THE JOURNEY CONTINUES...

Barbara Ward-Finneran
It's National Autism Awareness Month.  Today is "Light it Up Blue" day.  I'm embarassed to say that I forgot to wear blue today, except for my blue jeans.  I will admit that that was accidental.  It didn't even dawn on me when my friend greeted me at her door in her 5K for Autism shirt.  Days ago I remembered that April was approaching and that, among other things, meant Autism awareness month and I needed to get writing something for this recently neglected blog.  Practically every day I want and hope to write and yet the days slip by and the posts happen less often then I'd like, and less often then they did not so long ago.  That said, writings fill my head of so often and lately just don't get tapped out on the keyboard.  But today cannot slip by without a post.  Two years ago I wrote Journey Through the Silence.  Every word still rings true today, for me, my family, my friends and so many on this journey - a journey with out and end.  Awareness is a great step but ACCEPTANCE needs to be our destination.  

I may not have remembered, but I didn't forget.  I couldn't forget.  My husband, sons and I walk this journey every day and we are so blessed to have dear friends who walk it with us as well as those who hold our hands along the way.  Today was a day like most others.  It's spring break in our neck of the woods and before my boys morning sleep over play date ended I was anxious to get the next activity planned.  A few texts later and a group of us were meeting at Subway for lunch.  Our adventure for the day.  Five bicycles, two moms, three hungry adolescent boys (two of whom have ASD) and a mile or two between us and food.  My dear friend greeted me at the door, (Autism shirt on), and we rallied the troops into helmets and were on our way.  A bike ride with some teen and or almost teen boys, not a big deal to many.  A great accomplishment for us.  A new triumph for us and our kids.  Another notch on our warrior belts.  Another friend met us there... and now we were three moms and five kids.  Three moms of spectrum kids... three moms who got each other as we slid through the chaos of the busy lunch line and order changes.  Even with the best laid plans --- there was going to be a 15 minute wait for meatballs (Change in plans - OH NO, you ASD moms get it).  Thankfully all rolled with that obstacle.  We sat.  The kids laughed and chattered.  We ate.  We talked.  We shared. The journey never ends...  Our friend who drove to meet us was leaving for an IEP meeting for her son.  My heart ached for her anxious nerves as it was so easy to remember gearing up for similar meetings.  There we sat, a group of moms like any other - blessed to have a decade of love and support between us.  Years of shared victories and heartaches.  Endless hours of advocating, supporting and at times venting.  (Occasionally adding wine when needed.)  We are just like other moms.  Only sometimes... often, we were different, and we got it, got each other... our places on the spectrum vary, but we got it. And, out of the deal got priceless friendships.  Having seen each other tears and held each others backs for years knowing there was strength in numbers and we give that to one another unconditionally.  To quote, Mazie La Bird, from Seussical the Musical, that all of children were in together, "How lucky, how lucky, how lucky you are". I wouldn't be where I am today with out the love and support of my family and friends.  My sons wouldn't be where there are and who they are without that same support system.  HOW LUCKY "WE" ARE...  

... A few minutes on Facebook this evening made me formally remember it was Light it Up Blue day.  I scrambled to share and post a few things and also posted a link to Journey through Silence.  Debated in my mind about a fresh post for today --- before today was over.  I was leaning towards letting it go, when I was messaged, (Someone had read my Journey link, ironically by a friend I made through DRL when she wrote a guest post. Never underestimate the power of a post, lol.)  Her words moved me to tears as she shared about young man in her life who lives with ASD and ending with: "God Bless you for setting the bar for parents who all too often do not advocate for their children.  I 'm honored to have you as my friend".

All too often we may take for granted what our words mean.  What it means when we wait in silence for those first words.  Or when we speak words of encouragement and faith.  Or when we share our journey so another doesn't feel alone.  When we can translate the words our tears speak whether from joy or pain.  When we speak words to advocate for our own and in doing so light the path for others.  Our words have power, more so when spoken with kindness love and acceptance.  

Be aware.  Be welcoming.  Be the voice with the words that someone needs to hear.  Be accepting... Awareness is a great step but ACCEPTANCE needs to be our destination.  Isn't that every mother's greatest wish, that our children be accepted and loved.  We aren't different at all!  

