An Excellent Santa

Thursday, December 24, 2015 by  

Daddy, Bianca Tyler & Daddy, Missing you, Daddy, Happy Father's Day in Heaven (1)This is part of the memorial engraved at my beloved Father’s resting site.

We miss you, Daddy!

You will best be remembered as a family man, kind-hearted, determined, giving, vibrant, proud, fearless, dynamic, a visionary, and entrepreneur. A loving husband, a true patriot, a mentor & motivator.

An amazing storyteller, an excellent Santa, a funny Daddy & math genius. 

You were charismatic, creative, incredible and tough but fair.

 But most of all you were larger than life! 

God needed you and we thank Him for making you our Daddy!

Daddy, Bianca Tyler & Daddy, Missing you, Daddy, Happy Father's Day in Heaven (2)

To read all about my father’s story & see one of my *favorite pictorials*, click here:http://theletstalkmom.com/tea-talk-momversations/daddy/

Daddy, Bianca Tyler & Daddy, Missing you, Daddy, Happy Father's Day in Heaven (3)The Bright SpotTM bright spot flower - Thanks for being such an excellent Santa, a man with great imagination, showing us fun sledding, skiing, boating, horseback riding, skating, bike riding, showing us how to work hard & spending time just chilling out with us, reading to us all the time, and most of all for just being such an amazing Daddy. My heart misses you so so much!! Love, me


Bianca

Going National ~ Thanks to YOU!

Monday, October 5, 2015 by  

Headshot together

Thank you to everyone who listens to our Life, Love & Parenting show, “Let’s Talk with Bianca & Phillip!”

After nearly 500 interviews &             19 Seasons, my husband & I are excited to announce we have been signed for national syndication!

 

For those who are new to this program, here are snippets of our bios & an overview of our show.

Bianca’s Bio:

Bianca Tyler is a 3-time award-winning TV journalist, nationally-syndicated radio show host, popular blogger, Mompreneur, former Miss Connecticut, TV & radio producer, founder of WH Publishing, and “The Momversationalist®,” the title of her new book coming out in 2016.

She’s also been a news anchor, news reporter, parenting contributing editor, entertainment reporter, weathercaster, one-man band, linear & NLVE editor, singer, model, lecturer, teacher, animal-lover, adoring wife, active mom of 2 kids and her pets, and an all-around, bona fide multi-tasking guru ~ a BFMTG!

In addition to her TV awards, Bianca has also been honored with 8 other awards including the Women’s Leadership Award and a Citation of Excellence from the Connecticut State Senate.

Her website, www.TheLetsTalkMom.com, currently celebrates over 10.26 million page hits & counting! Her focus is about family life and empowering oneself by “Finding Your Bright Spot™.”

She has spent over 30 years promoting her charitable causes ~ during her reign as Miss Connecticut, statewide charities raised over a million dollars of fundraising revenue.

Bianca has appeared as a special guest on over 35 television & radio programs and in more than 60 newspaper, journal and magazine publications in over 135 articles, photos and covers worldwide, including USA Today, NY Post, NY Daily News and The New York Times.

Bianca has explored over 120 times more than 50 countries on 5 continents.

Phillip’s Bio:P (11)

Phillip is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur who founded his 1st company and grew revenue by 268% in the first 3 years. His 2nd venture – a tech company, www.IDCardGuard-us.com, launched last year and specializes in patented RFID-shielding for credit/debit cards & identity theft, SmartTag & WalletTag tracking devices, selfie remotes, RFID-blocking wallets, passport shields and so much more.

An accomplished publishing & media executive, he demonstrates extremely strong strategic and analytical skills with a proven track record in business start-ups & turnarounds. Most recently, the division under his leadership ranked in the Inc.500 list as one of the fastest-growing companies in America showing a 3-year, 937% increase in revenue ranking them as the #9 media company in the USA.

Exceptional P&L and cost control expertise, Phillip is a leader in identifying strategic alliances to build and convert market opportunity into new business revenue streams. He has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars worldwide for charity. 

Headshot - Bianca & Phillip“Let’s Talk!” Show Overview:

“Let’s Talk with Bianca & Phillip” is a Life, Love & Parenting program. It’s a forum to discuss parenting, relationships, single parenting, infertility, marriage commitment, intimacy, loss of a spouse, communication, raising phenomenally close & thoughtful children, romance, matchmaking, healthy living, information and well-being, great tips to make your life easier, getting through any tough situation and, most of all, getting & staying motivated whether you are married, single, male or female.

We’ll help you empower yourself and keep your sanity while keeping your marriage and family strong!

Headshots together 2015 - Red dress, black shirt PR radio pic (46)c-s-c

We have incredible, experienced & dynamic guests from all over the nation, many of whom have been quoted from People magazine to Parenting magazine and have appeared on shows like Today & Good Morning America, experts, authors, parents, and doctors as well as little folks on our “ChitChat with Childrenâ„¢” portion, and teenagers for our “Teen Talk!â„¢” segment, connecting parents and youths through understanding and communication.

All programs are archived on this site. You can listen to the shows on your computer or cell phone at home or in the car for your listening convenience.

bright spot flowerThe Bright Spot – “Let’s Talk with Bianca & Phillip” ~ Empowering parents/listeners through information, advice, guidance & tips.


