Looking for light in Daylight Savings

      I  don't like daylight savings. I  want light streaming through my windows. I want to walk outside and feel the sun on my face and the shadows of dusk in the evening. But it is November 6 and I am looking out at darkness before 6 p.m. I look forward to December 22. Every day is a little brighter. 

     Maybe, it's because as I age I don't drive as well at night which seems to shorten a productive day. With darkness comes colder weather. And sometimes I feel like a bear who wants to hibernate

     But as in all things in life, you have to find positive things about darkness and cold.

So here is my list. See if you agree:

Hot Chocolate

Fleece lined hats

Pea Jackets

Wool Scarfs

Cashmere Sweaters

Cosy slippers

Homemade Chili

Eagles Football ( just put in your favorite team)

Cuddling up with loved ones to stay warm

Decorating the Christmas Tree

The Mummers (a Philadelphia Tradition)

Waking up to the stillness of a snowy morning 

Assault on a New School Year

 For me the beginning of the school year was a time for joy. New things to learn, new classmates, new books to read, white lined sheet of papers to fill with words.  Autumn was around the corner. The cool brisk air filled the mornings.  

I never lost that feeling. I will admit I hate the winter months and the dark dreariness that seeps in but I always looked forward to first day of school.

 As a news photographer at a local paper it was a huge event. So were fall sports, especially football.

On a Friday night or Saturday morning crowds filled stands, cheerleaders performed intricate stunts and win or lose, all cheered for the players of both teams. 

This Friday under the lights, a shooting took place at Academy Park High School in Sharon Hill taking the life of a child and injuring others.  A drive-by shooting! 

There are no words to express the sadness I feel for the parents who have lost their beautiful daughter.  No words can express the sadness I feel for the students, the players, the coaches, the teachers and the parents for they have lost the joy of a new school year shattered by bullets.

As school districts grasp with mask or unmask to keep our children safe from a virus, the real question is how do we keep our children safe from gun violence, a form of terrorism that assaults our psyches for we never know when it will strike. 

 Like everyone, I have no answers.  I can only offer prayers for the family and that the Academy Park students and faculty will find peace as the school year goes on.

Haunted Halloween

                

                    Happy Haunted Halloween 

                                                                                          All Photos by Anne Neborak

 As the pandemic continues, Halloween takes on quite a different tone. Running through haunted houses as goblins breathe on you is not happening this year.  So I am keeping the Halloween alive by walking through cemeteries and looking for spirits. Arlington Cemetery in Drexel Hill is one of my favorites. 

 As a child I would go with my Nana to visit her mother who was buried there with her sister.  We walked up the hill to get water from the pump and then water the geraniums she planted. Prayers and memories were spoken in quiet whispers. Today this is where my Nana rests.   

 

 

I find the cemetery fascinating because I feel there are so many untold stories rustling in the sound of the leaves.  The faces carved in the old trees seem to speakof these men, women, and children who lived and now rest here.

                                                                                                                                                                                So many memorial stones tell stories that tantalize the imagination, the items left like a Dunkin Donut coffee cup or solar lights to keep the dark at bey. 

It makes you wonder who that person was. What did they do? What was it like to live a hundred years ago? Husbands and wives in love together through eternity. A child whose life was cut short. A soldier who died too young. 

Gifts left at their gravesites show how much they are loved and not forgotten.  

An unmarked stone beautifully carved peaked my curiosity. Who was this dedicated to?  What spirit roams waiting to be named?  

This Halloween I am not running from goblins, I am chasing spirits.

Putting the pieces together

 It’s been a couple of rough months. 
Covid-19 has left us in a perpetual state of living in the movie, Groundhog Day.  

In Southeast  Pennsylvania we are slowly opening up.  Slowly!

We are innovative; working from home, having zoom meetings and birthday parties.  Teachers and students connect on the  internet. Shopping online doesn’t replace the feeling of touching items but it sure is easy.  Ah the deals and free shipping.  Car birthday parades and graduation parades  are happening every day 

We have time to learn new things,  complete puzzles, binge watch series and bake banana bread. We can try new recipes but sometimes are missing ingredients.  So we improvise.

