Forever The Dreamer

10:49:56 AM EDT
Feeling Quiet
Hearing Johnny Mathis

I know that a lot of my friends in the North are eagerly waiting for spring and sunshine and not just the rain, gloom and posibility of snow still rearing it's head out there with threats. So to all of you, I send you warmth and sunshine from here, at least from my heart !! Rest assured that God will not stop the world from turning nor the seasons from coming.

For sure I have had alot of things going on in my life. I have had two non-life threatening out-patient surgeries that I am healing from now. No more experimental program so I have gained 15 lbs and can walk normal !! I no longer look like a refuge from a consentration camp for being so thin. Still there is more chemo in the very near future, which I will endure again. So many things to look forward to . I have had company and and , many telephone calls and nice things sent to me as well as done for me. Friendships and love ?? Who could ask for more? Seasons may come and go but those are things that are priceless and always there!!

In a short 7 weeks I plan to go to SF again and see one of my favorite singers, Jane Olivor, and meet up with other friends, new and old !! Later I plan to go see Linda Eder perform her newest concert and share with my other Eder friends the enjoyment of this fantastic perfomer and person. So times marches on and does not stay still and so be it!! Life is what you make of it and the attitude that should be taken is to be grateful for all things great and small.

                                                 Hello & God Bless

                                                    Love, Donna

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6i_dZm2iza0 

The above is a tribute that my friend, Lora made for me for Linda!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGu0lCGlrJs&feature=user

And one for Jane!! Both so beautiful!!

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5:06:26 AM EST
Feeling Happy
Hearing Jane Olivor

I must say that this year has started out with some very extraorginary experiences, to say the least. A week ago I went back to Sarasota, Fla. to see Anne Murray perform her new "Duets" tour. She will be traveling all over the US and Canada promoting her recently released CD, "Anne Murray Duets": Friends & Legends" . This studio album includes some of her favorite ladies of song, among them, Carole King, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Matina McBride, the late Dusty Springfield, and her daughter, Dawn Langstroth, to mention a few. I did not wait for the US release of this and ordered mine from Canada last November. I am impressed and quite pleased with this new CD and happy that it is one of the top selling albumsin Canada and remains in the top ten. It would be a pleasure to see if American honors her with another well deserved Grammy. I certainly hope so.

My memory takes me back to a wintry morning in Michigan and I was visiting at my parents house for the weekend. This was 1971 to be exact. My Dad was reading the paper and listening to WJR Detroit ( as he always did) and this song came on the air. His words to me were, "Listen to this singer, honey, she has a great voice." It was Anne and it was "Snowbird". And he was right. From that moment on I became a fan. I collected all her albums over the years and the DVD's and personally have saw her perform live over 30 times, mainly in Michigan, where she did come a lot. As, the press releases say, she is Canada's National Treasure with one of the most unique voices in the world. And yes, her songs have withstood the test of time.

Two years ago I had tickets to fly back to Michigan to attend one of her shows and a backstage pass. A letter had been written to Anne and forwarded to her and after she read it her manager contacted me and I was told that Anne wanted to meet me? Why me I had no clue, but a backstage pass I was given. Unfortunately her Mom was ill at that time ( and later passed on) so the concert was cancelled. I was rather relieved that there was no concert, as I was not sure I actually wanted to meet her. It was never my idea. Enjoying the music all these years was enough. I was told that if anytime in the future that I was to attend another concert to let them know and I would be issued another pass. Last fall I saw that she was going to be in my area for three shows, so with the encouragement of Shelley, I decided to go. I had not decided to whether I wanted to request to meet her. Then with personal health issues that arose, and with Shelley urging me on, I said, why not? I sent off a message to her manager 3 weeks before and was told that it was to be so.

The show was fantastic and I also knew that I would get a bonus treat as her daughter, Dawn was to perform with her. I had a great seat, 6th row off to the right. I just sat there and enjoyed every minute of it as Anne has not lost anything with time. Still, beautiful, still humorous, and the voice still thrilling and wonderful. Dawn also has a good voice , and is too, very talented. At the encore Anne came back and started throwing yellow roses into the audience. As luck would have it, the spotlight was scanning the crowd and whenit was shinning right at me, I yelled to Anne, "heave one up here". And so she did, about a good 12 feet and I caught it easily. A guy nexted to me was laughing and he said, "Wow, what a throw and wow, what a catch", and my reply was, "well, we are both former ballplayers and so it is to be expected."

