WHAT MATTERS...

Barbara Ward-Finneran

Those things and PEOPLE that you take for granted.  

The beauty of the full moon in the night sky.

Being thoughtful and kind.  

The smell of home baked cookies.

The love of family.  

Smiles on the faces of children.  

Keeping the promises that you make to yourself!

WELCOME TO THE FORTY-SOMETHING CLUB!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAWN!!!!!!

Please join all of us at DRL in wishing Dawn a 

Fabulous-Forty-Something Birthday!

Wish you an amazing birthday and 

a year filled with blessings!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, YOU!

WANT "SUM"?

It’s been a while since my first post.  I guess you could say I was REAL busy…

We have been trying lots of new ways to spark up the marriage.  One fun way is the use of our cell phone.

To me being romanced is more about being hunted and pursued, and earned…  NOT flowers, jewelry, or expensive dinners.

There is something to be said about being taken or ravaged.  I tried to look for ways of turning ice queen into raving huntress.  I really honed in on awakening my deep passion for fantasy, with the help of course, of my husband.   We started to wake ME up!  I’m talking about a little Sexting.  I find myself in the bathroom at work taking naked pics of me in the mirror and sending them to my DH with a little fun saying, like, “Want sum?”  Sexting can be a powerful tool for your relationship.  It takes you on a whole new level for secretly feeding your fantasies.  When I receive these types of texts, I certainly respond in a way that sometimes makes me want to, well you know…  It makes me feel sexy, desirable, wanted, hunted… To sum it up more like unapologetically romantic.

Bridgette

KEPLER 22-b, THE FINAL FRONTIER?

LIFE ON A NEW PLANET...

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Kepler -22b

Interested in moving to a new location? How about Kepler-22b? It’s a little far, about 600 light years away, but it may be worth the trip.

The Kepler observatory, launched by NASA in March of 2009 has been seeking earth sized alien planets in their sun’s habitable zone, where liquid water and maybe even life might exist. Yesterday, NASA announced that they have confirmed the discovery of its first alien world in its sun’s habitable zone. It’s just the right distance from that sun to allow liquid water to exist. This is Kepler-22b.

Kepler Space Observatory

Kepler-22b has a radius 2.4 times that of Earth and has roughly similar temperatures. IF the greenhouse effect works as it does on earth, the average surface temperature of Keppler-22b would be around 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius). Kepler -22b completes its orbit around its sun in 290 days.

The Kepler telescope, in its 16 months of operation, has discovered 2,326 potentially habitable planets. Now they’ve hit a home run with Kepler-22b. This brings scientists closer to identifying a planet like our own, and one that could support human life.

CAN I HAVE A LIFE LINE?

Deanna Verbouwens

Oh…my friends!! I love them to death, I have a handful of best friends that I rely on – maybe way too much but rely on them I do. I can count my closest friends on two hands, I tell some more than others, some know everything about me…maybe more than I know about me. I value, love, and hold my friends in the highest regards. I’ve disappointed some, I’ve divorced a few, and some are still hanging around. I will say my piece with respect and honor their wishes, I will support them and never judge, sometimes - in my humblest of opinions I will let them know that I think they are wrong. I will keep secrets that I may not want to keep, I will let them vent, cry and make them laugh even if it means I have to moon them (yeah, picture mooning your friends with a piece of toilet paper stuck in your ass!). They are my friends. They make me pee my pants with laughter, they lend a shoulder when it’s needed, they call, and come running without being asked – they just know what to do – because they are my friends.

I’m not sure where I learned to be a friend - they say you mimic your parents/guardians behavior but that wasn’t the case for me. You hear that some woman crawled under the tables of the weekly bridge games listening to their mother and her friends talking about the neighbors, teachers or husbands, or perhaps they remember them sitting poolside drinking a cocktail while all the kids horsed around in the pool, or maybe even remember the monthly pot-luck dinners. That didn’t happen with my mom, I feel I barely knew my mom’s friends. My mother did have a strong circle of friends however; I rarely got to see my mom in action with them, my parents moved to Long Island and most of my mom’s friends stayed in the City (Brooklyn or Queens). I did witness my mom befriend the neighborhood moms and she is still very close with one, however, my mom had five children and rarely made the time for herself, that coupled with my dad being sick ...well, you get the picture. I love that my mom now makes the effort to attend a weekly card game with the gals from her old job, when she gets the chance - she still see’s her girls from back-in-the-day and even goes to lunch with the one neighborhood mom almost every month.

