The Sky's the Limit - Even When You're 80

I have no desire to skydive at this stage in my life, but I wonder if I might change my mind when I am 80?  Check out this awesome video of a woman who went skydiving with her son for her 80th birthday.  It was on her "bucket list".  She is a true "SuperAger".



Click on the arrow above or go to this YouTube link:  http://youtu.be/3FUXlYC5MyM

Have a great day!

Angela G. Gentile

It's A Girl!

One of the sweetest joys in life is the much anticipated arrival of a new baby.

A new baby has come into my life, and I am overjoyed!  My brother and his wife have given birth to a beautiful little baby girl.  Although I have a lot of nieces and nephews on my husband's side, I have never had one on my side of the family until now.  This baby is different because I am related to her, by blood.  Funny how I see a resemblance of myself in her.  It is so exciting to have a new family member.  I am one proud Auntie and I love her to pieces already (and I haven't even met her yet).  I have seen pictures and we have video-chatted on Skype, and I'll get to meet her in person really soon.  I went shopping for baby clothes, and it is so much fun picking out little outfits for her.  She makes me happy.

Here are some of my favourite baby sayings:

Children reinvent the world for you. - Susan Sarandon

Making the decision to have a child is momentous.  It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. - Elizabeth Stone

Babies are such a nice way to start people. - Don Herold

A baby will be much more work than you could have ever expected, but it will bring you much more joy than you could have ever imagined. - Angela Gentile

I'll leave you with this - Top 10 Funny Baby Videos on YouTube:



Enjoy!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWHpcKXt-qQ&feature=related

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Guess Who Turns One Today?

http://thebrightsidestudio.com

On the Bright Side Blog Turns One Today! 

Hard to believe, but I have been blogging for one year as of March 25, 2011.  On the Bright Side has helped me to focus on the positive things in life, and I hope you have enjoyed reading and viewing over the last 12 months (over 250 posts).  Music, videos, photos, personal experiences and other gems I have found have brightened the days and given me something to look forward to.  To celebrate, I'd like to highlight a favourite post from each of the past 12 months.  Thanks for reading and sharing your comments and insights.

Top 12 Posts - One for Each Month of the First Year (March 2010 - Feb. 2011)

Mar. 2010 - Love Freely - Closer to Nature with Pets
Apr. 2010 - Marriage is a Choice - Celebrating Love
May 2010 - Heart-Shaped Peanut M & M
June 2010 - The Italian Way
July 2010 -  Newly Discovered Family Member
Aug. 2010 - You're Never Too Old
Sep. 2010 - How to Get Rich Quick
Oct. 2010 - Thankful Thinking
Nov. 2010 - The Benefits of a Positive Attitude
Dec. 2010 - Mini Gift War - A Fun Game
Jan. 2011 - Follow Your Dream
Feb. 2011 - Happy Roses - Feel Good, Feel Happy


Again, it's been a pleasure to write this blog, and I am happy to share my thoughts and finds with you.

Have a wonderful day and always look on the bright side of life!

~ Angela Gentile

International Women's Day - #100

 

Happy International Women's Day (March 8th) 

to all the wonderful women out there 

all across the world.  

Today is our day to celebrate all we've acheived, all we've become and all we are going to be.  

♥ Make Love, Not War.♥

☮ Peace to All. ☮

♂ Girl Power! ♂

Have a wonderful day and honour the feminine spirit and wisdom in us all today and every day on this special 100th anniversary of International Women's Day.

~ Angela Gentile

Mini Gift War - A Fun Game

http://boyletocho.tumblr.com/

For the last few years, we have played a game on New Year's Eve.  I learned about this game from a good friend.  After Christmas is over, and all the gifts have been opened, it is fun to turn our attention to the dawning of a New Year.  To celebrate this festive time, we like to have fun and get together with friends and family on New Year's Eve.  To add a little excitement to our New Year's Eve, we like to play a game. A perfect name for this gift exchange is Mini Gift War.  It's a modified version of the White Elephant Gift Exchange Game, or Thieving Secret Santa.