Bianca

Dolphin Tale – Winter & Hope (Part 3 of 3)

Wednesday, July 8, 2015 by  

Clearwater, Courtesy of Fintastic Photo (1)

As part of our daughter’s 10th birthday extravaganza, we surprised her with a special visit with Winter, the beautiful dolphin who lost her tail when she was only 2 months old. Her tail was caught in commercial fishing lines.

Clearwater, Courtesy of Fintastic Photo (7)

(Courtesy: Fintastic)

 

 

 

 

She is now 9 years old & lives with her best friend, Hope, at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

 

Clearwater, Courtesy of Fintastic Photo (4)

 

 

 

Our budding marine biologist was thrilled to meet them both and all the marine animals under treatment in the hospital.

 

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (28)

Winter’s real-life rehab story has captivated audiences worldwide in Dolphin Tale & Dolphin Tale 2.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (8)

Both movies, starring Harry Connick, Jr. & Ashley Judd, were filmed on location at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium with Winter.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (5)

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (7)

A look at the timeline these past 9 years and how Winter has inspired suffering children & veterans:

  Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (11) Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (12) Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (13)  Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (15) Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (16) Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (17)  Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (19) Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (20)Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (21)

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (22) Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (10)

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (26)  Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (25)  Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (27)Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (30)

Clearwater, Courtesy of Fintastic Photo (3)

Our fintastic trip wrapped up with a trolley ride between the filming site rehab center & museum, dinner on the water, and the best memories of Winter & Hope!

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (29) Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (31) Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (33)

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (32)

bright spot flowerThe Bright Spot – Empowering your children to grow up living their dreams.

For Part 1, click: Double-Digit Extravaganza      For Part 2, click: Harry Potter World


Bianca

Dolphin Trainer

Sunday, June 14, 2015 by  

Cruise ship 2How we kept it a surprise I have no idea! After weeks of planning and several days cruising across the Atlantic on the gorgeous Norwegian Breakaway, we landed at King’s Wharf and headed barely after daybreak onshore with our Little One.

“Why are we leaving so early? Where are we going?” Still mum, Phillip & I guided our inquisitive daughter to a huge, weathered wooden door battered by storms but fixed firmly in place by its centuries-old surrounding stonework.
Her eyes grew wide as we knocked loudlyDolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (18) on the door. No one was around but us. A short while later, the door creaked open and we were led into a large courtyard – the National Museum of Bermuda at the Royal Naval Dockyard. It was clear it would not open to the public until later that morning.

We walked through the dockyard until we came to a building where a young woman greeted us. She knew the day had been a surprise for our daughter. When she explained to our Little One that she would be joining her team for a day of dolphin training, the excitement in the room was electric! Then she was handed a Dolphin Quest swim top and felt very official. “Wow!” she whispered under her breathe.Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (15)

Our daughter’s dream of loving, studying, and safeguarding marine life just took another leap forward. Years prior, our family had only swum with the dolphins. Jamaica. Bahamas. Florida. But this was different. It wouldn’t be just a 45-minute encounter with a group. When we saw that Dolphin Quest in Bermuda offered a Dolphin Trainer for a Day program, we booked it for our daughter straightaway.

She spent the day with 8 dolphins including 2 baby dolphins just 3 months old ~ talk about over the moon!

Our Little One gained experience in fish preparation, dolphin feeding, gating, hand signaling, dolphin relationship building, swimming, measuring and dolphin training.

Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (13)

Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (14) Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (20) Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (32)a

Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (10)a Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (29)

Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (7) Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (5)

Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (4) Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (8)

Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (12) Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (26)

I’m not sure who had more fun, the dolphins or our darling!

Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (17) Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (31)

Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (16)Later that day, she enjoyed lunch with her mentors and when we picked her up at the end of her session, the dolphin trainers said they had never had a person know so much about marine life before and that she was the most excited participant they had ever had in all their years and that she would be a welcome participant for their 5-day training program there or in….Hawaii!! Yeah, looks like that may be the next dolphin destination! I’m ready to pack…

Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (19)

bright spot flowerThe Bright Spot  – Our daughter has been waiting 5 years to swim with her beloved Beluga, Juno.

Beluga, Juno, Mystic Aquarium, touching whale, touching Beluga

She learned about the program when she was 5 years old but the rules require people to be a minimum of 60 inches to get in the tank with the whale.

 

So guess who’s 59 & 3/4 inches?!?

Yes, I think we are heading to Juno before summer’s done! (photo of Little One with Juno left). It’s truly a pleasure to empower children’s interests.

Click here for the story about Juno at 5: Harmony & Magic

Click here for the Florida dolphin swim at 6: Pixie Dust & Dolphin Kisses

Click here for Dolphins in Jamaica at 7: Paradise for Families

Click here for Winter & Hope at 10: A Dolphin’s Tale

Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (11)


Bianca

Best Mother’s Day Ever

Sunday, May 10, 2015 by  

Mother's Day, NYC, New York City,  bike ride, Mama Bird, baby birds, Freedom Tower (9)Our 9-year-old led us on a 14-mile bike ride to the Freedom Tower on Mother’s Day.

