Thursday, January 27, 2011

The Family Rock - Day 116 of 365

This post is for January 21, 2011

MEMORY -

If there was one word I could use to describe Peter's greatest love it would have to be Family.

APPLICATION -

Today I traveled to Jacksonville to do some teaching.  I stayed with my second family away from home. As I sat there in their dining room, I made some observations.  One observation stood out from the others.  This family was VERY similar to mine.  No wonder I felt so at home with them time after time.  Unlike mine, this family was large.  Kids running in and out of the house wasn't abnormal around this house hold.  I saw one of the boys go over to their uncle and give him the biggest hug.   A moment so sweet and loving.  I miss those tender moments with my Uncle.  The hugs .... the company.

REFLECTION -

Peter was the rock of our family ......  a stepping stone to better things ahead.

No Explanation - Day 115 of 365

This post is for January 20th, 2011

MEMORY -

So much of who Pete was, was a part of me.

APPLICATION -

Not sure what it was, but today I felt a presence within me.  Not of my own, but of Peter's.  Words can't explain it, but it felt enlightening on many levels.

REFLECTION -

Some moments in life are so profound, they can't be described nor explained.

Never Stop Learning - Day 114 of 365

This post is for January 19th, 2011

MEMORY -

Peter was one heck of a teacher.  Informative, easy to understand and always up to date.   He was the human equivalent of the Internet, no doubt. What I loved about this particular teacher is that he never stopped learning himself.  Though it seemed at times he "knew it all" ...... he was the first to tell you he didn't.

APPLICATION -

Today, I had the opportunity to see a great teacher in action.  Being a teacher myself, I was impressed beyond belief.  The teaching style was upbeat and entertaining, but what impressed me the most was the philosophy behind the information taught.  I delightfully found myself on the other side, learning once again.

REFLECTION -

The best teachers NEVER stop learning.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Wise Wizard - Day 113 of 365

This post is for January 18th, 2011

MEMORY -

Peter always reminded me of a wise wizard.  He seemed to know all,  providing  the easiest answers to the hardest questions and then POOF ... your questions would be answered and your problems, magically disappeared.

APPLICATION -

Today I had a challenge at hand.  There was no wand to wave or a magical hat to wear.  I thought about what Pete would have told me and decided to take a time out.

REFLECTION -

Taking a time out was just what I needed.  Time away from the challenge provided me time with my Uncle.    I came back to the challenge more open minded and refreshed.  As if magic happened, my problems were gone and my questions were answered.  Pete once more reminded me of a wise wizard.

A Quiet Good Morning - Day 112 of 365

This post is for January 17th, 2011

MEMORY -

Many of my memorable moments with Peter were those in the silence.


APPLICATION -

Today, I caught an early flight out of Houston, heading home.  The airport seemed quiet.  Silence wasn't hard to find, neither was Peter.  I sat both in a tired and silent state.  Did a bit of praying and began my day with a clear and quiet soul.

REFLECTION -

We continue to have those moments in silence, only now in more locations.

Known From Afar - Day 111 of 365

This Post is for January 16th, 2011

MEMORY -

Many people knew Peter, but they didn't know him like I did.

APPLICATION -

Today, as I was walking throughout the hotel, I was stopped by a woman.  She approached me with a soft face and a glowing smile.  She said " I have really enjoyed reading about your Uncle Pete"  I get this often, but today it sounded different.

REFLECTION -

I smiled and went about my day knowing Pete was a part of everyone who read about him.

Follow Your Dream - Day 110 of 365

This post is for January 15, 2011

MEMORY -

Peter didn't teach me to dance .......

APPLICATION -

He taught me to follow my dream ........ Today, I did.

REFLECTION -

I couldn't be happier.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Opportunity - Day 109 of 365

This post is for January 14, 2011

MEMORY -

Peter was a man of opportunity.  If opportunity presented itself, he wouldn't waste anytime taking it.  Opportunity to leave Chicago and move to Orlando, he took it.  Opportunity to take an unforgettable trip to Italy, he took it.  Opportunity to die peacefully at his home around family and friends, he took it.  When opportunity knocked ....Peter answered, in the good and scariest of time.

APPLICATION -

An opportunity presented itself today and I had two options.  Take it or leave it.  First instinct was to leave it, satisfying the fear I had inside.  After much thought, my heart moved me away from fear and closer to opportunity, taking on the challenging task at hand opening up a world of opportunity.

REFLECTION -

Looking back on the day, I couldn't imagine it without opportunity.