There was a mix up to where and whom was supposed to meet the one with passes to go backstage, but finally an escort came and there were about 25 people. They took 4-5 people at at time in a sitting room. I was the first group and in walked Anne. She was very friendly, kind, and teasing with humor. It was a very controlled and fast meeting. Just enough time to say hello and the assistance taking your picture with her. I got more that one picture as I waited to be last and I also had bought a concert album and had her sign this beautiful picture to me. She is a BIG STAR and one cannot expect more. I was lucky to just be there. An escort took me back up the elevator to the main lobby as I was going to find Dawn. I had bought her new CD before the concert started and knew she was probably up there and so she was. Standing all alone at the end of the counter to where the souvenirs were being sold , there she was. I introduced myself and had her sign her CD and her Mom's album. I took a pciture of her and asked a woman to take one of us together. I told her that some friends of mine had seen the show in NJ the previous week and loved it and as a consequence, one had posted her web sight up on the Linda Eder message board!! Her response was, Linda Eder, really, you're kidding? And I laughed and said, of course, Really, as we recognize talent when we see and hear it!! She was so pleased and so kind . I totally loved talking to her and having that chat. She did not forget my name as I said goodbye. Anne said during the show in reference to Dawn that the "apple does not fall far from the tree", and she was right. I might not have had that "personal" meeting with Anne, but because of Anne, the daughter provided it in her own way. So my love to Anne and to Dawn and many thanks from a fan who will always remember and be grateful.

                                                    Love, Donna

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7:56:20 AM EST
Feeling Hopeful
Hearing Linda Eder

As everyone does, I had high hopes for the New Year and I still do, although the trials and tribulations that just come from living can certainly bog you down at times. So far we are only into this new year just over a month and I have had a "mixed bag" of situations and circumstances, good and bad. I suppose that one would say that is normal, but gee, with some of the bad, it takes a lot of faith and strength to put it in perspective.

I am not back  "home" from  Michigan two weeks before I find out that my best friend, who is like a brother to me, has been diagnosed with lung cancer. His wife and I were pleading with him at Christmas to go to the doctor as he had a cough and his face had swelling that was very puzzling. He said "allergies". Not so. Now we are in an aggressive treatment of both radiation and chemo to save his life. And instead of him being the comforter to me, I am returning the favor. And his words, "I never realized what you really went thru, Donna, " and I cannot imagine going thru it alone from there as you did." And we have four children, the oldest with a new baby arriving in April, and the youngest only 15. The day they were told, I found myself at the other end of the telephone with a crying child, my heart totally breaking as the fear and tears I could not take away. And yet I knew that I was someone else they loved that has been a survivor and so talking to me meant hope. For as I explained to Allen, do your best to show dignity, grace, strength, and faith, for however you handle this, it will be an example to them that whatever bad happens in the future in their own lives, they must learn to fight and deal with it in a positive way. Give this to them as it is a gift that is priceless. For his wife who is also my very best friend, I give the same. This is not about me and although my heart is breaking, my comfort comes from my other friends and God. For sure tender mercies that only He can provide.

My own brother called last night and his wife is in the last days of her own illness. Both have greatfaith and so he realizes that her pain will and must go away soon as God will make it so. And so more tender mercies.

My friend from Ohio came for a visit this month so that we could go together and see our favorite performer, Linda Eder sing in Sarasota. We spent the weekend together shopping and enjoying each other's company. I was totally thrilled to have her here and share some laughter and stories. She had a surprise for me, a gift from the heart. After the standing ovation and Linda came back on for her last song, she walked to center stage and simply said, this is a quiet song, and I do not normally do this, but I dedicate this to Donna. And so in her clear , strong, and angelic voice came, "Over The Rainbow". With that also came my tears and Shelley had to lean over and hug me and tell me that Linda wanted to do this, so enjoy the moment. And the next surprise was that we were going backstage and yes, in a very emotional voice in between hugs from Linda, I did say thank you. Again more tender mercies from a friend and from an exceptional performer and human being.

So there you have it, the New Year so far. Thank you God for allowing me to share and experience all of this. I am grateful . Bless all of those struggling with their own personal fears and tribulations. Just remember there are rainbows here and in the beyond and both are wondrous and waiting for us to open our eyes and heart to experience.

                                                      Donna

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQwpXi3nGlk

The above is Linda singing "Over the Rainbow".  And For this Rainbow Experience check out http://journals.aol.com/dlnsail/music-of-your-heart/.

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9:31:20 AM EST
Feeling Hopeful
Hearing Safe Return / Jane Olivor

Happy New Year !!  Yes, 2008 and very glad to be here. I spent 8 days going "home" to Michigan and had a great time with the kids and the friends plus seeing my brother and his wife. For the first time in five years I saw snow again but the cold was something I absolutely hated!! It was 19 degrees one day and to me that was COLD !! When I landed back in Tampa it was 80 and felt so good. I miss everyone but I do not want to live there in the cold. Also I am not used to all the activity going on with the teens !! I got exhausted just trying to figure out who was going where and when they would have to be back or picked up or whatever. Still, I love my girls and so very nice that the oldest, Alicia invited us over on Christmas Eve after church for a full turkey dinner. Bless her heart and now there is another on the way, a boy, supposed to be born in May. How wonderful !!

