Good things...last year, my daughter Eliza Lillian graduated from Duquesne University. Here she is with my mom, Lillian "Dolly." I love this photo and love that they had this moment together. Good times...with Mother's Day just around the corner, I feel like the luckiest woman alive. I have three amazing children, two wonderful step-daughters and both of my mothers (Dolly and Marion) in my life. We almost lost Marion mom last summer, so this Mother's Day is especially important. We celebrate all of these "Mom" things on Sunday. Good people...to all the mothers out there. Not only biological mothers, but those who have stepped to the plate and helped out as teachers, coaches, scout leaders, good aunts, big sisters, neighbors, and a million more other roles. Happy Mother's Day!

Be inspired...

Good things...it's easy to forget how good life is somedays. We complain about minor things that can seem pretty big. But we can't forget the good things...if you forget, Emmanuel Kelly will remind you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W86jlvrG54o

Good people...Emmanuel Kelly reminded me that a bit of a weight gain or stalling on a story isn't that big of a deal. As we approach our most Holy of Days, let's imagine all the people leaving for today...imagine there's no countries...imagine being as brave as Emmanuel....

Good times...loving life as much as Emmanuel, having a smile as big as his.

You may say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one...thank you, Emmanuel Kelly.

"Never judge a book by its cover"

Good things...anyone who knows me, knows I hate cold weather. The winter this year in Western Pa. was unbelievable. I'm so thankful that we don't usually have to worry about natural disasters here. As I watch the flowers opening up, the turkeys strutting by and the trees starting to bud, I feel my energy renewed.

Good people...a friend shared this link with me of a young man who appeared in Britian's Got Talent and it moved me to tears. It is a story of talent, weight and most of all, friendship. Watch it, but have your hankies handy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsNlcr4frs4

Good times...enjoy spring in your neck of the woods and remember, in the words of wonderful, 16-year-old Charlotte (Jonathan's singing partner in above-mentioned link), "Never judge a book by its cover."

Setting a goal...

Good things...I started training today for the Rachel Carson Trails Challenge. The Challenge is a 35-mile-in-one-day hike. Whew. Can't believe I am going to do it again. That's my goal - what is yours? Read more about this Challenge.

Good people...my brother Jack is the creator of Survivor's Outdoor Experience and he posted this moving link. Watch it and tell me how you appreciate life.

Good times...I train and hike with my husband, Paul Sauers. We always have a great time and encourage each other on during the tough times. They are amazing times.

Taking time to be grateful

Good things...the last time that I posted, I was collecting toys for the homeless. Thanks to the big hearts of my friends, family and the children of Hampton Township School District, we were able to collect over 250 toys. I am blessed to have such generous folks in my life.

Good people...well, obviously, the people mentioned above! With the New Year here, I have started a "Gratitude Journal," writing down at least five things every day that I am thankful for. I have coerced my husband in to doing this as well - he is a chemist with a whole different thought process than writer me, but he is getting into the groove as well. He is a good guy.

Good times...as I write this, I am getting ready to go watch my 17-year-old play basketball. The photo above is him a few years ago during football season. Where has that time gone? A friend of mine said she misses when her kids were younger and she would go watch them play sports. I am cherishing this time.

Be grateful, enjoy your days and be well.

Christmas in the streets

Good things, good people and good times all roll into one again. I had the honor of having lunch with some good friends and one of the folks was Nancy Heil, "Miss Nancy" as she is known to the people she serves - homeless people in Pittsburgh. When I asked her what needs they had right now she said duffle bags and backpacks, something I didn't find very surprising.

Then she said something that surprised me - toys. She needs toys for the homeless children and for the homeless folks to give as gifts. The toys are distributed during "Christmas in the Streets." Wow. I never would have thought of toys being a need.

I promised her I would help. When I got home, I put out an email to friends and started getting dismayed at the immediate response - many told me it was a good idea but they were giving to other causes. I woke up in the middle of the night, worrying. What if I couldn't get any toys or showed up with only a few?

Then I received good news - two friends who happen to be teachers both told me they would help. One told me that she would get her Interact students involved and the other told me that they would ask the whole student body to assist. Wow again.

I started crying when I read the text from my friend, Marilyn Adams, telling me that they would ask the students at Poff Elementary - where my kids went to school - to help. The other teacher, Mary Lou Ellena-Wygonek,sent the word out to her students as well.

Right now, I don't know how many toys we will receive. I am already moved by the actions of my friends and their willingness to get involved in this project. I know that there will be some good things handed out at Christmas in the Streets and they will provide good times thanks to good people. Thank you Nancy for all of your hard work and thank you Marilyn and Mary Lou for being good friends with big hearts.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Good things...there are so many items that you can buy that help the fight against breast cancer. For example, Nordstrom Fits America takes place October 20, 21 and 22. For every bra sold, they donate $2 to the local Susan B. Koman Foundation.

Take a look at what you are buying to see if there is a version that makes a donation towards this important battle.

Good people...we all have folks that we love that have won or lost the battle against breast cancer. I know a lot of wonderful women through Survivor's Outdoor Experience who are survivors and fighting the fight! I also salute my favorite aunt -my Aunt Lucy, a survivor still going strong at 86. Here she is with my three children, Eliza, Cole and Kenton.

Good times...October is such a great month with football games, autumn leaves and fall walks, and perfect weather for bike rides. Take a moment to enjoy this slower time of year with a cancer survivor who is important in your life.