BINGO with the Orlando City

Had the pleasure of attending a Ladies Luncheon where I got to play Bingo and hang out with the Orlando City Soccer Club. Ashelee and I took the above photo with some of the players. All of the tables had different themes...Ours was "Cowgirls with a Soccer Problem." Along with Ashelee, I got to party it up with Giselle, Kimberly S. Kimberly M., Sue, a friend of Sue's and Cassandra. What a blast! Can't wait to go back next year!

Yes, I'm a Cowgirl with a Soccer Problem!

Happy Blogiversary...Number NINE!

It seems kind of crazy that it has been 9...NINE years since I first started blogging here at Dragonfly.

I have loved having this space to express and share and connect. Looking back, it wasn't clear what I would really be doing here. Just wanted to have my own blog because it reminded me of my passion of journaling. Since then, I've been able to record my days and moments...The big, the small, the good, the not so good. Mostly, I've been able to capture the celebrations of life and the people who fill my heart...many of them live here next to the words I pieced together on that day over the last nine years, and they even make repeat appearances.

For this space, I am grateful.

For those who stop by every so often, I thank you.

For every word, and every post in the near future, I appreciate you and do not take anything for granted.

Epcot Food & Wine with the VooDoo aka My Soccer Team

The only photo we took as a group and it doesn't include the newly newlyweds Dex and Ashley. This is the fourth year (that I can remember) that we've gone to the Food & Wine Festival as a team. Awesome day!

Orlando City Soccer: Thank You Rob Valentino!

Last year at the EDC BBQ (above photo), I had the opportunity to meet some of our very own Orlando City players. Soluna and I ended up talking at length with Rob Valentino, #22, Defense and Captain of the Orlando City Soccer team.

Today, it was announced that Valentino will not continue with the team as it heads into its first year as an MLS club. Of course, I am disappointed since he is by far my favorite City player. I remember specifically asking him about this transition and how he hoped he would be a part of it all.

Now that the news is out, I want to publicly thank Rob and the other City players who have helped build this team over the last several years. You all have been amazing for Orlando and you will be missed. All the best in whatever is in store for you.

#LionNation #ForeverALion

Remembering Erin

This past Thursday and Saturday, families and friends gathered to say goodbye to a sister, a daughter, a wife, an aunt, a mother, a friend and a beautiful person. 

We will miss you Erin. Your spunk and strength and compassion. It's hard to put all of what I'm feeling into words. Instead, I will post my favorite photo that I came across at her and her husband Stephen's home. It was taken at the annual Blessing of the Animals at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Daphne, Alabama. Chloe, Erin and Stephen's dog, was blessed that day.

With love and peace. 

NICOLE AND CHRIS GOT MARRIED!

Amber H., Beautiful Bride NC, Katharine and me

photo credit: mckenzie stewart

The wedding day for Nicole and Chris ended up being a beautiful one from start to finish. Starting with a girls morning at the nail salon getting pretty fingers and toes. The guys went to lunch at Ale House. After nails and toes, we headed to the hotel to start getting hair and makeup by the fabulous Brush Savvy (Sonya). From the hotel, we loaded in a shuttle...fought a little rain and got to the History Center in Downtown Orlando to prep for a 7 p.m. start time. No matter how many hours away it seemed, there never was enough time to get it all done before wedding time BUT we did. I absolutely loved her flowers that were so thoughtfully pulled together by KS.

The ceremony was beautiful and the reception was intimate and full of fun, dancing and photo booth action. Good food too!




To Nicole and Chris: Mr. Wonderful and I wish you lots of love and happiness in the every day, through the years of moments and may all your dreams for each other and together come true as you grow in love as a married couple. 

their first kiss as husband and wife
(photo credit: Jenn Sugarmann)

My First Own Goal and Of Course, At a Playoff Game

photo credit: fetti/photo planet

Yup...It finally happened. After playing co-ed rec soccer since 2006, I scored on my own goal during last night's game. Not just any game...A playoff game so as soon as the ball lifted off my shoulder and did a direct dive curving into my own goal, I knew the game was over. Felt bad since we really wanted some new t-shirts to wear in our upcoming world tour at Epcot's Food & Wine Festival. But we're getting new jerseys anyway so I'm moving on. Mostly the team wanted to play next week so by losing the game, we're out of the next round. So on behalf of my fellow VooDoo-ians, especially my fellow defenders - Robb & Chris - I want to sincerely apologize for following your lead (Robb) and scoring the winning goal for the other team. It was not my intention no matter how much I wanted to avoid overtime and PK's. And remember, there's always next season!

