Wedding Joy

Weddings create happiness in everyone watching as two hearts become one, and this wedding certainly was filled with joy and happiness. Love and devotion shone in Jack's eyes each time he glanced at his bride, Taryn. Weddings create beginnings, newness, fresh starts, new rings, and new names. Enjoy these two photos of the happy couple and the joyous wedding party. Here's to love, happiness, devotion and long fruitful lives together.
Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Wedding Wrap-Up

Weddings are close to the hearts of mothers and fathers watching their son or daughter suddenly change from their child -- who they nurtured, hugged and held close all those years, to a caring and loving spouse. My son suddenly shifted from grown-up child to new husband over the weekend in a small but elegant wedding celebration.

As his bride suddenly appeared, walking slowly toward him to become his wife, his eyes glistened with joy and his face filled with love. Tears welled up in previously dry eyes when the groom's mother and the groom's siblings realized their son and baby brother was no longer a baby after all. Cellos, violins and violas serenaded the couple as they suddenly shifted into their new roles. Vows and rings were exchanged. Smiles broadened and the couple was pronounced one. A kiss followed and suddenly there was a new wife in town.

Flutes filled with all things bubbly invited toasts made for a long and happy life together. Canapes displayed on silver trays provided necessary nourishment until the dinner and thousands of pictures were snapped indoors and in gardens. After weeks of planning, the wedding was over far too soon, yet knowing he had found the one who makes him whole, warms his feet at night and provides his necessary hugs is rewarding and something all parents strive to achieve. I have and I am grateful.

While I already was a mother-in-law to the charming husband of Jessica, I have a new role as mother-in-law to my son's beautiful bride. For those keeping score: of three children, two down and one to go.

Another Ceremonial Site

As my son and his bride prepare to wed, pledging to love and honor each other through sickness or health, many sites in this Chicagoland yard are available. A pretty location for a marriage ceremony is in front of all things blooming pink. Though the ceremony will be short, along with the guest list, it will be elegant.

Weeding the gardens has been an on-going process the past few weeks as mini maple trees keep cropping up in unwelcome places. By now 200 maples trees could have been replanted elsewhere as I continue to pull, pull, pull. As spring flowers fade and summer flowers show their colors, annuals have been added for additional "pop." Once the light rain subsides today, more weeding and planting will take place. So much to do, so little time. So happy about the arrangements. Talk soon.

Mother of the Groom

Each parent hopes their child eventually finds "the one" who takes their breath away, someone with whom they can settle down and grow old. My daughter was lucky enough to find such a man, and I couldn't be happier for her. Now as one of my sons prepares to tie the knot on Saturday, I am filled with joy and happiness with his selection. The bride is petite, bright and ever so sweet; I would have chosen her for him myself if I had only known her first.

Planning a wedding is not unlike planning other events, which is done regularly for TECH cocktail. Weddings come together quickly once the bride and groom are determined, along with the date and location. So here's the plan for this small intimate wedding. The bride and groom will walk down an aisle accompanied by a string quartet. The ceremony site will be the gardens in this Chicagoland home, followed by cocktails and butlered canapes served inside while the string quartet continues to play. Then off to the local country club for a sit down dinner with three different entrees, various wines and of course, wedding cake. Since the bride loves ice cream, caramel ice cream sundaes will be offered, along with seasonal berries with freshly whipped cream. The grand piano will feature a noted pianist playing during the dinner, allowing the bride and groom an opportunity for the famous first dance. Off on their honeymoon, the bride and groom will no doubt be happy to get away and relax for a few days.

Dressing the mother of the groom for an afternoon wedding required some thought, but references to Charla Krupp's How Not To Look Old provided sound advice: short knee length skirt, bare tanned legs and strappy sandals, which resulted in an interesting icy green summer suit. Gigi's Closette in Glenview provided the suit, along with a few other must-have's as alternate choices, just in case......

