Celebration of Spring

Spring is a time for celebration.  Hopefully it is the end of winter storms and cold temperatures.

As I walked through Macy's, Herald Square, in New York City, the fragrance of blossoms and the vibrant colors are all around me.  The Flower Festival is being hosted on the first floor of Macy's for the next two weeks. This is the seventh year for this Flower Festival.

The theme of  "Carnival" is all around me.  The various flower arrangements cover the ticket booth, as well as the entrance into the "Midway". The carousel of animals, such as the rooster, rabbits and horses are represented throughout the store.  Flowers are in abundance!

The outside windows are landscaped with the various themes for spring.  One window represents, a merry-go-round.  The horses are layered with fresh flowers in colors of pink, red and white.  Another window says "Welcome to the Carnival" with a face of a clown with a bright red nose surrounded by yellow, red, purple and blue flowers.

The floral extravaganza is waking up my soul.  It reminds me that there is a new season to my life. Chuck Swindoll said "that we need to realize that the same Lord who renews the trees with buds and blossoms, who renews the grass with green in place of brown, is ready to renew your life with hope and courage."  As I read these words, I know that the valleys and mountains in my life are like the seasons.  Winter is over and spring is here to give you the encouragement and hope that you need to blossom.

Celebrate Life!

Chrysler Building

Another beautiful icon in New York City!

I am enamored with the Chrysler Building, as I am with the Empire State Building.  When I think of NYC, these two buildings always come to mind.

The Chrysler Building is an art deco-style skyscraper located on the eastside of midtown NYC.  This building was constructed in 1928, two years before the Empire State Building.  The building is constructed of masonry, with a steel frame and metal cladding.  On the 31st floor, the corners of the building are replicas of the 1929 Chrysler radiator caps.

This unique architecture was the tallest building before the Empire State Building.  It is still the tallest brick building in the world with a steel structure.

The building was a project of Walter P. Chrysler for his children and not for the Chrysler Corporation. Walter Chrysler paid for the project personally so that his children could have this building.  He did use the building for Chrysler's headquarters until the mid-1950's.

At that time of construction, there was competition in NYC in who would build the world's tallest skyscraper.   The building was built at an average rate of four floors per week.  It amazes me how these men were able to build the tallest building at that time with the equipment that they had compared to what we have now, eighty-nine years later.  What is also amazing is that no workers died during the construction of this unique skyscraper.

At the time of completion on May 27, 1930, the added height of the spire allowed the Chrysler Building to surpass 40 Wall Street as the tallest building in the world and the Eiffel Tower as the tallest structure.

Another great building to visit when you are in New York City!

Empire State Building

Last week as I fly into La Guardia, I was able to see the Empire State Building from where I was seated on the plane.  I am always in awe of the Empire State Building.  This iconic landmark is in the middle of Manhattan.  As the taxi made its way into the city, the building was lit up white.

The building is always lit up for special occasions, such as red and green for Christmas; green for St. Patrick's day; red/white/blue for July 4th; blue for Hanukkah and etc.

Whenever I see the Empire State Building, I always think of the movies "An Affair to Remember", "Sleepless in Seattle" and "King Kong".  In "An Affair to Remember", Deborah Kerr told Cary Grant as they were setting up their reunion to meet, "The Empire State Building is the closest thing to heaven in this city".  In 1957 when this movie was produced, it was the tallest building in NYC.

Construction started on the building on March 17, 1930 and it opened on May 1, 1931.  It is a 102 story skyscraper located on Fifth Avenue.  There are 86 flights and 1,576 stairs to the first observatory.  The art deco throughout is something that everyone needs to see.

Several years ago, when I lived on Long Island and I would drive into the city, I always loved seeing this landmark.  I always wondered if the other drivers were amazed by this building as I was.

My hotel was directly across the street from the Empire State Building.  Every time that I walked out, I could look up and see this massive structure.

I didn't go to the observatory on this trip.  I have done it many times and  I have enjoyed the views during the day as well as during the night.  It is spectacular!  On a clear day, you can see at least 80 miles from every direction.

This is another must see when you are visiting New York!

"War Paint"

As we pushed through the crowds on 42nd Street in New York City, my sister and I were filled with excitement knowing that we were finally going to see the musical "War Paint".  Dodging people and taxis, the show would start in fifteen minutes and we knew that we needed to be in our seats by the time that the curtains came up.

The bright lights at the Nederland Theatre were in view.  The doors had opened and we pushed through the flock of people that were eager to see Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole perform.

The play is about the story of Helena Rubinstein(Patti Lupone) and Elizabeth Arden(Christine Ebersole) and their achievement in becoming powerful business tycoons in the cosmetic world.  Both women were born into poverty, had no formal education and defied the norms of the early 1900s. Men controlled the boardrooms, women did not worked outside of the home and women definitely did not paint their faces.

These two women introduced creams, lipsticks and nail polish to the world.  They also were pioneers in advertising, product packaging and direct marketing.  They were the first to stress the importance of diet and exercise to one's skin care regimen.