NC's Getting Married! Let's YOGA.

Post Yoga pic: Kimberly, Nicole, Shannon (Instructor), me and Andrea

So instead of the celebratory lunch as we send off our girl NC into wedded bliss, the team decided to do a yoga class during lunch at Sweetwater Yoga & Fitness in honor of her big day that is happening on Friday.

For a lunch class, it was very well attended and we focused less on Vinyasa's and more on some deep stretches and my favorite - half moon/balance poses.

Thank you Shannon for a great class! Congrats NC on your wedding this week! All the girls hope it's a beautiful day for you and Chris!

Possible wedding day photo idea...

Source: http://www.bridesloveyoga.com/blog/archives/11-2012

Character and Friends

Celebrating friendship with my honorary cousin, So, and my sister-cousin, Tan-yo in Downtown Orlando at Monkey Bar in 2012. These ladies make me smile and never cease to amaze me with all they do for the boys in their life. 

Every day I stop by here to say hello to my friend, this blog...She has remained with me for more than half a decade and doesn't require much except a post now and then. So today, I want to share the following quote that I've kept on my desk calendar since Aug. 22.

Character is so largely affected by associations that we cannot afford to be indifferent as to who and what our friends are. They write their names in our albums, but they do more, they help make us what we are. Be therefore careful in selecting them; and when wisely selected, never sacrifice them. 

- M. Hulburd

Love this today! What Life Is...

The Power of Friendship - Celebrating It Today!

"Friends remind us we are a part of something greater than ourselves, a larger world, and the right friends keep us on track." - Barbara Jenkins

What I Learned In April...

1. Every day, no matter what is known, is different. 

No matter how much you plan, schedule, rearrange, work around, cancel that, add this…The moments still occur beyond anything you can really anticipate or prepare for…whether it's personal or professional. A good reminder that you really don't know what you don't know.

2.  I literally have the best brother in the entire world.

It makes me so happy to know that at any time from anywhere, I can connect with my brother. It's something I do not take for granted, not even for a second. Happy birthday month Theo!

3. Sometimes things, all at the same time, breakdown/do not work/bans together and doesn't like me.

Let's just say the beginning of April after a week of vacation at the end of March brought a lot of technology challenges. These devices that we so rely on just love to completely die…in threes…simultaneously. It's the last day of April and I'm still trying to catch my breath after two weeks of the not-one-piece-of-technology-is-working-for-me roller coaster ride. I threw my hands up, closed my eyes and just waited until the lap bar was released. I may have whisper-screamed a few times, "Weeeeeeeeee."

4. My best friend is truly the absolute best. 

The stars aligned and my "be-fri" came to town with her entire family. She could arrive with 23 lemurs and I'd welcome her with open arms because two minutes with Joy makes up for the thousands of non-Joy minutes I have the rest of the year.

5. I need a budget again. 

I mean for reals. I've worked budgets before and then you get comfortable. Like anything that truly matters, it is work so I'm back to working it. Be the boss and let money do its job. All of a sudden, "She Works Hard for the Money" is playing in mind. Maybe I'll change the words to "She's the Boss of Her Money." Ha!

Another month in the books. Here's to May! 

Made It - 2014!

So happy to see you. Let's be amazing together.

Happy New Year to you! Let's sparkle.

What I Learned In December

Wow! I absolutely loved this month. Maybe it was because I felt like I was finally getting into the swing of things this year OR maybe it was because I was just happy to not be as busy as I usually am. For the last several years, I've volunteered for the Angel Tree program at The Salvation Army in Orlando but this year, a lot has changed (primarily leadership) and with changes, comes a lot of new and not always the "old" help.

So moving forward, I learned a lot this month including how to break that down in a list of five...

1 - Just because it has always been doesn't mean it always has to be. 

What are you doing that you've always done that just isn't quite working for you and your family any longer. Are you happy when you think about it or does it bring up negative feelings? If it's the latter, then you may want to reconsider.

2. Breathing is good for everything. 

Thanks to a great new yoga studio that has opened near my house, I've been reminded of the value and the power of my breath which takes me back to where I need to be and fills my soul. So simple. So easy. But still, we forget.

3. Love. 

When you are in the midst of confrontation, enlightenment or what comes between all of that...Sometimes, love is literally all you need to respond to your family or to your friends.

