Giola per la Vita!

"Just because I'm gorgeous and wear expensive baubles doesn't mean I am happy, il mi amore!"

I had been in un atteggiamento negativo (in a negative attitude) for too long.  E tempo per un adeguaento!  (I was thinking negative and needed an adjustment.)

I actually tried to find my giola per la vita (joy of life) from a sunflower.   It kept growing.  I didn't.

Anervo bisoguondi mouservi rapidamente!  (I needed to move quickly.)

Run, little Debra, run!  (And for gosh sakes, wipe that silly grin off your mouth!)

Troppo tempo concentrato su me stresso.  (Too much time focused on myself!)

"O solo mia, I raised two boys through a difficult storm.  When will it be my turn to relax!"
(Small violin playing concerto in A minor:  Soooo Whaaaaaaattttt...!!) 

A ha!  (Ah ha!)

Ohhhhh!!  (hee hee)

\  oops

Thus, my meditation:  O Whah Tad Aumm Aa Siam!!  
                                  (Oh what a dumb-ass I am!)

I have no clue how I managed to get this one and only shot of the cheer squad, a promotional for  the upcoming movie, "Megamind" with Will Ferrell and Tina Fey.  I caught them practicing before going on stage at "LA Live!"  Amazing bodies.

Ottinere su di nesso!  Cosi sia!  Non pensarci!  Stai zitto!  Viva la tua vita!  Si vive una volta sola!
Get over it!  Let it go.  Stop ruminating.  Shut up, (already).  Live YOUR life.  You only Live once.

When in doubt, take a staycation!  (Thanks Fiona of "How to be Chic", great post!)
When you project possible negative outcomes, you are living in the future.  When you ponder the 'what ifs', you live in the past.  Try to stay present, even for just a few hours a day.  Predicting something bad or a somewhat constant focus on past mistakes only keep you from una giornata favolosa (thanks for this reminder, Adrienne, Rich Life)!

Viaggiare Leggeri a la Bodeci

Golly!  What a nice breakfast for us parents!  Well, I guess for the cost of the tuition...

Moving through the airport requires agility!  I could really move in comfort with this travel outfit.  My only
problem was I like better foot support, but with airline security I wanted slip-off ease.

It was "Parent Weekend" at my son's school and I wanted to travel light.  This is has been a difficult task for me in the past, but I'd worked at perfecting it.  We had to be up at 4:30 and out the door by 5:00 AM to catch our 6:30 flight from Santa Rosa to L.A.  I decided I would carry one small carry-on and wear only one outfit with options.  My black jeggings and cami from "White House Black Market" and my "Melissa" flip flops were the main pieces I worked with.  I added my white button down stretch cotton blouse from "H&M" on the plane and to our first event at the school: The Dean's Breakfast and a 'sit-in' on my son's screen writing class.  I felt fresh and appropriate for the entire day and all I had to cart around was my inexpensive ($40) bag from "Dean and Deluca" and my red "Swiss Army" travel tote.  No problem!

Felt quite comfy. That black bag (left) on my right can hold my laptop,  small make-up bag, notebook, magazines, two pairs of glasses with cases, my water bottle, an apple, large wallet and camera.  The cardigan looks better buttoned up to a cowl neck, but it was still warm before dinner.

Later that evening we went for appetizers at the “Yard House” then to “Fleming’s” for dinner.  I took off the white shirt and topped my look with a “Linq” cowl, double-breasted, elbow-length sleeve, cotton knit sweater.  The entire weekend I wore my diamond stud earrings, gold Rolex watch and black-pearl pendant.  Simple and elegant.  (Oh, and my "new" aviators via "Rich Life".  She was ready to put them on eBay.  I saved her the trouble!)

At the Trojans vs. Huskies game, I wore my simple logo T with knee length logo shorts and "Van's" slip-on sneekers.    Easy to pack in my carry-on tote.

Along with the football game wear, I packed simple cotton lounge pants and tank for sleep and put-zing about.  (While traveling, I like to feel prepared for potential evacuation, so my sleepwear can easily become comfy wear.)  I also had my small make-up bag, face and dental requirements and a small styling gel.  My iPhone, laptop, magazines and travel documents all went in my "Dean & Deluca" patent leather shopping tote.  Very roomy making it easy to find my money and identification.  


