Saddened today, as the entire world witnesses flags at half mast, and we say goodbye to Senator Edward Kennedy, and a family who has been through so many tragedies, and has profoundly shaped what we know as American politics over the past half-century.

The first memory I have of my mom crying (1 of 2 times in my life) was when she was watching a documentary about President John Kennedy’s death.  I wasn’t alive when he was shot.  It has always been amazing to me how anyone would want to kill a President, and especially President Kennedy.

Everything replayed in my mind this morning when I read the front page of the newspaper, as if I were a little girl watching my mom cry watching the documentary… the motorcade, the gun shot, President Kennedy leaning over, Jackie by his side, the hospital, the death, the funeral, the reports, potential coverup, etc…to this day it is one of the most traumatic parts of history I remember effecting me, next to 9/11/01.

I remember watching Camelot with awe and trying to figure out how the Kennedy’s and Camelot were linked.  Being older and wiser, I now understand.  I always wanted to be “rescued” by a Sir Lancelot…and feel like I have that and more with my husband Steve of 19+ years of marriage.

For my 6 year old daughter, Alexa, I wish her everything in the world that I had, yet a million times better.  It is that unconditional love you “inherit” when you become a mother, just talked to my BFF, Mirinda about that this past Monday!

My mom died 16 years ago, and am so sad since Alexa never got to meet my mom, since she is 6 years old.  One month before my mom died, my mom asked me “where is that baby girl, where is that grandbaby”.  I acknowledged her comment, but dismissed the thought, since  the doctors said I would never be able to have children because of a medical condition.

Imagine how I felt when the doctors confirmed my pregnancy 9 years later, confirmed it was a girl, and  told me my daughter would “not be healthy”… then to have a healthy baby girl…with God’s grace, we have beat the odds again!

I am sharing this with you today to empower you to live each day like it were your last, and treat people the way you would like to be treated.  The golden rule is what I try to live by.  Alexa (my daughter), mommy wishes you love, laughter, and happiness, and want for you a world which is so much better than where it is right now…love you to the moon and back a million plus times!  There isn’t a day that doesn’t go by where I know you have graced my life by making me a better person, and wanting to make a difference, all because of you!  So glad the Tooth Fairy came twice this month, and can’t wait for many more adventures with you and daddy!

OK, what a way to spend a Sunday “day off” – get up early, drive to an 8 hour meeting, and “work” all day on a “day off”!

Well, let me tell you, it was SO worth it!

At the ABC AZ State Meeting, one of my many responsibilities  was to plan education and networking for the  8/2/09  at Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch.  Can’t thank Krista Bossie, Jennifer and Raul from the Millennium enough!  www.MillenniumHotels.com/MillenniumScottsdale/

We were lakeside, and the food and networking was fabulous!

The mother duck and ducklings that walked by the windows on their way to “cool off” in the lake were adorable!  Did not have to “cue” them, they made a guest appearance right on time!

One of the meetings (out of the 11 I plan annually for the AZ wedding planners and AZ Wedding Professionals) where as the ABC AZ State Coordinator I MAKE people network.  Did assigned seating at the table (yes, had people e-mailing me asking if they could sit next to “X” at “Y” table)!  Did this by splitting up beginning wedding planners (novices) with advanced wedding planners and wedding vendors – so they HAVE to network.  Separate the BFF, and here we go for an action packed day!

Started out the morning at 8:30 am with vendor tables, and had individual  sign in sheets where each attendees had to “engage” with the vendor at the respective table, they did not get “credit” for being there, or just “grabbing a card”!

Had a “Best Vendor Table”, and CONGRATS to Leanna McDonald from www.PhotosByLeanna.com – she had a “something old, something new” look with comments from some of the voting wedding planners as:

1).  Leanna had a variety of things to look at – spotlights, different levels of photos, she talked to me for a while, and had great packages!

2).  Leanna was fun, lots of albums, textures, 3 dimensional!

3).  Leanna had great props and colored feathers (OK boas)!

4).  Leanna had “unique and out-of-the-box” photography!

5).  Leanna had fun display vs. just framed photos or a slideshow!

6).  Leanna’s table stood out – loved the colors & favors – and she was very personable!

7).  Leanna had boudoir – done in a classy way, and had new packages which were “simple” to understand!

8).  Leanna’s booth drew your attention to it!

9).  Loved Leanna’s setup!

10).  Leanna’s table was eye catching, a lot to look at, and she had fun props!

11).  Leanna artistically demonstrated her work!

Yes, and we had incredible speakers too, check back…that is the next blog!