I am not sure if friendships weren’t that important to my mom or if she just put them on hold until she had the time to make for herself and her friends. Whatever the reason, I implore all woman to make friends whether you make one at work, through your kids or it’s one from kindergarten – if you have the connection – nurture that friendship. Every girl needs one friend she can rely on. I’m nothing without my friends – they are my rock, my comfort and my life-line – I am lucky I have many.

 Find more from Deanna:  www.theunnaturalmother.com

DECEMBER 7TH - A DAY THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY

The Battleship Arizona under attack.

At dawn on Sunday, December 7, 1941, naval aviation forces of the Empire of Japan attacked the United States Pacific Fleet center at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and other military targets. The goal of this attack was to sufficiently cripple the US Fleet so that Japan could then attack and capture the Phillipines and Indo-China and so secure access to the raw materials needed to maintain its position as a global military and economic power. This would enable Japan to further extend the empire to include Australia, New Zealand, and India (the ultimate boundaries planned for the so-called "Greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere"). The prevailing belief within the Japanese military and political establishment was that eventually, with the then expected German defeat of Great Britain and Soviet Russia, the United States' non-involvement in the European war, and Japan's control of the Pacific, that the world power structure would stabilize into three major spheres of influence:

1.) The Empire of Japan controlling East, Southeast, and South Asia and the entire Pacific Ocean.


2.) The combined powers of Germany and Italy controlling Great Britain, all of Europe, Western and central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.


3.) The United States, controlling North and South America.

Imperial Emperor Yamamoto

Imperial Admiral Yamamoto, who conceived, designed and promoted the Pearl harbor attack, cautioned against a war with the United States. Having twice held naval attache positions within the Japanese embassy in the U. S. Capitol, he knew well the industrial strength, material wealth and temperament of the United States. Overruled by his superiors, he dedicated his efforts as Commander in Chief of the Imperial Combined Fleet to a successful attack. Upon completion of the attack he is quoted as saying "We have awakened a sleeping giant and have instilled in him a terrible resolve".

Airfields, port facilities, and warships were attacked and severely damaged. Of the nine Pacific Fleet battleships at Pearl that day, Utah and Arizona were completely destroyed and the Oklahoma was salvaged but considered obsolete and designated for scrap. All other battleships were returned to service

The Arizona was struck by a converted sixteen inch armor penetrating naval shell that was dropped from a high level horizontal bomber. The bomb penetrated between the number one and two turrets, proceeded aft and downward through several decks, and exploded in one of the Arizona's aircraft catapult gunpowder magazines. The resulting fire ignited the main gun magazines where great quantities of gunpowder were stored. The explosion blew out all forward transverse bulkheads and caused the ship to sink to the harbor bottom in a few minutes. The explosion and sinking resulted in the death of over 1100 crew members.

Arizona Memorial

The Arizona has been preserved as a tomb for most of the crew and as a memorial to the events of this day. The observation structure in the picture spans the ship's hulk, with Ford island in the background. The memorial is accessed by boats from the naval base at Pearl Harbor. Within the memorial, the first object seen is the ship's bell. In the middle, viewing ports overlook the Arizona. At the far end, a marble wall is inset with bronze letters naming the deceased crew members.

I had the privilege of visiting Pearl Harbor and walking through the Arizona Memorial. It was a sobering and spiritual experience. Looking over the sides into the deep water, I thought of all those people, men and women , who gave their lives on that terrible day, and the families they left behind.  And so,  I think it's fitting on each December 7th that we remember and honor the memory of those people. We learned a valuable lesson at a great and horrible cost that day. Let's hope America is never caught "sleeping" again.

Information taken from the Pearl Harbor Memorial Page

SOUL FOOD

Barbara Ward-Finneran

"Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around."   