Wedding weeks are busy weeks, and this one is no different. Manicures, pedicures, up-do's, fittings and enough sleep are necessary. A daughter and son-in-law will arrive on Friday, along with another son from out of state. The bride's parents and brother also arrive on Friday, staying at a local bed and breakfast. A somewhat small rehearsal will be followed by dinner, then sweet dreams. Being mother of the groom is as exciting as being mother of the bride.

Happy Anniversary J and M

Today J and M celebrate their fourth year of wedded bliss and I can almost hear Canon in D. You were great as singles, but as a couple you are dynamite. Glad you liked the flowers that were sent to you. Happy Anniversary.

She Said -- She Said

When one shares information with another, one assumes it will be passed along exactly as it was received, without drama or fanfare. Unfortunately this is not the case. Fact A suddenly turns in to Fact Z, extra editorial comments are added, and so it begins.

Something recently shared with a relative has been turned, twisted and conjured into a new statement so unlike the original it now sounds absurd. That popular recess game of passing information from one to another has apparently matured into acceptable adult behavior with too much drama and too much deception. It appears some folks have too much time on their hands.

The rule of not talking to strangers should be adjusted to "not talking to anyone" if truthiness is to prevail. Venting? You bet. Frustrated? Somewhat. Done talking to the drama queens? Yup. Apparently ignorance is not only bliss, but safer than the facts.
Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Walking at 6:30 A.M.

We've all read it, heard it, and tried it, but too few do it on a regular basis. Walking is one of the best exercises to increase lung capacity, lose weight, and enjoy nature. Walking with a buddy at 6:30 in the morning seems to be the new way to wake up everyday.

Sharon suggested we start walking at the golf club every morning during the summer to get in shape. Great idea as "shape" is always the goal. While this is only day two, it is still day two, and the 45 minute brisk stroll up and down the hills increases the pulse rate, heart rate, and breathing rate. Bye-bye calories. Few are out with us at 6:30, apparently an earlier or later time seems to be the chosen hour for most, but at 6:30 a.m. school buses pick up kids for school, which must be still in session. At 6:30 a.m. most newspapers are still on the brick and/or asphalt driveways; interestingly the newspapers of choice include the Chicago Tribune, Wall Street Journal, and the local daily.

At 6:45 a.m. several vehicles depart for an unknown destination, probably Chicago, with occupants waving cheerfully as they pass by, wishing they were sweating with us. At 7:00 a.m. another school bus makes the rounds, with larger faces peering out the windows than the previous faces on the earlier bus. School is still in session.

At 7:15 a.m. the car is in view, the end is near, and a bottle of water is the reward. Whew. Only 59 degrees at the start, now 68 degrees at the end. Elsewhere Blogger Boy is running on the track in Arlington, VA. before the temp hits 101 there today. Jessica will be at Pilate's, and the rest of the world will be doing what they do best, watching The Today Show.
Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Event Planning: Step Two

Part Two of How to Plan A Successful Event
The the 5 W's of event planning include focusing on these questions: who, what, when, where, and why regarding the proposed event. In an earlier post, determining the demographics of the attending guests was the focus to ensure the event is appropriate for the intended audience.

The second part of planning an event is determining what the purpose of the event is, including the mission of the company sponsoring it. TECH cocktail has "mixer" events to bring people together in a relaxed setting to talk, watch start-up company demonstrations, and allow networking for job advancements as well as for future tech planning. An International Night planned for a college included an audience from ages 5 to probably 75, attending an 8 hour event to eat internationally inspired cuisine and watch performers from various countries. What was the purpose of International Night? To expose the county citizens to the languages being taught at the local college. The event was successful with over 500 in attendance.

What is the event's sole purpose, to entertain, teach, or provide networking opportunities? Each purpose will suggest a set-up with massive differences. Knowing the client, the customer and the audience is again key to event success and happy event planners. Next, the when of planning an event.
Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Tornado Coming and This Isn't Kansas

The weather sirens suddenly started blasting their message, take cover, a tornado is coming. Chicagoland had been under a severe weather advisory and even a tornado watch, but that happens on a regular basis. Once the sirens start, however, the only thing to do is run for the basement, cell phone in one hand and flash light in the other.