 

 

 

 

7 miles down Manhattan Island & 7 back along the Henry Hudson River South Waterfront Bike Path in sunny 75 degree weather.

Mother's Day, NYC, New York City,  bike ride, Mama Bird, baby birds, Freedom Tower (8)As we rode along New York City’s beautiful path, we enjoyed an air display, basketball games, families picnicing at the many parks on the water, the famous ballerina statue, the Intrepid, Concorde & space shuttle, views of the George Washington Bridge & distant Tappan Zee, and best of all…discovering a mama bird feeding her newborns on Mother’s Day in a blossoming tree!! Breathtaking!! (precious video below)

Mother's Day, NYC, New York City,  bike ride, Mama Bird, baby birds, Freedom Tower (7)

After stopping for ice cream, we enjoyed a lovely dinner and then Phillip gave me one of the most wonderful, thoughtful gifts ever!! Ever!!

To put into perspective how special this Mother’s Day gift was to me, may I just say that one year, he surprised me with a beautiful Mercedes convertible in the driveway; another year, matching silver Mercedes’ with huge green bows. Yes, those were exciting.

But the gift he gave me this evening made my eyes tear & my heart swell! I’ll explain at the end of this story.

Mother's Day, NYC, New York City,  bike ride, Mama Bird, baby birds, Freedom Tower (21)  Mother's Day, NYC, New York City,  bike ride, Mama Bird, baby birds, Freedom Tower (14)

Mother's Day, NYC, New York City,  bike ride, Mama Bird, baby birds, Freedom Tower (15)  Mother's Day, NYC, New York City,  bike ride, Mama Bird, baby birds, Freedom Tower (23)      Mother's Day, NYC, New York City,  bike ride, Mama Bird, baby birds, Freedom Tower (19)  Mother's Day, NYC, New York City,  bike ride, Mama Bird, baby birds, Freedom Tower (17) Mother's Day, NYC, New York City,  bike ride, Mama Bird, baby birds, Freedom Tower (18)Mother's Day, NYC, New York City,  bike ride, Mama Bird, baby birds, Freedom Tower (16) Mother's Day, NYC, New York City,  bike ride, Mama Bird, baby birds, Freedom Tower (6)  Mother's Day, NYC, New York City,  bike ride, Mama Bird, baby birds, Freedom Tower (13) Mother's Day, NYC, New York City,  bike ride, Mama Bird, baby birds, Freedom Tower (5) Mother's Day, NYC, New York City,  bike ride, Mama Bird, baby birds, Freedom Tower (12)

Stopping for ice cream after the 14th mile:

Mother's Day, NYC, New York City,  bike ride, Mama Bird, baby birds, Freedom Tower (2)

Mama Bird & her babies:

Okay, so this was Phillip’s gift. A few days earlier, we saw this sign at Nordstrom’s. WOW is exciting for us because it’s our daughter’s initials. Flipped upside down, it spells MOM.
Phillip carved this WOW~MOM sign for me from a block of wood. A handmade gift is the best gift of all to me and the meaning behind it was heartwarming & made with love and thought.                            
What an amazing husband, I love you, Darling. Thank you!!
Those magenta-orange-pastel-sherbet colors are some of my favorite hues & it will be painted those colors soon. 
Zooey Deschanel, Mother's Day, Nordstrom, Nordstroms (3) Zooey Deschanel, Mother's Day, Nordstrom, Nordstroms (4)
WOW, MOM, gift, husband, Mother's Day (1) WOW, MOM, gift, husband, Mother's Day (2)
Mother's Day 2014, WOW MOM sign
One of the best Mother’s Days ever (2014)!!
Today’s 2015 Mother’s Day was just as delightful!
Tree, family, Mother's Day, together, happy family, happy kids, wife, husband (3)
After breakfast & celebrations, we snapped pics under a very significant tree, then Phillip & the kids surprised me with an afternoon of painting together at Pinot Palette in New York, followed by dinner with my Mom.
Tree, family, Mother's Day, together, happy family, happy kids, wife, husband (1)
Mother's Day 2015, Pinot Palette, paint, painting, family, togetherness (1)  Mother's Day 2015, Pinot Palette, paint, painting, family, togetherness (6)   
Mother's Day 2015, Pinot Palette, paint, painting, family, togetherness (5) Mother's Day 2015, Pinot Palette, paint, painting, family, togetherness (2)
Mother's Day 2015, Pinot Palette, paint, painting, family, togetherness (7)  Mother's Day 2015, Pinot Palette, paint, painting, family, togetherness (8)
For more on my Mom, just click: Mom
For more on my Mother-in-Law, click: Grace
Thank you for sharing. And thank you to my family, I love you all!!         
Family, Bianca Tyler, Bianca's family (3)   Family, Bianca Tyler, Bianca's family (5) 
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Family, Bianca Tyler, Bianca's family (10)   Family, kids, love
Family, Bianca Tyler, Bianca's family (2)
bright spot flowerThe Bright Spot – Celebrating Moms Everywhere – Happy Mother’s Day!!!!
 


