Halloween Via Pictures...

When witches go riding, and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers, ‘tis near Halloween.

On those days when one just says why not?

On Hallowe'en the thing you must do is pretend that nothing can frighten you

An' if somethin' scares you and you want to runJus' let on like it's Hallowe'en fun.

When Brutus was alive i dressed him up in every outfit.  Shadow had a go also at

 Brutus' Halloween outfit, but Sniff is not too keen on it.  Truth is I have not really tried
putting it on Sniff, but I gave it a try and Yay!  It's also a delicious time at Starbucks.

In our condo we do not have trick or treaters.  For those who live in houses that's

 a different story.  When we were little our parents used to take us around the 

neighborhood.  As we got older we went with friends.  Same applies today. 

Halloween is one of the worst days for my friend Anna.  Today makes it 6 years

 since her Buddy died.  Anna to this day grieves for her baby.  Thinking of you

 and you know I am always here for you.  Not a "good" day for everyone.

Life has taught me to never ever judge a person unless you have walked in there shoes.

To all the young ones and not so young ones celebrating Halloween, have a great day.

  Don't forget to be kind to each other and to remember that sometimes when 

you are having the best time of your life someone's heart is breaking.

Wishing you all a very safe day.  To Anna, know that I am thinking of you.

The same way you are there for me, I am always here for you.  It's a good day to

 be happy.  In fact everyday is a good day to be happy, but sometimes life has 

a different way and not everyone can be happy all the time.  Me I miss my

 Brutus everyday.  Not a day goes by that I don't think of him.

Halloween was confusing. All my life my parents said, "Never take candy from 

strangers." And then they dressed me up and said, "Go beg for it." I didn’t know 

what to do! I’d knock on people’s doors and go, "Trick or treat." "No thank you."

~Nadiya~

Feel Good Day...

Being happy never goes out of style.  When someone 

told me I live in a fantasy land I nearly fell off my unicorn...

A picture can express better what words fail to do. 

 Saturday morning at the beach.

No matter what, mornings sure are better when you can feel the sand between your toes 

and the wind on your face. Unfortunately for visitors right now, the week has been "ugly" 

  Windy, dark, and definitely not what one would expect from the Sunshine State.  

Even so, there is always the beach in the mornings.   Serene.  Peaceful.

Yesterday was a good day.  We worked and at the same time we had fun outings.

Soccer is in the picture today and who knows what else.  Right now Sniff is 

sitting right next to me as I write.  Brutus and Shadow are also "here" with me.

Good morning world.  Wishing you all things good today and everyday.

May your day be filled with sunshine, laughter and love.

There are so many beautiful reasons to be happy,

just take the time to do what makes your soul happy...

~Nadiya~

And So Begins Another Friday...

Friday, the only decision you need to make is bottle or glass...

Here's to those who who's us well and those who don't can go to hell.  One of my
dads favorite quotes, and one he has taught us from the time we were little.
Hello all and so begins our Friday.  The fact that it's gloomy,
 windy and dark does not matter.  It will be a good day.

Friday.  Always something special about it.  Maybe because Arvid "quits" working
at 5 and we declare it officially the weekend?  Maybe somehow the stress
 levels drop and in seeps in plans of things to do that we won't normally do
 during our workweek. Yes, I love the sound of Friday and weekends.  

Yesterday I had an early start of the weekend. I took a trip to the mall and made a pit
 stop to Blue Martini.  Yes, could not resist it.  Just me, a few others and a drink
making it a perfect Thursday.  Afterwards I met with Arvid for lunch
at the food court.  I was already in the weekend mood.

  I had a good time and enjoyed watching the scantily
 dressed waitresses making delicious drinks.

Friday.  Fruit day.  Meaning Swap Shop.  Looking forward to my coconut and
 some of my favorite tropical fruit.  Can already taste it.  Last week I bought lots
 of coconut for my parents and sisters.  They love it and since they don't find
 it readily in their hometowns, I wanted to treat them to some.  

Sniff is good. Sleeps.  Eats.  Plays.  And "talks" non stop.  Love him and look
 forward to making memories that will last forever and that will fill some of the void
I carry with me. I miss my BRUTUS a lot.  When I shower I picture Shadow
 always waiting to catch the droplets as I step out of the shower.  He was
 something else.  Fast and always on the move.  A cutie he was

Nothing planned for today, but that's OK.  Really would not mind being home and
 relaxing a bit.  It has been a hectic week.  Lots of doctors appointments and
 lots of running around. On the bright side, I did manage to vote yesterday.
Yes, I feel good and am happy because I am the first one in
my family to have voted.  They all vote next week.