His Little World Traveler - Day 108 of 365

This post is for January 13th, 2011

MEMORY -

Pete loved to travel.  He traveled to many places, some during his years in the service, and some on his own personal time.  London and Scotland were a few of his favorites.  He NEVER passed up an opportunity to take a trip and expand his horizon.  No matter what the reason, he loved to learn and discover new territory across the globe.


APPLICATION -

Well, it feels good to be back.  Luggage tags, security lines, airport food ..... all signs that I am back on the road again.  Uncle Pete would be so proud to know I am continuing to do what I love and learn my way through the world.  He always called me his little world traveler .... and today ... I am just that!

REFLECTION -

As exhausting as traveling gets, I am blessed to do what I love and see the world while doing so.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Feelings Of The Spirit - Day 107 of 365

MEMORY -

Peter always said the things that sat heavy on his heart.  One of the many reasons I respected him and listened when he spoke.  I knew that when he spoke from the heart, something powerful was about to be heard.

APPLICATION -

My spirit moved me to words today .... not on my blog, but through a post in response to a online forum.  I needed some strength to respond and state some facts.  Facts some people may not want to hear.  I needed strength to say what was on my heart.  With the support of my friends and the lessons I learned from Pete, I was able to get the words off my heart and onto paper all in a heartfelt manner.

REFLECTION -

When the spirit talks, listen and react.  Grab a pen if you have to.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Pete's Cheese Burger Diet - Day 106 of 365

MEMORY -

 One time I remember Peter coming home from work and bragging about the new diet he created.  It was a cheeseburger diet.  He would go to Mc Donalds and order one cheeseburger per day.  That's it ..... nothing else, just one cheeseburger a day.  Didn't last long ..... what was my crazy Uncle thinking ????

APPLICATION -

Started a diet today and remembered Peter's.  No cheeseburgers for me ..... chicken, eggs and broccoli, here I come!!!!

REFLECTION -

Even though his diet didn't make sense .... it gave us all a chuckle to see him so confident about something so insane!

Reality Check - Day 105 of 365

This post is for January 10th, 2011

MEMORY -

Today, I don't recall a memory, I recall a feeling.

APPLICATION -

Had a moment of doubt today.  I couldn't believe Peter was gone.  It was a feeling that I get from time to time, but today it was more intense than ever.  Reality is what it is.

REFLECTION -

It's his presence within me that makes it seem as if he isn't really gone, but it doesn't change the fact that I miss seeing him and hearing his voice.

Coco Loco Day - Day 104 of 365

This post is for January 9th, 2011


MEMORY - 


We were all relaxing on the beach enjoying the sand and the sun.  I talked Uncle Pete into getting a Coco Loco ( the island drink ) After drinking a few strong ones, he attempted to get off of his beach chair.  With much poise and grace, he lost his balance and fell into the sand.  His face was red with laughter.  He dusted himself off while continuing to sip his drink as if nothing had ever happened.  


APPLICATION - 


On the island today.  Didn't have the island special, but I did laugh to myself remembering Pete and his Coco Loco fall.


REFLECTION - 


Some just can't keep up ;-)



Beach Babes - Day 103 of 365

This post is for January 8th, 2011

MEMORY - 


The year we went on our first cruise together as a family, we all decided to wear the same shirt.  The shirts the boys picked out were white with blue tropical flowers.  Mom and I loved them NOT taking notice to the  Sexy beach babes that were camouflaged in with the flowers.  We wore them anyways.  It was Pete's favorite shirt  by far!

APPLICATION -

Erik walked out of the bathroom this morning and said "I'm wearing Uncle Pete's favorite shirt" It delighted me that he kept the shirt and remembered who's favorite it was.

REFLECTION -

Bummed that I can't find mine ;-(

A Moment Alone - Day 102 of 365

This post is for January 7th, 2011

MEMORY -

The cruising memories.  Ahhhhhh, the sun, the sand, the water and the FOOD!!!!!  Can't beat it!  I remember Uncle Pete and the quiet moment he took for himself.  We were on the beach at one of the islands when him and I decided to take a walk to the other side of the island.  We were geared with our cameras and enthusiasm.  Pete took off on his own to take some photos of the ocean, while I stayed behind looking for sea shells.    I remember standing there watching him soak in that moment.  A moment alone with his finger on the shutter and his toes in the water.    A man whom I loved, loving the moment he was in.  A moment, I'll never forget.  So special I had to get a picture of it.  I yelled for him to turn around and wave.  A simple wave never looked so profound.

APPLICATION -

Aboard the NEW Disney "DREAM" we set sail across the sea.  I was sure to take a moment by myself and enjoy everything that surrounded me.  I felt Peter's spirit become one with the wind that blew through my hair.