Bianca

Winning Streak at Belmont Stakes

Friday, May 8, 2015 by  

Bianca Tyler, horseback lover, horses, loves horses, stables Bianca Tyler young, young horseback rider, young rider, horseback lessons
 …………………………………….47                                  &                           14

Having always been a big animal lover, my favorite childhood activity was horseback riding. Now years later, one of my favorite date nights was when my husband surprised me with horseback riding at sunset.Bianca Tyler and pony, pony love, sweet pony, loving animals

I love them big. I love them small. And I love them fast.

I dream one day of owning a sanctuary for rescued horses & ponies.

 

Summers in England attending Newmarket & Royal Ascot were a favorite pastime. English racing, horse racing in England, England, horseback riding, racing, Royal Ascot, Royal Enclosure, Newmarket Race Track (1)English racing, horse racing in England, England, horseback riding, racing, Royal Ascot, Royal Enclosure, Newmarket Race Track (7)-aBeing picked up in a Rolls Royce with a personal chauffeur (his name happened to be Arthur), Bianca Tyler, Rolls Royce, off to the races, England (4)  Bianca Tyler, Rolls Royce, off to the races, England (1) English racing, horse racing in England, England, horseback riding, racing, Royal Ascot, Royal Enclosure, Newmarket Race Track (2)enjoying strawberries & cream, endive-wrapped smoked goat cheese and escargot in a private box within the Royal Enclosure & my own personal winning streaks at Ascot in years gone by are fond memories. Royal Ascot English racing, horse racing in England, England, horseback riding, racing, Royal Ascot, Royal Enclosure, Newmarket Race Track, grass racecourse English racing, horse racing in England, England, horseback riding, racing, Royal Ascot, Royal Enclosure, Newmarket Race Track (4)

I took our little one to the Belmont Stakes a few summers ago. Belmont Stakes, Belmont Racetrack, Belmont Races, horse races, horse racing (1)The only differences were that the courses I attended in England were grass, and the track at Belmont is the largest thoroughbred dirt racecourse in the world, plus, we did not go via Rolls, but instead in our Mom supermobile minivan, chauffeured by yours truly 🙂 . Mom's minivan, love our car

 

 

 

It rained that day but it didn’t dampen our spirit. Our daughter watched with awe as the horses thundered past.Belmont Stakes, Belmont Racetrack, Belmont Races, horse races, horse racing (3)

 

 

 

 

 

And guess who called the winning horse, race after race?

Belmont Stakes, Belmont Racetrack, Belmont Races, horse races, horse racing (5) Belmont Stakes, Belmont Racetrack, Belmont Races, horse races, horse racing (4)                                                                                     Yup, our little one. It became quite the topic of conversation as folks heard about the streak of winners.

What surprised everyone was how the horses were chosen ~ she picked her favorite color of the saddle pad in the current race lineup. As the horses pranced by, she would say, “That’s the prettiest blanket, Mommy, that’s the one I think will win.”

And sure enough, as luck would have it, horse after horse with the pretty-colored blanket would cross the finish line.

The Bright SpotTM bright spot flower – I would have had a bit of fun placing a bet but I never had the chance to since each choice was made just as the race was about to start…but the best part of the day was sharing Mommy/Daughter time and visiting the jockeys and horses after the races.

Bianca Tyler, loves horses, horseback ridingBelmont Stakes, Belmont Racetrack, Belmont Races, horse races, horse racing (7) Belmont Stakes, Belmont Racetrack, Belmont Races, horse races, horse racing (6)  Bianca Tyler and beautiful horse, horseback riding, snuggling horseToday – after 37 years! – the Triple Crown trophy was won by American Pharoah

horse, horses, horseback, horseback riding, children & horses, Belmont Stakes, Triple Crown (2) – the thoroughbred racehorse who is only the 12th horse in 147 years to earn the title of Triple Crown Champion! Phenomenal!

horse, horses, horseback, horseback riding, children & horses, Belmont Stakes, Triple Crown (1)  horse, horses, horseback, horseback riding, children & horses, Belmont Stakes, Triple Crown (4)Our Little One is older now and loves horses so much. Watching this event will surely last with her for a lifetime.

 


Bianca

Amazing Grace

Saturday, April 18, 2015 by  

England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (89)iQueen Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of England, Britain, Great Britain,
Blessed with lovely skin & timeless English beauty, my mother-in-law, Grace, and the Queen have always borne a striking resemblance. A woman ahead of her time, Grace, always gave new things a shot.

England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (29) England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (46)  England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, fashionable, airplaneEngland, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (49)
And nothing slows her down! Approaching 90, she has a personal trainer at the gym, Skypes us every Saturday without fail, uploads her digital images to her hard drive and e-mails family nearly every day.

England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (80)aEngland, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (22)

 

 

 

 

 

The epitome of Englishness, she is gracious, discreet and always polite. During tough or sad times, Grace keeps a stiff upper lip and her chin up.
England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (63)a

 

 

 

 

Her mainstay, of course, is proper English tea. It must steep in a         silver pot and the teacup must have a white interior.

England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (41)Bianca Tyler, England, Britain, Great Britain, English GardenShe keeps her gardener busy and has redecorated parts of her home four times in the past 10 years.

In Grandma’s GardensBianca Tyler, England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (18):   England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (17)  England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (65)

Young Grace:

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Grace is an avid reader & animal lover. She enjoyed many years dancing with her dashing husband, Geoff, whom she misses very much.

