Soccer and a Side of Fries

 

I woke early to sunshine streaming through my windows.  I didn't so much "spring" out of bed (although that would have been a nice touch had I chosen to write it that way... ), but I did rise with enough energy to make the coffee and take the dog out for a quick walk.  Rockport is gorgeous this time of year and early morning walks with the prince of pups are a frenzy for the senses for both the dog as well as myself.  Flowers of every color are in bloom, thick, sweet fragrances fill the air and birds sing an orchestra of spring songs.  I'm lucky to live here and I appreciate it every day.

 

Saturdays in the spring are busy.  Three kids, two soccer games at conflicting times in towns that are an hour apart (thankfully the twins are on the same team), yard work, cleaning, laundry, groceries-- garden variety family stuff.  I love it!!  We race around from here to there but I absolutely love the pace of the day!  Today would be no different.  I had the away game today so it was off to Newburyport we went..... what a stunning day for a soccer WIN!!!  Way to go girls!!

 

 

 

They played hard, they played well and, most importantly, they played as a TEAM!!! 

 

 

 

 

Nothing makes you hungrier than an early morning hard earned soccer win!  We found this little gem on the way home.  Situated on Route 1 South, just around the corner from the soccer field is Haley's Ice Cream.  

 

 

 

 

            The retro 50's decor was adorable and the menu offerings were just what we were looking for.  It's simple but well done.  Delicious burgers and fries, shakes and ice cream.  Perfect for kids and parents alike!!

 

 

I think Haley's made two little soccer stars VERY happy today!!  What more could a mother ask for?

 

 

It was the perfect start to a perfect day!!!  Wishing the same for you!!

 

xo

 

Michelle

 

 

+Michelle Morrissette Cucchiaro

+My Baked Stuffed Life

Lovely Enough For Two

A funny thing happened to me at the grocery store yesterday.  After a busy day of errands and visiting with my Mom, I decided, quite last minute, to have people for dinner.  I made a sauce and shot over to the grocery store to pick up a few last minute items.  I wasn't wearing anything particularly attractive--just my typical, yet extremely comfortable, new uniform of yoga pants and flip flops.  While my hair was neat and combed it certainly wasn't coiffed for a night out on the town and, of course, no makeup.  I grabbed a carriage and off into the store I went.  I entered in the produce section and quickly gathered salad fixins'.  As I passed thru the floral department a cute but tiny flower caught my eye.  It was attractively "dressed" in a paper covered pot and the pink blooms were fragrant in a heady sort of way.  How perfect for my mother!!  Just a little pick-me-up, something to say "I'm thinking of you". 

As I placed the flower pot in my cart an older gentleman caught my eye.  He was walking toward me and began to speak. 

"Oh dear, you are so lovely, surely you are worth two of those.  Go on, take another one."

He smiled kindly and I returned his smile with one that was equally as warm.  I offered him thanks and he held up his hand....

"A rabbi once told me that the young pretty girls today move so fast yet they feel at some point that they are not appreciated or loved.  He was very wise and offered some wonderful advice.  Slow down dear, you are lovely and worthy but you must slow down so that all the people who love you can catch up and.... love you."

With that he wished me a wonderful day and he was gone.

Wow.

-Peace

+Michelle Morrissette Cucchiaro
+My Baked Stuffed Life

New Beginnings

My Morning Walk

Breath......

On Happiness....

 

  Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.   - Dalai Lama

Parking Lot Guy

 

This smiling face belongs to Parking Lot Guy.  Parking Lot Guy is obviously not his real name but it's the way I've affectionately (or not-so-affectionately) referred to him over the years.  I have no idea what his name is, nor do I understand what he says half the time, but he's been parking my car for just under four years now. I think it was Oprah who once said that everyone has a story, that if you ask the right questions, eventually a really interesting story will emerge . I'm not entirely sure of whether that's true or not but I'd venture a guess and say that this guy, this "Parking Lot Guy" would probably have one should someone have the time it would take to probe around his life to find one. I never had that time. I was too busy doing the corporate thing, racing from home to work and back again, to take the time necessary to get to know him beyond the business at hand.  Namely, parking my car. 

Our relationship was confined to me handing him my keys, him asking what time I'd be back and me answering.  I'd pull up anytime between 7:30am and 9:00 am, gather my things, have the quick verbal exchange with Parking Lot Guy and off I would go.  In the early years, I'd show up at the predetermined time to collect my vehicle at the end of the day and, without fail, he didnt' have it ready.  As a busy Mom, I had places to be, soccer games to attend, homework to assist with and every minute counted!!  Inevitably he would throw a wrench in what I considered my well-oiled schedule and I'd be left standing there tapping my foot while he moved no less than 2-3 cars so I could get at mine.  I wasted no time-- I did what most people do when they are decidedly pissed off, I posted my grumblings to Facebook.  I was convinced that Parking Lot Guy was heading up a major conspiracy to sabotage my well-oiled schedule! I'll have NONE of THAT sir!!

Time passed and I mellowed or maybe Parking Lot Guy just realized I was there to stay and he'd better start getting a clue or I'd find another place to park, I don't know, but over time, whether or not my car was ready at what I considered to be the appropriate time seemed to matter less and less.  It was "small stuff" in the grand scheme and it mattered not.  My relationship with Parking Lot Guy matured and I found that I really kind of liked the guy even IF I couldn't understand a word he was saying.  So I started playfully picking on the guy.  I do that when I like people.  I give them a hard time, it's part of my charm (giggle).  The best part was that he would match wits with me and so began our daily jab-at-each-other ritual.  It was a blast and every single day of my corporate life started and ended with a smile because Parking Lot Guy and I would pick on each other until we laughed out loud!  I'd invite him and his family to every holiday event and he would promise to attend--I'd show up for work after the holiday and accuse him of ruining my event because he and his family never showed.  I'd cry FOUL!!  I'd rant and rave about how I sobbed for hours!!  Hahahaha... we'd laugh.  It's possible that he thought I'd lost my mind but it was all good natured fun.

This week has been, for the most part, no different.  I pull up--pick on him, he picks on me and off I go.  Yesterday I let him in on my little secret.  I've tendered my resignation and Friday is my last day.  He didn't miss a beat--You?  Resign?  Naaa, you get fired.  I know this, YOU definitely get fired.  I instantly lost it in a fit of giggles!!

Thank you Parking Lot Guy for helping me start every day with a smile!  You'll be missed but I'm absolutely certain that you will continue your mission and bring little bits of joy to others along your journey!! 

xo
Michelle

+Michelle Morrissette Cucchiaro
+My Baked Stuffed Life

Slow Down, Lessons Learned from the Dog

Slow down, what's the rush? Take time to enjoy the flowers......



xo

Michelle

+Michelle Morrissette Cucchiaro

+My Baked Stuffed Life