America the Beautiful ~ September 11th Memorial

Friday, September 11, 2015 by  

“You might want to turn on the news, there’s been talk that a plane hit the Trade Center,” Phillip said to me that fateful morning 14 years ago as he headed toward Wall Street on the subway. The phone lines went down and I didn’t hear from my husband for another 8 hours. My mother-in-law was visiting from England and we turned on the TV, watching in disbelief the horror unfold minute by minute. One of Phillip’s cohorts was on the 1st plane. Phillip saw the burning towers and felt his building shake as they collapsed to the ground.

Boy Scout at September 11 memorial, Yankee Stadium, Credit-AP, September 23, 2001, Boy Scout waving flag, patriotic, New YorkWe knew 6 people who perished that day; we felt great conviction to attend the memorial service at Yankee Stadium September 23rd, 2001. Our 9-year-old son came down the stairs in his boy scout uniform, “Is this okay to wear?” We were so proud of him. Little did we know this shy young boy would appear in over 60 publications worldwide shining as a beacon of hope for many people. Credit: Associated Press

Photographers at Yankee Stadium Memorial, September 11, 9-11 Memorial, New York   Yankee Stadium, 9-11 Memorial, September 11, September 11th memorial, September 23, 2001

September 11, 2001, Scout in magazine, Credit - AP, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Robin Williams  Scouts, Boy Scout, Boy Scout flying flag, patriotism, Credit - AP, scout in newspaper Boy scout, flag, flag waving, Boy Scouts of America, Credit - AP

Family at 9-11 Memorial, New York memorial, September 11, Boy Scout and family, Credit - AP, September 23, 2001, Yankee Stadium    Scout, Boy Scout, Flag-waving boy scout, scouting, 9-11, September 11, Credit - AP    Talking to kids about terrorism, explaining terrorism, Credit - AP, explanation about terrorism, September 11    September 11 memorial, Yankee Stadium, Boy Scout, Scout waving flag, flag, Credit - AP, 9-11 Memorial
Years have passed. We prayed with our fellow congregants for continued healing and peace. New England church, congregation, steeple, steeple in the sun, steeple in the cloudsMany of the 800 members of this church either work(ed) in New York City or know friends who did. It is very personal for this community.

Church, New England church, filled church, congregants, packed houseTry to imagine voices of passion in our New England church, established 1731, singing the 4 full verses of America the Beautiful. I dare you not to cry as you read and soak in those incredible words. It just says it all – who we are, what this nation is, and where we came from.

September 11 memorial, beach memorial, 10th anniversary of September 11, CT memorial, Sunset memorialLater, we visited the September 11th Memorial in our area; it’s on the water and faces where the Twin Towers used to be.

Someone found a rock in the shape of a heart. September 11 Memorial, heart stone, heart rock, roses on memorial, CT memorial, 9-11 memorial, names of lost souls

 

The Bright SpotTM – God bless our country and our diverse people. We work our way through adversity by standing together.


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

Castles & Vows

Sunday, June 28, 2015 by  

Medieval castle, misty castleOn our anniversary we renewed our vows at the 14th century castle where we wed years ago. The weather was glorious, the English gardens in full bloom, our hearts were full.                                           Groom smiles at bride, knowing smile, romance, roses

This summer, we enjoyed more than 1,300 miles of pristine landscape in the United Kingdom from Edinburgh, Scotland to Lancashire, North Yorkshire, The Penines, Northumberland, and Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, England.

England & Scotland 2011It brought back wonderful memories from years ago…
English wedding hats, English wedding attire  English wedding hats, wedding, hats

Wedding guests, hats at wedding, dress blowing in wind  Prince Ali, prince walks the bride down the aisle

Flower girl, flower girl getting ready, English flower girl, curler in little girls hair  Groom hugs bride, loving embrace, couple embrace, loving hug, groom and bride

English castle, boys playing ball, medieval castle, boys at a wedding Blowing bubbles, maid of honor, bubbles

Bride and groom dancing, 1st dance, couple dance, joy dancing as newlywedsWe were so pleased to celebrate our union with our family and friends

We married in the United Kingdom and again a month later in the United States. Our maid of honor, best man & bridesmaids flew back and forth for the weddings, both of which took place near sunset on the eves of full moons – that was just a pretty bonus from the Heavens!

I am also very grateful to my wonderful seamstress – who made sure every gown, dress, suit/outfit I wore at the Miss America years earlier was fitted to perfection. In England, she made sure the bustle was perfect! After all, she created it. And she made my gown glisten in candlelight and against the setting sun.
Seamstress, Seamstress dressing bride Seamstress helping bride, seamstress and bridesmaid helping bride

Castle, top of castle, castellation, couple on top of castle, battlement Moat, children playing by water, waters edge, castle moat, boys by river                Walking along the centuries-old wall as newlyweds.Castle wall, fortress wall, medieval wall

Best man, England, best friends, brothers, rings, wedding rings, holding wedding rings  England, horse and carriage, horse in window Bride and groom on a bridge, couple on bridge, smiling newlyweds on bridge, groom holds bouquet, groom holds roses

Viel blowing in wind, bride and maid of honor, child watches bride England, English medieval window, ivy covered window England, English countryside

English medieval castle, walking to the moat, wedding party walking together And although we enjoyed journeying throughout the Kingdom… (2000 years! Read the sign below:)

Red door on chapel, Scotland, red door England, lion, tower, gates

Castle gates Scotland, chapel, medieval chapel

…taking carriage rides & visiting local farms where our kids could grind wheat & hand-feed horses and little lambs…

England, watering horse, child gives horse water  English farm, farmhouse, flowers at farmhouse, flowers

…and enjoying quaint pubs, 500-year-old canons, Scottish castle ruins, England & Scotland 2011

family, friends & a romantic summer to remember…
…I must say my favorite part of this year’s anniversary was not the trip to Europe, but rather what we did on the “next wedding anniversary” a month later when we returned (yes, we celebrate both).