Here's how it's done:

1. Gather/purchase a number of "little" inexpensive "gifts" for each player.  These could be gag gifts, recycled gifts (things you have or received that you don't use) or things you purchase for a dollar or so.  It could be an empty toilet roll or a hat.  Think of age-appropriate and gender-appropriate gifts. The more weird and wacky gifts get lots of giggles.
2. Wrap these items in newspaper, flyers or other scrap paper (eco-friendly!).
3. Bring them to your party.  Put all the gifts in a pile.  There should be an assortment, because all the other players would have brought a few gifts, too.
4. Sit around the gifts in a circle.  Get a die.  Start the game by rolling the die.  The highest number starts.
5. The game starts with the first person rolling the die.  If he/she rolls a 2, 4 or 6 they can pick a gift and open it.  If not, they pass to the left. This person rolls the die, hoping for a 2, 4 or 6.
6. When a 2, 4 or 6 is rolled, the person can either "steal" an opened gift or take a new, unopened one from the pile.  If a gift is stolen from someone, they have a chance to steal from someone else, or open a new gift from the pile. The game continues in a clockwise fashion until all the gifts are opened.

The rules are:

• The opened gifts can only be stolen three times.  The fourth person that has the gift can keep it.  It's "Safe".
• It's more fun to be greedy in this game - hence the name Mini Gift War.  It makes for more fun.  Dramatic responses make it even more exciting!
• If you can think of something really creative to wrap (like your sister-in-law's orange scarf without her seeing), it makes for a really interesting game!

We are always surprised when a small, insignificant type of gift suddenly becomes the most wanted, popular gift.  Creativity, humour, drama and participation makes for a fun night!

Have fun, and all the best to you in the new year!

~ Angela Gentile

The Christmas Spirit is Love

A beautiful story, especially for parents who get asked the question, "Is Santa real?".  It's long, but worth the read.  I found this on skywriting.net.

Enjoy this Christmas season.  Happy Holidays!

~ Angela Gentile

 

The Lady's Hug 

The traffic in town crawled. Shoppers walked faster than the bumper-to-bumper cars could move.

"Just a few more blocks," I muttered. There was so much to do and the heavy traffic was wasting precious time.

Mapes was one-of-a-kind store that sold hardware, sewing notions, corny greeting cards and household goods. It'd been a fixture in town for decades. The kids loved the toy aisle, which was stocked with board games, puzzles and "must-have" items like silly putty, jump ropes and slinkys.

This visit to Mapes had special significance because Christmas was just weeks away. Frankie, Sarah and Caitlin took the opportunity to verbally add things to their Christmas list as they went along. A school yard sage had informed them that Santa had super-duper ears and that writing letters to the North Pole was old-fashioned.

After shopping we walked back to the car. A station wagon was double parked next to the car in front of me. Pulling out would be tricky. The space was tight, the traffic was thick and now, I had to maneuver around the double-parked car. The kids had gained energy from the toy aisle and the back seat chatter was escalating.

As I pulled out I heard a loud crunch. The car was suddenly silent. In the rear view mirror, three sets of eyes were wide with fear.

"It's okay," I said calmly. "I'm just going to take a look."

I got out and winced when I saw the cracked taillight and scratched paint on the other car.

"Just a few more inches and I would've been clear," I mumbled. Unbelievably, my Jeep was unscathed.

A woman climbed out of the station wagon. She was in her mid-sixties, with a brown hat that matched her knee-length coat. She surveyed the damage. Before she could say anything I blurted out an apology.

"I'm so sorry! I thought the car was clear! The kids..." The woman smiled. I stopped mid sentence. The smile was unexpected and so I waited, unsure what would happen next.

The woman's grin broadened as she touched her cracked taillight. "Merry Christmas honey."

My confused look made the woman laugh. "I said, Merry Christmas honey. Don't worry about this here car. I'm fine and so are you. Go on and take care of those children. My husband will take care of this."

I suddenly noticed a gray haired man standing on the passenger side, nodding and smiling. Overcome with relief, I hugged the woman. The woman hugged back and whispered, "Merry Christmas sugar."

I got back in the car and watched the station wagon pull away. After hearing what happened, the kids chattered about how great "the Lady" was. The rest of the day took on a glow of grace because she gave us the gift of kindness. I was sure, although I'd never know her name, I would never forget her radiant smile.

Days passed and Christmas drew nearer.

One afternoon, Frankie seemed troubled when he came home from school.

"What's up?" I asked as Frankie slumped on the couch.

"Nothin'." Which, in boy-speak meant something. Frankie's feet kicked in an up and down rhythm that kept his body busy while his 9 year-old mind worked on an unnamed problem.

