More pop culture and some shout outs

It always seems that so much is happening, and I never get here often enough to talk about it.

I mourn the passing of Dick Clark. He passed away on April 18, 2012 after a massive heart attack.  He was such an icon to me.  I remember every Saturday watching American Bandstand.  I remember seeing many of my favorite performers on his show, as well as making certain that my groovy dance steps were hip on his show as well.  I was also introduced to performers on his show -- ones that I have followed for a life time -- most namely Barry Manilow.  And I mourned along with the kids on American Bandstand when we would lose a performer much too soon, like Andy Gibb.  Great memories wrapped up in that show.

I am a child of the seventies -- graduating high school in 1981.  Dick Clark was everywhere.  Not only American Bandstand and his own production company, but it seemed as though he was forever the host of a game show or two -- as well as the unforgettable Dick Clark's Rockin' Eve every December 31 (which also happens to be one of my sisters' birthdays).  How fun was it to stay up late to watch that shiny ball drop in Times Square?

Like so may things from my youth, things seems to slip away almost without notice sometimes.

Speaking of slipping away, my other sister's birthday is today!  Happy birthday sis!  My boys and I called her during the drive to school to sing happy birthday to her.  It was a great morning. That is because loving yourself and others is a great way to live.

Finally, just a bit about home.  We have a new dog.  Nine year old Sam the Pomeranian is lovable and generally sweet tempered; he is a rescue with epilepsy and a thyroid condition.  Daily medication keeps his medical conditions under control.  Everyone falls in love with him -- and he just eats it up. He was bounced around a bit before landing in the Bradley house, but we plan on keeping him.  Welcome to your forever home Sam!

Read more about Dick Clark by clicking here or here.

Read more about Barry Manilow by clicking here.

Read more about American Bandstand by clicking here.

Read more about loving yourself here -- there is a great book by Iyanla Vanzant.  I think everyone should read it.

Read more about Animal Rescue by clicking here.

The last day of November

Today is the last day of November, 2008. When I got up this morning, there was a dusting of snow on the ground. It was just enough to create that filmy, frosty look of a fresh winter morning. Never mind that it was all melted off by 10 am. It was that newness that struck me. It made me feel as if it was created just for me.

That is what I need. Newness. I've been working on creating newness around me. I arranged my bedroom a bit different, and have been attacking the daily chores of my house with a different attitude. I am trying to see things more as blessings instead of curses.

What I am still having problems with is my family of origin. My sister called several days ago inquiring about my health and my situation. I told her -- I don't know why, but I spilled my guts to her. Then I found out that she emailed my siblings to tell basically dish dirt on me. That is the very thing I have been trying to prevent all along. I don't know how to deal with it or what to do or should I even do anything at all. The other thing is -- now that they do know, why aren't they stepping up to help me, or offer assistance or anything. Frustrating to say the least.

My attitude of gratitude today is that I can form my own family. I can include those that love me and that I love the most, whether they are my family of origin or not.