We took our little one and her friend to see the Winnie-the-Pooh animated classic in the movie theater. As we sat with the girls between us, Phillip reached over their seats to touch my arm. I smiled at him in the dark and whispered, “There’s no where else I’d rather be than celebrating today with our family and Winnie-the-Pooh.”

Later that evening, my mother watched Little Petal as we went out to dinner.

One-lane bridge, bridge, road over lake, one-lane road over lake No parking sign, no standing sign, no parking or standing sign Lake, lake at sunset, large lake, lake and trees

(These are photos by day/sunset are so you can see the roadway. It was pitch black when we were there. I’m sure we would have given our teen an earfull if he did this…)

On the ride home, Phillip turned onto a long single-lane road over a large lake. He turned off the engine and jumped out of the car, motioning me to follow him.

He put his arms around me and looked up, pulling me close. Stars pierced the pitch black sky; the only sound ~ the chirping of the summer crickets. The water was still, the air was warm. He kissed me and took my breath away. I felt like a teenager, blithe and carefree. With every beat of my heart, he kissed me more passionately.

Suddenly, car lights in the distance were heading our way. Our car blocked the entire single lane, and the oncoming driver 

Romance, hug, loving couple, tophat

would never suspect someone stopped on this quiet, dark roadway.

We scrambled as fast as we could to get into the car as the lights drew closer and 

closer. I grabbed my skirt around me and ran as quickly as I could to the passenger side of the car, heart pounding with excitement, fear, naughtiness.

We took off just in time and laughed giddily – I think from the nerves and the rush.

The Bright SpotTM – my husband, the love of my life! Go grab your Honey and smooch him/her! Take out some time and write down your special thoughts about why you love your wonderful someone. Renew your vows and commitment to one another. Castles and moats are great backdrops, but it’s the authenticity in your words and heart that make your relationship deep. Enjoy the little things like an afternoon movie with your kids or a romantic kiss by the lake. If you are single with kids, tell your kids how special they are to you and celebrate your commitment to each other. If you are an adult, tell your parents or grandparents how much they mean to you. A vow is a pledge or promise to the one(s) you love. Life’s so short, do it today.

Bride, groom, boys running with bride and groom through pathAnd a double Bright SpotTM just for YOU!! Thank you to all of you who read this site. 2 million page views & counting in one year because of your support & interest in these stories, our albums, links, and the weekly interviews from our Live, call-in radio show “Let’s Talk!” archived on this site for your convenience. 

Thank you all!!


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) 
Family, Bianca Tyler, Bianca's family (7)   Family, Bianca Tyler, Bianca's family (4)
Family, Bianca Tyler, Bianca's family (9)  Family, Bianca Tyler, Bianca's family (8)Family, Bianca Tyler, Bianca's family (1)  Family, Bianca Tyler, Bianca's family (11)
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

Why Won’t He Commit?

Monday, May 4, 2015 by  

I Saw Your Future bookWhy won’t he commit?

Is he “The One?” 

How does he really feel about our relationship?

Is there another woman?

If these questions ever entered your head…or heart, wonder no more!

For over 30 years, 2nd-generation psychic & spiritual adviser Louise Helene has answered these questions through thousands of readings.

She shares stories of heartbreaks and misunderstandings and teaches readers how to navigate tough relationship problems by using your intuition.

Louise is a recurrent guest on our Life & Love segments on “Let’s Talk!” and explains why it was love at first sight when I met Phillip and why we had no doubts getting married even though we had only been in each other’s company 46 days prior to saying “I do.”

All shows are archived on this site. Upcoming shows with Louise: November 10, 2015, December 15, 2015, February 23, 2016, April 5, 2016. If you have any questions for her, please send them to: Bianca@TheLetsTalkMom.com. Can be on any topic – life, love, finances, family, etc.

bright spot flowerThe Bright Spot – Find your special someone or find strength to end a bad relationship. Louise will help empower you to take control of your love life!

Find Louise’s book on Amazon.com & Barnes&Noble.com, recommended on GoodReads.com, available for your Kindle or in paperback. To contact Louise directly for a personal reading, click: LouiseHeleneThePsychic@gmail.com


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.

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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.
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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.

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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.

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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)

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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!

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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)

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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.

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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.

Bianca Tyler, birthday, Nifty to be 50, Red Barn, New England, family, love, gifts, The Lets Talk Mom (19) Bianca Tyler, birthday, Nifty to be 50, Red Barn, New England, family, love, gifts, The Lets Talk Mom (3)  Bianca Tyler, birthday, Nifty to be 50, Red Barn, New England, family, love, gifts, The Lets Talk Mom (27) Bianca Tyler, birthday, Nifty to be 50, Red Barn, New England, family, love, gifts, The Lets Talk Mom (9)Bianca Tyler, birthday, Nifty to be 50, Red Barn, New England, family, love, gifts, The Lets Talk Mom (7)  Bianca Tyler, birthday, Nifty to be 50, Red Barn, New England, family, love, gifts, The Lets Talk Mom (10)

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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

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