4. Family doesn't always look like you think it should.

My brother and I have been attending church together and the week before Christmas we were reminded about the family of Jesus. The way they may have "looked" to people. Often we forget that family is not always what you think it should be and not who you would expect. Sometimes it's a friend that has come to your rescue time and time again or your little brother who has taught you more about persistence and learning the hard way than anyone else or a few wise men bringing gifts. Family is bigger than you can imagine.

5. My golf game reminded me that no matter how well you played previously, it means nothing in the next round.

Every day is a new day and every choice is a new possibility. When you think you know or have figured it out, life sends up yet another way to remember that it's a journey not a destination.

Here's to you, your family (the one that you didn't choose and the one you did), your health and your well-being. May you head into 2014 with an open heart and full breaths to take in all of the beauty that the light in your heart brings every day. 

Happy 7th Blogiversary to me!

Any excuse to post a pic of a delicious looking cake and to celebrate! Happy Blogiversary to Dragonfly Lorelie where my spirit has continued to grow through the good, the bad and everything else. So thankful for this space and for those of you who visit me here. Here's to another year of blogging, sharing and connecting with what matters most in life.

31 Days of Super Heroes :: Jenny

31 Days of Super Heroes - Day #4: My Jenny

Where do I even begin with this one? My Jenny and I met "by chance" during my first year of college. We were placed as roommates in a non-A/C top floor tiny room with more furniture than my living room has in it.We could not of been more opposite in our upbringing and the way we looked at life, specifically higher education. But once I had the chance to really see Jenny the way that others rarely see her, I knew we'd be lifelong friends.

My Jenny is fearless, ready for anything and super hero smart in the way she has taken her career around the world and back successfully on all fronts. She understands the importance of fun, adventure, spontaneity and living the kind of life most of us dream of post-retirement or when we win the lottery. She is far from 65 and truly created her own winning ticket that is just right for her. She hasn't looked back except to visit those she holds near and dear and I just happen to be privileged to be one of them.

My Jenny - You are a super hero! Thank you for your letting our friendship grow into something so unexpected. You inspire me and impact my day-to-day positively even from the other side of the world. Thank you for using your talents to explore, teach and share the possibility that adventure is only a trip to a job fair away. 

31 Days of Super Heroes :: The Theo's

31 Days of Super Heroes - Day #3: The Theo's

Both my brother and his mini me are two of my favorite people in all the world. The way they pursue their passions and learn life daily on the basketball court and at school and work. They are two of the sweetest and funniest guys I know. Last Thanksgiving, they made the trek along with the baby girl and Mr. Wonderful to North Carolina for some Thanksgiving fun. It didn't snow (neither have ever seen snow) but it did end up being a beautiful time of weather, spending time with friends and safe travels. None of which I take for granted for a second.

Theo's - You are super heroes! Thank you for your sense of humors, love for laughter and for making long drives and family get together's so much fun. 

Maybe one day you'll know how much you both mean to me and how much I love watching you grow into men who have the ability to change the world. 

31 Days of Super Heroes :: Joy

31 Days of Super Heroes - Day #2: Joy

My year started with a visit from my best friend Joy and her family. It was not the smoothest trip to Florida for the four of them but they were able to move forward and get back home.

Joy is pure light to me. She and her family taught me so much about love, about patience and about the importance of family dinner time. Sitting around a table with Joy and fam showed me that no matter the day or what is going on...taking time to be together while breaking bread is a good way to wash away and reset focus on what's really important.
Joy is in her final year of her graduate degree. I am proud of her beyond the years we've been friends. Our quality time has become phone calls during our drives to work and school. Even if they're only a few minutes, they end up being some of the most meaningful and always helpful conversations.

Joy - You are a super hero! Thank you for embracing your passion to bring joy to others and for being an amazing best friend. 

31 Days of Super Heroes :: Catherine

31 Days of Super Heroes - Day #1: Catherine

Recently, I took my very neglected hair to visit one of my favorite places - Salon Ciseasux. Had a couple of inches trimmed off my hair and a little color too. This Super Hero above disguised as a Salon Owner, Master Stylist and Color Specialist has been doing my hair now for 13 years or so and hair in general for nearly 30 years.

We joke about the "BC" (Before Cathy) styles on me, specifically the bangs/fringe that was a part of my signature style in the 90's, early 2000's. Because I'm awesome and not always super smart, I would cut them on my own.

Cathy has made it happen for my hair and for me so many times and many special occasions like holiday parties, photo sessions, the day of my wedding, pregnancy, etc. She is one of the hardest working women I know and she is all about keeping up on trends and being ready to help people look beautiful with a new haircut or color. And that's just her day job. In real life, she's a mom of two, wife of Theo, fitness junkie, loves chocolate, enjoys raw food and a total fashionista.

