WHERE WISHES SHOULD LIVE...

Jillian B Hart

Hang your wishes on the star light & the moon, regrets and mistakes become the memories you made that fall away with the chasing of daylight into night. The beauty of a new day comes after darkness shares it's light.

BRING IT ON JOHN!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

John Pasko has a way about him. He’s totally involved in many amazing causes and somehow, once you've met him - “poof” you’re on the board of this cause and assisting with that one! You don’t remember how it happened or when, all you know is that you’re working with wonderful people on awesome projects and you’re happy!

That’s how I became involved with the American Police Hall of Fame, and now, with Families of the Shield.

John invited me to some fabulous events, including a golf tournament to honor my late husband and raise money for a scholarship to the police academy. The organization he founded called “Families of the Shield” organizes many such events and helps countless numbers of people, not only police families, but all first responders and military families as well. The truth is, John and Families of the Shield reach out to anyone in need! (Bikers for Babies, 9-11 Remembrance Ride, Family Fun Day, Raising funds for children with serious illnesses. The list goes on.)

My latest adventure, thanks to John, was helping to plan, shop for materials, and decorate a 9 foot Christmas tree for the Families of the Shield at the Annual Festival of Trees at the Maxwell King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne. This annual fundraiser allows the Junior League of South Brevard, Inc. to continue improving our community through financial and volunteer commitments in Brevard County.  Our tree entitled “To Protect and Serve” had to be elegant, beautiful, but most importantly, meaningful. The lady who came up with the idea of participating in the festival was Wendy. She’s a little powerhouse of energy- Tiny but Mighty!  John paired the two of us up, gave us a budget and let us go.

We each had our own idea of what we wanted as a design for the tree before we even met to talk about it. Amazingly, our sketches, color scheme, even the design for a special St. Michael the Archangel star matched up! We shopped, wired, cut, hot glued, planned and downed coffee and muffins until the day of set up came.

With the help of one of Wendy’s tall friends, our dream tree came to life.

• Cobalt Blue and silver ornaments to represent all those who wear the shield and their families.

• Cobalt Blue ribbon  woven through the tree to represent that “Thin Blue Line”(The line separating society from anarchy, the line police are sworn to uphold.)
• 141 crystal angels represent the 141 police officers who died in the line of duty so far this year.
• A chain of crystal “tears” represents the connection of all who wear the shield and the tears spilled for those we've lost.
• A crystal 3D star with a decoupage of Saint Michael the Archangel tops the tree - the patron saint of police officers overlooking all.
• A blue and silver bow with ribbon flowing down the sides like the arms of God.

Beside the tree is a coat rack with an NYPD uniform jacket and hat hung on it and a little table with a silver framed document telling the meaning as explained here. It was truly a labor of love and helped forge a new friendship for me.

What does John have in mind next? It’s anyone’s guess, but I’m sure Wendy and I will be involved as well as the many other people who are privileged to be called “Families of the Shield”.It could be a rally, a fun day for kids, a fundraiser for someone in need, a parade or some kind of extravaganza, but whatever it is -BRING IT ON JOHN, WE'RE READY!

For more information on Families of the Shield, visit
https://www.facebook.com/pages/John-A-Pasko-Families-of-the-Shield-Inc/136474126389464#!/pages/John-A-Pasko-Families-of-the-Shield-Inc/136474126389464?sk=info

MUSIC HISTORY NOVEMBER 19

1859 - Composer Mikhail Mihaylovich Ippolitov-Ivanov was born.

1954 - Sammy Davis, Jr. was involved in a serious auto accident in San Bernardino, CA. Three days later, Davis lost the ability see with his left eye.

1968 - The Supremes performed at a Royal Variety Show with Queen Elizabeth in attendance.

1970 - James Brown and Deidre Yvonne Jenkins were married.

1971 - B.B. King marked his 25th anniversary in music by opening a European tour in London.

1979 - Chuck Berry was released from Lompoc Prison, CA, after serving a sentence for income tax evasion.

1990 - Milli Vanilli was stripped of their Grammy Award because other singers had lent their voices to the "Girl You Know It's True" album.

1991 - The U2 album "Achtung Baby" was released.

1992 - The musical revival of "3 From Brooklyn" opened.

1993 - Nirvana recorded an MTV unplugged concert in New York.

1995 - Bruce Springsteen's thirteenth album, "The Ghost of Tom Joad," was released.