So there we sat, in the southwest corner of the basement, waiting for the roof to be pulled off. Will it ruin the flowers? Will the closed blinds keep the window glass from flying about? Should I have grabbed my purse?

After a radar update from far away Arlington, VA., and a quick glance outside, time to head back upstairs. High winds blew several small branches onto the ground --- maybe 25 --- but the sky had changed from greenish grey to blue and another storm had moved east. Watch out Dulles, VA.
Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Event Planning: First Step

We all do it -- plan parties for ourselves or others. Some parties are intimate get-togethers with few guests, while others are extravaganzas with 600 or more in attendance. Though the numbers attending vary as much as the cost of the event, planning a successful party isn't as hard as it seems. In fact, the success of an event depends on the amount of time spent planning it. As in other ventures, the more time spent in fine tuning, the more successful the final product. As soon as an event is created, the mind starts determining the 5 W's of event planning: who, what, when, where, and why.

Who is having the event? The company or organization sponsoring the event determines its formality. TECH cocktail is a mixture of suits and jeans, and everything in between: these events need to be fun and enjoyable for all, with nothing stiff or uncomfortable. On the other hand, a ladies Arts Board event is more formal, more structured and a tad stiffer. TECH cocktail guests range in age from 21 to 75, while the Arts Board age group tends to be in their early forties to 89. The difference in the age of the attendee is significant in selecting the venue, the food, and the gimmick. Knowing the client is as important as knowing one's self when planning a party.

Day long events need particularly tight planning as the guests can get tired, hungry and then become cranky if their basic needs, rest and food, are not met. The first year an International event was planned from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. that included appetizers, dinner for 500, and a list of entertainment in a seated auditorium. Careful planning, complete with an itinerary in 15 minute intervals for all volunteers and talent saved the day. Arriving at noon also helped, as did non-stop finalizing plans the week before the event.

Who is having the party determines the rest of the planning strategies. Next topic: What will the event consist of? Stay tuned.
Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

The Birds Do It.....

For the past four weeks a somewhat confused bird has been attempting to attract a mate by hitting his beak against the bedroom window from dawn to dusk. Everyday. Over and over and over all day. Perhaps he is now somewhat frustrated, or mating season is over, as he has suddenly stopped the continuous beaking/beating on the window and now flutters about aimlessly.

While we have all had days when things didn't go as planned, or days when we suddenly went into frenzy mode, no one has had the frustration of this bird. Next time you are somewhat at odds with yourself, stop and think of the yellow bird. At least you're not beating your beak against a large piece of glass. Or are you?

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Re-gifting Goof Up

Everyone re-gifts -- the items received start mounting up and soon no room is left for one's beloved treasures. Re-gifting is a form of recycling -- one way to help the planet manage all the clutter one has acquired. Re-gifting comes with specific requirements that must be followed in order to ensure the receiver doesn't know the gift they were given has been recycled.

At a recent birthday party, guests arrived with gifts in tow. Excitement mounted as the celebrant eyed the gifts. From facials to massages and candles and books to dinners, all gifts were appreciated and all givers were thanked profusely. Givers beamed as they received praise for their most generous gift selections.

Displaying the birthday cards and gifts at home resulted in an interesting discovery. One gift, a lovely large votive candle housed in a circular sage green container, as seen in the photo, came with a card obviously attached at the manufacturing site. That was not the problem. The problem arose while removing the previously attached card revealed best wishes from a previous giver to the most recent giver who gave the gift to me. Ouch.

The votive candle is loved as much today as it was on Monday but the message is clear: when re-gifting one must be sure to remove all signs of previous gifting to avoid a major faux paus. Laughter ensued when the discovery was made, but should the error be left as is, or should the gift giver be reminded to look carefully at re-gifted items to avoid future embarrassment? As the kind person I have been said to be, I will do nothing but remind readers to look before re-gifting. Take the proposed gift out of it's box and examine it; look at all attached cards. Removing the previous giver's name is a cut away. And so ends another birthday celebration until next year.