Adding to the fears of Covid-19 are the protests that have left our cities spiraling out of control.  With the protests for George Floyd it has left us questioning our feelings and looking inward. What  has happened to Mr. Floyd was horrific. We all agree. I pray for his family and all who suffer injustices.

Dialogue can’t begin until we feel that we are safe. Vandalism, looting, setting fires and violence is no way for conversation, empathy and understanding to begin.

My heart breaks when I look at the images of Washington DC, New York, Philadelphia and Upper Darby. All have a piece of my heart.  These times have left us with fear of  spreading a disease we know little about and fear that there will be no peace in our country. 

One thing I know about the American spirit is that we are innovative. We will rebuild the small businesses, and the neighborhoods demolished.  We came together to help sweep up the glass and clean up the graffiti. We will come together to have a honest dialogue listening with empathy. With that dialogue, will come change. 

 Keep Styling

Annie

Finding peace in Orlando

Photo by Anne Neborak

  In the midst of all the glitter, the amazing fireworks, the thrilling rides of  Walt Disney World is an oasis of peace; The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary Queen of the Universe.

Inside one can come to pray, light a candle, and meditate on the mysteries of faith.  Outside the magnificent Basilica  is a Rosary Garden, a place to walk the Stations of the Cross. Here you can find solitude escaping the lines of cars filled with tourists on their way to more lines of people waiting to experience the Magic Kingdom, Sea World and Universal Studios. 

Photo by Anne Neborak

Before the groundbreaking on Dec. 8, 1984, masses were held in a hotel. With the opening of Magic Kingdom it became apparent that the hotel couldn’t handle the great number of  tourists attending mass. Thus the first phrase of the Shrine opened on April 20, 1986. This Basilica is the 63^rd minor Basilica in the United States. 

During every  mass the pews are filled with tourists and the people who live in Orlando. All are welcome through the bronze sculptured doors denoting the Old Testament, the New Testament and the Living Church.  

Photo by Anne Neborak

The Basilica is grand in size but you still feel a one to one intimate relationship with God as you sit in the pew.  

There is more to explore; a sacred art collection, an interactive museum where you can follow the steps of Christ and the creation of the Catholic Church, and a gift shop.    

Sometimes we just need a little time away from the Disney crowds, a place to reflect on how blessed to be in the place where dreams come true and prayers are heard.  So the next time you are in Orlando visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe.  MaryQueenoftheUniverse.org

What places of peace have you discovered on your travels?

I flunked Packing 101

Photo by Annie Neborak

Packing makes me go insane. You would think I’d be a pro at this. No, I am still packing as I go out the door. Believe me, I started weeks ago.

How do you pack for six weeks with changing weather from winter to summer? How do you pack when you want to literally take your whole house with you? Of course you can’t but I try.  

I am an over packer which only makes travel so much more difficult. I have to carry so many bags inside the  place I stay and carry it again when I am leaving. It makes me weary just thinking about it. 

I want to bring five books when it takes me at least two weeks to read one. I imagine that all the projects that I left unfinished I will do while I am on vacation. So of course I want to bring them along for the ride. I have journals to write in. books to inspire me, puzzles that have sat on the shelf for months but  this seem the right time to bring them.

Shoes, oh my. What shoes should I bring? Of course I need  sandals and sneakers and dressy shoes and boots and of course my slippers. Oh, I forgot, flip flops lots of flip flops.   I have to bring my favorite blanket and my pillow. No pillow ever feels like your own unless it’s your own. That is a fact.

The laptop, the iPad and of course all the passwords to all the accounts. I started packing two days ago and I am still packing.

 I found lists on the Internet to guide me. But the guide was too general. It listed what I needed with a place to check things off.  I want specifics like you must pack six pairs of white socks so I can check it off. 