England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (48)    England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty,wedding, wedding registry (1)    England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (3)

England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (28)     England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (10)  Dancing, England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (5)    England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (30) England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (33) England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (43) England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (45)England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (4)     England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (6)

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I’ve learned lots of things from my mother-in-law over the years, from baby tips and awesome authors to food advice, fabric care and beauty tips.

England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (15)   Bianca Tyler, England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (19)     England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (19) England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (64) England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (31)    England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (61)  England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (69) England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (71)
One of my favorite gifts from my mother-in-law was this beautiful statue sent from England shortly before I gave birth to our daughter.

Grandma's gift, gift from grandma, statue, statue of mother and child, happy child, happy mother, mother and daughter, smile, laughter, joy (3)Grandma's gift, gift from grandma, statue, statue of mother and child, happy child, happy mother, mother and daughter, smile, laughter, joy (2)

A few months old (above)            4 years old (below)

Grandma's gift, gift from grandma, statue, statue of mother and child, happy child, happy mother, mother and daughter, smile, laughter, joy (1)
To avoid arthritis in her hands, Grace knits and knits and knits. Beautiful sweaters and hats and any request our little one desires.

I mean any! Like the day our 7-year-old said, “Grandma, can you please knit me a cuttlefish & grimpoteuthis?” And in short order, the beautiful cuddly sea creatures arrived in the gift package made with grandmother’s loving hands. A whole array of knitted marine life:

England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (54) England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (66)

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Knitted headbands & sweaters, ballerina shrugs and ponytail hats!

Loving grandmother, grandma, knitting, knit, sweaters, hats, cuttlefish, grimpoteuthis, grandchildren (9)     Loving grandmother, grandma, knitting, knit, sweaters, hats, cuttlefish, grimpoteuthis, grandchildren (2)    Loving grandmother, grandma, knitting, knit, sweaters, hats, cuttlefish, grimpoteuthis, grandchildren (11) England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (55) England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (56)   England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (58)  England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren, swimming pool

Loving grandmother, grandma, knitting, knit, sweaters, hats, cuttlefish, grimpoteuthis, grandchildren (1)a Loving grandmother, grandma, knitting, knit, sweaters, hats, cuttlefish, grimpoteuthis, grandchildren (13)
The loss of her beloved husband took a toll on her but did not stop Grace from living life. She hopped on a plane to surprise my husband for his birthday and stayed for Christmas that year.

England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (70)Grace flew over every summer to stay with us. In 2001, my Mom took Grace and me to Mohegan Sun, the big casino upstate for a grand shebang before my mother-in-law headed back to England. It was the 1st time she visited a casino. My husband warned, “My mother may weary, don’t stay out late.”

Honestly, nothing wearied her the past 8 decades… so when I arrived home at 4 AM with two happy grandmas, my husband was speechless. Not only did his mother have a marvelous time, she even won!

A few hours later, the towers came down and the world changed forever. Flights were canceled that week and Grace stayed with us longer that year. Phillip worked by the towers and felt the 2nd building crash to the ground. It took hours and hours and hours for him to get out of the City and back home. It was a mother’s nightmare and
a wife’s torment. Late that night, he finally made it home. We were grateful to be together as a family again, safe and sound.

bright spot flowerThe Bright SpotTM – A Grandma’s love. Every visit with Grace has been memorable. The stories she tells, reminiscing the history of the family and her great love of Britain; she is a treasure in our lives and all who know her.

My mother-in-law and the Queen were born the same year…Grace is our very own queen xoxo

England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma, English beauty, English skin, grandchildren (77)    Queen Elizabeth, Queen of Enland, Queen Elizabeth II, England, Britain, Great Britain, Grandma (2)


Bianca

Superhero & Baby Sister ~ Turning 10

Tuesday, March 31, 2015 by  

Darling Eyes looking up 2

How time has flown!!Elsa dress (2) Little One turns 10, what a wonderful decade it’s been!

 

 

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Video: Here is a look at the early years with her very own Superhero Big Brother:

VIDEO: Here is a look at the early years with her very own Superhero Big Brother:

bright spot flowerThe Bright SpotTM  – Having an incredible Big Brother to look up to & count on forever!
Smiles - Caribbean 10   Big brother, little sister
Big brother, little sister 2     Reading with Aga Close children (8) Close children (7) Brother, sister, smiles Trampoline, relaxing, summer breeze Baby reaching, loving eyes, kindness Baby reaching, loving eyes, kindness, sweet Reaching - nose to nose, sweet Missing each other, true hearts Walking together, hand in hand, red dress, yellow flowers red dress, yellow flowers, hugs, hugging, siblings trampoline, playing outside, outdoors, healthy kids, laughter hugs, snuggles, purple dress, princess, brother, sister, feeling loved pumpkin picking, looking the same way, sweet brother and sister, hayride Memorial Day, high flying, brother, sister, fun in the sun, fun Snuggles, cuddles, England, sweet Caribbean, sister in pool with brother, playing in pool, baby with brother, sweetness kisses on cheek, sweet baby kisses fairy hugs, hugging little sister, big brother, baby sister, Tinkerbell, Tinkerbell costume, wings, fairy wings Brother and sister smiling, smiles, big smiles together, Big brother, baby sister, happy kids


Bianca

Nifty 50!