Arvid is busier than usual if that is possible.  The man does not know what it is
to take a break.  Luckily he has me to remind him of what it is like to take breaks,
 and to get out every so often.  We complement each other that's for sure.

Wishing you all a good Friday and a happy start of the weekend. Remember
 everyone, life is like a mirror, we get the best results when we smile at it.
Give it a try.  Truth is I sometimes have to remind myself of this also.

Always pray that you have eyes that see the best, a heart that forgives the worst,

A mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith....

~Nadiya~

Hello Thursday...

Let a series of happy thoughts run through your mind.  They will show on your face...

I'm not crazy about Halloween, but it is in every corner you turn.  The crazy parties, the 

unbelievable costumes makes one take notice.  Arvid and I never do much on this day. When

 I was younger, or let's say before Arvid, I did my share of "trick or treating" even so, I am sure

 it is nothing compared to what people do today.  I was and still am on the "milder" side.

I would like to congratulate my niece and her boyfriend on their engagement.  

Hawaii being one of their favorite destinations, does not hurt when her brother lives

 there as well.  It made for the perfect setting for the proposal.  On a white sandy 

beach with the waves splashing in the background.  Pictures do tell a story,

 and I am sure their extended vacation in Hawaii will definitely tell 

a wonderful story by the time their months stay is up.

They are very private so pictures are not allowed.  As Arvid said, "smart couple." 

 Why advertise when it is even more special just because it is private and shared 

with just family and close friends.  Much classier and much more special. I Like it!!

It's cloudy right now.  Looks like rain in the forecast for today, but at least it is warm.

Thursday is looking busy already.  Friday soon here.  No plans as of right now. 

 Unfortunately I have the sniffles. It feels like a cold, but not the worse as yet. 

Maybe I should follow Arvid's lead and also get the flu shot.  Hmmmm...

Good morning everyone.  Don't forget to catch yourself when a negative

 thought crosses your mind, and cancel it out by purposely replacing

 it with a positive statement.  Have a good day all.

You can't reach for anything new if your hand is still full of yesterday's junk...

~Nadiya~

Thought For Today...

You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, Love like you'll never be hurt, 

Sing like there's nobody listening, And live like it's heaven on earth...

Life can often take us on a wild roller-coaster ride... without our consent! Don't get me wrong.

 I love roller coasters, but I'm not overly found of double-loops and corkscrews!

Like I have said before, we all carry with us our personal story.  I just want you

 to know that not because you have gone through a  bad experience once or

 maybe more than once means everything and everyone is bad....life has 

a way of showing us the good side of things and people also, it's up

 to us to take the chance and to discover it.  What's to lose?

Halfway through the week already!  Can't wait for the weekend.

I need to also realize this.  I "forget" every so often how much I have on live 

to be grateful and thankful for.  I miss my Brutus everyday.  I miss and grieve for 

little Shadow, but I still have a good life.  A wonderful family, good friends, Arvid

 and Sniff.  I have much to be thankful for and I am, but sometimes my heart "forgets"

Good morning everyone.  Halloween is in the air and don't you forget
 that there is magic in the night when pumpkins glow by moonlight.

In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on...

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough...

~Nadiya~

Hello New Day...

Sometimes, reaching out and taking someone's hand is the beginning of a journey.

Great things are done by a series of small things brought together...

I have been fortunate to have been able to spend the weekend with 2 of my sisters. 

My parents and lots of family. Some of the family though I did not know, by 

the end of our time together it felt as if we knew each other all our lives.

 That's the good thing with family.  That bond is always there.

My sister Nirvana came to Florida on Friday and she stayed with us.  Arvid and I

 picked her up and Arvid was pretty excited to for us all to have vodkas and coke in 

Rompa Bar. Same as we did last time she stayed with us.  Always a good time.

She and I went to Orlando for a day which is where we met up with the rest of the family.  

We Indians have a huge family, and like I said if we did not know each other in the 

start, by the end we sure did.  The occasion was to honor my aunt who died a year ago. 

 Amazing how families come together to comfort each other and to show support.

We had a very good time. We made memories that will forever be a part 

of us and we welcomed new experiences into our lives.

With all of this we did find time to go to the beach. Walk around, and have Piña Coladas

 and margaritas.  Breakfast on the beach and little runs to Starbuck made for a very memorable

 time.  Always a little shopping.  She also loves Aventura Mall.  I think she knows it better than I do.