Catherine - You are a super hero! Thank you for using your powers for good and beauty. 

This kicks off my first every 31 Days journey. I hope 31 Days of Super Heroes will inspire you to express your gratitude to the heroes in your world who bring light and love to your every day.

What I Learned in September :: Seven Things

I'm taking a page out of the playbook of one of the bloggers I follow. Every month, she posts what the 30 days taught her. Love this idea. At home, I do this every week withe the baby girl about her school work. We write down her favorite things from the last five days of learning. Each day, I reflect in one sentence about the prior day. (Hmmm...Reflecting may be a passion of mine.)

So here goes...September 2013 brought lots of learning opportunities as does most months and that is why I double love life and all of its imperfections. Here's what I learned...

1 - No matter how far in advance you plan, life still happens. 

Many, many months ago, I purchased two tickets to paradise AKA two passports to the Gentlemen of the Road Stopover in St. Augustine, Florida. First of all, it was an amazing experience. The advance planning several days before though started to morph into something completely different. At a certain point, I thought I may be going to the two day music binge by myself. That didn't happen but there was a point where I questioned how I got into the situation. The tickets were purchased, discussed and all was set until three days out. And as many would say, it all happens for a reason because the result was absolutely perfect. I enjoyed the concert both on Friday night and Saturday night. Saw more than I expected. Everyone was so friendly and fun to be around. St. Augustine did an outstanding job with planning and crowd control. I learned how plans are good but the experience is more important.

2 - Soccer Championship games can end with a score of a baseball game and ignite important conversations about what's next.

The gods were looking down on me and granted me access to the Championship game of the Orlando City Soccer team. They won 7-4...Yup...SEVEN goals to FOUR. I cheered them on all season and through the playoffs so to see them win it all and #gettheirtrophyback was awesome. Orlando's in the middle of a major conversation around MLS and it looks like it's going to happen. I love me some soccer so the closer to home it is and the more the world's most popular sport gets some love and new fans, the happier I am. So GO CITY!

3 - Take a day off. Even if it's just a day. 

So this year started off a little rocky when it came to taking some time off...We had a hard time finding mutual weekends in the beginning of the year. Plus, we were so darn busy we couldn't catch a break...literally. The first long weekend I had scheduled ended up getting rained out. I'm not talking a few afternoon showers. I'm talking they type of rain that put a golf course under water. The second time, the baby girl had a fever that wouldn't quit so we took one of three scheduled vacation days to see if it would get better. Each day seemed to get worse SO instead we stayed close to home (and adopted two beautiful rescue dogs - more on that in a separate post). FINALLY, we ended up taking a full glorious week of vacation in late July. Since then, I've tried to schedule a day where I can just breathe and catch up with my own thoughts much less everyone else's. I know it's important, so I'm doing it.

4 - Embrace change but it is okay to feel and process it in your own way. 

I love change. It keeps me going and helps further clarify and evaluate where I'm heading. September had a lot of change and it will go into the rest of the year. It's all positive but it doesn't come without some growing pains and that's completely fine. So, I'm just feeling what I need to feel and moving forward with a little reflection along the way.

5 - Bridal Showers and Birthday Parties have jumped a whole new level since Pinterest.

After helping my beautiful cousin a few months ago before a shower she was co-hosting and attending one in September for a soon-to-be Mrs. on my soccer team, I had no idea how fancy and clever the whole shower thing had gotten and I blame one site and one site only...PINTEREST. Never again will a party city ready-made kit be acceptable. Oh no. You need to iron on stencils, cut them out or glue gun everything, creatively display everything in a way that looks staged but not like the you're trying to hard, design the food just perfectly and the favors are detailed. The more, the better. And colorful paperstraws are so, so in. Whether it's Pinterest inspired or just a cake with some leftover decorations, I love to celebrate my friends and family as much as possible.

6 - Just take more naps. 

If time off isn't an option in the near future, take a nap on the weekend. It's not a waste of time, it's a full proof way to slow down everything and just dream.

7 -  Coffee is universal. 

In the morning, I enjoy all of the Twitter posts and Facebook mentions about coffee. The love for it. How many cups someone has had. What people are like without it. It's like I know exactly what they're experiencing since I'm typically thinking the same thing depending on where I am with my coffee fix. Something so simple becomes the common thread for several of us. Love it when that happens. Now, where's my coffee people???!!!??

Thank you September for keeping it fun and interesting. Here's to October and the rest of 2013!