To all who walk with me --- I LOVE YOU - you know who you are! XOXOX
-Barbara

NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS DAY

Awareness is a step...

Acceptance is the destination!

KISS ME I'M IRISH - PART II

KISS ME I'M IRISH - Mar Chuid Dá (Part II)

Jillian B. Hart

She found herself very melancholy and couldn't even explain why if she had been asked.  Rather then give into the blues she fashioned on a casual emerald green dress and zipped up the knee length, spiked, black boots. Slipped into a leather jacket and headed out the door.  People watching always lifted her spirits and gave her inspiration to write.  What better night to gather in the sights.  

She sat at the bar, taking in the blur of faces on the dance floor. The festive holiday sounds emanated through the room mixed with dance tunes.  Shiny plastic four leaf clovers and green beads dangled from necks and bounced across chests in erratic and off beat motions. Choirs of "Slainte" replaced the usual shouts of cheers followed by the clinks of beer mugs.  Green beer overflowed, yet, not her drink of preference so she had ordered Bailey's straight up.  Every one was Irish today.  Yet her Irish eyes were far from smiling.  Although she had never fancied this Irish pub in the city, perhaps this wasn't the right pub to observe the happy crowds, as something about the place reminded her of times gone by. 

A finely manicured hand wrapped the glass.  She sip the creamy drink and felt it flood her with warmth. The sensation of the alcohol filling her up with a light headiness. She was so lost in thought as she took in the deluge of dancers and drinkers, that she hadn't noticed him.

He did a double take when he saw her. He had missed everything about her.  How many times had he seen her brown eyes when he closed his, remembering that night he never told her.  The night he let her say goodbye and walk out of a bar, and in essence walk out of his life. He didn't tell her.  Never told her what he should of said.  He just held it in. How were you supposed to ask someone to stay when you couldn't make any promises?  How do you ask that of a friend?  Even a friend that you loved with more passion then you were willing to admit to at the time.  That was night before she left to relocate across the country. It all flooded back, like it was days ago rather then over a decade into the past.

His heartbeat quickened.  As he took in the view across the bar.  Tendrils of hair framed her face and the bodice of her dress dipping to reveal the curves of cleavage and hug her frame.  His gaze danced over her taking in every inch that he could see, as his mind rushed to decide what action to take next.  Desire twisted inside him making his mind fill with all kinds of wickedly wild images.  A hotness flooded his groin and the blue jeans grew painfully tighter.  He started towards her, watching her perched elegantly on a stool with sparkling eyes darting around the room.

He tapped her shoulder and she turned to face him while brushing the curls from her face.  Astonishment initially flashed across her face, follow by recognition and anxious anticipation.  She held his gaze letting out a sexy breath as she began to speak.  He watched her pulse quicken at the base of her throat as he leaned in to take possession of her mouth before she could utter a word.  She went absolutely still for an instant before closing her eyes and melting into the moment.  Her lips parted more - as strong, gentle hands caressed her face.  The touch so familiar in her memory that she went breathless as she tasted the sweetness of his kiss in her mouth.  It inflamed a warmth in her that peaked between her crossed legs.  With his lips over hers, he gently sucked small dotting pecks across her maroon painted lips until their mouths instinctively opened up.  Tongues now danced in slow circular motions as he ran his fingers through her hair. Her body betraying her will to remain collected. Shivers electrified her and every emotion was released as she moaned. She was so responsive as their tongues tangled, that he thought he'd explode if he dared to imagine how she'd be when he got her alone.  His blood pulsed so fast it echoed in his ears, as goosebumps danced over her flesh awaking every erogenous zone in each of them.  Sparking a pool of moisture at the pinnacle where her thighs met. He pulled her closer and she slid off the stool pressing their bodies together.  Her scent closed over him like the first pure snow white washes a landscape. The intensity growing until she eased away and gently broke the embrace.  The sound of the crowd sobering them back to their senses.  Leaning back on his heals he gazed into her eyes waiting for feedback or retort. Long lashes curtaining the feelings smoldering in the depths of her expressive eyes. The seemingly long pause made him toy with apologizing for ravishing her in public.  But, he couldn't articulate the words, as he was only sorry that he couldn't finish what he started.  She drew a deep steady breath before she spoke.  Her voice low and sexy, a melody he'd never forgotten, sexual sparks hanging in the air, "Where have you been hiding? I've missed you..."