The Bodeci method of "Weekend Travel is to mantenere le cose seplici! (keep it simple!)  If unencumbered and comfortable, you will move with freedom and energy.  What is your "Weekend Travel Wardrobe"?  Any late fall/ winter ideas?  I'd love to hear!

Pausa di Tiempo per Bodeci

My computer needed a rest.  I was a bit ready for one myself.  Am I going to grow old with my lap top strapped to me?

I took a break.  A rather long break.  And while it felt good, I had to work at not reacting to those demon voices in my head.  I decided I'd let them talk, and I could listen if I wanted, but it didn't mean I had to take heed.   And so, I took a break, senza sensi de colpa (without guilt).    

It was hot and my son came home for a surprise visit.   (Here with girlfriend, K)

After saying good-bye to my last client of the week Friday, I felt some angst because I wasn't prepared for my next BODECI body post.  Then it occurred  to me; what if I were to put my computer to rest over this entire HOT weekend and prendere il sole?  (soak up the sun)

   

Had to stare out this window for no good reason.   My chia pet is happy sitting around, and look how productive he is!

It wasn't difficult to put my computer away for a bit.  It was, however, kind of painful that I wasn't posting my next blog or responding to emails.  But, to live Bodeci means to take a rest when you work hard.  And, so I did.

K and I went for manicures and pedicures then she colored my hair.    Just as she slathered the last bit of color on my head, I informed her I had guests coming for dinner in a few minutes.  Yes, I had hair dye all over my head and no makeup on my face.  Not cool.  But, it was my dear friend Adrienne (Rich Life on a Budget) and she didn't seem to notice.  Oh, and guess what?  I didn't run through my house perfecting it like a freaking crazy woman before company!

When I was young, before kids and never ending responsibilities, I had plenty of time to fissare intorno (lay around) and still get stuff done.  But, after nearly twenty-three years of motherhood coupled with the role of breadwinner, I don't know how to just be these days.  I am reawakened to myself and there are times when I need to become still and simply be.  It was one of those weekends.

Mi e' piaciuto!  (I loved it!)

When was the last time you took a break from your computer, cell phone or "to do" list?  What did you do differently?  How did it feel?  I am living to find out!

Venti Ora

.

The Wagon Wheel bar.  Seen it for eons, never went in,  Great guys and   Bellisimo Martini

After teaching my class on Tuesday, Randy and I went for a cocktail at famed "Wagon Wheel" bar in Santa Rosa, then met friends for dinner at Gogi, an Asia fusion restaurant nearby.  I couldn't help but stuff my face as the food was saparoso!; all organic vegetables and spices with free range chicken, wild fish and tofu.   Plus, we had a date with Tony.

Tony Bennett 

Tony sang all of his most loved songs and ballads.  I don't think of myself of his genre, my dad's, for sure, but I was raised with his music.  At 80, he is damn near gorgeous.  There he was, within fifty yards of me, belting out "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" arms extended, hands open as if to say, "it is all of us here tonight that make us feel so fantastico!"

I knew I would be learning to can fruit the next day with professional farmers!

 I didn't get to bed until after eleven and didn't sleep well.  Sleep has been rather spotty lately.  Tuesday evening turned to Wednesday morning quickly.  My six AM and seven AM client are both out-of-town so I could sleep in a bit, and that was slendido.  

Teddy greeted me at Nana Mae's farm

By eleven, I was tying on my favorite apron, stashing my best paring knife and heading out the door to Nana Mae's country garden for canning instructions and a garden luncheon.  I had gotten the invitation from Rebecca of "Sonoma Lavender" and Karen of "Hello Beautiful Skin Clinic", to be part of only eight lucky uomini e donne.  We were to learn from the owner/ operators of Nana Mae's Organics, Kendra, and her husband, Paul, and associate, Marilee (professional consultant to small, organic farming operations here in Northern California) in the fine art of preserving fruits and vegetables.

One of the many delicious products from Nana Mae's

Let's get it started!

Given our handmade aprons (Oh, I've got to get the name of those) and our instructions, we began peeling, chopping, mincing, boiling, sampling, chatting and photo ops.  Oh, and we enjoyed Mumm champagne and Paul's fresh pressed apple juice.