1996 - Prince released the 3 CD set "Emancipation." The release was on his record label NPG Records.

1996 - DJ Shadow's debut album "Endtroducing....." was released by Mo' Wax Records. It was later reissued on June 7, 2005 by Island Records.

1997 - The U.S. premiere of Sir Paul McCartney's "Standing Stone" was played in Carnegie Hall by St. Luke's Orchestra.

1998 - Motley Crue's retail store, S'Crue, opened in Los Angeles, CA.

2001 - Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots) was arrested for fighting with his wife at a Hard Rock hotel.

WANNA LAUGH?!?!?!??!

Funny...but true

While on a flight from New York, the Stewardess was busy passing out peanuts and cokes to everyone. There were about sixteen flights lined up waiting to get clearance to take off. Then the other Stewardess got a message from the Pilot that the tower said the wind had changed 180 degrees and they were first in line to take off, and to have everyone buckle up. Without thinking she just announced "Please buckle up, grab your drinks and hold your nuts, we're taking off", No one saw her for the rest of the flight to Houston, and all the other Stewardesses were laughing all the way and half of the passengers.

DREADING IT?

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

It’s getting on that time of year again – no, not the holiday season, Science Fair Project time! Those words are enough to make some parents shiver in fear and anxiety. It heralds in several days and nights of whining and pleading “Why do I have to do this? It’s such a pain! I don’t want to! Do I have to?” And besides that, the kids don’t like it either!

Being a teacher, I can tell you that we probably dread this time of year more than parents. Imagine, you have to help with one project while the teacher has to write the instructions, check, guide and grade 20-28 science fair projects, and that’s just for the self contained teacher. I taught grades 3,4 and 5 Science at one time and was responsible for the projects for all 3 grade levels! Middle School Science teachers face the same situation. Anyway,  I think we can agree that few people get excited when it’s time for Science Fair.

There is something to be said for the experience for the student though. If teachers prepare students well and parents allow their children to choose a project they are truly interested in, it can be a lot of fun and a great learning experience.

Science Fair gives children the opportunity to do real research and find what scientists have done in the past. Sometimes it sparks a livelong interest in Science.  At the very least, students will learn something they never knew before, gain confidence by doing the experiment portion themselves, and pick up important organizational skills in setting up the log. Students may become more familiar with the Library (hopefully they will not limit research solely to the computer), learn how to do a chart or graph on the computer, possibly improve keyboarding skill while typing up the project information, develop artistic skills and symmetry in setting up the board and  when presenting they polish their speaking skills.

Finally, there are the awards that come with winning. Having these awards look great on a high school application and sometimes a cash prize comes along with that winning ribbon.

So, is this worth all the stress, headaches and anxiety of doing a Science Fair project?  I would say (and please don’t “BOO” me) Yes! I know my own children felt good about themselves after doing their best on a good Science Fair project, and we all learned something, including how to work together! I also learned to step back and let my kids do their thing. It doesn’t have to be pristine and perfect, it has to be theirs! I’ve served as a judge several times so I should know, the most important factor is that the child did the work themselves and understands  the science behind the project.

So, when the directions come home and you’re dreading starting yet another Science Fair project, remember this advice:

·        Let your child choose a project that he or she is truly interested in.

·        Let them “get dirty and make mistakes”, as my idol Ms. Frizzle (the Magic School bus) says!

·        Help keep them organized and supervise, but refrain from making it your project!

·        Let them take pictures, make graphs and charts on the computer and make it a special adventure rather than a dreaded assignment.

·        Show enthusiasm and interest. Make time to sit with your child and talk about the project often. Look through idea books with them to find just the right one.

·         Have fun with it! Your attitude will most definitely affect theirs. Take advantage of this quality time with your child. They’ll always remember it – and so will you!

WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR???

Dawn Boyle

Over the past few weeks I have posted things about Thanksgiving and the holidays. I have also wrote about my constant bitching, and my issues I have with my kids, husband, and ass.

I have wrote about a Thankful Tree that you can make for your home so your kids can write each day about what they are thankful for. I have shared recipes and also spoke about my disdain for bullying and the apparent demise of our youth through the Internet.

After all is said and done, I wanted to share what I am thankful for and excited about for the holiday season and the upcoming year....Sometimes I come across as a jokester, not here - not now. I am going to be as serious as possible (for those who think I am funny).

