Hello Beautiful Day ~

Without leaps of imagination or dreaming, we lose 

the excitement of possibilities.  Dreams get you into

 the future and add excitement into the present...

Today will be the first time going to check out the 

guitar shaped hotel at Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood.

  Can't wait.  I have been keeping an eye on this hotel 

for a long time and finally the day is here. 

Making it even more special we will be seeing 

Lynyrd Skynyrd live in concert.  Yes, it is going to be 

a very good evening and I am all ready for it.

This guitar-shaped hotel soars 450 feet into the sky,

 an extravagant glass structure that no one can miss.

The Seminole Hard Rock & Casino’s audacious, $1.5 billion 

expansion is commanding the attention of commuters on 

highways, passengers aboard planes and residents near 

and far who’ve watched it rise the past two years.

And we get to hear the band play a favorite of ours.

SWEET HOME ALABAMA

To all a great day.  I am excited about everything today.

Sweet  home Alabama where the skies are so blue.

Sweet home Alabama, Lord I'm coming home to you...

~Nadiya~

Black Friday ~

Happiness is not in money, but in shopping...

And just like that Black Friday is here again. 

 Time to trample your buddies just so that you 

can get that TV set at a discounted price.

  Ahhh the joys of the holidays.

Black Friday is not actually a holiday, 

but most non-retail employers give their 

employees the day off, increasing the 

number of potential shoppers. 

It has routinely been the busiest shopping

 day of the year since 2005, although news

 reports, which at that time were inaccurate, 

have described it as the busiest shopping day 

of the year for a much longer period of time.

I know what we will be doing.  Absolutely nothing, 

that is as far as getting trampled in the stores.

  For the last week I have been online trying to buy stuff. 

 Can you believe that I have so far not come up

 with anything I want or need?  So not right.

Happy shopping all.  Just try not to harm each other.

Shopping is a woman thing.  It's a contact sport like

 football.  Women enjoy the scrimmage, the noisy crowds,

 the danger of being trampled to death, and 

the ecstasy of the purchase....

~Nadiya~

Happy Thanksgiving ~

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, 
"thank you," that would suffice...Thanksgiving is the 
holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life,
a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the
 seasons, the beauty of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product 
of the year - and the deep, deep connection of all things with God...

Thanksgiving is a time to share and spend with your loved ones.  

It's time to take a moment and give thanks for all the goodness

 and blessings in your life.  I believe that giving thanks

 and being grateful is something we do everyday. 

I am grateful for so much.  Though life has not
always been a bed of roses, I know that I am truly blessed
 because i am surrounded by love and kindness.  I also
 know that i am a good person and I always try to
do whatever it is to make others happy.

For now wishing you all a good day and don't forget, as we express our

 gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to
 utter words, but to live by them"  Happy Thanksgiving to all. 
 Be safe, enjoy and yes put on those few extra pounds...

Let us remember that, as much has been given us, 
much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from
 the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds...

~Nadiya~

What Are You Grateful For Today? ~

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant,

 to enact gratitude is generous and noble,

 but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven...

Thanksgiving is one of the most well-known American 

holidays. Every year on the fourth Thursday in November,

 people gather with friends and family to eat delicious

 food and be grateful for what they have in life.

It’s a celebration that has been around for centuries, 

with many families even having their own special 

traditions related to Thanksgiving. 

A lot of Americans have memories and 

emotions related to these special holidays, and 

we each celebrate in our own way and in our 

own way we express our gratitude.

During the Holidays I miss my family even more.

  Memories of my childhood keeps flashing through me.  

Beautiful memories of a happy family.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends, family,

 and to big hug to my Branson family.  I miss you all,

 and I know that you are well cared for, but when the 

holidays are here, I think of you all a little more often, 

and I smile for you have shown me the true

 meaning of gratitude and kindness.

Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most 

powerful things humans can do for each other...

~Nadiya~

A Good Day ~

How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it...

Someone is being very good from now until Christmas,

 because Santa knows if you are bad or good, and when

 you want something really bad why take chances.