So many books you read, say pack light  but how do you do that. 
I definitely need a coat, I definitely need a sweatshirt, make that two sweatshirts, and possibly a dress. I haven’t worn a dress since my daughter’s wedding. But some special occasion could still come up where you need a dress. 

This year though I tried to scale down. I tried on lots of clothes and then I decided to bring the things that actually fit.  With all that sun and vacation activity I felt I surely would be thinner right. It never happened. 

Ever the optimist, those clothes will remain home tucked away in my drawers. 

 I tried to plan out what I will wear, what I will need and all the essentials.  

I am bringing two books instead of five. The pillow and the dress stay. I am leaving the puzzle at home.   Each year, I get better at this. I did forget the wine opener though.

If you are having trouble packing here is a link you can go to for some tips on how to pack lightly and efficiently.

Check it out https://www.jetsetter.com.

Please if you have any tips on packing, please share them. I am sure I am not the only one overwhelmed by packing for their vacation. 

Keep Styling,

Annie

What's your favorite pie?

     Photo by Lucy Heath on Unsplash

National Pie Day started with a birthday celebration. Charlie Papazian, a nuclear engineer, brewer and author was born on Jan. 23, 1950. In the mid-1970s. he declared his own birthday as National Pie Day. 

According  to the American Pie Council, pies were first discovered in Ancient Egypt.  The first pie recipe published was by the Romans. It consisted of rye-crusted goat cheese and honey. Sounds yummy. 

The first pies eaten were made with meat. It is believed that Queen Elizabeth l was presented with the first cherry pie for fruit pies and pastry made their debut in the 1500s. 

America’s favorite pie is Apple. The second favorite is Pizza Pie. Those  ancient Romans weren’t far off in knowing what tasted good. My favorite is Sweet Potato Pie. What’s yours?

The American Pie Council plans a National Pie Championship for amateurs and professional pie makers.  For great pie making tips and lots more go  to their site at  http://www.piecouncil.org.

Happy Birthday Charlie!

The Key to Aging

We all age but we have to keep styling!

If you are reading this hoping to find the fountain of youth, sorry, I have no answers . I try to believe that I am only 26 when I am 66. It amazes me. How did this happen? 

I think it had to start three years ago when I was on a football field and one of the football players said excuse me ma’am do you want me to help you carry that.  I replied “ No, no I am fine.” I love seeing politeness.  But ma’am? Did I hear right?  Yikes how old do I look? He was  so young. I did start noticing that the coaches seemed a lot younger than before. The players seemed very young.

When I started in the field of  photojournalism the coaches seemed  so old, so did the teachers the newscasters, lawyers and doctors. It's not true anymore.

A year ago, I am buying a movie ticket. The clerk charged me the senior price.

 I deny being that old. I figure it must be because, Jack is with me. He is six years older than me.  I deduct that has to be the reason. A month later it happens again and I am alone at the time. So all that denial didn’t help me one bit. 

 I keep looking in the mirror for that old person, she’s there but mentally I don’t see it. 

 I can really use  the senior discount. I am on Social Security. I almost choke when I say  those two words, S-o-c-i-a-l  S-e-c-u-r-i-t-y. How did I get here?  

But the alternative is…you guessed it. I am above ground for the grace of God.  So  many I know have passed and never reached the ripe old age of 66. I know that each day is a gift. It humbles me. So I decided to take a step in the aging process.

I applied for  my Septa Key so I can travel on the buses and the trains in Pennsylvania for free and half price in New Jersey and Delaware. Here is the link:   https://www.septa.org/fares/discount/seniors-ride-free-info.html

 It was my way of accepting my age. Aging has a lot of pluses. Being positive is the true key. See you on the train.  

Keep Styling

  Annie Neborak

                   

  Bring in the New  Decade by being you

A new year! A new decade. The possibilities are incredible.  What will you do with this year? What will you create? What will you change in your life? How will you challenge your self?