Love my new old school apron!

Rebecca, Ce Ce, Cindy, Marilee, Marchelle, Karen, mia and Marissa.

After spending an hour or so making pears in lavender honey syrup and apple chutney, we sat down to Kendra's freshly prepared and delectable lunch under the shade of her fruit trees.  We dined with in the  dappled sunlight about her floral and vegetable garden.

Lunch is served.

We ate foods grown from Kendra and Paul's home garden.  There were three different salads; potato, purple kale, and tossed green, all with varieties of amazing flavors and textures, like of pungent cheeses, spiced nuts, mild garlic and Nana Mae's own apple cider vinegar (so good for you).  There was a basket full of baguette with fromage and prosciutto.  On our table was champagne and apple chutney.  No wonder Rebecca's hearty salute' during lunch, "I'm in heaven!"

Yes, we ate here.

Having a client at two (I know, why did I do that?), I had to be the first to leave and making my way to say good bye, I found Kendra whipping fresh heavy cream in her kitchen.  I am still dreaming about the possible dessert my friends enjoyed after I left!

Bella, no?

Twenty hours after Randy and I had our cocktail, I was back in my studio with Nicola doing what I do.  I felt a bit tired, but rejuvenated by all of the beauty and creativity of the past twenty hours.  There is so much that is giola di vivere in our world, go and seek it!  Tell me of your twenty hour vacanza.

la mia casa 

What is your deliziare?

No Place to Hide

Blue will do it?

I love the whole psychology around eating.  For example, the color blue is a natural appetite suppressant.  One study, detailed in “Mindless Eating” by Brian Wansink, found when people dined in a blue room they ate 33% less than those who ate in a yellow or red room.  Another interesting bit of information from a “Health” magazine poll is that 83% of their readers do the most calorie damage when alone. A full 71% said they’ve stuffed a food wrapper down deep in the trash to hide the evidence.  (I think that number is probably higher but it is “Health” Magazine, after all).  And when questioned what the strangest thing they’ve eaten when alone, the most common answer was:  something dug out of the trash.  (There seems to be a common theme here with the trash.)

If it is in my home, there is certain foods I am tempted to sneak rather than to eat openly, but that’s not to say I would feel embarrassed if observed eating it.  Well, not usually.  Like the time I’d bought a dozen tubs of frozen cookie dough balls for a holiday fundraiser my kids were pushing for their school.   I got the bright idea that I would make it easy on myself that year and buy a bunch, thus sparing me (and my potential victims; family, friends and clients) from having to look through the slick catalogue of Holiday crap while they obligatorily filled out the form.

I was in the final stages of a yearlong remodel to my home and we were all frazzled.  The weather becoming windy, wet and cold while work crews slopped in and out of our torn up home and the boys behaving like caged animals, I was not in the mood for one more parent duty.  My plan was to wait until the last few days before Christmas and bake cookies in my brand new kitchen.  The visual of me in my apron, the kids studiously finishing homework by the roaring fire and the entire house spotless and decorated like Ma used to in the old days, kept me sane. I could use our new stove and bake all four hundred and thirty-two dough balls into perfectly round, moist and chewy chocolate chip, fudge, oatmeal and white chocolate macadamia cookies!  I would then disburse them to neighbors, family and friends.

All I want is one.

A few weeks before Christmas, my boys and I returned to our plywood floors and half painted walls with yet another take-out pizza for them and salad in a box for me.  The boys began to play a game they called “chong” where they wrestle on the bed trying to whack the other with the heel of their foot; sounds of their screams mixed with non-stop giggling was more than I could handle.  My salad sat in it’s unopened box as I walked in trance to the freezer and pulled out a white chocolate macadamia tub and proceeded to eat a frozen dough ball.  It was scrumptious, really.  I think I blacked out after having the second one; I wasn’t in my body any longer.

One turns into ten.

That weekend the paint crew was in full force painting the inside of the house while it poured outside.  At some point I went to the freezer and pulled out my personal tub and noticed that some of the balls had shrunk in size having little teeth marks on them.  I had been nibbling at the balls thinking if I didn’t eat the whole thing it didn’t count.  Carefully pulling out a ball with index finger and thumb, I began to take a bite when one of the painters came into the room to ask a question.  There I was, poised over my tub with a frozen dough ball up to my mouth and an attractive young man looking square at my dough balled fingers.  I fumbled some stupid babble about wondering what cookie dough tasted like and tossed the remains into the trash.  I’ll never forget his parting statement, “I hope it was tasty.”