"Care to share?" I sat next to Frankie, carefully avoiding the scissor-chop movements of his snow boots.

"Nope." Frankie's feet stopped. "Maybe later." And then he was off to play.

At bedtime, Frankie didn't want to sing any songs, which he loved to do in the weeks before Christmas. Something was definitely up. I rubbed Frankie's head and asked, "Wanna talk about what's bothering you now?"

Frankie shrugged, but seconds later a question bubbled up. It was one of THE questions parents face. In the category of questions like, "Why do people die?" and "Where do babies come from?"

"Mommy, do you believe in Santa Claus?"

I silently prayed for the right words. Seconds later I saw the Lady's brilliant smile and felt her kindness wash over me. An idea came.

"What do you think?"

Frankie shrugged. "Some kids at school said Santa wasn't real. They said parents put the gifts under the tree."

"Are you asking me if there is a Santa, or if parents put the gifts under the tree?"

Frankie hesitated. "I guess I'm asking both."

I wrapped my arms around Frankie and gave him a big hug. "I am so proud of you!"

"For what?" Frankie looked puzzled as he sat up against his headboard.

"You're old enough now!"

I moved closer and continued. "You see Frankie, while there isn't a man in a red suit, there is something called the Christmas Spirit. But when children are very little, it's hard for them to understand the Christmas Spirit so we say that someone named Santa is responsible for Christmas. Parent's know when a child asks whether Santa is real that they're old enough to understand the Christmas Spirit."

Frankie looked surprised. "What's the Christmas Spirit?"

"The Christmas Spirit is love -- pure and simple. Every year, right around December, there's a special feeling in the air. People are kinder, they give to those who have little and spend time with friends and family. Have you noticed a change recently?"

Frankie thought for a moment. "Everything seems prettier. People seem happier."

"That's the Christmas Spirit at work. Do you remember the Lady at Mapes a few weeks ago?"

Frankie nodded and grinned. "Oh yeah! She was so nice!"

"She had the Christmas Spirit. She forgave me even though she didn't know me. She wished me a Merry Christmas and I can still feel that wish today. That's how I know she shared the Christmas Spirit with me. It's as real as if she'd given me a present with a pretty bow. The Christmas Spirit is a gift we all receive every year. And those who are most blessed, carry it with them all year."

"I felt her Christmas Spirit too!" Frankie beamed.

"Parents want their children to remember the gift of Christmas every year, so they put presents under the tree and say a man named Santa is responsible until each child asks the question you asked me tonight. Then they get to share the wonderful secret of the Christmas Spirit."

"A secret?" Frankie's voice was hushed with awe.

"Yes, now that you asked about Santa, I know that you're old enough to understand the Christmas Spirit. But until other children ask their parents, you shouldn't tell them there's no Santa because they may not be old enough to understand yet."

"Oh, like Sarah is too young." Frankie nodded and winked. "I won't tell her I promise."

"When people ask if I believe in Santa, I say yes. I absolutely believe that there is a Christmas Spirit that visits each house at Christmas. Does it matter whether that Spirit is wearing a red suit? Or what we call it?"

Frankie shook his head. "Nope!"

"So congratulations! You are officially old enough to start learning about the Christmas Spirit."

Frankie crinkled his nose. "Start learning?"

"Yep. It takes the rest of your life to figure out how to keep the Christmas Spirit in your heart all year long."

"Like the Lady at Mapes."

I hugged Frankie and felt the warmth and brilliance of the Lady's hug once more. "Yes Bud, just like her."

~ Teri Goggin-Roberts ~
Indigomuse63@aol.com

Teri says "This is a true story about the day my son learned 'the truth' about Santa. Frank is now 22 and Sarah is 18 and both are still big fans of Santa! I have shared this story with many friends over the years who faced being asked The Santa Question. I hope it helps you too!"   Please click on the link below and let Teri know what you think of her story.

 

[ by: Teri Goggin-Roberts Copyright © 2009, ( Indigomuse63@aol.com ) -- {used with permission} ]

Tasty Treats

Puffed Wheat Cake

 A few years ago, one of my good friends brought over a Puffed Wheat Cake for dessert.  I fell in love with it, and I asked her for the recipe.  I started making this tasty, gooey, chewy treat and now I bring it to family gatherings for special occasions. The kids really love it.  My daughter and I like to make this together.  It's really easy to make and I thought I'd share the recipe here.  Don't forget to lick the bowl!