- Henry David Thoreau

The power of your thoughts can overshadow everything.  Harness the magic of their energy to promote all that you want and desire to become.  Focus on the positive.  Believe that you are worthy and deserve it.  You just need to begin. You just need to believe!

Just start.... The rest will follow...

Keep the promises that you make to yourself!

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

©  All Rights Reserved

WANNA LAUGH?!?!

Women's Christmas Wishes

Dear Father Christmas:

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray for a man, who's not a creep.
One who's handsome, smart and strong.
He's not afraid to admit when he is wrong.
One who thinks before he speaks
When he promises to call, he doesn't wait six weeks.

I pray that he is gainfully employed,
Won't lose his cool when he's annoyed.
Pulls out my chair and opens my door,
massages my back and begs to do more.
Oh! Send me a man who will make love to my mind.
Knows just what to say when I ask: "How fat is my behind?"

One who'll make love till my body's a twitchin'
He brings ME a sandwich too, when he goes to the kitchen!
I wish that this man will love me to no end,
And would never compare me with my best girlfriend.
Thank You in advance and now I'll just wait,
For I know You will send him before it's too late.

HE SAID...WOMEN SHOULD UNDERSTAND THEIR MAN!!

Tony Walker
Women say the don't understand men. They think we're inconsiderate, shallow and impossible to figure out. Finally, here is a woman's guide to men and how to deal with the man you love.

When he pulls away, give him sex.

When you see him start crying, give him sex & don't say a word.

When you see him walking, sneak up & be naked when doing it.

When he's scared, give him sex.

When he steals your favorite hoodie, find another woman for him to have sex with.

When he says he loves you, give him sex.

When he grabs at your hand, grab at his penis.

If he tells you a secret, it will most likely be something sexual. So give him sex.

When he looks into your eyes, grab his ass.

When he's angry, stroke him. Don't stop until he's calm.

When he says he’s Ok or that nothing’s wrong, don’t believe it. Just give him sex. Whatever is wrong is now forgotten.

Call him at 12am on his birthday to have phone sex.

Treat him like he’s all that matters to you. Give him sex in all rooms in the house.

Make a movie with him, even if you think it’s stupid, and get in every sexual position you possibly can. This will make a great movie.

Talk about other girls around you, and ALWAYS tell him how “hot” a girl passing by is. Consider asking that girl to come home with you two.

Kiss her in the pouring rain. Kiss her in a falling snow. Kiss her in the middle of a crowd. I will give him sex right now said Sam I Am.

When he runs to you crying, ask him "Wanna go to a strip club?"

Even if you’ve been together for 25 years,  scoot next to him in the car or on the couch & proceed with the oral sex.

Gently play with his (insert any body part here).

When he’s sick, with a sore red nose, his hair is a tangled mess and he’s in flannel pj’s and fuzzy slippers, tell him to take it all off... the "nurse" is in the house to make him feel all better.

Don’t let a day go by without letting him know you love him. Why? Because you're horny for him.

Men are the most simplest of all God’s creatures. No matter how confident, beautiful, talented and intelligent one may be, he just wants sex. If he denies this, he’s lying!

Notice that EVERYTHING on this list is really this simple. Just think how happier men would be if you ladies gave them sex at least once a day. You'll get so much accomplished!!! So get naked ladies right away!!!

SHE SAID....THE SECRET TO A WOMAN REVEALED

 

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Men say they just don't understand women. They think we're unpredicatable, irrational and impossible to figure out. Finally, here is a man's guide to women and how to deal with the woman you love.

When she pulls away, pull her back.

When she steals your favorite hoodie, let her wear it.

When she says she loves you, tell her you love her more than anything.

When she grabs at your hand, hold hers, look into her eyes and smile.

If she tells you a secret, listen with interest and keep it safe and unshared.

When she looks into your eyes, look back and don’t look away until she does.

When she’s angry, hold her tight and kiss her hair, don’t let go until she’s calm.

When she says she’s Ok or that nothing’s wrong, don’t believe it.

Call her at 12am on her birthday to say you love her and couldn’t wait to tell her.

Treat her like she’s all that matters to you.