That being said, it's not gonna happen because it is too

 much work for Arvid to be good, and that's in a good way.

Today we have what's called Light Up The Beach.  

Our favorite Snowman is back in town.

I can feel Christmas and Thanksgiving is not even done.

Wishing everyone a day to remember and celebrate.

Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart 

and not in the mind.  Be kind. Be thoughtful. 

Be genuine. But most of all be grateful...

~Nadiya~

Start Of A New Week ~

In a world where you can be anything be kind...

What better way than to start the new week with a heart 

full of gratitude and kindness.  In today's world where everyone

 is always so busy and so preoccupied with material things

 we often forget that kindness is free.  It does not require 

much, but it can definitely change someones life.

Kindness starts at home.  From a little girl we were 

taught to be kind to each other and to others.  I would like

 to say that of the many values my parents raised us

 with kindness and compassion came through.  

Today I see that lacking in so many.

Let's not forget that sometimes the smallest acts

 of kindness take up the most room in our hearts.

Good morning everyone.  Wishing you all a beautiful 

week ahead, and a reminder of how beautiful

 a day can be, when kindness touches it.

Be someone's sunshine when their sky's are grey...

~Nadiya~

Sunday ~

If you can't find pleasure in the simple or

 mundane then you won't find pleasure anywhere...

The last few days I have not been getting up in the
wee hours of the morning.  So happy for that.  Happy also
because sniff has been coming to the bed, and snuffles up
 very close to me.  Even if I wanted to get up, I won't.
 It's just so good to feel Sniff right by my side.

Arvid no matter what does not get up before he
 has to even if he has to lay awake for a long time.
 He's good at staying put.  Something I need to
learn/practice a little more.  Can happen.

Sunday-time for Arvid to make his calls to his family.
 Like I have said, he is consistent.  has been doing
 these Sunday calls for over 20 years now. 

I can't say I know of any person who has done
this, consistently every Sunday.  It's a special
 time they all look forward to on Sundays.

I talk to my family at random times/days, and I
make sure I talk to my parents a few times a week.
 Mom and dad are not getting any younger, and
 I want all the time in the world to be able
to pick up that phone and hear their voices.

Of course i would love to see them more
often as well, but sometimes we take what
we can get, be happy and always look forward
to the times we do spend together.

Wishing everyone a happy day.  It really does not
take much to be kind and to let your kindness
come across.  If you can take the time to make
someones day a better day won't you try?

We should never forget that kindness is free.
 Sprinkle that stuff anywhere and everywhere.

Nothing is black or white, nothing's 'us or them.' 
But then there are magical, beautiful things in the world.
 There's incredible acts of kindness and bravery, and in
 the most unlikely places, and it gives you hope...

~Nadiya~

Saturday Vibes ~

Christmas magic is silent. You don't hear it — 

you feel it. You know it. You believe it...

A few days ago one of my friends shared a picture 

I think is quite unique.  It's a Christmas tree made out

of sand, and yes it's in Florida.  Because in Florida we

 do it differently.  Christmas here means warm weather

 and sandy beaches. Not typical, but still perfect.

Here in South Florida we are walking around a

sandy winter wonderland.  An truthfully I am sure 

many are dreaming of a beach Christmas.

As of right now we still have not brought out

 any of our Christmas decorations.  As far as I am 

concerned we have the most adorable Santa and 

Mrs Santa.  The came to us all the way from Norway 

courtesy of Arvid's mom and dad.  Of all our

 decorations these are my favorite.

Saturday and Arvid is super happy because as he says, 

"I have soccer all day long."  Unfortunately, they are

 not broadcasting the game of his favorite team.

  Liverpool.  He's still happy with what's on.

Wishing everyone a happy Saturday.  If you're

anything like  Arvid and I then you know it's the 

simple things that makes us the happiest.

A happy person is not a person in a certain

 set of circumstances, but rather a person

 with a certain set of attitude- Arvid...