The musical was very well done in showing the rivalry between them during the 1930s to the 1960s. The clothes and the props definitely portrayed the time period.  Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole's voices were at their best.  The play was well received by the packed house and I am sure it will be a big hit.

As the show ended, my sister and I felt that we had seen a great story of two powerful women.  As we left, we waited outside the stage door to meet the cast and get autographs and pictures.  We met Patti Lupone and Erik Liberman.  Erik portrayed Charles Revson, who created Revlon.  Mr. Revson became one of their biggest competitors to Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein during the 1950s and 1960s.  Life is ironic!  In 2016, Revlon purchased Elizabeth Arden.

If you are in New York, you must see "War Paint"!

at the Nederland Theatre

Patti Lupone

Erik Liberman

Welcome to NYC!

As I arrived into NYC this evening, all I could think of Taylor Swift's song "Welcome to New York".

"Walkin' through a crowd, the village is a glow
Kaleidoscope of a loud, hide beats under coats
Everybody here wanted somethin' more
Searchin' for a sound we hadn't heard before
And it said

Welcome to New York
It's been waitin' for you
Welcome to New York, welcome to New York...."

Tomorrow I will be facilitating the Elizabeth Arden Training Session on Long Island.  It will be great being back with my team and seeing familiar faces.

This weekend, I will be in the city seeing the skyscrapers, smelling the pretzels, fighting the crowds and enjoying the surroundings!

God Provides

I enjoyed another day of spring.  This morning on my walk, I enjoyed seeing the robins.

The robins reminded me that God created the birds and that He does provide for all our needs.

The verse that came to mind was Matthew 6:25-27  - "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear.  Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing.  Look at the birds.  They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them.  And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are?  Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?"

God may not provide our wants, but He does provide for our needs.

I need to remember that when I begin to fret about something.

Enjoy your surroundings!  God will speak to you!

Mentoring

This morning as I opened the front door, I could feel the coolness in the air; hear the finches singing; see the pink clouds in the east and smell the clean air.  It is official, it is the "first day of spring".

To me spring is all about new beginnings; new births and a new life.

This evening, I received a text and then a call from a young lady that worked for me three years ago in New York.  We have not spoken to each other since I moved to Colorado at the end of 2014.

She told me that she was in a place in her life that she wanted to make some changes, but she was not for sure what direction that was.  She always appreciated the respect that I showed her and that she always thought of me as a mentor.  Those words that she spoke brought tears to my eyes. We always wonder what impressions we leave with others.  

I felt honored that she thought of me.  I told her to send me her resume.  I have always thought that one of my gifts was encouragement.  1 Thessalonians 5:11 says "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."  Encouragement offers a lot to someone.  It helps that person to finish well.  

Most people have some direction in life.  They just need someone to be their "cheerleader" and to help them across the finish-line.  I want this young lady to believe in herself and have the confidence to be the best that she needs to be.  She needs to take responsibility for her life, instead of leaving it to chance.  

My prayer is that God will give me the wisdom to guide and to support her in the decisions that she does make!

This phone call reminded me that today is the first day of spring and this is the first day for this young lady to start making right decisions for her future. 

God does work in mysterious ways!

Enjoying St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Flashback to 1990!  Enjoying the day!  Twenty-seven years later and I'm still enjoying life!

Spring Has Sprung

Frank Sinatra sang "You make me feel so young, you make me feel like spring has sprung....."

Today that is how I feel as I walk in the neighborhood and feel the warmth of the sun, the warmer temperatures and see the blue sky.  The neighbors are walking and riding their bikes. Children are playing outside.  Spring has sprung!

Officially, the Northern Hemisphere marks Monday, March 20th, as the first day of spring.  I also read that before spring was called spring, it was called "Lent" in Old English.  In the 14th century, this time of year was called "springing time" to refer to plants that were "springing" from the ground. It was then shortened to "spring".

I love seeing the trees budding and the flowers popping up from the warmer ground and the increase of daylight.  In the early morning hours, the birds are singing their songs.

"See!  The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.  Flowers appear on the earth; the season singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land."  Song of Solomon 2:11-12

Enjoy this new season!  New beginnings are happening around you!

Praying for Others

This morning as my opened, I saw that it was light outside.  I looked at the clock and it said 4:30 a.m.  I then realized it was a full moon and the light was the reflection off of the galvanized table.  I laid all snuggled up underneath the blankets.  The cooler air hit my face and I thought about getting up and turning up the thermostat.

I chose to lay there.  My heart was burden for others and I knew that this was a good time to pray.
These verses came to mind as I laid there in the warmth of my bed.  "Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit" and "Keep on praying".

I snuggled into the warm blankets and I began to pray for my husband, my family, my parents and my friends.

I prayed for my niece, who was recently released from prison, and is now living in a half-way.  I asked that the Lord would give her wisdom in making smart choices, to give her direction and that other's hearts would be open to give her a chance at a job.