So to all of you, I wish you a good year and whatever happens good or bad, there is a reason and a lesson to be learned. Always have faith and always hold those near and dear to you , by deed, or by thought and let them know. Your rewards will be un measurable .

                                                           Love, DLN

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8:39:24 AM EDT
Feeling Happy

Here are pictures of the future, which can only make you feel good. Olivia, Nicholas, and Alexander, you all are priceless!! And for Shelley, my friend, how lucky they are your family !!

                                           Donna

                         

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9:28:41 AM EDT
Feeling Hopeful
Hearing Linda Eder Storybook

I guess this all started last week when I had requested from my best friend some recent pictures of one of the girls, as I had none of her alone and I was thinking about doing a project for Christmas and needed some. Well, within a day, Amanda complied with some and then since both the two youngest were going to their High School Homecoming, by Monday morning I had more!! In the meantime, my friend in Ohio also was waiting anxiously for the arrival of her new Granddaughter who arrived Saturday, Oct 6th, and she sent pictures of this cute bundle of joy !! Yes, welcome, Olivia Michelle Golden!!

As I was looking at all these pictures, I thought to myself, WOW, where has all the time gone? The kid in question for the request of pictures is Allison. Ah, I remember quite well when I first heard she would be entering this world!! I was 41 years old and her Mom was 40 !! It was ,needless to say ,a shock to learn of this unplanned surprise. I was totally elated with joy, but then again, I did not have to go thru 9 months of the "unknown" of an older body getting used to bearing such a wonderment of the life process !! All I had to do was be the Aunt waiting !! And there she was!! So much hair she looked like she needed a trip to the barber!! Instant love !!

I spent a lot of time with Allison when she was growing up. Priceless time. She was a kid that touched my own weird sense of intellect. Lots of stories here, which I will not elaborate on . She was always beyond her years in awareness and challenged everything and to say she was difficult to handle is mild, but since it was best to have her one on one , this I did and we spent many interesting times together. No fear this one!! Even got on a plane by herself to come spend time with me after I moved to Florida. This kid always had a memory like a steel trap and I would play on that with all my history trivia and my "spiritual" and dreamer crap. This kid was right in "tune" and we were on the same "plane". And here she is today, 16 years old, and although I miss the little "kid", I am more than proud of the person she has become. Last year her church group went to Australia to spread the Gospel and to help out with the various projects to share the word of God. So, Allison, I know it is hard at times for you to express your emotions , but as always, I "get it" and no words need to be said. When I am no longer on this "Earth" plane to physically be there, I will always be in your conscious, and always cheering you on. We were always more alike than you realized and I love and will love you unconditionally now and always and you will remember with a smile.

So time does march on and one must always welcome it and embrace today and be grateful always for the next . From Baby to Adult and the wonderment of being there!!

Donna

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10:49:41 PM EDT
Feeling Happy
Hearing Jane Olivor "Safe Return"

What is Fall like in Florida? Actually not much different from the months before!! Still very warm and the Gulf water where I live is still 82-84 degrees. The leaves on the trees do not turn color here. I guess it is because I am too far south. Being from the North it takes a while to get used to not having the fall colors and the crisp air or the frost !! Do I miss it? Of course I do, as Fall was one of my favorite seasons. I loved the smell of the burning leaves and letting the kids pick the pumpkins I grew in the garden. Still, one must make choices in life and I did and there are consequences. This is one , not having my fall and all the wonderful things that I associate with it. Yet again, I will always have the memories and that for sure is not something anyone can take away, ever.

On the way home from work tonight I stopped at a grocery store and when I came back out my car would not start!! Drats!! Call AAA ? Get it towed? Not me. First open up the hood and take a look, next open the trunk and get some tools!! Battery for sure. I had told the guy at the dealership not two months ago that while he was changing all the belts he should check the battery!! It was the original and I know that down here they do not last long in the heat and this one was 5 years old. No, he said, it is fine?? I am my Dad's girl for sure and I just had this feeling, replace it !! I was going to do that in the next few weeks but I never got around !! An old guy with his wife stopped and asked to help, and he tried but I am the one who knew how to get the posts off and then came a kid in an old truck, about 24 or so!! Just what I needed!! My hands were all grease and he helped me get the last post off and the bracket. Then he says, what are you going to do? And I said, walk across the parking lot and down the block to the Auto store and get a new one!! And he says lady, I cannot let you walk and for sure I am harmless would you please let me drive you there?? He gave me his full name and said he was born and raised here. ( I recognized the last name and he said that was the place his Grandfather owned) So off we went and he carried the old battery which was tested as dead, and off we went with the new one!! And yes the car started up right away. I MADE him take money and I said a thank you and a God Bless!! And he looked at me and he said, God Bless you too, lady, you really know what you are doing and wait until I tell my Grandma that I knew a lady who had tools and could change a battery!! I left to go home with a smile on my face and renewed faith in the human race!!