Sunday, February 1, 2015 by  

Everyone kept asking me what Phillip was planning for my 50th. He’s arranged some pretty spectacular things for me over the years so I knew whatever it was I’d be thrilled. Our son captured the moment:

Birthday joy, tickets to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios, Florida, Orlando, great excitement (2)   Birthday joy, tickets to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios, Florida, Orlando, great excitement (3)

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Good Lord! What could it be? Well, prior to opening this envelope, Phillip planned a weekend of delights including dinner at La Panetiere.

Bianca Tyler, birthday, La Panetiere, 5-star restaurant, French cuisine, family, love (4)

Bianca Tyler, birthday, La Panetiere, 5-star restaurant, French cuisine, family, love (11)
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We visited the Cloisters on the northern tip of Manhattan overlooking the Hudson to enjoy the stunning array of more than 5,000 pieces of European Medieval works of art from the 12th – 15th centuries including the famous Unicorn Tapestries. The Cloister’s Library contains over 15,000 volumes of books.

Cloisters, Magic Tree House, Mary Pope Osborne, Unicorn, Tapestry, Jack & Annie, snow, New York City, NY 1938, blizzard, mystery, children's book (8) Cloisters, Medieval art, New York City, The Lets Talk Mom (1)   Cloisters,Tapestry, New York City, medieval art, treasures, statues,  (8)  Cloisters,Tapestry, New York City, medieval art, treasures, statues,  (1)

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Later, we toured the World of Wings butterfly atrium where I had my 1st opportunity to take photos with my gorgeous new Canon from my son. For the amount of time I invest in my photography, this latest Canon with touchscreen, image sensor & built-in Wi-Fi was the p-e-r-f-e-c-t gift!! Thank you, darling!

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And if anyone knows our family well, you’ll know why the logo above is so significant!! 🙂

As you can sBebe's necklace (1)ee, this day was magnificent with brilliant sunshine & deep blue skies. But 50 years ago, there was a blizzard and my mother arrived at the hospital with a police escort. That’s one way to make an entrance.

Mom recapped the story over dinner. Then she surprised me with a very special gift…a piece of jewelry I’ve admired for 45 years. It was given to mother by my father’s mother when I was 5.Bianca Tyler, gala, television, broadcaster Bebe's necklace, Miss Connecticut (1)

 

 

 

I’ve worn it in the past with great delight (photo on right), but on this special night, my mother said it was now mine. Overjoyed is an understatement. It means so much to me on many levels.

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Bianca Tyler, birthday, Nifty to be 50, Red Barn, New England, family, love, gifts, The Lets Talk Mom (25)  Bianca Tyler, birthday, Nifty to be 50, Red Barn, New England, family, love, gifts, The Lets Talk Mom (16)

So what was in the envelope in the opening pics? Let me first explain that my greatest gift ~ now & always ~ is being loved by my family & friends. Flowers & cards, emails & posts. All is appreciated. The kindness, the thoughtfulness, the time spent to make my day special. Thank you all!!

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The above cards from my children touched my heart deeply. My son chose a card that says I make him feel understood, happy and loved. Wonderful, wonderful!! And our little one says I make her happy every day…down to even the school snack. What more could any mother want? Happy, thriving kids – this was, by far, the very best gift of all!!

Happy childhood, loving, nurturing, sweet childhood, comfort, understanding, son, Bianca Tyler  Happy childhood, loving, nurturing, sweet childhood, comfort, understanding, son (5)Happy childhood, loving parents, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, comfort, understanding, son, Bianca Tyler (3)       Happy childhood, loving, nurturing, sweet childhood, comfort, understanding, daughter, love, Bianca Tyler (7)

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16 years ago, I started the Harry Potter series with our son…reading it in “real time,” that is, waiting each year for another book to be published…standing in line at midnight openings with great anticipation for 1st edition hardcovers. We saw the movies, he had the posters, the comforter set, the throw pillows, the robe, Harry’s wand, etc. He even had a Harry-esque look to him, especially when he got his glasses.

Happy childhood, Harry Potter, posters, white tiger, son, friendship, boys, video games Happy childhood, loving, nurturing, sweet childhood, comfort, understanding, son (6)

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Fast-forward more than a decade and our little daughter & her friends are relishing in the adventures, quoting the spells, whipping up potions and donning the robe. The perfect hardcovers have moved from our son’s room to our daughters’s bookcase. Over the holiday break, we watched all 8 movies (Yes, 8. The last book was filmed in 2 parts).

My friend, Sara, took one of our daughter’s best-est friends (since the girls were infants) to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter last month. The girls are now 9 & 10, the perfect age for the story. Sara posted this video of Platform 9 3/4 on her FB page & that was it!! What more fun could our family have than to venture through the fantastical world of wizards?

Sara said Universal Studios did a magnificent re-creation, a trip not to be missed! With the entire storyline under our belts just the previous month, I could not have dreamed of a more fanciful place to go for my birthday present!! In the envelope was a newspaper-like invitation from the Daily Prophet along with tickets to the mystical world of Harry Potter and a week’s stay at the CoCo Key water resort hotel. Simply marvelous, my darling husband, I love love love it!! And so do the kids!! (Well, as you can clearly see from our little one’s reaction in the 1st photos above as we opened the envelopes together.)