     Puffed Wheat Cake

     3/4 cup butter

     3/4 cup corn syrup (Bee Hive is best - substitutions don't always work!)

     1-1/2 cups brown sugar

     4-1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder

     8 cups puffed wheat

In a large pot, mix the first four ingredients together (I use a rubber spatula).  Bring to a boil, stirring for 1 minute. Carefully mix in the puffed wheat.  Spread into a greased 9" x 13" pan.  Pat down with damp hands or the bottom of a glass.  If you'd like, you can keep some of the liquid mixture out and spread it on top.  I add sprinkles at the end for a festive touch.  Let cool.  Cut into squares and serve!

Happy holidays!

~ Angela Gentile

O Christmas Tree

I was inspired the other day by a Christmas tree I saw while at work on a home visit.  It was a white tree with beautiful blue ornaments.  There was a white angel on the top.  What was striking about this tree was that there were presents underneath that coordinated with the colours on the tree.  The presents were wrapped in blue paper, in two different prints.  The tree was just beautiful.  I found a picture on the internet that "kind of" resembles the idea I was talking about. It was truly striking.

That got me thinking.  We put up a tree every year.  This year we used a red and gold theme (the kids picked out the theme).  I then started looking at Google Images for different kinds of trees.  I wanted to share the most interesting pictures here.

A "Red and White" Tree

A "Singing" Tree

A "Book" Tree

An "Eco-Plywood" Tree

A "Teddy Bear" Tree

The "11-Million-Dollar" Tree

...and last but not least, the Charlie Brown Tree!



Click on the arrow to see the YouTube video, or go to this link to see the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4Hv9YmhGpw

Whatever you have, whatever you do to celebrate this season, have fun!

Happy Holidays to all!

~ Angela Gentile

Sending a Parcel in the Mail

"Mail your packages early so the post office can lose them in time for Christmas."

- Johnny Carson

Care packages, Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, and other packages can be sent through the mail to those we love.  At this time of year, I find it is nice to purchase gifts, wrap them up, and package them in a box and send them off to my loved ones.  There is a lot of time and planning involved in purchasing the gift, wrapping it up, finding a box, then putting it into the box, sealing the box up securely, putting the address on it and bringing it to the post office to get it weighed and measured.  The last step is purchasing adequate postage to get it to where it is going.  Pre-planning is also involved, as you have to give yourself extra time because "snail mail" is not always the fastest.

When I am wrapping up the gift and placing it in to the box I envision putting my care and love into the box, too.  When the gift arrives at it's destination, I envision the person opening up the box, and the "love" pouring out while they are taking out their treasures.  I like to put lots of tissue in the box, too, so that the "love" is captured in each tissue.  As each piece of tissue is removed, the crinkly sounds add to the excitement.  I always include a card or a personalized message in the parcel, too. 

For those loved ones across the miles who you can't be with over the holidays, please consider sending a parcel in the mail.  If you can't be together in person, you can be together in spirit with the act of giving.   Don't forget to put lots of care and love into the box, too!

Happy holidays!

~ Angela Gentile

Practice Gratitude

Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving every October.  Traditional turkey, potatoes, gravy and sweet potato will be on a lot of people's plates as we give thanks for all we have and for the lives we have been blessed with. 

Practicing gratitude is a great way to feel more positive about your life.  Sometimes if you are feeling down and feeling "less than", it helps if you stop and think about all the things you are grateful for.  It could be your family, friends, where you live, the bed you sleep on, the food in your fridge.  It could be your job or your education.  Everyone has things they are grateful for.

It's a good idea to practice gratitude on a regular basis.  It will make you feel instantly better in terms of filling your heart with peace and happiness.  Some people like to write out a list, some like to put it in a daily journal.  Some can work it into meditation or prayer.  You can even share your thoughts with others around meal times.

Think about the things you are thankful for.  What fills your heart and brings your comfort?

Go to this link to get some ideas on how you can practice gratitude.  There is a nice video, too. http://www.practical-personal-development-advice.com/practice-gratitude.html

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Another Door Opens

"In the end, a job is not just a job; it's who you are...

and if you want to change who you are, well first,

you have to change what you do". 

-- From the movie, Repo Men (2010).

