News from the Back Deck 7-1-09

Hello My Friends~

The town of Sayville was abuzz this past week in preparation for the Senior Prom and graduation. Our lovely Devon, a Junior in H.S., was a guest at the Senior Prom. Months ago, she created a vision in her mind of the look she wanted to achieve--a wholesome/sexy mermaid. She and my sister-in-law Eileen hit the shops in search of the 'perfect' gown. I knew when the cell phone started beeping in pictures that I was sunk...they had found the PERFECT dress but it was light years away from our price range. After reviewing the pictures, and talking to the 'adult' in this shopping duo, I had to admit, it was THE dress. The event took on a life of its own with all of the preparations, and brought back so many fond memories of my own prom some 29 years ago. Back in THOSE days we wore Gunne Sax dresses and looked like Laura Ingalls from Little House on the Praire...half the girls at this prom looked like they had on a belly dancer's costume! Oh, I am getting old...

The big day presented itself...with SUN after a full month of rain. Devon did the rounds of beautification (nails, make-up, hair) and found the perfect flower to place in her hair. And I have to admit, our wholesome/sexy mermaid was absolutely stunning. One of her friend's parents had procured the transportation for Devon and her crew--a double decker limousine. I have never seen anything like it...and can't even begin to imagine what the cost would have been had this parent not been so generous. Sayville has a wonderful tradition where all of the kids participating in the prom meet at our version of the 'village green'. It is a lovely small 'village' that contains some restored older buildings. Eric and I took our pictures there on our wedding day (until we got thrown out for the lack of a permit...little did they know that one day Eric would be running the whole Town of Islip!) There were refreshments for everyone, and a gazebo and horse and buggy for the couples to take their pictures. It was for all intents and purposes perfect. We gave our little angel a hug good bye and took off.

Several hours later I received a call from Devon. The rains had left a muddy mass of grassland at the village center...and the behomoth bus of a limo was stuck in the mud. They were waiting for a tow truck to arrive that was big enough to get it out of the mud. One of the girls had already passed out due to a tight dress and no food all day and was departing in an ambulance. All those plans, all of that striving for perfection, and the bus was stuck in the mud. Such an analogy for the way so many things go in this life. Being the concerned parent, I offered to drive up there right away and hand a car off to the kids so they could get to the prom. But Devon said, "Why would we do that???? We're having a blast! If we don't get moving soon, we're going to order pizzas." And I chuckled to myself, as we can most assuredly make lemonade out of the rottenest of lemons if we just put our minds to it! The limo eventually made it to the prom, but I think the riders may have enjoyed the mud part even better than the event.

Devon and I are leaving on Monday for a few days of mother/daughter bonding in Bermuda. We are staying at a place I have had on my 'vision board' for a while now...9 Beaches. They have cabanas that are built right over the water! I chuckle to read people's views of it on Tripadvisor.com...do you know there are folks whose underwear is so tight that they complain the sound of the water is too loud and they can't sleep? If I weren't in the midst of my own health crisis, we probably never would have treated ourselves to an adventure of this nature...and you know, that is wrong. Life is too short...grab someone you love and go out and make memories now while you can!

Our dear friends Marshall & Sandi are up in Buffalo at a hospital with their son, Brendan. Brendan has suffered a severe brain trauma and I ask you all to keep him in your prayers. We are hoping his youth and vitality will help this young man rise out of the ashes like a soaring Phoenix. Marshall & Sandi had just purchased their 'retirement boat' and were planning to (finally) have a peaceful summer, now that the kids were 'grown' and out of the house. And within seconds, those plans have been irrevocably changed for the summer and beyond. I hope the good Lord keeps all of those you love within his clutches this summer and forever more. And when your bus gets stuck in the mud, I hope He brings you enough strength and a sense of humor to make the best of it.

"Love one another and help others to rise to the higher levels, simply by pouring out love. Love is infectious and the greatest healing energy." ~Sai Baba

I love you all, be well~
Colleen

By Groovygirlcool
Posted July 2, 2009 at 4:33 am
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So glad 'Ariel' had a wonderful time at the prom; watch she doesn't swim off with her own Prince Eric in Bermuda!

Well I just had to find out what on earth a "Gunne Sax" dress was in it's hey day, and google found me a picture of a 1979 dress pattern for one!

We also flounced about in such femininly demure creations - I remember the style was all the rage for bridemaids dresses too (accompanied by a braided hairstyle, 'Farah' haircut, or a 'Lady Di' do).

I may just start a dedicated savings program for future 'prom' expenses now - it's only 7 to 9 years away!!