Her Irish eyes smiling brightly as a mischievous grin flashed across her glossy lips. She grabbed his hand and said, "Let's get out of here".

Happy Post St. Patrick's Day!

XOXOXO

REPRISE: KISS ME I'M IRISH - Mar Chuid Dá (Part II) 

Editors Note: Originally Posted 3-19-11

SHE SAID... KISS ME I'M IRISH

Pháirt Amháin (Part I)

Jillian B. Hart

Kissing is one of the most sensual and sexy ways too express your passion for your partner.  So many ways to get erotic with your lover but most often the starting point is a kiss.  A lingering embrace of lips that leaves your mate longing for more and daydreaming about you long after the moment is gone.

In the chaos of life it is all too easy to forget the power of the kiss.  All to easy to fall into the "smooch" and or "smack' syndrome. The quick peck that has become habit and essentially is so over used that it means nothing. This cordial interaction certainly doesn't raise a pulse.  Day in and day out, reality gets in the way and these kisses have their place but to keep sparks from fizzling a couple must define time to include romantic passionate kisses in their daily love diet.  These encounters need not be saved for "bedroom time" but should rather be used often as prelude to escapades yet to come.  What is more exciting then anticipation?  You want your lover to desire you,  then it is necessary to lay one on them that leaves them longing for more.  Sexy kissing is all about a moment that makes your partner crazy for you.  Kissing must not just be a road map to sex but rather an appreciated act of pleasure unto itself.

Take the time to add a sexy kiss into your day.  If you have been dwelling in smooch-ville you may need to start slowly or risk the "what got into you suspicion".  But start.  As this might just be your ticket to "do it again in like, 72 hours or less".  At least one of your hands must touch your partner.  Don't stress about this or make it complicated.  Put your hand in their hair. Caress the cheek. Lift and hold the chin. Rub the arm. Wrap the waist. Pull them closer a hug.  Just initiate a simple yet intimate connection.  Follow up with kiss.  Not smooch or smack.  Lips must linger together for at least 10 seconds. Or be a series of tiny butterfly pecks that elapse over the same length of time. Sound easy?  Count slowly in your head to ten the next time you kiss. It's longer then you think! Once you master ten - go longer!

Want more sex?  (Doesn't it always come down to that for some?!)  More intimacy for the others? I challenge you to incorporate three ten second kisses into your day on a daily basis for a week.  See what awakens in you and your lover.  See if more sex develops.  See if she's happy about it.  We all know he will be.  Sex makes men happy.  Let's see where the kisses get you.....

So in honor of this day - where everyone is Irish!  Celebrate the whole "Kiss Me I'm Irish" and unleash your inner sexy kissing leprechaun!  Kiss your lover!!! Beats the hell out of kissing the blarney stone!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

XOXOXO

REPRISE: KISS ME I'M IRISH - Pháirt Amháin (Part I) 

Editors Note: Originally Posted 3-17-11

IRISH EATERY & PUB

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Being raised in a traditional Irish American home meant lots of potatoes, bread with every meal, and of course Corned Beef and Cabbage for dinner on Saint Patrick’s Day!  It’s a great meal to make because it all goes in one pot! When I was young, my mom cooked the meal in a pressure cooker. Today we have it much easier. Throw everything in a crockpot and the meal cooks itself! And for dessert – Irish Cream Chocolate Cheesecake! Follow the simple recipes below and have a wonderful Saint Patty’s Day from the Delayed Reaction Lounge!

Traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage

3 pounds corned beef brisket with spice packet

1 quart water

10 small red potatoes, wash thoroughly

5 carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch pieces

1 large head cabbage, cut into small wedges

Place corned beef in large crock pot, fat side up and cover with about 1 quart of water.
Perforate the spice packet that came with the corned beef and place on top. Place potatoes
around the meat and top with cut cabbage. Make sure meat and potatoes are totally covered
with water.P Cook on LOW for 10 hours. When done, place vegetables in a bowl and
cover. Place meat on a platter and let sit for 5 minutes. Slice meat across the grain. Serve
with spicy mustard. 5 servings

Irish Cream Chocolate Cheesecake

1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup butter

3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 cups white sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup Irish cream liqueur

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F . In a large bowl, mix together the cookie crumbs,
confectioners' sugar and 1/3 cup cocoa. Add melted butter and stir until well mixed. Pat

into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes; set
aside. Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees F
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, white sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa and flour. Beat at
medium speed until well blended and smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after
each addition. Blend in the sour cream and Irish cream liqueur; mixing on low speed.
Pour filling over baked crust.
Bake at 450 degrees F for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 250 degrees F, and
continue baking for 60 minutes.
With a knife, loosen cake from rim of pan. Let cool, then remove the rim of pan. Chill
before serving. If your cake cracks, a helpful tip is to dampen a spatula and smooth the
top, then sprinkle with some chocolate wafer.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

DID YOU KNOW...

The Irish flag is green, white and orange.  Green symbolizes the people of the south, and orange the north.  The white represents the peace that brought them together as a nation.  

The first St. Patrick's Day was celebrated in 1737 in Boston, Massachusetts.  

St. Patrick was born around 385AD

The first official St. Patrick' s day parade was held in New York City in 1766.  

The harp is a symbol of Ireland.

The color of green is commonly associated with Ireland, also known as "the Emerald Isle". 

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the highest number of leaves found on a clover is fourteen!

It is estimated that there are about 10,000 regular clovers for every four-leaf clover.

Legend says that each leaf of the four leaf clover means something: the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck.  

Happy St. Paddy's Day from the DRL Crew!

WHAT MATTERS

Barbara Ward-Finneran

Taking one day, one moment, at a time.

Laughing till it hurts and tears stream your cheeks.

Having faith beyond reason. 

Every little fantasy that can be a reality.

Caring for parents who always cared for you.

Songs that make you smile and warm your heart with memories.

Saying "I love you" and meaning it with actions & deeds

Being kind.

Praying when it's hardest to pray. 

Hugging the kids, for no reason at all, just because you can.

Keeping the promises that you make to yourself!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DRL!

The lounge is two years old today! <3

Happy Birthday Delayed Reaction Lounge and Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

Thank you to all of our writers and more importantly all of our fans who read our posts!  So glad you've been hanging with us and surviving the "storm".

Know "What matters"... Love life!  Be brave! 
Keep the promises that you make to yourself... and
Please keep on reading!  

It's been a fun ride the last two years.  I'm looking forward to more!

Love, Peace & Prayers,
Barbara

ARE YOU HUNGRY?

“The greatest boundaries that we face in our lives are very often the ones 

we ourselves create in our minds."  —  Ellyn Spragins

JILLIAN B. HART

Can right and wrong get mixed up?  Is there a time and place to blur the lines? Cross the line? Is life always as simple as black and white --- when you see endless shades of gray?

Is there a dream or a fantasy that you hide in your heart, that if opportunity presented itself you would act on it? Doesn't everyone have one or more of those tucked away somewhere?  (Are you fooling yourself if you are shaking your head no as you read this post.)  That secret - never shared, like some taboo topic that is avoided at all costs.  An honesty perhaps not even obvious or admitted to yourself. 

Honesty, integrity and self esteem weigh heavily on the success of many relationships.  But, relationships change.  People change. Passion fades.  Distance grows.  Sex can be an action without an emotional reaction. Lovers can become more like housemates.  Life is not static.  Yet so often the most important relationship in your life is.  It stops growing.  You stop dreaming. Would acting on a fantasy help or harbor the union? Does a happier "you", make for a better "we"? Do the rules change if there is an act of promiscuous nature involved? If it stays in your head and heart is it okay, is there no harm done? A one night stand can be written off and forgiven whereas something with a history or connection means game over. Is an emotional attachment a means to justify or make matters worse? What if no one ever knew? Acting on a fantasy could feed and fuel your libido, whereas the opposite may forever starve your soul.  Can carnal desires or something unfinished ever completely be snuffed out? Is sex ever really just sex? 