Every year, we make resolutions. Sometimes we fall short, sometimes we reach  our goals. 

Through it all we must remember to be gentle with ourselves. When things don’t go as planned pick yourself up and go forward.   Keep following your path.   Your path at your pace.

Living our lives to the fullest means different things to each of us.  Just live your best life so when you fall asleep at night you are at peace with who you are whatever you accomplish. Make time for laughter! Make time for those you love!

I am amazed that I am alive to see this decade.  When I was in school I thought 2000 seemed so far away. It’s hard to believe it’s 2020. It’s hard to believe I will be out of high school 50 years.   

The years just slip away.  I am determined not to miss a second during this decade. I plan to  follow my dreams and make them realities. I hope you do, too.

One is to make this blog reading worthy. To inspire you with new ideas and places to see.  Places within your reach- places I will share with you.  

Styles that give fresh approaches to fashion. Here is a tip-everything old is new! Think crop tops and hipster jeans.  Just because they come back, doesn’t mean we need to embrace them. But you can if you want to Be you.

I will share  Ideas for the home, the garden and the kitchen. Hopefully you will share yours too.  

So here’s to a New Year!  Welcome 2020!

A Birthday Wish

Photo by Nick Fewings with UnSplash

   I truly am dating myself today but I remember seeing The Beatles perform at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia.  I still  am a fan of the Fab Four  even though it has  been years since they all performed together. Untimely deaths have taken two of these brilliant musicians away from the universe...John Lennon and George Harrison. 
 Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney are here still sharing their talents with us. Both are reminders of the magical past and the brilliant future.

 Ringo Starr turns 79 on July 7.  I  never thought that I would see the day when those lads from England would be in their seventies. I never thought I would see the 21st century. Time marches on and here we are.  Starr, Sir Richard Starkey, knighted by the Queen of England has asked everyone to use social media to spread messages of peace and love on this birthday. It is a simple request. The world needs healing and kindness.

Photo of Leon Rojas of Unsplash

Today sing a song of peace, compliment a stranger, smile at a neighbor, tell someone you love them and take a moment to imagine a world where there is no war and no hunger. 

 Think positive thoughts for what we think we become.
Ringo, thank you for all the joy you have given me throughout years.

Happy Birthday Ringo!!!

Calling all Pooches- Time to Bark in the Park

 

Photo by Anne Neborak

Calling all pooches- It’s time to pull your humans out of their homes, put on your Halloween costumes and go to Rose Tree Park for the annual Bark in the Park Fall Festival on Saturday, November 10th.  The fall festival fun begins at 10 a.m. and lasts till 3 p.m.

Photo by Anne Neborak

You and  your owners can participate in the 5K run and 1-mile walk at the park: Rain or shine. 

Pre-registration for walkers is still open. Walk-up registration is available the day of the event. Registration opens at 9 a.m. The 5K run and walk starts at 10 a.m. 

At the fall festival dogs can have their humans  pre- register for contest events. .  

Entry fees are required for contests and will be donated to the Providence Animal Center. Prices increase the day of the festival.

Photo by Anne Neborak

WIP's Spike Eskin and Fox’s Sue Serio are the celebrity judges. First, second and third place will be awarded in each category.

 Below is a tentative contest schedule:

      11:30a.m. - Best Kisser

12p.m. - Best Lap Dog Over 50lbs  

12:30pm. - Best Ears

1p.m. - Best Costume

1:30p.m. - Best Tail Wager 

Photo by Anne Neborak

Photo by Anne Neborak

There will be food trucks , local business vendors , raffles, music, Pitty and puppy  kissing booth, nail trims, face painting and arts and crafts.

The vaccine and microchipping clinic runs from  11a.m. to 1p.m. 

So pooches bring your whole family,  even the kids.  

It’s for a great cause.

Photo by Anne Neborak

For more information go to  Events@ProvidenceAC.org. 

All event proceeds support the lifesaving Providence Animal Center, formerly Delco SPCA.