Changing jobs is quite difficult in some ways.  My last day of work was very bittersweet.  I had formed great relationships with everyone in the office, and I found myself happy to be moving on, but sad to be leaving the people that I had spent most of my waking hours with over the last 3 and a half years.  I had formed many special bonds with my co-workers, and those mutual feelings became more apparent over those last few days.  In addition to a celebratory luncheon with 15 co-workers, I had three coffee-break parties, and my coworkers brought in baking and goodies.  I received beautiful cards and parting gifts, including a gorgeous pink and silver necklace that I wore on my last day.  I received a bouquet of red and fuchsia flowers that were cheerful and bright, and a beautiful planter filled with lush greenery and yellow petals.  I also received a photo album of pictures of my co-workers.  That's how they will be remembered.  Sitting at their desks, smiling, and taking time out for a photo.  All the hugs on that last day were really special, too.

As I reflect on my last 10 years with the Home Care Program I am proud of all that I've accomplished.  I feel that I have gained a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge.  I am glad to be moving on and ready for new adventures and challenges.  My new career will offer me learning opportunities and a chance to develop my skills even further as a Geriatric Mental Health Clinician. 

I am happy to have had a wonderful team to work with in my last few years and grateful for my next opportunity.  I look forward to keeping in touch with my former coworkers, and meeting new people in my next job.  When one door closes, another one opens.  There are opportunities everywhere.  Change is scary, but sometimes necessary.  An open door awaits.

Take care,

~ Angela Gentile

The Glory of Success

"If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you." 

-- Anonymous

What is success, seriously?  Success is achieving a goal that you've been working on.  It's getting it right, after many times of getting it wrong.  It's a journey, not a destination.

I'll share a little personal story.  Over the last year and a half, I have been working on getting a new job.  I had been in my current position for 10 years, and it was time for me to move on.  I had applied for many jobs, had many interviews, but nothing seemed to "fit" right with me.  I was starting to get discouraged, but I persisted.  My family and friends encouraged me to keep going, providing me with lots of support. 
I was on the roller coaster of life, lots of ups and downs.  They were there every step of the way. Finally, it all paid off.  I have found a new job, and I consider this a success.  My "Career Shift" success.

The moral of this story is that it takes a lot of hard work, persistence, and focussing on your goals to get to where you want to be.  The journey of success continues, and it often pays off to do your very best.  Being grateful for your accomplishments and realized goals keeps you on the track of continued success.  This is a glorious feeling and it is important to celebrate these times in our lives.

I hope you feel successful in your life, and if you are working on new goals and accomplishments, I wish that all the support and encouragement you need comes your way to help you keep focussed and positive.

Sincerely,

~ Angela Gentile

Top 10 Posts of the First 100

Today we celebrate post number "100" On the Bright Side Blog.  What is in a number?  100 is quite a feat if you reach it in people years.  It's a Century.   It's a great mark to get when you are writing an exam.  100 is the number of tiles in a standard Scrabble set.  In Roman numerals, 100 is the letter C, for Centum.  To celebrate this 100th post, I thought it would be fitting to do a top 10 list of my favourite blogs.  These are blogs that I felt excited about creating, ones that were usually days in the making, and most heartfelt.  These are the ones that have generated interest and comments from my readers.  I'll list them here in no particular order.  If your favourite has been left out, please let me know.

The Top 10, in no particular order are (click on the link to see the post):

1.  The Italian Way
2.  Heart-Shaped Peanut M&M
3.  Lucky Seven
4.  Marriage is a Choice - Celebrating Love
5.  Love Freely - Closer to Nature with Pets
6.  A Day for All Mothers
7.  Do Your Kids a Favour - Give them Chores
8.  Billboard Advice
9.  The Roller Coaster of Life
10. Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

Thanks for reading, and have a fantastic day!

~ Angela

Rewards, Awards and Moving Onward

"The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential...

these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence."

                                             --Eddie Robinson, College Football Coach

This week both of my children came home with medals.  It's the end of the school year and the students who achieved average marks over 90% were awarded with these medals.  The larger one is called, "Honours with Excellence", and the silver-tone one is called "Honours with Distinction".  I was very proud of my kids when they came home with these medals.  I told them how important it is to do your very best when you are in school, as this prepares you well when you advance to higher education.  Both of my kids want to achieve their very best.  Rewards such as these deserve celebration.  

Congratulations to all students, everywhere, for doing your very best.  The younger generation should be rewarded and awarded for their efforts, and encouraged to move onward and upward. 

