My Best Friend's Birthday

How many birthday's have we celebrated since we've known each other? More than we'd care to admit.
Friends through it all, you and me, like two pieces of a puzzle that are the perfect fit.

Growing up together, how I remember long days of fun and adventure. We we never far from each other, neither one wanting our time to end if a guess, I had to venture.

Elementary school was a life full of dreams, junk food, and sleepover parties. We told ghost stories and did makeovers and considered ourselves the ultimate smarties!

High School was harder, you were older and  socially trying to make your way. So I stayed in your shadows and understood; a younger best friend needed to stay out of the fray.

Then college came, and we parted ways and made lots of  new friends. No longer down the street, we lost touch but inside our hearts knew this was not to be the end.

You moved.
I got married.
We didn't talk for years.

Yet the second we found each other again we laughed through the tears.

Our second act, as they say, has been quite a ride! Together we've loved and we've lost and we've marveled at accomplishments with pride. This time distance wasn't an issue, as you occupied both coasts.  I'll always be there, you know, you are my family and family is what matters the most.

So you're stuck with me San, and that's not so bad because to me, you are the best friend a girl ever had.
Happy Birthday to my BFF, here's to many, many more, and to the memories we will make and to what ever else our lives together have in store.....

I love ya!

A Very Merry Christmas From Candy's Daily Dandy

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through The Dandy,

Every creature was stirring,  not least of all Candy. 

The stockings were hung and the fake tree was trimmed, while the Christmas bling sparkled from each perfect little limb.

The Children weren't nestled, nor snug, nor in bed,

They were laughing and drinking and making merry instead!

Frick and Frack were adults, now living on their own while Candy and Her Guy kept the fires burning at home. With the college kids away for most of the year, the empty nesters adjusted but held the holidays dear. A full house was a joy to behold for a time. Is that so much to ask, or would the kids consider it a crime?

And Candy dressed in Gucci and her Guy  in Tom Ford,  while Frick regaled them  with stories from her time spent abroad. The crest on the sparkle of the new life they lead gave way to their happiness, no more worry or dread. Frack was so pleased living life in the South, and he told them of college adventures from his very own mouth! 

When out on the lawn Buddy was causing a clatter, Candy rose from her Manolo's to see what was the matter. Since Buddy was the lone dog left in the house, he was running and chasing things much bigger than a mouse. A deer? A turkey? A bird or a raccoon? Surely that dog was as crazy as a loon!

While the celebration went on, fun and joy was abound so Candy decided to reflect during some quiet time she had found. Another year, she thought,  she felt blessed and at peace,  such love to be part of, she hoped never would it cease. Content in this thought, Candy wondered what would her Christmas wish be, when she realized that really, she had everything she would ever need. 

So she wished for others the same joy that she felt, and she was grateful for another year under her belt. And I heard her exclaim to every person to hear,

"Merry Christmas to all and to all a Happy New Year!"

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the Dandy, every creature was stirring, not least of all Candy.

The children were smiling, there was something in the air, it was the magic of Christmas and it was just about here. The store, it was booming; the sales, there were lots and the year had flown by with special memories in spots. Frick had been cast in her first NYU show and Frack was just accepted into college, ya know. They were joyous and pleasant and had matured as they grew, but Frack? He still tested the waters a time or two.

And Candy in Balmain, her guy dressed in Burberry had settled into party mode making the atmosphere quite merry. The dogs were excited, lots of crumbs to be had, even they could sense the spirit; this was no time to be sad. The prognosis was good for Candy's sister; she was tough. Everything else was unimportant, compared to her fight this crap was just fluff. They were grateful, for things had worked out quite well, wouldn't you say? So the adversity, the trying times, they were put aside for the day.

And My Guy had taken care of the kids who didn't think there was hope. They had a Christmas because of him, yes this was not the end of their rope! It gave him a quiet joy, because he remembered Christmas was rough when he was kid. So he made sure every wish was taken care of and special, you bet he did! Frick and Frack delivered the goods, the feeling was a gift in itself. Doing Santa's work for others was so fulfilling, acting just like an elf. He never forgot them, for those kids were his passion, and he solicited donations from corporate sponsors and made giving "in fashion".

As the families gathered, the good spirits abound, along with the wine and the food that was everywhere around. What a gift, was this life! And it felt good to cheer with the ones who mean most to us at this time of year. So when all was said and done and the day drifted into the night, Candy and her Guy settled in for a quiet moment to reflect on the season, so bright. 