In the past 12 months I turned 40. I gained back way too much of the weight I lost. I have gotten more and more in debt. I have done only one improvement to my home - a new roof, and that was a necessity, not luxury. I still can't stand my dog, who is turning 4 this month and is still peeing and crapping in the house after being out for 20 minutes. My love life needs a tune up and my kids need a tune down. I still have someone sleeping in my bed and have two cell-phones for two kids that do not use them. I installed a motherboard in my daughters computer months ago but not the battery. My closets are a mess, every room needs to be painted and I despise the 70's wrought iron railing that EVERYONE sees when they walk into my house.

SOUL FOOD

Barbara Ward-Finneran

Dreams and goals have no expiration dates. The are completely renewable. No matter where you are in the journey of your life -you hold the ability to stir the untapped possibilities. Breathe it all in - The new beauty of your life is there - waiting to be born - and living it is the grandest thing in life.

Keep the promises that you make to yourself!

Photo Courtesy of Barbara Ward-Finneran and Drawn 2 Design, LLC

©  All Rights Reserved

PARANORMAL PUB:The Most Famous Ghost Story of All Time

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

by Washington Irving

“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” tells the story of Ichabod Crane and his hapless attempt to win the heart and hand of Katrina Van Tassel in the context of a comical ghost story. Ichabod comes to Sleepy Hollow, New York, from his home state of Connecticut, to be the schoolmaster of the village. Sleepy Hollow is a small, very quiet town said to be under some kind of enchantment. Its residents all seem to move a little slower, daydream a little more, and be more prone to believe in the supernatural. Sleepy Hollow, maybe for that reason or maybe because its residents are almost all descended from its original Dutch settlers, has more than its fair share of supernatural occurrences, or at least stories of them.

Sleepy Hollow’s most famous supernatural phenomenon is the ghost of the Headless Horseman, said to be a Hessian soldier who lost his head to a cannon ball during the Revolutionary War. The Horseman is seen most often riding by the church, where local historians say he was buried. He is believed to be always in search of his head. Ichabod is fascinated by this story, being especially interested (and prone to believe) in tales of the supernatural.
Ichabod is a strict teacher but not a cruel one, doling out his punishment of the rod only to those who can handle it. Ichabod makes almost no money, and it is customary in the village for the farmers whose sons he teaches to feed and board him in rotation. Along with this, Ichabod makes some extra money teaching singing lessons—he prides himself greatly on his magnificent voice. This arrangement keeps him employed and gives him many opportunities to hear ghost stories from the farmers’ wives and eat meals with the farmers’ daughters. He also has an insatiable hunger and a taste for the finer things.

Katrina Van Tassel, a beautiful young woman of eighteen, is one of Ichabod’s students. She is also the only child of Baltus Van Tassel, one of the more successful farmers in the area. Ichabod is quickly taken in by her flirtatious charms, but it is when he first visits her father’s abundant farm that he considers himself truly in love with her, or at least her likely inheritance.

He quickly sets out to win her hand in marriage, coming by the Van Tassel farm frequently to woo her. Ichabod is not alone in his attentions to Katrina, however. Her beauty, charm, and wealth have entranced many other men in the village, especially the formidable Brom Van Brunt, also known as Brom Bones. Brom is notorious for his boisterous personality, love of pranks, and great skill at horseback riding—all of which make him something of a village hero.

Brom has already scared off many of Katrina’s other suitors, but Ichabod is harder to shake, avoiding physical confrontation with Brom, which is Brom’s main method of intimidation. Without that option, Brom turns to his next best skill—pranks. He fills the school house with smoke, trains a dog to follow Ichabod around howling, and sets many other pranks to frustrate and humiliate Ichabod.
One day, a messenger comes to the schoolhouse to invite Ichabod to a party at the Van Tassels’. At this party, he apparently finds himself the best man in the house, and when the party is over he stays behind. For some reason, however, Katrina disappoints him. Ichabod leaves crestfallen.

He finds the path home dark and eerily quiet. He tries to keep himself from getting too scared, but soon after he has passed the possibly haunted Major Andre’s tree, he sees a large, dark figure looming nearby. It does not respond to his call, but as he passes by, it starts to move and joins him on the path riding a large, dark horse. Ichabod is greatly disturbed and tries to shake off his pursuer, but he fails. Finally, he notices that the rider has no head on his shoulders; the head seems to be sitting on the saddle in front of the man. Ichabod tries to get his decrepit horse to run home as fast as it can, but he is not a skilled rider and the horse resists.