Have a great day!

~Angela

Dad's Day

"If the new American father feels bewildered and even defeated, let him take comfort from the fact that whatever he does in any fathering situation has a fifty percent chance of being right." - Bill Cosby


Every year, people all over celebrate Father's Day.  This is a time to honour the men in our lives who are and  have been a parent and who devote their time to raising their children, nurturing and loving them. 

What is a father?  A father is someone who you can count on when you're scared; big strong arms that can hold you when you're anxious or frightened.  Fathers offer encouragement and advice, and always try to help solve any problem you have.  Dads are usually solution-focused, so when you have a problem, Dad is usually there to help. 

When I was growing up, I had a great father, but I also had two grandfathers who were special to me.  My fathers taught me the importance family values and strong work ethics.  I was encouraged by my dad to achieve more and I thank him for that.  Now, I have a father and a father-in-law.  It is wonderful to see how these men have matured, and now have grandchildren to nurture, teach and love.

A very special father in my life is my husband.  He is a wonderful father to our two children.  He is helpful around the house, and he's someone I can count on as part of the parent team.  He himself has a good, strong work ethic, and prides himself on working hard.  He calls it the "labour of love".  Dads all over the world teach us what the true meaning of the phrase "labour of love" is. 

Thanks to all the Dads (both living and those who have passed) out there.  Thanks for all you do - it's greatly appreciated.  Today is your day.  Relax, have a rest, watch some sports, or go fishing.  Do what you want to do.  You deserve it!

Here's a little something to remind us just how special Dads really are (1:03).




Have a great day.

~Angela

The Italian Way

Blame it all on Vinnie Barbarino (Welcome Back Kotter) or Danny Zuko (Grease). 

I have been happily married to an Italian man for the last 20 years.  When I met him, I was quite impressed by his family and their strong cultural beliefs and values.  My familiarity with Italians started when I was younger.  I grew up in an area in Ontario that had a lot of Italians, and I found myself gravitating to their ways of life and I became good friends with some of my Italian classmates and neighbours.  As I grew up, I knew there were things about this Italian Way of life that I really liked (including John Travolta!). There are many things that this Canadian-born female has learned from her Italian friends and relatives over the years.  I want to talk about three areas that are most outstanding in my opinion:  Food, Family and Affection.

I have learned that Food is a very important part of life for Italians.  The passion that goes into planning, purchasing, planting, picking, preparing and putting it on the table is so evident and strong, that you can't help but love the food.  The pastas, sauces, meats and vegetables are mouthwatering.  Don't forget the vino (wine)!   Food is always present at any social gathering - be it a quick visit in the afternoon, or a Sunday afternoon visit for lunch or supper.  Italian food is one of my favourites.  Rarely does my mother-in-law come empty handed to our house for a meal!

Family values are very strong in the Italian culture.  The love that is shown towards children in the family is very evident.  Harmony among family members is always the desirable outcome of any disagreements. Respect for the grandparents is expected and taught to the young.  Birthdays, Anniversaries, and other important holidays and events are always acknowledged and celebrated among caring family members.

Hugs and kisses are given very liberally by most of the Italians I have ever known. Their abundance of affection makes one feel loved and included very early on in the relationship.  I've never been kissed and hugged so much in my life until I met my husband and his family.  What a beautiful way to feel accepted and loved by others.  I have to admit, it did take some getting used to! 

It's true what they say about Italians.  When you marry an Italian, you marry their family.  My mother thinks I have become "more Italian" over the years.  I guess some of those good things have rubbed off on me.  I have been to Italy, and I can truly say that Food, Family and Affection build the very foundation of what Italians stand for.  I like the Italian Way and I have learned a lot of good things from my Italian friends and family.

Ciao!

~Angela

A Great Wedding Entrance

Here is my favourite wedding entrance of all time.  I can watch this over and over again.  Great job!




Check out On the Bright Side Vlog YouTube Channel for more of my favourites.

Have a fantastic day!