She left today.  Already i miss her and Sniff is looking for her.  As always time spent 

with family is always one of the best times there is.  I can't wait until the next time.

Our days are busy.  Don't know why, but lately things are hectic and we are in constant 

move from one place to another.  Guess we are still doing catch up from being

 away from home for so any months.  Sniff Sniff loves being home

 in Florida.  He has found his rhythm and is loving it.

Cooler days are here.  I am LOVING it!  Waking up to the "cold."  Yes.  Yes!!!

And as ridiculous as it may sound, sometimes all any of us needs

 in life is for someone to hold our hand and walk next to us...

~Nadiya~

Courage..

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that
 something else is more important than fear...

In the face of disaster, tragedy or hardship we all seem to discover in ourselves
courage we never knew we had.  Basic survival instincts kick in and makes us
 stronger and braver.  It's just how it is.  We know it when we live it.

When everything is stacked against us, and the one thing we want to do is to give
 up and say, "enough" a tiny voice inside says, "not so fast."  It is that tiny
voice I listen to.  It is the voice telling me that giving up is for the weak
and I know for sure that if anything I am not weak.

As with many facing hard times right now, we all know that the last thing we
 will do is to give in, for giving in is the same as giving up on life
 and on the opportunity of seeing a new tomorrow.

I have lived through some hard times and I don't doubt there will be more to come,
but with courage and determination I am ready to tackle another day and
 to see a brighter tomorrow.  I know many feel the same.  Don't give up.
 Things may seem terrible today, but tomorrow is another day.  Remember,
sometimes even to live is an act of courage, and boy don't I know.

Courage is the power to let go of the familiar...

~Nadiya~

About Saturday...

Time to drink champagne and dance on the table.
Let's make sure we have a party...

Looking forward to having a good time the next few days.

My parents and 2 of my sisters are in Florida.  We will all be meeting up in Orlando,
 and though it's just for a short time we sure are looking forward to getting together, having
a few Pina Coladas and maybe something else.  Arvid, is home with Sniff.  Everyone happy.

Hello beautiful souls.  It's Happy Saturday.  Be kind to yourselves.

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance.
Everyone needs a house to live in, but a supportive family is what builds a home.

~Nadiya~

Friday...

Weekend is here.  Let's roll baby...

To all a happy start of the weekend.  Busy days here so this is it for today.

A typical part of my Fridays include going to the Swap Shop and stocking up on my
 favorite fruit, and always having a coconut.  Being from the islands/tropics it's a must.

Wishing everyone a wonderful day and beautiful start of the weekend.
Happiness is a sunny day!  Cheers to all.  Sunny days to all.

I'm so ready for the weekend...

~Nadiya~

And So Begins Another Day...

Do not judge my story by the chapter you walked in on.
Never explain yourself to anyone.  You don't need anyone's approval.
Live your life and do what makes you happy...

Just the other day my errand took me to Miami.  Was happy because Arvid was 

also busy so I had the chance to go on my own and of course I could not miss
 an opportunity to check out Aventura Mall.  Christmas is in the air.

The Aventura Mall is an upscale shopping mall in Aventura, Florida, a northern suburb
 of Miami. It is the largest conventional shopping mall in Florida, and is the third
 largest shopping center in the United States. The mall has three floors of retail space, 
comprising more than 300 retailers. In addition there is a food court with eighteen fast 
food eateries, as well as several chains and other restaurants at the mall's entrance.

Once upon a time I worked there.  I have worked in many places doing many different things, 
but my most favorite jobs have been those where I have had direct contact with people.  
I consider myself a people person and for me there is nothing better than meeting new
 people and getting to know more about other cultures.  And by the way I am not
 one of those who believes the customer is always right.  Sometimes there are,
 and when they weren't being "nice" they definitely heard it from me.

Yes one of my favorite jobs was working retail at Aventura Mall.  I started one Christmas,
 and I did something I had absolutely no experience in, but like I told the man interviewing
 me for the position, "if it's learnable then I am your person."  I got the job selling 
blown glass for the holidays. Yes, I did really well and I made lots of friends.  It was
 at a time in my life when being around people was essential for my well being.

I enjoyed walking around and browsing.  Arvid never likes to really do much of 
this and when he does it's always a rush.  Yes, it was a good time in my life.

Already Thursday.  Halfway plus into the week, and I am right now really looking forward

 to the weekend already.  Already making plans and enjoying it.  Halloween is still not over, 

neither is Thanksgiving, but Christmas is also in the air.  It's a mix of everything in the stores.