I prayed for my great-nephew, who is a teenager and is living with my parents.  That the Lord would protect him and give him confidence and self-esteem.  Praying for strength and wisdom for my eighty year old parents.

I prayed for my job and that the Lord would give me the words and confidence for my upcoming presentation.

I prayed for relationships with family and friends.  I prayed for family and friends that are fighting various illnesses.  That the Lord would heal them and give them the strength and wisdom that they need on a daily basis.  The list goes on and on and on.

Philippians 4:6-7 tells me "Do not worry about anything, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  These two verses tell me not to worry, but to pray.  God gives me a peace in knowing that He is in control.

As I got up and made the house warmer, I sat in my flannel pajamas and read my various devotions. The verse that hit home to me was "This is the confidence, we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him."  1 John 5:14-15

The interpretation for this scripture was, "the emphasis here is on God's will, not our will.  When we communicate with God, we don't demand what we want; rather we discuss with him what he wants for us.  If we align our prayers to his will, he will listen; and we can be certain that if he listens, he will give us a definite answer.  Start praying with confidence!"

I can handle today knowing that my prayers make a difference!

Sunset in Albuquerque

This week I had the opportunity to travel to Albuquerque for work.  When you land at the airport, you definitely get the feel of the Spanish Colony which was founded back in 1706.  As you step outside, you feel the low humidity and see the desert landscape.

I stayed at a hotel at the airport, but from my room on the 4th floor I was able to see in the far distance the Sandia Mountains.  I looked out of the window one morning and I saw two hot-air balloons.  Albuquerque is well known for the International Balloon Fiesta that takes place every year, the first of October.  The Fiesta is a nine-day event and has over 500 balloons.

I wasn't able to see much of Albuquerque on this trip, but I have been here many times. A great site to visit is the Church of San Felipe de Neri, originally founded in 1706.  The well-preserved interiors and architecture is worth seeing.

The original city settlement from 1706 is worth visiting.  The cobblestone streets are filled with brightly colored adobe huts that now house galleries, restaurants and other shops.

Santa Fe, New Mexico's capital is only about an hour northeast of Albuquerque.  You definitely want to take the time to drive to Santa Fe.  The Spanish colony was founded in 1610.  Walking around the plaza, you will be thrown back in time with the Pueblo style architecture.

The Southwest flare is seen in the jewelry(silver and turquoise), as well as the furniture, cowboy boots and concho belts.  The New Mexico cuisine is some of the best.  Restaurants use recipes that have been handed down for years.

At the end of the day, it is very relaxing to sit outside and to enjoy a drink and to watch the beautiful sunset!

A New Day

This morning as I enjoyed my coffee and I looked out into the new day, I was in awe of the beauty of the clouds.  The sun was beginning to rise from the east and the pinkish, purple clouds were before my eyes. The temperature is in the 20's and the winds are calm.   It felt good to be still and to enjoy the surroundings before me.

I read these words "Keep your focus on Him.  He has gifted me with amazing freedom, including the ability to choose the focal point of my mind.  Only the crown of His creation has such remarkable capability; this is a sign of being made in His image.

Let the goal of this day be to bring every thought captive to Him.  Whenever my mind wanders, lasso those thoughts and bring them into His Presence.  In His radiant Light, anxious thoughts shrink and shrivel away.  Judgmental thoughts are unmasked as I bask in His unconditional Love.  Confused ideas are untangled while I rest in the simplicity of His Peace.  He will guard me and keep me in constant Peace as I focus my mind on Him."

These words are with me as I finish packing to head to the airport and head to Albuquerque to do a Basic Training Class.  Knowing that I am made in His image, I can handle today.

Kindness

There is still kindness all around.  Today I went to a store and a young man was kind enough to hold the door for me to walk through.  People will tell you that chivalry is dead.  But it is happening all around you.  You just need to open your eyes and allow people to be kind to you.

It is easy to be kind to those who are kind to you.  The challenge is being kind to someone who has not treated you well.  You have the power to change people by just being kind.  There is a Japanese proverb that says "One kind word can warm three winter months."  That is so true.

This quote "Kindness is a language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see" says it all.

May your week be filled with kindness for others!

"How Great Thou Art"

Today at church, we sung one of my favorite gospel songs, "How Great Thou Art".

"Oh, Lord my God
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds
Thy hands have made
I see the stars
I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout
The universe displayed

Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great thou art
How great thou art....."

This hymn is based on a Swedish traditional melody and a poem written by Carl Boberg in Sweden in 1885.  It was translated into German and then into Russian and then became a hymn.  The story is that Carl was inspired by the sound of church bells ringing during a wild thunderstorm and wrote the poem "O Great God".

Psalms 92:5 says "How great are your works, O Lord, how profound your thoughts!"

Whenever I hear this song, I am moved with such emotions that tears come to my eyes and I can actually feel the presence of God before me.  It always amazes me how certain songs can touch your soul and all your worries are taken away.

Yesterday afternoon as I was walking, I captured this photo and I did think of the hymn "How Great Thou Art".  God is good!