Couldn't I just bake them and eat one or two?

When the work crew finally packed their tools for good that day, each carried three tubs of cookie dough and a few freshly baked cookies.  I have never purchased holiday cookie tubs since and never will.  In fact, like Scrooge, I won’t even purchase Girl Scout cookies.  The memory of my animalistic behavior and the man who caught it square on, documenting my embarrassment has turned me off to fund-raising cookie purchases forever.

"Can't you little brats take NO for an answer?!"

In my humanness, I am flawed, so I can forgive myself those times when I think the whole world would pass judgment on me for my little “sneaks”.  In forgiving myself it gives me more strength, not less.  Besides, I know I am not alone.  What strange thing have you eaten in the privacy of your solitude?  Please share!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

My honey.  He's so fun!

My son, G and his lovely girlfriend, K.

My son, J and his lovely girlfriend, R.

My cat, Tickles.  She wakes me up every morning before five.  Most times she brings "gifts".    She's amazing.

On my night stand at 5:17 this morning, my favorite brew.  Made by a simple machine called Senseo, by Phillips.  I cannot believe the yummy flavor and "la crema" foam.  A bit chipiped, my fav cup handmade by famed ceramics artisan, Catarina of Sienna, Italy.

My raspberries picked fresh and eaten for breakfast.

I get love from so many: my honey with Boomer, left, and Rocky.

And Baby.  She doesn't ask for a thing.  She's so sweet!

And Duders.  Adopted from my son because he couldn't have pets in his new dorm room.   

And, having my dear friends play with us on Saturday.  They are the best!

What more is there?

Of Women, Wine and Weight Loss

Sophia says, "eat, drink and be merry,  mia amore!"

I am a fitness trainer. I am a woman.  I am a mother.  I am a wife.  I am a sister, a daughter, grand-daughter, niece, aunt, a friend, associate, acquaintance.  I am a an artist and a writer.  I am many things and not defined any one of them.

"What am I doing here?"

Many times I have been in the grocery store, shopping for my family, and my cart will bump into another belonging to a client or a student from my fitness class.  Their eyes dart to my cart to sleuth out my weaknesses.

She asked for it!

Before my boys went away to college, I may have had a frozen pizza or a bag of chips in my cart.  I may have had a bottle or two of wine.  I am sure I had half and half; it's all I'll use in my morning coffee.  It seems they find pleasure in inspecting what is in my cart like I'm up for public scrutiny; I do not get the same 'privacy policies' as the rest.

Yes, I've bought these,  and worse, for my kids.  

"You let your kids eat frozen pizza?"  "I didn't know you ate fat?" "I thought dairy was bad for you."  "So, you drink wine, huh?" "Why do you eat meat?"  "Is that for you?"

Can we live without wine and chocolate?

I am a human being.  Yes, I eat fat and dairy as well as white fluffy carbs.   And I enjoy a Martini.

NO THANKS!

I am a fitness trainer, yet do not hang out with many in my trade.  They can bore me to tears.  "Join our 'Runner's Club!'"  "I'm having a potluck.  Can you bring the edamame?"

I run all the time, thank you very much!  I run when I need to get somewhere quickly, but I prefer to walk fast.  Hit the gym?  I'd rather clean my windows so I can clearly see the beautiful countryside that surrounds me.

Can we play, now?

I have a lot of energy and use it for purpose or fun.  And, I understand the importance of having prescriptive exercise; exercise that creates balanced muscle and strength as well as cardiovascular health. This kind of exercise can be achieved in as little as fifteen minutes a day.  You simply have to know what prescriptive exercises your body requires to keep progressing and/ or maintaining it's youthful abilities.

They 

are  beautiful.

I think of the fifty year old (plus) and exceptionally youthful, beautiful women I know and have known.  Most do not spend a second in a gym and they drink wine.  And eat fat.  And may even have a cigarette at a party.  They live life on their terms, with a sense of youthful abandon mixed with educated choices.

To them I say, "You are Bodeci, Il mia amore!'