REFLECTION -

Once again, Pete and I were taking another quiet walk together.

Cruise Countdown - Day 101 of 365

This post is for January 6th, 2011


MEMORY - 


I remember the countdowns Pete would text our family prior to a vacation.  Cruising was the best.  He loved to vacation on the ocean and didn't waste anytime preparing for it.    The text messages I would get were so cute, as I could feel his excitement in every word.  Even the simple short ones ...... "tick, tock, tick tock, tick, tock ......."

APPLICATION -

It's the day before we set sail!!!!  I am soooo excited!  I've already begun sending out my countdown text messages!

REFLECTION -

"tick, tock, tick, tock, tick tock ........"

A Sweet Accident - Day 100 of 365

This post is for January 5th, 2011



MEMORY -

One of Peter's favorite things to eat were his desserts.  Pete LOVED to dunk his baked goods into coffee and milk.  When I say dunk ..... I mean dunk!!! Slam dunk!!! He must have been told by someone down the road that it was bad manners to dunk your food in your drinks ..... so over the years, Peter created a way to dunk that wasn't so obvious, but obviously hilarious !!!!!

He would sit in deep conversation eating his sweets (usually almond biscotti).  The deeper the conversation the funny the whole thing seemed.   He would "accidentally" loose balance of his biscotti upon his fork, and drop it into his drink. Coffee would splatter everywhere while acting over dramatic about the loss, letting out an "oops" as if it were truly an accident.  He would then go fishing for it with his fork, pick it up, toss it in his mouth and sit there with the biggest smile on his face.  It was a common "accident" during dessert time in the DeLuca home.

APPLICATION -

Erik was given a box of biscotti's for Christmas.  He tore open the box and began to indulge.  I had just made a cup of coffee ( a drink that I love, Erik doesn't).  He told me to bring it over to him so he could do some dunking.  I was surprised since he doesn't like coffee, but maybe just a dip was all he could handle.  We sat there remembering Pete and his "accidental" slam dunks.  We laughed together, never to forget the sweet moments Uncle Pete created at our dinner table.

REFLECTION -

Life is short ..... there is always room for a few bad manners, especially dunking!

To Teach Is To Learn Twice - Day 99 of 365

This post is for January 4th, 2011


MEMORY -

Peter loved to teach.  Some of his favorite things he educated people about were travel, business, electronics and life.  I'll never forget all the moments we shared together when I was the student, and he was the teacher.

APPLICATION -

Today, I had a lineup of lessons to teach throughout the evening.  Every time I teach, I learn something new.  Could be something new about my students, something new about myself or something new about my art .... I'm always learning.  Tonight during my lessons, something was mentioned in conversation that sparked a memory of Pete.

 O- how I miss being the student ..... particularly his.  He took hold of your attention like no other, taking you on a journey of new discovery.  He tapped into his "storyteller side" and gave you good information that you were sure to retain for a very long time.  His teaching approach seemed natural and seasoned.  I loved it.  I didn't care what he was showing me, I was always there to listen and learn.

I continued my lesson with a Pete influenced teaching approach ...... it was a total success!

REFLECTION -

They say "To teach is to learn twice" ..... Pete loved to learn as much as he loved to teach.  Now I know why he taught so much.

Sometimes the best information is FREE taught by the BEST teachers around ..... your family.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Christmas In My Heart - Day 98 of 365

This post is for January 3rd, 2010 


MEMORY - 


Peter WAS the essence of Christmas.  The twinkle in his eyes was the same as the twinkle in Santa's.  The magic he brought to our family seemed like it came straight from the mountain tops of the north pole.   His smile spoke of pure joy ..... the kind you are most familiar with on Christmas morning.  His ability to wrap a present so beautifully, you could have sworn an elf did all the work.  His spirit soared through our hearts as fast as reindeer soar through the midnight's sky.  His presence was more captivating than the tree that stands tall in Rockefeller Center.  He was the essence ......

Everything about Pete radiated the feel of Christmas. Everything.

APPLICATION -

Today, I took down the Christmas decorations.  I looked forward to having my house clean and color coordinating again, but I was going to miss the cheerfulness the decorations brought to our home.  The little Santa by the front wouldn't greet me at the door anymore.  The stack of magical books would no longer speak to my inner child.  The lights in my home won't twinkle like the ones on my tree.  The house won't carry a scent of mistletoe anymore, the scent that brought back so many warm memories from my childhood during the holidays.  No, the house just wasn't going to be the same.