~Nadiya~

Friday ~

Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire...

Last night felt like a movie night so of course we

 had to have pop-corn.  Sniff is always part of everything

 we do, so he could not miss out on movie night either. 

 His name says it all he sniffs everything.  Sometimes

 he even samples it. Life is so much better with a kitty.

Life is so much better with our fur baby right next to us.

Today Nirvana and J leave for Portugal.  As with

 all our families that travel, I track the flights just to make

 sure everyone has landed safe.  Then and only then am 

I able to sleep peacefully.  I know my loved ones are safe.

  Kimsy meets up with them on Sunday and

 from there the next stop is Morocco.  Little 

worried about their safety there, but they have 

a tour guide so it makes me feel better.

Victoria and Michael are enjoying the start of the 

holidays in London.  A favorite of theirs this time

 of the year.  Christmas, the start of a magical time.

Just a few days ago Arvid asked me if I would like

 to go somewhere for a few days.  Believe it or 

not I said to him , "no, I would not."  

I do love to travel, but I feel I like we have been on

 the move too much.  I want to stay here at home.  

Enjoy the sunshine, the palm trees, drives along 

the beach, going to our favorite restaurants.  

People come from all over the world to enjoy Florida,

 for a change I want to do just the same and not run off

 to somewhere else.  On the other hand, that does not 

mean I won't have the travel itch in a few weeks.

Life is short.  Break the rules, forgive quickly 

kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably,  and 

never regret anything that made you smile...

~Nadiya~

Happy Days ~

No one has the power to make you

 happy or unhappy unless you allow them...

One year ago I was visiting Mala and family in 

Vermont.  There was so much snow.  Today for some reason 

I was thinking of the snow and how beautiful everything 

looked banqueted in it.  I love the warm weather, but 

snow is beautiful.  Especially at Christmas.

Here in Fort Lauderdale it is nice and warm. 

 Palm trees everywhere and boats passing by.  Definitely

 the absolute best at this time of the year.

Arvid has been on a foodie journey lately.  Now he's 

sampling things that at one time he never would have. 

 Thank you Branson for opening up his taste buds to so many 

deliciousness the world has to offer.  I am happy also because 

now we can enjoy some of the foodies I like... together.

Wishing everyone a happy day. 

 Friday tomorrow, and that's always good.

Life is too short to be anything but happy...

~Nadiya~

Nostalgic Wednesday ~

Some days at home are like this, the air 

thin and eager like this, with something

 in it sad and nostalgic and familiar...

Feeling a little nostalgic right now.  All our families 

are so far away.  Spread out all over the world.  

Today I am missing having them around.  

Arvid's family is in Norway and come February 

we will see Michael and Victoria, fingers crossed 

that this year we will also see Michelle, Emil, and 

our two grand-daughters, Aleah and Vanessa. 

We had such a good time this summer with Victoria

 and Michael in Chicago.  Thinking of it makes me happy

 and I smile.  It's one of those special memories

 that I will always hold close to my heart.

My parents are in North Carolina, not that far, 

but at the same time far.  My mom was in a cast almost

 4 months.  She shattered her bones in her left leg. 

The road to recovery has been long and at times 

painful.  Glad to say she has been out of the cast almost

 a week now.  Hopefully we will see them soon.  I sure 

miss my parents a lot and can't wait to see them.

Luckily we have seen Nirvana not so long ago in 

Puerto Rico.  Was nice to be able to spend quality time 

with her.  She will be back in Florida tomorrow, unfortunately 

we will not be seeing her this time.  She J, and Kimsy are off 

on a little vacation.  Portugal and Morocco is there next stop.

I really miss Mala who lives in Vermont.  Always 

hoping she will be able to visit us early 2020.  Just saw

  Rima and family in California, but I still wish she lived

 closer to us.  That 3 hour time difference is a killer.  

Imagine the 6 hour difference that is Norway.

Nina is here in Tampa, and even so we have not

 seen each other much since we returned from Chicago.  

Luckily we met in Las Vegas and had a few days there.