Enjoy the sun, sand and sea - and get yourself a real tatt!! xxxGGC

By mlm
Posted July 2, 2009 at 7:56 am
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Colleen,
Wonderful prom story! Have a wonderful time with your daughter. Your friend's son will be in my prayers.
Let us hear from you upon your safe return.
MaryLynn

By crazygracie
Posted July 2, 2009 at 8:59 am
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Hi,
Just wanted to tel you that Bermuda is BEAUTIFUL! we went several years ago and oved it. I don't know if you all have ever scuba-dived or not, but I have always been way too wimpy to do that. However, when in Bermuda, they had what was called "Helmet Dives". I know . . . strange name, but one of the best experiences of my life. To make a long story short, you go out on a boat with 20-30 people tp a spectacular part of the ocean. Then, a very nice person places this "helmet" (with attached oxygen tube" on your head, and you climb down yhe steps where you actually walk on the bottom of the ocean and see the most spactacular fisf, coral, etc. Now, keep in mind that you are only about 15 ft. under water. You and your daughter would do it together and it truly is fabulous. Again, this has been about 15 yrs. ago, but I knew that I would never be a scuba girl, so it was a great experience. I was nervous at first and told the very nice man that placed the helmut on my hrad to please be sure not to mess up my hair!!! And he didn't! Hope you have a great time. I am off to Sanibel Island next week with my Sister, Daughter-in-Law and precious 9 yr. old great neice! Can't wait!!!
God Bless!

crazy gracie

By Beachbabe
Posted July 2, 2009 at 8:15 pm
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Thank you my fellow Hot Cancer Babes! Sanibel...I love Sanibel...enjoy! I will try the helmet dive but have to admit all I thought when I read it was about moustache rides (sorry for those of you who are not nearly as sordid as I am).

GGC, you don't know about the beauty of the Gunne Sax gown? At least my father didn't have to go through the emotion my poor, dear hubby had to go through...I can't imagine I looked nearly as sexy in my Laura Ingalls get up!!!!

Anyone have any good suggestions for my plane/beach reads? I am so done with anything cancer related or inspirational...and I'm not up to date on all the 'must reads'. Share, share!

Love you guys, what happens in Bermuda stays in Bermuda, but I'll share it with YOU!

XX00
Colleen

By jaf
Posted July 2, 2009 at 9:13 pm
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Beachbabe,
Loved the prom story and how wonderful to have a trip to Bermuda with your daughter. My daughter and I spent some quality time in Florida this past winter. Daughters are such a blessing. Bermuda is great - was there about 16 years ago, so I am sure it has changed some but the beaches probably are still the same - beautiful with pink sand. As far as reading material, I just finished James Patterson's latest (of course that is not light reading). You can always go the Nora Roberts route for a little romance. Have a great time and enjoy your daughter and the sun.

By jojobeans
Posted July 2, 2009 at 11:01 pm
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Want a fun book - read Jen Lancaster.. A little annoying at first, but a women who can make fun of herself and her life, she will having you laughing and relating even if you do not take your prada bag to the unemployment agency... But really, she is someone who has struggle with weight and insecurities and decided to not let it get in her way and became a success story by surprised....Bitter is the New Black is her first memoir, but they are all good and light.

By CrazyfortheCoast
Posted July 2, 2009 at 11:09 pm
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Colleen, I'm with you when it comes to reading about cancer. I have done nothing but immerse myself in all things cancer since my diagnosis in 1/08. After being in the hospital in April I gave myself permission to put cancer on the back burner for as long as it can stay that way.

I'm so excited for you and Devon's trip to Bermuda. I have sons, and although they recently took a weekend trip with me to the beach that I will treasure forever, they are not the same as daughters. I'll be looking forward to hearing all about your adventures!

I am on the West Coast..not sure if I answered your question about that earlier. The rugged Oregon coast but I still adore being there. My wish is to get to someplace that has clear blue water I can swim in and white sandy beaches. Perhaps a retreat is in order?

Have a great time. Thanks for all you share with us here.

Love,
Pam

By chloemom
Posted July 3, 2009 at 7:20 am
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How wonderful BB! Bermuda with Devon ... what a
great idea and what wonderful memories you two will make! I know I treasure moments with my daughter more than ever. We too are planning a trip ... whether it comes to fruition we've yet to see, but the planning and dreaming part is good too.

I'm sure you looked just as sexy in your Gunne Sax at your prom .... have to put it in the context of the time and Gunne Sax' were all the rage!!! Thanks for sharing Devon's prom with us. Your writing style really brings your stories to life!

Off with you both for a fantastic mother/daughter retreat!!!

By Dreamy
Posted July 3, 2009 at 8:39 am
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So Devon is able to visualize solutions that turn a trauma into a party... she will go far. What a story .... and something she will remember always. You too, I imagine.

By JuliePa
Posted July 3, 2009 at 2:01 pm
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Great story about Devon's prom. It sounds like she had a blast..memories.. : )
Have a fun trip on the beach , just the girls.

Happy 4th !

By kleighk
Posted July 6, 2009 at 9:22 pm
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Ahh, prom stories!! And yours is one of the best I've heard. And you and Devon will have a wonderful time in the Bahamas. I've been a few times and it's differently beautiful every time!!

I am so sorry for your friends' troubles--I will keep them in my prayers. Youth have a wonderful resilience and bounce back miraculously from head traumas--I hope Brendan gets well real soon.

Be good in the Bahamas---and if you can't be good, at least have fun!!

Welcome to Inspire!

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