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Birthday Bouquets

Can a girl ever tire of receiving flowers? I think not. A recent birthday had two beautiful pink bouquets sent to this somewhat forty plus girl in celebration. Why pink? I am a pink girl, loving everything pink, wearing everything pink, and appreciating everything pink. Now you can enjoy one of the bouquets as well. Of course it is pink, did you expect a different color?
Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

TECH cocktail CONFERENCE: Huge Success

After months of planning, the first TECH cocktail CONFERENCE came off without a hitch last week at the Loyola University Water Tower Campus, in Chicago. Announced last spring by co-founders Frank Gruber of Somewhat Frank, and Eric Olson of Olson's Observations, the CONFERENCE was as an additional way for the continuously growing TECH cocktail community to meet and learn what the rock star speakers had to share. Almost 300 guests attended the 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. extravaganza! TECH cocktail bags in the photo were a big hit!

As the Event Planner for all things TECH cocktail, the day was thought out in advance, complete with itineraries for all the "players" to avoid any "situations" and the event came off without a hitch. At the 8 a.m. opening, there was extra food if needed, including fresh fruit plates with whole grain muffins and rolls, which were continually replenished, along with various unlimited beverages. No one went hungry. The box lunch was delicious and plentiful -- feeding 300 people in 30 minutes requires complete organization and an outstanding set-up, thanks to Dana Adams of Loyola University Catering. The afternoon snack of lemon bars, brownies, and blondies, with additional fresh fruit and berry trays, kept the audience full and alert until the 5:30 p.m. closing. As a fan of lemon bars, these were the best I've tasted -- lemony and tart.

Nine volunteers kept the registration line moving so guests could check in, get their TECH cocktail tee-shirts and bags, along with their programs, AOL pens and name badges. Co-founders Frank Gruber and Eric Olson were pleased with the first TECH cocktail CONFERENCE and look forward to next year's version. (Frank Gruber, Evan Brown and Eric Olson watch a panel speaking at the conference in the photo.) Event planning ideas will be highlighted this week as I share how to hold an event without a hitch. Stay tuned. TECH cocktail has not only opened my eyes to all things technical, but also allowed me to meet the fabulous technology community from Chicago and beyond. Thanks, TECH cocktail.

Happy Birthday to Me!

It happens every year about this time -- the date creeps up and suddenly it's my birthday. Today was the official day, so a birthday celebration with girlfriends at a local French restaurant, hosted by the dearest of friends, was in order. The final party of the year, this one lasted three hours as we laughed, shared secrets and touted the best anti-aging secrets around. Celebrations are an important part of our lives -- and big birthdays, such as this one, require parties that last six days. Mine did.

On Saturday the family met at the race track where we placed our bets, ate, laughed and in most cases, won. The cake was delicious, the Happy Birthday song was perfectly sung, the company exquisite, and the present, extravagant. After several hours of chatting and trying to figure out which Thoroughbred was to be the winner in each of the eleven races, pictures were taken and it was time for good-byes.

Sunday was yet another celebration at a local country club, thanks to a dear couple. Dinner and ice cream sundaes, complete with the Happy Birthday song with a candle, and shared stories of birthdays past, providing another wonderful birthday party memory. And today, June 2, the day, the birthday, was a girls only party -- perfect -- with crepes, French pastries, and Pellegrino. A swim in Val's heated pool made the day even more relaxing. The best part of a birthday celebration is said to be the gifts, yet the cards say a lot about the giver and help create memories, and the friends and family in attendance are what make the entire event unforgettable.

Since birthdays come only once a year, they are celebrated for a long time in this Chicagoland family. For the past six days my birthday has been celebrated in style, starting with a two night stay at the Chicago Four Season's Hotel, and three parties with people I love. What more could the birthday girl ask for? Happy Birthday to me.