Let's just say I spent a little longer than I should have.  It was a delicious outing and 

one that made me miss being around people.  Aventura mall is very cosmopolitan. 

 People from all over the world were there.  And because Arvid is from Norway, I will 

just mention that there were quite a lot of Norwegians shopping there today, but the

people who were really buying up everything were the ones from South America.

Wishing everyone a day filled with wonder and all things good.  Life is meant to be

 lived and to enjoy.  We only have one life and if we don't enjoy it now, when then?

If shopping doesn't make you happy, then you are in the wrong shop.

I could give up shopping, but I'm not a quitter.  Peace, love, shopping...

~Nadiya~

Killer Clown' Reports Are Terrorizing People Across the Country: What's Happening???

Just because some people are fueled by drama, 

doesn't mean you have to attend...

There are ghosts and goblins all over the place.  People take it too far these days.  

Now it seems like people dressed in clown outfits are out killing.  Stores are starting 

to take away all the clown outfits from their shelves.  It now dangerous.

As it’s getting closer to Halloween, what seemed to be a harmless joke at first, suddenly 

turned into a serious matter with the police. What started off as reports of creepy clowns 

luring around neighbourhoods in the US, has suddenly escalated to another level. 

Not even our Canadian neighbors are safe from these "killer clowns."

It is believed that the surge of clowns spotted wielding weapons

 originated from some states in America, but has made it’s way up north. Yeah,

 the scary clowns have killed 23 people in Canada and is terrorizing the US

Creepy, threatening clown sightings have been increasing over the last couple months, 

leading residents of affected states to wonder just what’s going on. Earlier on Friday, some 

schools in Reading, Ohio were closed after a woman reported being attacked by

 someone dressed as a clown who threatened the students at her school. But 

the complaints extend far beyond Ohio. At least 40 states have had strange 

clown sightings so far, and the number keeps on growing.

Of the so many states having "clown sightings" Florida of course is one of them.  

No one right now is safe from a clown.  Suddenly they have become a menace.

"Killer  clown" sightings spread to Florida, Virginia,Colorado.  Another thing to worry about. 

 Being stalked by a clown.  I never really liked clowns anyway.  Always found them

 to be creepy and not funny at all.  As a child they bored me to death and as 

an  adult I found their act pretty irritating, so I'm not surprised.

Gone are those days of innocence.  Where a child  felt "safe" with the clown act.

Not much is safe anymore today.  Everyone has to be extra careful of what they do and 

whom to trust.  I trust people, but I want to think that I am also a very good judge of character. 

Even Arvid says so.  He usually would ask me "what's your feeling about this person."

The unexplained rash of clown incidents originally led some to suggest the phenomenon 

was part of an elaborate hoax, or an attempt at a viral marketing campaign. These

 unfortunate turn of events, occurring right before Halloween have inflicted horror in 

the minds of citizens all around. These clowns are NOT to be approached under any 

circumstances, and should be reported to your local police department upon sight.

Like I always said, I never thought clowns were funny.  Even less now.  To all a good day.

This is definitely a bad rap for all the "good" clowns out there who just want to entertain 

and make others happy.  Something else to deal with.  Happy Wednesday everyone.

Did I mention already that I dislike clowns?...

~Nadiya~

Positive Vibes...

Wake up, smile, and tell yourself today is your day...

New week again.  I know it is going to be kinda hectic that's why I like waking up 

early and having at least one hour with Sniff and my cafe while Arvid still sleeps.  

It's quiet and I get to watch the sunrise and prepare myself for what the

day holds because with Arvid one never knows what to expect.

You’ll learn, as you get older, that rules are made to be broken. Be bold enough to live

 life on your terms, and never, ever apologize for it. Go against the grain, refuse to 

conform, take the road less traveled instead of the well-beaten path. Laugh in the face 

of adversity, and leap before you look. Dance as though EVERYBODY is watching. 

March to the beat of your own drummer. And stubbornly refuse to fit in.

If you learn to really sit with loneliness and embrace it for the gift that it is…an 

opportunity to get to know YOU, to learn how strong you really are, to depend on no

 one but YOU for your happiness…you will realize that a little loneliness goes

 a LONG way in creating a richer, deeper, more vibrant and colorful YOU.

My friend Anna encourages me all the time to dig deeper into myself and she gives me 

advise on  how to overcome or at least try to overcome certain adversities that we all have

 in life.  If anyone is a fighter, she is.  Her life has not and still is not the easiest, but her 

attitude is always one of the best.  Positive, assertive and always with the I can do.

