes, I can look back and see people or events that disgust me, but without them – I’d be a very different person.
Air Conditioning/Heat. As someone who loves to go to museums and such, I always wondered how people got along without AC in the summertime or heat in the winter! I can’t imagine having to wake up in the middle of the night to add more wood to the fire or wood stove. I also can’t imagine working 8 hours a day in a place without AC! I am very thankful for those two modern-day conveniences!
Sunrises and Sunsets. One of my guilty pleasures is sitting and watching the sun come up or go down. When I lived on the west side of the state (Michigan), I was lucky enough to live right off the water. I would often go to the beach and just watch the sun set over the lake. It was majestic and beautiful! I am so thankful for these two simple things. Today, with my schedule, I tend to see more sunrises than sunsets.
Laughter/Humor. I love to laugh and I love the sound of laughter! I also love to make people laugh. I am so thankful for things that are funny and things that make me laugh. Charlie Chaplin said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted.” Milton Berle said, “Laughter is an instant vacation.” Another great quote is “Life is short. Spend it with people who make you laugh and feel loved.”
Music. I am thankful for music in SO many ways. Music, is one of those things that can evoke all kinds of emotions. A song, just like an old photograph, can take you back in time. In radio, we used to play what we called “Oh Wow” songs. Those songs that make you say, “Oh wow! I haven’t heard that in forever!” or “Oh wow! That reminds me of my senior prom!” Music is one of life’s great things! It can convey things with or without words. One of my favorite quotes, which is attributed to Hans Christian Anderson, is “Where words fail – music speaks.” SO True! I am thankful for some of the many music blogs I follow. They often remind me of some of those “Oh wow” songs!
The Kindness of Strangers. I have benefited from the kindness of strangers more times than I can count. We saw a brief surge of random acts of kindness when the movie “Pay It Forward” came out, and it is a shame that those acts have fizzled out. The world would be a better place if we took a moment and thought of others. There have been plenty of times where someone in front of me has bought my coffee at the drive-thru window, and I have returned the favor. I remember one time seeing an elderly gentleman eating alone in a restaurant. He never knew who I was, but I saw his World War II Veteran hat. I bought his meal and told the waitress to tell him that I thank him for his service. Random acts of kindness are not just something we can accept – they are something we can do.
Those who have served in the Armed Forces. We live in a free country because of the men and women who have served in the various branches of the military. I am thankful to each and every one of them. I know that our freedom came with a price and so many men and women paid the ultimate price for me – and you. Those that have served, no matter what branch and no matter if you were in battle or not, you are a hero! I am thankful for you and your service! I have friends and family who all served, and I am thankful for these heroes!
The Changing Seasons. Here in Michigan, I get to see them all! Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. The first snowfall is beautiful. Ice storms can be hell! Springtime showers and the grass turning green is a reminder of things becoming new again. Summertime is never long enough, but getting the chance to swim at the pool, golfing, and the smell of fresh-cut grass can always make me smile. Fall is my favorite season! This year we got hit with some early snow, so the joke is that Fall was the best “three days of the year”! The crisp cool air of autumn is perfect for bonfires. I’m sad to admit that we didn’t get to have any bonfires this year. The leaves changing colors makes for some spectacular rides on the highway. At any rate, I am thankful to get to experience each one of the seasons.
Spell Checker. Without this, I really don’t know what I would do! I remember all those spelling tests from school! The problem is, as I get older, I seem to have forgotten how to spell. Spell Check is one of those great features that got me through many a research paper in college. It can also be very helpful here in my blog. Of course, sometimes, you can misspell a word that is the correct spelling of another word, so it isn’t foolproof. I’m thankful for it anyway!
The often overlooked necessities. I could easily make these each an item on this list. I guess these are often things that are taken for granted. For example, my home. I am thankful to have a roof over my head to protect me from the elements. I am thankful for the clothes that I wear. I am thankful for fresh water and hot showers. Those two go together and, while it is often taken for granted, there are those who do not enjoy those simple things. I am thankful for electricity. While there are times I think it is cool to sit and read a book by candlelight because of a power outage, I’d rather have the light – and everything else that uses it. I am thankful for a good meal. Sometimes that meal may consist of a simple bowl of cereal, but the fact that I have food to eat is something that some people don’t have.
Bad Days. As much as we’d rather not have them, it is important to remember that when we have them, they remind us of just how awesome the good days are! I am thankful for bad days, but even more thankful for the good ones! I am also thankful that in the big picture – I have had more good ones than bad ones.