They end up by the church, the scene of most of the stories of the Headless Horseman, and Ichabod races to the bridge where the ghost is said to disappear and not follow. Ichabod crosses the bridge and looks back, but he sees the Horseman, instead of disappearing, hurl his detached head at him. It knocks Ichabod off of his horse.
The next day, Ichabod’s horse returns to its owner’s farm, but there is no sign of Ichabod. A search party finds hoof prints and Ichabod’s hat, with a smashed pumpkin left next to it. Ichabod is never heard from again in Sleepy Hollow, although later on it seems that he is alive elsewhere and has told his story. Some of the townspeople believe that Brom Bones pulled off a great prank—which put Brom in the final position to marry Katrina—but the old women and local folklore maintain that he was taken by the Headless Horseman.

Texting…It’s Not Just For Teenagers

Deanna Verbouwens

I love and hate texting for one reason and one reason only: Communication. Texting is fun, it’s quick, and it’s easy. I can fire off a text to make someone laugh faster than Mario Andretti at the Indy. In my youth, I’d go to any length to make someone laugh, I actually spent a full year in therapy trying to undo why I’d randomly moon my friends or drive through a toll-booth topless. With texting SWOOP it’s easy and it doesn’t cost me my dignity. On the other hand, what a frickin' distraction; I decided to make a quick stop in Target to pick up last minute baking items for the three year olds now four year olds birthday party. All I needed was brownie mix, quick and easy run in & run out, 10 minutes top, throw kids in the cart, race to the aisle as if I am on “Supermarket Sweep” and call it a day. The first mistake was not throwing the kids in the cart fell to their big blue puppy dog eyes and plea’s of “I’ll be good, I’ll hold your hand, I promise”. Now the four year old is running rampage in the baking aisle, sweat is pouring down my neck as I dodge brownie mix, my hand is numb because I’m white knuckling my phone (gosh forbid I miss a text), then as I grab the little one by the collar my hand slips and I hit the floor. As I am going down the box of brownies hits my head and my seven year old explodes laughter. While I try to recover I can see the back of the four year old I as he hightails it down the aisle towards the mini marshmallows and guess what? The phone is still in my hand. Now that’s talent.

I blame my bruised ass-bone on texting; I can’t sit for a week but guess what… I can text! Texting has definitely brought my multi-tasking skills to a whole new level – now I have even more balls in the air, balls that I am certainly not catching. Unfortunately, it’s not me who suffers, it’s my poor kids. In my defense, I figure I’m already screwing them up, might as well throw a little more on their plate, I mean they have a mother who works full time, has enough guilt to fill Yankee Stadium, can barely get out the door showered, who screams more than she likes, and now they have to have to deal with a texting addiction? They’ll be in therapy anyway, may as well lay it on as thick as I can, if I had to go to therapy they have to too, except, I’ll probably feel guilty and pay the damn bill. I also found out that besides that fact that you can raise your kids properly and text you also cannot multi-task. Believe me I’ve tried eating, drinking, and showering while texting. It does not work. I also try not to text while driving but sometimes I do. Another horrible example for my kids, it’s bad enough they think it’s okay to pick their teeth in public, and can fart on command, but this is well, really poor parenting.
 

WANNA LAUGH?!?!?!?!?

A young couple got married and left on their honeymoon.
When they got back, the bride immediately called her mother.

"Well, how was the honeymoon?" asked the mother.
"Oh mamma!" she exclaimed. "The honeymoon was wonderful! So romantic!"

No sooner had she spoken the words than she burst out crying. "But mamma . . . as soon as we returned, Sam started using the most horrible language. He's been saying things I've never heard before! All these awful 4-letter words! You've got to come get me and take me home... please mamma!"

"Now Sarah . . ." her mother answered. "Calm down! Tell me, what could be so awful? What 4-letter words has he been using?"

"Please don't make me tell you, mamma." wept the daughter.
"I'm so embarrassed! They're just too awful! You've got to come get me and take me home... please mamma!"

"Darling, baby, you must tell me what has you so upset . . .
Tell your mother these horrible 4-letter words!"

Still sobbing, the bride replied, "Oh, mamma . . . words like dust, wash, iron, and cook!"