Anna is a big inspiration to me.  Though we don't talk everyday, we keep in touch all the 

time.  Together we encourage each other and we always always have a good laugh no matter 

what is going on with us.  She and I have a history and a bond that no one can destroy.

Everyday she sends me little pick me up.  Makes me smile and laugh.  Makes the
 day even better.  Also, yesterday I had an early morning "chat" with Victoria.  My eldest 
stepdaughter.  It was very uplifting and very heartwarming.  She and I have gone through
 a bit as well, and we have come out stronger, and with an even better relationship. 

I have many many things/people in my life to make it a happy one.  Lucky me and as
 always I am grateful and thankful.  As i always say, life may not be perfect but it 
has perfect moments and the people I share it with make it even more special.

Good morning all.  May today and everyday be filled with positive vibrations.

Happiness isn't about getting what you want all the time.  It's about loving what 

you have and being grateful for it.  Make today so awesome that yesterday gets jealous..

~Nadiya~

Sunday...Funday

Life is like a camera, focus on whats important and you will capture it perfectly...

Glad that Sunday is here we consider it our "rest" day.  The week and even Saturday has 

been pretty busy.  Work and work.  I'm happy to be busy and to be tired by night so that

 it makes sleeping much easier.  Even so, I am still up early in the mornings. I love 

mornings.  I loved them with Brutus more than anything, I had a brief time 

with shadow and that was also special.  Now mornings with Sniff  are

 something I look forward to.  Mornings are peaceful and so quiet.

Yesterday I  woke up at 5am.  As I used to do with Brutus, I now do with Sniff.  I brush 

him every morning and throughout the day.  Brutus loved brushing, but Shadow never 

got into it.  Maybe he was still too little and just so very active.  Up until a few 

months ago Sniff was not so into it either, but since coming back home

 to Florida he basically "begs" to be brushed.  Of course I oblige.

Arvid has been super productive and on the go all week.  We had a warehouse to sell

 and in just a few days he sold it.  If there is one thing Arvid really excels in it's real 

estate and selling.  My part of the job this time was to of course do the research and the 

comps on the warehouse.  We also did lots of cleaning and there is still more to be done.

Like I said, today we hopefully will just relax at home and not do more warehouse stuff.

That being said it is a cleaning day here at home.  Basically everyday is cleaning day.  

Having a little kitty kat makes it even more imperative that I clean all the time.

Honestly when we had Brutus I was even more frenetic about cleaning.  

With Shadow I relaxed a bit.  Same with Sniff.  My excuse..they are healthy

 and not so easily prone to infections, even so today is cleaning day again.

Yesterday I had another of my walks on the beach.  As always it was relaxing

 and very therapeutic.  I was there by 7am to watch the sunrise.  Arvid was

 still asleep and Sniff was already fed, brushed and onto his morning nap.

The beach was quiet.  Just a few people, a surfer to catch the waves, a few birds and

 the sound of the waves.  Just perfect.  Before I knew it, two hours had already gone

 by and it was starting to get a tad bit busier.  The breakfast crowd was showing up. 

For the four months we have been in Chicago quite a lot has happened in our neighborhood.  

There is construction going on everywhere.  On Las Olas not far from the Las Olas Grand,

 ICON Las Olas luxury condominium in the heart of downtown is currently under 

construction as are many more condo and apartment buildings in the downtown 

and beach areas.  Real Estate market is back in full swing again.

Yes in 4 months that we have been away quite a lot has happened.  I love exploring and 

sometimes it is much better when done alone.  I can take my time.  Arvid almost always

 is rushed.  For one reason or another.  My walks on the beach are just me alone.

On my walk on the beach my thoughts always roam to Brutus and Shadow.
I always wonder what if?  What if?  Not a day goes by that I don't think of them.  No
one will ever be able to fill the void Brutus left in me.  I love Sniff.  He's good.
  But my Brutus took my heart.  My little Shadow was here for such a short time.

Yesterday I had a request.  A friend of mine in the Netherlands just got 2 kitties and asked
 me if it was OK to call one of them Brutus.  Arvid and i saw the kitty and as Arvid said,
"he looks a little like our Brutus."  Yes, you can name him Brutus we told him.

Also Lilly Vade had her birthday party and as she requested, rainbow cupcakes and a rainbow
cake to celebrate with her friends.  Lilly makes me happy.  Seeing her I can't help but smile.

Hello Sunday.  Looking forward to just relaxing and taking it easy today.

They say you don't know what you have until it's gone.  The truth is you knew
 exactly what you had.  You just didn't think you were going to lose it...

~Nadiya~