The Internet. It’s funny how we lived so long without it, yet we can’t really live without it today! I mean, without it, you wouldn’t be reading this! I am thankful for it and the good things associated with it. I am thankful to be able to connect with family and friends across the miles with social media. I am thankful that at any moment, I can open up Google and find an answer to a silly question. I am thankful that my kids and I can use it instead of encyclopedias to do research. So many things are at our fingertips because of the internet.
A good book/movie/TV show. I really enjoy being able to get lost in a good story. I love to read, but sadly don’t really get the time to do it as often as I’d like to. Same with a good movie. With movies, there are very few new movies that appeal to me. As most of you know, I prefer older films (you know, the ones that are so good some jerk in Hollywood decides to remake it and ruin it). I don’t need to see 20 minute sex scenes, car chases that are impossible to believe, blood and gore, or violence. I want a good story – and a good story is something that Hollywood has seemed to run out of. When it comes to TV, I rarely watch new shows. Most of them are “reality” based anyway and just garbage. I guess that’s why I am thankful for TV shows on DVD. Ok, last year, I kinda dissed on reality TV, and I should clarify that I mean talent shows, dance shows, and shows with singers in masks. To me, these are just a waste of my time.
My cat. There is no doubt that she is truly my cat. I know she doesn’t bug Sam like she does me. She takes every opportunity to come up by me when I am on the couch, a chair, or in bed. If they kids go to bed and I play my golf game, she is right next to me. She loves for me to pet her. As annoying as she can be, I really love her.
The five senses. I can’t imagine going through life not being able to see my children or my wife or some of the wonderful things I have already described. I can’t imagine not being able to smell fresh coffee brewing or my spaghetti sauce on the stove. I can’t imagine not hearing the sound of my children laughing. I can’t imagine not being able to taste a juicy steak. I can’t imagine not being able to feel a hug from my wife. I am SO thankful to have the ability to have all five senses!
Forgiveness. I am thankful for forgiveness. Sadly, it is one of those things that is rare today. It is, however, one of the great things taught in the Bible and throughout history. It is also one of the hardest things to do. I have trouble with it too on occasion. I am thankful that there are friends and family who have forgiven me for past transgressions.
Acceptance. I am thankful for those people in my life who accept me for who I am. They don’t try to change me. There may be things about me that they don’t like or agree with, but they love and accept me as I am. I try to do the same for others.
Encouragement. I would not be where am I today without the encouragement and support of others. It may have been the smallest gesture or a simple sentence in conversation, but the encouragement of others helped me to get through some tough stuff and I am thankful for that.
Change. This is hard for me to be thankful for, but I am. I have to be honest, I hate change! I am a creature of habit. When I lost 85 pounds, I did it primarily by eating the same meals every day. I do not like change, but I know it is important. There were many times over the last couple years that I had to step out of my comfort zone and accept it. I am thankful I did. Change is good – most of the time.
My Therapist. She, like many others, helped me to cope as life offered many challenges. She helped me sort out some feelings. She helped me to see things that I was completely unaware of. She helped me deal with the things involved in my divorce. She also is responsible for my blogs. I used to blog all the time, but was basically told that “no one wants to read that stuff”. I stopped writing. My therapist is the one who suggested keeping a journal. When I told her I used to blog, she asked why I stopped. When I told her why, she suggested starting back up. I told her I didn’t know what to write about. She basically said, “Write about whatever you want! It doesn’t matter if you are writing for others or writing for yourself. If you like to write – WRITE!” From the length of this blog – you can see that I like to write.
Facebook memories. This is a two-edged sword. It is a daily reminder or good things from the past, as well as times with people no longer in my life. I am thankful for it just the same. Many times it is a simple one liner I posted as a status, while other times it is my thoughts about my boys school events. Some pictures bring back good memories, while others bring back sad memories. I smile at the good ones and try to forget the bad ones, but again remind myself that I am who I am today because of the past.
I once believed that it was ok to let some of those memories pop up every year. However, now, I have found it is better to delete some of the past photos with people from the past. If my kids are in those photos, I leave them, but I have deleted quite a few pictures and posts that mention certain people. Why should I let that crap remind me of when I was miserable.
Pumpkin Pie with Cool Whip. Ok, so I finally had dessert while I was writing this. I love a good piece of pumpkin pie topped with Cool Whip.
YOU. Yep. I am thankful for YOU. You are reading this and I appreciate it. I am thankful for my followers and for those who read my stuff. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for following this blog.
Various Ramblings of a Nostalgic Italian 