Watch her favorite movie with her, even if you think it’s stupid, and don’t make comments or roll your eyes during the movie.

Don’t talk about other girls around her, and NEVER tell her how “hot” a girl passing by is.

Kiss her in the pouring rain. Kiss her in a falling snow. Kiss her in the middle of a crowd.

When she runs to you crying , cradle her like a child and ask “Whose ass am I kicking baby?”

Even if you’ve been together for 25 years, have her scoot next to you in the car or on the couch.

Gently play with her hair.

When she’s sick, with a sore red nose, her hair is a tangled mess and she’s in flannel pj’s and fuzzy slippers, tell her she’s beautiful.

.
When you see her walking, sneak up and hug her waist from behind.

When she's scared, hold her, protect her

Don’t let a day go by without letting her know in some way that she’s important to you and that you love her. Why? Because she’s a woman and every day she’s doubting herself.

Women are the most complex of all God’s creatures. No matter how confident, beautiful, talented and intelligent one may be, she still needs constant reassurance that she is loved and treasured by the man she loves. If she denies this, she’s lying!

Notice that NOTHING on this list cost money. That’s because “things” aren’t as important to a woman in love than reassurance that she is loved in return. Sure, women love little gifts and surprises, but believe me, expressions of love mean so much more!

...

HAIRY BIKERS

Dawn Boyle

 

 

I totally know these guys......

 

Paul and Bill  road trip along American roads to get a taste for themselves local  history and traditions. But they don't just cook and eat with the locals - they do everything it takes to put the meal on the table. They spear bullfrogs, go clamming, lobster, shrimping and capture gators with a cross bow; they clean road kill, harvest wheat for beer, and track down wild boars.

I found myself glued to the boob-tube Friday night with the History channel after arguing with my husband for the remote (he obviously won) but I found hours after he was snorring away still watching these two regular guys do what they love. They are best friends who ended up having a show traveling across America doing some really cool things. I actually saw for the first time in my life a REAL CLAM BAKE on the beach...no pots, no grills...fire, seaweed, sand and fresh seafood and vegetables. Might have been the coolest thing I have ever watched! I even learned where the term "egg timer" came from!

 

SUNDAY TRIVIA

Did You Know...

December was the 10th month of the Roman Calendar.

The name December comes from the Latin word ‘decem’ meaning 10.

The birthstone for December is Turquoise or the mystical Blue Topaz.

The flower representing this month is Holly.

On December 18th 1977 – the movie "Saturday Night Fever" opened in New York, and the soundtrack album sold 25-million copies worldwide.

On December 3rd,  1947 —- the Tennessee Williams play “A Streetcar Named Desire” opened on Broadway starring Jessica Tandy as Blanche and Marlon Brando as Stanley.

In December of 1803 the Louisiana Purchase took place.

The Charles Dickens classic story ‘A Christmas Carol’ was 1st published in December 6, 1843.

December 5th is National Blue Jeans Day.

December 6th is the day many people celebrate the patron Catholic saint of children  — St. Nicholas.

December 17th was know for centuries, as the beginning of the Roman/Pagan Saturnalia Festival, held in honor of the God of Agriculture.

December 21st marks the beginning of the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere of the world.

December 28th has been celebrated as Childermass, also known as ‘The Holy Innocents Day’, which commemorates King Herod’s order to kill all the male children under 2, in order to kill the Messiah.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS DECEMBER 4

Alex North

December 04, 1910

Allan Hersholt

December 04, 1914

Andrzej Szalawski

December 04, 1911

Chris Hillman

December 04, 1944

Claude Renoir

December 04, 1914

Corinne Marchand

December 04, 1937

Cornell Woolrich

December 04, 1903

Deanna Durbin

December 04, 1921

Dennis Wilson

December 04, 1944

Dorothy Ward

December 04, 1911

Eddie Heywood

December 04, 1915

Eric Stacey

December 04, 1903

Ezequiel Castano

December 04, 1981

Francisco Franco

December 04, 1892

Fred Durst

December 04, 1971

Furin Cha

December 04, 1961

Iosif Khejfits

December 04, 1905

Janet Draaijer

December 04, 1961

Jay-Z

December 04, 1969