30Jul 2013 by CJ

If someone truly loves you, you’ve been given the greatest gift

Love & Relationships
Isn’t it funny how our emotional state often fluctuates like a roller coaster – up and down with little warning? Over the last few days I just feel kind of blah. There’s nothing wrong with me physically – no glaring problems to speak of at home or a work. I just feel a little down – which means emotional songs filled with sadness are rotating on my iPod. I guess you could say I’m feeling a little numb emotionally. Stuck in limbo it would seem between reality and this foggy area that doesn’t necessarily make me sad, but it isn’t making me happy either. But that all seems to change when I catch a glimpse of my wife’s smile. She truly must possess some kind of magical powers because around…
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11Jul 2013 by CJ

You’re never alone in life – you just have to look around you

Life & Living, Love & Relationships
This wonderful song by Meredith Andrews is truly inspiring to me. I listen to it often lately – especially after my grandmother’s passing. Whether it’s the God you worship or the spirits from our past, I truly believe that we’re not alone in this world – even though at times it might feel that way. It’s definitely worth a listen – she has an amazing voice and the orchestration is simply beautiful (follow the link). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGNr72tB5XE Here’s hoping her song provides you with some much needed peace of mind. Enjoy! You’re Not Alone (M. Andrews) I search for love, when the night came and it closed in I was alone, but you found me where I was hiding And though I'll never ever be the same It was the sweetest…
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03Jul 2013 by CJ

Remembering what grandma used to cook

Love & Relationships
A coworker recently told me of a dessert she was making over the weekend. As she began describing her recipe I recognized it immediately – Pistachio Cake. [caption id="attachment_1794" align="alignright" width="300"] Thanks for the picture Lindsay![/caption] Cool whip, cake mix and pistachio pudding all conspire together to make a truly delectable dessert – as you can tell by the picture. I hadn’t heard of many people making this cake before, though my grandmother used to make it religiously growing up.Seeing this “green” dessert again brought back memories of grams and her many culinary fares I often enjoyed and indulged in. Famed chef Mario Batali once said, “The tradition of Italian cooking is that of the matriarch. This is the cooking of grandma. She didn’t waste time thinking too much about…
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27Jun 2013 by CJ

Same-sex marriage – a victory worth celebrating

Love & Relationships
On Wednesday, a divided Supreme Court voted 5-4 in each of two decisions – throwing out part of the law that denied hundreds of federal benefits to same-sex couples, and once again clearing the way for gays and lesbians to marry in the state of California. While issues still remain, it seems Americans are finally understanding that everyone has the right to fall in love with whomever they choose and have that love ultimately recognized legally through marriage. Congratulations to all those who fight the battle for equality and are finally making strides – I hope your journey will soon come to a fair conclusion.   Read my previous post - The Ban on Gay Marriage - What are we so afraid of?
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19Jun 2013 by CJ

Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love

Love & Relationships, Youth
On June 18, 2013 my beloved grandmother, Madeline Ruvere, peacefully passed away at the age of 92. [caption id="attachment_75" align="alignright" width="296"] A beautiful picture of grams with my great-grandfather.[/caption] Though her health was in continual decline over the last few months, it might sound strange but her passing was still a surprise. I realize it was probably expected given her age, but when you lose someone who once occupied a huge part of your living, laughing and loving, I assure you the loss is still profound regardless of how old you are. Over the last few days my memories of her have been very strong. Beyond the love and support she always provided me, I think the greatest gift she left me was a treasure chest of memories I can…
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