Courtesy of Universal Studios, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Orlando, Florida (1)

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CoCo Key water resort & hotel:

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We finished up the weekend celebrations with my favorite movie, The Scarlet Pimpernel, with Jane Seymour & Anthony Andrews. Luscious ~ Dreamy ~ Yum!

SP 4       SP 3

SP 6  SP 8

SP 1   SP 5
So many other details went into this weekend that I would just like to say thank you to my husband, my whole family and my friends for marking this milestone with great joy.

bright spot flowerThe Bright SpotTM  – Thankfulness that my mother is feeling better, it’s on & off and for my birthday she was really “on!” Even sparkly! And thank you to all who sent wishes for a beautiful birthday weekend. So ready for this next great decade, bring it on!!


Bianca

The Basket

Sunday, January 25, 2015 by  

Technology, texting, messaging, IPad, IPod, SmartPhone, Blackberry, tablet, teens, kids, The Basket, The Let's Talk Mom, tech savvy (2)A few years ago, my husband, Phillip, held out his hand resolutely and said to our son, “Please give me your phone.” Our then 19-year-old’s eyes darted to his buddy and then back to my husband. “You, too,” he said to the friend, holding out his other hand.

They both stiffened but did as they were asked, my husband’s calm but firm voice indicated determination so they weren’t about to question it.

Phillip took the phones and dropped them into a basket on the table. Then he added his Android, the I-pad, I-pods, remotes and a Blackberry.

“We are reclaiming dinnertime,” I announced. “No more texting under the table, watching TV or the old ‘Let me just look that up’ on the I-pad. We’re going to have dinner with family and friends and we’re going to t-a-l-k…you know, like in the olden days…”

Technology, texting, messaging, IPad, IPod, SmartPhone, Blackberry, tablet, teens, kids, The Basket, The Let's Talk Mom, tech savvy (3)It was like sucking the life out of these boys. They sat fidgeting in their chairs, eyes shooting to their phones every time they vibrated in the basket. They were jittery, practically sweating, like withdrawal symptoms of plugged-in addicts. These teens were plugged out of the world right now and had to actually communicate for a FULL 30 minutes with real human beings in front of them.

Phillip and I are not against technology in the least. Quite to the contrary, we are social media networkers ourselves connected via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, IM, blogging, texting, and even building a number of websites for several successful businesses throughout our region. Our company,                     ID CardGuard, purely revolves around technology.FaceTime, Facetime, Barbies, playing Barbies, Barbie, Friends, playing, good screen time, screentime

We enjoy the latest gadgets and encourage our children to learn & use technology to stay abreast of cutting-edge innovation and advancements in the modern world. We Skype with family across the ocean and Facetime with friends across the miles.

Technology, app, apps children and senior citizens, senior citizens, veteran, Korean War, Korean War Vet, old and young on technology, Smartphone

 

One of our greatest teachers of the latest technology is our Uncle Danny! 80 years old, he can out-teach and     out-talk any techie!

 

 

Math, Math in play, playtime math, good screentime, good screen time, Barbie, Barbies and math, Skipper, Barbies sisters

Technology can be very good if used for learning, information and fun with friends far away like playing Barbies or using the screen like the Smart Board at school for math lessons for Skipper and her sisters.

Technology, texting, messaging, IPad, IPod, SmartPhone, Blackberry, tablet, teens, kids, The Basket, The Let's Talk Mom, tech savvy (1)

With the increased use and need for technology in our everyday lives, new limits had to be set. Call it Common Sense or pure frustration with overuse, boundaries had to be set!

When it comes to family time, enough was enough! With kids off to school early in the morning, sports and other extracurriculars taking up afternoon time, and little ones going to bed at a decent hour, dinner may be the only chance to spend quality time – so reclaim it!!

Even if it’s only 2, 3 or 4 times a week together, make it count.

Get a basket & sound the call in your family. It’s been years now since we’ve implemented “The Basket” and everyone – the family, teens and friends – all agree dinnertime is a lot more fun. We talk, we laugh, we joke, we communicate and we do it UNINTERUPTED!

One year, I was out with family & friends for my birthday dinner and someone at the table was sending out an e-mail on a small hand-held device. “I’ll only be a minute,” he said hastily when I gave him the eye. I asked him why he was doing it in the first place. “I send out e-mails here and there and it helps me save some time.”

“Save time for what?” I queried. “You’re trying to save up a minute here and a minute there for what? To create a pocket of imaginary “saved time” for something really special…like perhaps a birthday dinner with a loved one?” I don’t even think he hit Send. He pocketed the device, I pocketed my pissed-mist, and the evening was lovely.Bianca Tyler, Bianca & Phillip, love, smiles, eyes, eye contact, joy, party, sweet love, love

There are so many people who are texting, tweeting and Facebook-ing people they aren’t with, can’t see and sometimes don’t really know while they are out with people they DO know who are sitting in front of them waiting for them to stop texting!