And now for the really GOOD NEWS !! My vacation was approved at work and I got my tickets tonight to go "HOME" for Christmas to be with my family and friends. Don't know what the doctor will say about missing a blood test , but he will have to deal with it as I am going. For 5 years now, my family has been in Florida with me over the Holidays but with the changing of jobs and all it was not to be this year!! So snow once more I will see and even if the cold will for sure bother me, my heart will remain warm basking in the glow of being surrounded by those I love.

So happy fall to everyone !!

                                                       Donna

The cute pictures of the little boy are from my very good friend, Shelley and they are of her Grandson, Alexander. The were taken Sunday in Ohio. Could not resist as he is so precious and yellow flowers are my favorite!!

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6:10:08 PM EDT
Feeling Happy
Hearing THE CARPENTERS

Just had to add this picture!! Here is Lauren Opal Munger !! She just loves to pose for you! What a kid!! Spending the weekend with her Grandma, her Mom, Alicia , and of course her, was the tops. I took lots of pictures and got lots of hugs!! Here she is at the Beach at Boca Rotan!!

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4:23:32 PM EDT
Feeling Happy
Hearing Carpenter's 35th Anniversary

Well  it is May !! For those that live here in Florida, Summer has already arrived. The Gulf water is 81 degrees and the days are at least 80, almost 90 !!And for those like me that are "transplants" from the North, it takes a while to get used to it. Ah, but I would not change locations for anything!!

The experimental drug I am taking is going okay, okay except for some weird reason it makes the skin on my feet peel and therefore I have very bad days where I cannot walk very well, let alone even get shoes on. Thank God I have a sit down job for work. Frustrating, yes, for me as I am a very active person. I am doing all that I am told to do for the feet, but still it goes on!! So I have to be the only one on this drug having this side affect ??Yes !! Twelve of us in the whole world and I have to be different? Well okay with me to a point as the other 41 side affects are worse. Reason and purpose for everything and maybe to teach me patience ?? And maybe some humility ??

And there are the friends that lift up my spirit with a telephone call, an e-mail, or even asking to do some of my chores for me? Those that send me books, thanks, John, those that send me CD tapes of one of my favorite singers, or those that send me signed autograph pictures of the same. I not only got a telephone call from Linda Eder, I get some signed pictures and a personal message that simply says, thinking of you and in my thoughts! Wow, I needed that this week. Thank you Judi!! And to my very best friend who sends me a ticket to come and be with her and the oldest child, Alicia and the baby Lauren later this month !! Instead of the 4 1/2 hr drive I get to hop on a plane and takes 50 min!! Love you, Sharene!! And for those who faithfully e-mail me and always have the words of encouragement, God Bless!! Almost like being in Love? You bet Ya!!

So for all the Mom's out there this is your month. A word for my own, Mom, I miss you but you are always close and forever near in spirit. You taught me well and when I hold and kiss little Lauren Opal, I am reminded the power of love and how it lives on !! A deed, a kind word and presto, a memory forever !!

So happy summer and happy thoughts. Warm wishes for some Happy Birthdays, to Donna in Mich. , to Nanc in NJ. And of course, Jane May 18th and a month from today my own.

                                                  Love, DLN

                                      

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8:18:57 PM EDT
Feeling Happy
Hearing Linda Eder demos

 So it is that time of year when we celebrate the "rise" of our Lord from the tomb. To me it is a symbol of a new beginning as my sins have been washed  away with His blood. Least we forget, it is not about Easter Bunnies and leaving candy and coloring of the eggs, but yes, that is certainly fun, too. From my own personal perspective, I will say a silent prayer to my God and Lord of Lords that He has allowed me to still be here among the living, to share the joy of His arising from that dark and dank tomb to give me my salvation.

This year will be good, as I will travel south to Boca Rotan and share this weekend with Sharene and the two youngest, Alena and Allison. Back "home" in Michigan our thoughts will be with Alica, Amanda ( Happy 21th dear girl!! ) and Allen. We will be seperated, but not in our hearts. And Lauren, who will be 3 in the month of April and Allison a sweet 16, your Aunt Donna could not be more proud of all of you!! And yes, Lauren your Aunt Donna is going to take you to Disney when you are 5, this I will look forward to and promise to fight for!! Mary Poppins here I come!!

So God Bless all of you !! Enclosed are some pictures, some taken tonight !! To me kids are where it is all at, NO DOUBT !! The future!!

                                                     Love, Donna

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