SOUL FOOD

Barbara Ward-Finneran 

Transformation must be for yourself or it will not be valid. The new person who emerges gains freedom from their "demons". The process can be painful - but if done with faith in yourself, hope for all you want to achieve, and love of who you are and will become - success will be a given! Choose it. Choose yourself!

Keep the promises that you make to yourself!

Photo Courtesy of Drawn 2 Designs, LLC

WHAT IS LOVE???

Barbara Ward-Finneran

"Love: Noun,

-a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.

-a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.

- sexual passion or desire.

a person toward whom love is felt; beloved person; sweetheart.

Verb,

- to have love or affection for

- to have a profoundly tender, passionate affection for (another person).

- to have a strong liking for; take great pleasure in: 

- to need or require; benefit greatly from: 

- to embrace and kiss (someone), as a lover."

What is love? Can it be defined? I love you.  Those words mean everything.  Say so much, but they are not enough.  Love really is all about the action.  More about the giving then the receiving.  Yet when we give and give we never seem to run out.  Love multiplies.  It should never divide.  In essence love is the willful intent to serve the well being of another. The most profound and unconditional ways one puts another ahead of themselves. Do you love?   Do you love enough? Do you love unconditionally?  Do you get enough... give enough?  Do you allow it to know no boundaries? Do you believe it can never be destroyed?  Have you been addicted to it?  Burned by it? Shut down to it?  Have you given it at all costs?  

It's amazing how when someone tells you that they love you it is wonderful and good... but it does not compare to when you have lost that love.  If someone takes it away, ends a friendship, says they don't love you anymore, or dies and leaves you knowing it's still there but in an unfathomable way that is torture... you are so overwhelmingly filled with pain and sorrow.  Is that because we take love and all it's beauty for granted?  Once you get love, you assume that it will always be there in the same comfortable capacity.  

Love takes work.  In all areas and in all aspects.  Work that is worth it.  There is no price to put on it.  There is not a greater treasure then to have gained love.  We should treat and value it always like a priceless gift that could never be replaced.  That should be done everyday.  Can you imagine if everyone tried to love just a little bit harder and a little bit more and not let all the "mess" and "chaos" of life get in the way. Love more, worry less.  Love life and be brave.  Love yourself enough so that you can love others and love God above all things........

It's Valentines Day and everyone, or most people are all about the love today.  As for me, not the biggest fan of Valentines Day... It's a fine day.  Saint Valentine was a cool dude.  I think we should remember to show our love everyday in constant and unending ways.  Valentines may not be my "fav", yet, I am a hopeless romantic. I am a BIG BIG fan of LOVE in all it's many styles and flavors, from friendship to passion and every relation and connection with heart strings in between.  Today doesn't have to be about cupids and arrows.  (Athough, there better be chocolate!!! Oh, who am I kidding, I work chocolate in everyday. Lol)  But it should be, like all days about L-O-V-E!  

Enjoy your day!  

I hope you all are blessed enough to feel the LOVE <3 <3 <3

If you are looking for some inspiration for how to say I love you in a different way tonight or any other - borrow some inspiration from the famous quotes below  and or find endless ideas with just few moments of time and a smatter of key strokes on Google.

“Love is the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.” - Mark Twain

“Love is something eternal; the aspect may change, but not the essence.” 

-Vincent Van Gogh

“L’amor che move il sole e l’altre stelle.”

“The love that moves the sun and the other stars” -Elizabeth Gilbert

"I want all of you, forever, you and me, every day." - Nicholas Sparks

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage." - Lao Tzu

"To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven." - Karen Sunde

"The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller

“We can do no great things only small things with great love.” - Mother Teresa

"Maybe love is like luck. You have to go all the way to find it." - Robert Mitchum

"Thou art to me a delicious torment." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"And in the end, the love you take
Is equal to the love you make." - John Lennon and Paul McCartney

"The best proof of love is trust."  - Dr. Joyce Brothers

"Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, The last of life for which the first was made." 

- Robert Browning

“I want to live my life so that my nights are not full of regrets.” - D. H. Lawerence