~Angela

Wedding Anniversaries - A Time to Celebrate

"For two people in a marriage to live together day after day is unquestionably the one miracle the Vatican has overlooked." - Bill Cosby

Today my husband and I celebrate 20 years of marriage. We have actually been celebrating since February of this year, when we went on a Caribbean Cruise with a large group - including all of his family!  This past weekend, we went to a dinner theatre, and we spent the evening with another couple.  We went to Celebrations, and we saw the production called, "Greased".  It was a lot of fun, and it included songs from the movie Grease, plus a lot of other oldies.  There was humour, fun, and romance.  My husband and I were up on stage, with a number of other couples, celebrating their anniversaries that night as well.  There was a couple who were married for 45 years (that's more than twice as long as us!).  Another man got on his hands and knees and bowed to the husband.  The Celebrations staff asked the husband, "What is the secret to staying together so long?", and he said, "Just don't say too much".  The audience roared with laugher.  The wife was asked the same question, and she said the key to a long marriage is to "Love and forgive".  These were wise words coming from people who had been together a long time.

I am blessed with a happy marriage, and I am fortunate to be where I am today.  I think it's important to celebrate marriage more often than once a year.  Take the time to be thankful for what you have together.  I am in the process of planning a 50th Wedding Anniversary party for my in-laws. I told them that I want to organize a party for them that will include dancing and celebrations.  I told them that they deserve it.  They are hoping to have about 70 people there to share their Golden Anniversary with. 

As you look at your own life, and those around you that are celebrating milestones in their relationships and marriages, be thankful for those loving relationships.  They are the foundations of families, and they are the models for our children and grandchildren.

"Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years."  - Simone Signoret


Have a fantastic day!
~Angela

A Day for All Mothers

I picked up a book called, "Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul" and I have started reading stories that "open the hearts and rekindle the spirit of mothers".  What the authors wrote in the Introduction was quite powerful.  The first line reads,

"This book is our gift to you, the mothers of the world.  In writing this book we wanted to honor mothers everywhere, but how can you thank a mother for the gift of life?"

The Gift of Life.  That is exactly what being a mother is all about, isn't it?  The relationship between a mother and child is so very special.  I attended a baby shower not too long ago, and it was so nice to see the new mother with her new little bundle of joy.  She was also blessed to have her own mother, her mother-in-law and her step-mother at this event.  In addition to that, she had three of her own grandmothers there.  This little baby boy Grayden was surrounded by seven mothers who all have a vested interest in his health, happiness and success.  Maternal instincts are so very strong, and it is passed along the generations. This little boy has had a wonderful start, surrounded by motherly, grandmotherly and great-grandmotherly love. 

When I was a child, I found it odd to see other mothers being wished a "Happy Mother's Day".  I thought I was the only one with a mother, and that day was reserved especially for her.  Mother's are special and now that I am a mother myself, I appreciate and respect all that my mother did for me and my two brothers.  I now notice and appreciate all the forms that a mother can take.  I see it when a dog has puppies and she nutures her young.  I see it when the birds build a nest and prepare for their offspring.  I notice when celebrities like Madonna, Angelina Jolie-Pitt and Sandra Bullock adopt children from far-away lands in hopes of giving children around the world a better chance at life.  I see the love my mother-in-law has for all her children and grandchildren (and sons and daughter-in-law).  

The one thing I know for sure, is "once a mother, always a mother". I have spoken to hundreds of elderly women who still worry about and are concerned for their adult children and grandchildren. The love of a mother is undying.  The love and gratitude we have for the mothers and grandmothers and other significant women who have passed before us is still there and lives on.  It is always a privilege to remember and honour those special women that have brought us life and nurtured our spirits years ago.

I close with this:  "God couldn't be everywhere, so he created Mothers".  Happy Mother's Day.

~Angela

Spring Has Sprung: Dancing in the Rain

"Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain." ~Author Unknown

The first good rain of spring is always refreshing.  It washes away all the dust, dirt and mould that has collected over the fall and winter months, and it gives new life to the grass, plants and trees.  Our city has turned from a dull grey/brown to a lush, vibrant green in literally a matter of hours.  The grass is looking so healthy and the leaves are budding on the trees.  The shine and gloss the water leaves adds to the brilliance of the colours.

When I came home from work, I found my daughter outside, in the rain, jumping on the trampoline with three of her friends.  They were all soaking wet, happy and it looked like it was a celebration of spring's arrival.  I saw a robin in the rain, looking for little worms in the grass, and this is always a beautiful sight.  My niece's facebook status said, "Dancin in the rain!".  Children, birds and people all over are celebrating spring's arrival with this first rainfall of the season.  We are feeling renewed and refreshed!

Enjoy!

~Angela

(PS - Thanks for the inspiration Pat!)