REFLECTION -

Decorations are put away and the house is clean.  The mantle seems naked, the banister, a bore.  The house smells sweet, but not of holiday cheer.  Like the story of Cinderella, midnight has struck, and things have changed back to the way they usually are.   I sit in silence missing the magic that is now stored under the stairs.  I'll spend the rest of today figuring out how to bring about the essence of Christmas on a day out of December.    Just looked at a picture of Uncle Pete and found the essence of Christmas. He's in my heart and therefore a special part of Christmas will be enjoyed all year long.

Forgetful Me - Day 97 of 365

This post is for January 2nd, 2010


MEMORY - 


Memories ...... the good, the bad, the happy the sad .......  we have them all.  The memories I have of Peter, move me in such a way that I write about him everyday. The good, the bad ...... it doesn't matter.  Through them all, I am able to relive, reconnect and relearn.

APPLICATION -

Today, I was a bit forgetful.  I left something small behind at the hotel.  Upon the removal of the bracelet, I remember saying in my head "I won't forget you!" ...... well ...... I forgot.  Just a cheap bangle ....... but it wasn't the point.  My memory (yes even at age 27) is not as sharp as it once was.  If I am forgetting stuff now ...... I can just imagine what will happen in the years ahead!!!!

REFLECTION -

Today I am thankful for the ability to jot down my memories, thoughts and reflections.  This is an important year in my life.  A year long journey with Peter, that I never want to forget.

New Year Slumber - Day 96 of 365

This post is for January 1st, 2011

MEMORY -

The first of every year was a special day for our family.  We would have an afternoon reservation at Bucca De Beppo.  It was always made and paid for by Uncle Pete.  We sat at the Chef's table every year, ate a huge meal and talked about the new year and what it had in store for us.  A rare moment together, we could depend on every year, thanks to Pete.

APPLICATION -

Like every year on January 1st, I am working half the day.  In the past years, I would wait until I was done teaching, rush off to my car and meet the family at Bucca's.  This year, there was no rushing, and no meal at Bucca's.  Instead, I took my time getting home, ate nothing and went straight to bed.

After Pete's funeral last year, we decided to eat at our favorite Chef's table.  It was a nice closing to the day of special memory.  That was the last time our family ate at Bucca Di Beppo's.  It doesn't bother me, it actually comforts me.  A gathering place of special meaning, continued to have special meaning with Pete in mind.  Times have changed and the healing process has begun.  Our family is creating new memories in new places, but forever remembering the ones that once were.

REFLECTION -

As much as I missed rushing to my car to meet the family for our yearly dinner, I was content with the change.  I was so tired from the weekend's demands and recovering from a cold, I went home and crashed.  I didn't awake till the next morning and it felt great!  Other than having dinner at the Chef's table with Uncle Pete at our table, this was the next best way to celebrate the busy year ahead, SLEEP!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

A Happy New Year Wish-Day 95 of 365

This post is for December 31, 2010

MEMORY -

It isn't the memory I have, it's the memory I don't.

Every year for New Years I am surrounded by awesome people who come together on the same night and welcome in the New Year.  Since that special night falls on a work weekend for me, sadly I am not with family.  In the past 7 years, I can't recall the last time I had Peter by my side to say "Happy New Year" to.

APPLICATION - 

There was music in my ears, flowers in my sight and someone in my heart.  Right before the clock struck midnight, I remember sneaking out of my flower booth to go sit with hubby.  On my way over, I felt something inside me say "Happy New Year, we are finally together"

REFLECTION - 


"Yes, we r finally together, Happy New Year Uncle Pete"

A Different Part Of The Soul - Day 94 of 365

This post is for December 30th, 2010

MEMORY -

Peter loved his career in the book distribution world, but he was happiest when he was his own author from time to time writing about the passions in his life. Sometimes about his family and sometimes about his experiences ..... all were written beautifully and artistically worded.

APPLICATION -

Today felt great!  With some help from my mom, her and I were able to set up a beautifully presented booth for my flowers.  The territory was quite familiar, as the spot we set up in, was the corner of a ballroom at the New Years Floor Play Swing Dance event.   I found myself in a state of "Ahhhhhh".   I felt blessed beyond belief to be sitting in a place where one passion meets the next.  The things I love, brought to the same spot at the same point in time.  My artistry was now both on AND off the floor.  I felt that my work as an artist is now at a balanced place and I couldn't be more happy.

REFLECTION -

I could just imagine how much joy Peter got while writing about a passion.  Both writing and the thing he was writing about were two passions enjoyed in the same moment. Enjoying two passions at once , touches a whole different part of the soul.