Wednesday.  Halfway through the week.  

I leave you with a little pick me up toast courtesy

 of my sister Rima (The CaribbeanQueen Chef) 

in California CaribbeanQueen Chef

Wishing everyone a great day.  Tis the season to 

be jolly, but sometimes it is also the season 

where the heart sometimes feels sad.

Distance not only gives Nostalgia,

 but perspective and maybe objectivity...

~Nadiya~

Hello Tuesday ~

How you choose to feel today 
should not be dependent on others...

What we love about where we live is the fact 

that we have the opportunity to be on the water,

 and to see boats passing by all day long.  

Just a few minutes ago this was just one of those huge

 yachts we get to see all the time.  It makes life interesting

 and never boring.  Always something happening. 

 Even when the crews are just cleaning the boats. 

 Keeps us entertained and sometimes guessing

 as to what is going on.  Keeps us entertained.

Occasionally Arvid and I wonder if we could or 

would like to live elsewhere.  At times we say yes, 

but then we always think of all the thing we like 

and enjoy and we realize all over again that

 we are exactly where we want to be.

The week is warming up.  I know what we call

 cold is actually a summer day for many.

Hello all wishing you a day to remember

 and always be kind whenever possible.

If you want to live a happy life, 
tie it to a goal, not to people or things. 
Happiness is not by chance, but by choice.
 The only reason you are happy is because
 you choose to be happy. Happiness 
is a choice, and so is suffering...

~Nadiya~

New Week ~

The trouble with not having a goal is that 

you can spend your life running up and 

down the field and never score...

Before you can achieve anything in life, you have

 to know what you want. You have to decide that whatever

 you’re doing is important to you, that it’s worth it. And if

 it isn’t, it’s time to set new, more meaningful goals.

If you’re passionate about it, about really living 

out your purpose, you’ll be more likely to commit

to buckle down and set powerful goals. So focus 

on what you really want to accomplish, and it 

will make the journey that much sweeter.

A new week begins.  Time for us all to set our

 goals for the week and do the best we can to get

 them accomplished.  Remember it's not always 

winning that matters, but doing your

 best and giving it your best shot.

Success is not measured by what you accomplish,

 but by the opposition you have encountered, and the

 courage with which you have maintained the 

struggle against overwhelming odds.

Just as a reminder to everyone please visit 

my sisters YouTube Channel and check 

out her cooking videos.  She's that good.

CaribbeanQueen Chef

And just like that the new week begins.  

Let it be the start of something amazing.

Success means doing the best we can with what 

we have. Success is the doing, not the getting; 

in the trying, not the triumph. Success is a 

personal standard, reaching for the highest 

that is in us, becoming all that we can be.

~Nadiya~

About Yesterday ~

Yesterday ended last night, today is a brand new day...

A drive along the beach.  Right around sunset.

Temperatures were "cooler" but that didn't stop beach goers.

Of course there was that one (maybe a few more) that were 

all bundled up.  70's F in Florida is considered cold.

After a long week it felt good to relax and enjoy where we live.

As always the food was good.  Simple, but it's exactly what we like.

Arvid and I enjoyed a pleasant outing.  Good food. 

 Great views and good company.  Best of times.

On an entirely different note, my niece Reshma is
 also working her way through college.  She started out on
a job being an assistant to a Chiropractor and suddenly
 she was promoted to manager of Human Resources.
 Imagine how happy she and all of us are.

I am always happy because I make myself a part
of my nieces and nephews lives.  We text often and I always
try to make sure I know what's going on in their lives.

Above is my niece Reshma and her boyfriend Silas.
Last night was Reshma's "office" party.  The girl
 is loving her life and I am loving her.

Cooler temperatures are here, really beautiful weather,
and dry.  A perfect day to take it easy, relax and enjoy
some more quality time with Arvid and Sniff.

Happy Sunday all.  Remember life is a matter of
choices, and every choice you make makes you.

We make a living by what we get.
We make a life by what we give...

~Nadiya~