The Bright SpotTMbright spot flower  – Be present with your kids, your parents and your real friends, they’re waiting for you to “see” them. Put down your techno-paraphernalia, hug your kids, look in your spouse’s eyes and communicate with the people in your real space.

Phew! Yes, I feel better now. Happy Parenting!


Bianca

Our Moussebaby

Sunday, December 21, 2014 by  

Bianca Tyler  animal lover  dogs  dog  gorgeous eyes (4)

 

If you knew Moussie, you knew he was one of the most loved dogs in the history of forever.

 

 

 

Bianca Tyler  animal lover  dogs  cats  love  devotion  teach children to love animals (75)Saved from a brutal past and surviving on 2 1/2 working legs, we cherished every day together from the time I was 29 until 42.

Moussie was on air with me at the television stations,Bianca Tyler  TV  television  dog on television (3)

Bianca Tyler  animal lover  wedding dog  dog walks Bianca down the aisle (3)he walked me down the aisle at my wedding, Bianca Tyler  animal lover  wedding dog  dog walks Bianca down the aisle (2)he soothed my aching heart when I lost my beloved father, he and our newborn came to work with me every day when we opened our own company, and Moussie adored our son and protected our daughter every single day.

 

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I spent the years ceaselessly protecting & caring for his broken leg & mangled paw, carried him over any asphalt or concrete, lifted him up staircases and into my car…

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…met with prosthetic doctors in Texas, surgeons in Connecticut, boot fitters in New York, and pet massage specialists in Illinois in any effort to help ease the strain & pain on his permanently broken leg.    (Dr. Randie Shane with Moussie)

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When an emergency procedure led to an overnight stay in the hospital – Moussie’s 1st night away from me in an unfamiliar place – I immediately ripped off my shirt in the car and had my husband bring it to the ER vet so Moussie could feel comforted with my scent all night long.

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My husband & son administered an IV in his neck for weeks following.

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There is nothing we would not do for our animals. They are family. We are a tight family.

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We used to jest with friends that if Moussie, Phillip and I were in a canoe and it was sinking and one of us had to get out, Phillip swims. 🙂 (Unbelievably, one person didn’t get it…she said, “Oh, you have a canoe?”  *sigh*)

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People have often quipped if they return from Heaven, they’d like to come back as one of our pets!           Here’s a few reasons why:

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Moussie worked the morning shows with me. My neighbor, Kristi, babysat him till I was done with the noon news. She always had it Bianca Tyler  bandage  paw  animal lover  dogs  chewy toys (4)on the TV so he could hear & see me. He had many wonderful sitters: Stephenie, Adrienne, Mark, Dottie, Kep, John and Shanie, just to name a few.

Reminiscent of Steinbeck’s Travels with Charley, we, too, crisscrossed the United States, enjoying adventures on the free roads, visiting many states and friends along the way.

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Birthday dinners of filet mignon, cuddles under the covers, drive-in trips to Sonic, and his fun job at the TV stations listing the school lunch menus on the morning show and assisting with the weather, and even the contest “Where’s Moussie?” for viewers spotting him around town. Moussie was loved and cherished every minute of his life in our family.

Raised by grandmothers & mothers who were healers and lovers of animals, it was natural for Phillip and I to instill deep compassion, respect and love of all animals. All children should be taught kindness toward every creature, big & small.

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No words were better spoken than those of Don Vincenzo Giobbe, circa 1700: “…and I whispered to the horse: trust no man in whose eye you don’t see yourself reflected as an equal.”

The Healing

Such is our belief for all animals…so it is no wonder our 8-year-old daughter published her 1st book, The Healing, How Little Kids Can Help Even the Tiniest Critters, and she has been busy with author’s visits/book signings and will sit on a panel of doctors & healers in a few weeks to discuss her book from a child’s perspective. (Author’s Visit with 77 children/10 adults)The Healing book signing  author's visit

 

 

 

 

 

Teaching children to use gentle voices and soft hands is so important.

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Teaching kindness, compassion, respect and tenderness is the premise for my children’s book,        Moussie Tales, due out when I finally find the perfect illustrator who can actually capture Moussie’s eyes, an ongoing search, indeed.

The understanding and care you show your children yields understanding and care to those in the world around them.

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Over the years, Moussie thrived along with all of our family’s animals and life was great.

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We spent many beautiful years with Moussie, and when he passed away, a huge part of my heart went with him. (Getting the worst news ever from the vet on my 42nd birthday)

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Saying our good-byes.

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Days of yesteryear…

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The final goodbye 🙁

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Shattered and lying in bed, I wrote Moussie a letter that raw and painful day he crossed over Rainbow Bridge waiting till I would once again embrace him in my arms. I didn’t know my husband found the letter on my laptop and built an entire website dedicated to Moussie around it! Www.MoussieTales.com People wrote the loveliest comments on his Remembrance Page, thank you all!

The Bright SpotTM bright spot flower- Our darling Moussebaby brought us years & years of joy. For that, we are forever grateful. When our neighbor brought us The Rainbow Bridge poem, it was the only thing that eventually comforted me. Picturing Moussie running freely without pain, the wind flapping about his beautiful soft ears, eased my pain. Until I hug you again, rest my sweet, precious Moussie. I love you!!


Bianca

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