Christine Maniscalco 1918-2008

I did the makeup in this picture when I first started doing makeup. I never developed a passion for it but this picture reminds me of how playful we were together and how I made her laugh with my silly antics. This is my way of saying goodbye to her because I couldn't fly home for the funeral. I have so many good memories of her. I know from pictures, my memory and what my parents told me that I was her shining star. My birth brought joy to her life when she needed it most. My Grandfather died one year before I was born and she was devastated.

My earliest memory is clouded with tears. I remember saying goodbye and crying, "No Gummi don't leave! Gummi stay!". I remember my Dad driving her down the road past the farm until all hope was lost that she would stay. I loved her so much. I'm crying now too. Gummi, I'm sorry I didn't see you more when you were in the nursing home. I was busy, like we all are and it was hard. I guess I knew that Dad and Uncle Charles came to see you every week so I knew you weren't alone. Still, I wish I had tried harder. 

I  want to say thanks for all the amazing food you cooked for me. OMG! you were always making sauce and freezing it. The frigidaire, as you would say, was always filled with frozen meatballs and sauce. The taste still lingers on my tongue. My favorite memories are staying at your house in Mineola and eating dinner with you. Waffles with whipped cream and eggs in the morning still make me feel warm. You always knew how to make me feel good through a meal. I thought you were the most amazing cook. I can't even come close to your sauce, its so funny. It seems the ingredients were so simple but because you made it it was something special.

You truly loved me. Even when I was in my bad stage, you forgave me and nothing ever changed between us. You weren't perfect and I never understood why you didn't like my Mother. She is an amazing Mom. I hope you can see that now. I never held it against you though. I love you both so much. 

I always saw a sparkle in your eye whenever our eyes met. You were always so happy to see me. I will keep the memories of you forever here in my mind and heart. I imagine you somewhere so peaceful and you are smiling. Love radiates all around you and you feel at home. Your mind is at rest and your spirit is free. Whatever this life holds for me I hope one day to see you again and embrace. I love you Gummi. 

I dedicate Song for Mama by Boyz II Men to you. Your love was not only food to my stomach but also my soul.

Ramblings

This is what I look like in my head. I have been very busy......eating. I quit smoking cigs almost one month ago. It will be my one month anniversary on June 12th yay! Oops I just realized I forgot to send ecards to two people in my life....brb....ok that was quick. I love this site www.someecards.com. Its the funniest, sarcastic cards-for-all-occasions site ever! So back to eating. I have gained all the weight i lost while living in NYC. I am now in SF with back problems that my chiropractor says are due to weak stomach muscles. My new regimen is 30 crunches a day, ice, and various stretching movements. I want to take before and after pics and post them here as I make my comeback. I'm not committing to anything yet but I may start phase 2 of my "Live Happy" plan on Monday June 16th. 

Ya'll come back now ya hear!

Secret beauty that lasts forever....

Hands down one of my favorite movies! "Wrinkled wrinkled little star.....hope they don't see the scars." - Meryl Streep 

Two frenemies drink a potion that gives them eternal youth. I love the banter between Meryl and Goldie. I laugh everytime I see the psycho ward scene. Cupboard full of frosting, Yes!

Easy 6 Step Skin Detox

After yoga or a really intense workout is always my favorite time to do this easy skin detox.

What you need:

**Chiara Polish, Urban Rainforest Spray, Glam-our Cream(Dry Skin)** @ www.bellapelle.com

**Mint Eucalyptus Shower Gel, Face Wash & Body Lotion** @ www.modvellum.com

**Two Supracor Spa Cell Hand Mitts** @ www.modvellum.com

**Shower** 

**Oversized Bath Towel** 

**Self Love**

Step 1: Spread Eucalyptus Facial Wash over entire Face, Neck, Chest, Shoulders, Upper and lower back, Stomach, and on any area with ingrowns from waxing or shaving (especially pubes!). Let stand 10 mins. (If you have very dry skin apply to face for 3 minutes) When this dries it will form a mask that absorbs toxins released from sweating.

Step 2: Get in shower and dampen areas with hands. Rub in circular motions until removed.

Step 3: Apply Chiara Polish on arms, chest, shoulders, upper & lower back. Rub in circular motions. Let stand 2 minutes. The salicylic acid will penetrate pores facilitating a deeper cleanse. (For oily skin you can also apply to face or areas with blackheads)

Step 4: Wash body with Spa Cell Mitts and Mint Eucalyptus Shower Gel. This will exfoliate and move your lymph system (Most important part of detoxing internally)

Step 5: Dry off, wiggle and stretch your body. Apply Urban Rainforest to face or Glam-our Cream. Apply Mint Eucalyptus Body cream to body.

Step 6: Take a shot of Wheatgrass!

XOXO

Pigeon Holed

Coo-Coo-Coo thats what I hear outside my window. I imagine this is what Chinese torture is like. For the past 3 days, at exactly 6 am, I am forced into consciousness by these rats with wings. Twice I was dreaming and the people in my dreams went into convulsions making this noise. Its a strange noise. Its not just a standard pigeon coo-coo. I think its the noise they make when they are horny or something. Ugh! So I bought pigeon spikes. Too bad I could only screw them into the part directly beneath my window. Too bad they are harmless to birds. There is another 15 feet or so that I can't reach without strapping myself into a mission impossible contraption and dangling off the roof. Oh and yea, the pigeon shit is a pilin' high. Its gross, its unsanitary, and its unsightly. I hear Eckhart Tolle's words resounding in my head like an echoing voice, "Don't make it into a problem-m-m-m. Your painbody is activating. Stay present." AAhhhh snap out of it!! Ok well on the bright side its a foggy day so maybe those pigeons won't be able to see where they are flying and get caught in a plane engine!