And I heard them exclaim as they rose for the night, 

"Merry Christmas to all, may your holidays delight!"

An Open Letter...

Dear (insert name here),

Madewell,  I love your fashions but your tops don't wash well.

Louis Vuitton, you tempt me. You are the one true entity that can separate me from my hard earned cash.

Love, You are like a drug. One hit and you keep me wanting, searching for more.

Television, we have become old friends, you and I. More so now that I am older. I seek your escape at the end of a long day and you rarely disappoint.

Wisdom, Why do you abandon me when I need you most? Is it then that you carry me? Sometimes I can't tell.

Parenting, Thanks for the gift of them. And for the constant realization that I don't have all the answers. That I am only human.

Technology, Where would we be without you?

Confidence, Don't ever leave me, ok?

Writing, Thank God for you. Where else would I put all that crap that collects inside this head?

Makeup,  I want it all. Every little bottle and compact that sends shivers down my spine. Is makeup hoarding a psychological thing?

Friendship, If I am rich in nothing else, I am wealthy in friendship. I have been blessed by the commerce of friendship. I have been burned by some and with some I have made good choices, but all the while I have learned from you. Thank you for a great human experience.

Spaghetti, I love you.

Marriage, Ya I know, I can't brag here because I have failed once before. But this time I may have gotten it right. Just saying..

Religion, Let's not start that now, ok?

Tom Ford, You are perfect.

Blogspot, Happy are those who can come to a place everyday where everybody knows their name. 

A Dandy Merry Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the Dandy, every creature was stirring, most especially Candy. The stockings were hung and the mantle was complete and the tree was all glistening and the dogs, hustling treats.

The children weren't snuggled all cozy in bed, they were downstairs playing L-R-C with Jenna and Fred.
And Candy in Lanvin, Her Guy dressed in Versace, they had decided that this year they would dance and sing mariachi. So they invited the Trio, some family and friends and a party was held until the sun put it to an end.

When over at the table there arose such a clatter Candy sprang from her Louboutin's to see what was the matter. It was Frick and Frack, and a disagreement had sprung, between Left and Right no one knew who had won.  There was money to be had and they sat in despair, until they agreed that a donation to the Red Cross would only be fair.

The smiles on the faces of family and guest gave way for them both to know that they both had decided for the best. It wasn't about money or things or winning, this year was about love and about sacrifice and giving. Happiness and joy were both important and needed and Candy and her family were rich in both and could afford to concede it.

This year had been challenging, to say the least, what with Frick leaving the nest but staying in the East. Frick was in New York and was Frack learning to drive, and slowly they all learned that they would certainly survive. Then The Candy Bar came, the biggest challenge of all and for Candy she learned that she too, could stand tall. For her family chipped in and everybody had a job and when it was done and they opened, the entire group began to sob. They did it together! and Candy wouldn't have had it any other way, because it was a labor of love at the end of the day.

For Candy, she felt like her dreams had come true, and she whistled and shouted and called out her crew,
"To the top of the stairs, to the top of the hall, now dream and achieve and work hard for it all!"

She was so thankful and she knew that she was fortunate and blessed, but there were others this Christmas who were suffering and distressed. So she prayed to St. Nick, to God and to anyone else, "Please ease their suffering and bring peace to their hearts."

And I heard Candy exclaim as she climbed the stairs and out of sight, "Merry Christmas to all and to all a great night."

The Number Eleven

Eleven years have past since Sept 11.

Eleven birthdays gone by without the wrinkles, the visible marks of life.
Eleven Christmases and Thanksgivings with an empty seat at the table.
Eleven Septembers to remember the tragic events that will always leave a mark on our souls.

How have we changed?

We are less innocent.
We are less invincible.
We are forever changed.

Where do we go from here?

To Ground Zero to be close to our loved ones and the heroes.
To our experts to find better ways to snuff out terror.
To our resolve so that our National Security is never compromised again.

What have we learned?

That there are no guarantees.
That heroes come in all forms, ages, shapes and sizes and that human kindness does exist.
And that not one of the nearly 3000 sacred souls tragically lost on that fateful day will ever be lost in vain.

Ode To Fried Clams

Fried clams, you make my knees go weak.
You manage to ruin my perfect diet streak.

Your presence is like kryptonite.
Why even bother to put up a fight?

Sitting in Cape Cod, you are all I see,
Your golden goodness grabs hold of me.

Oh how you look and taste!
Of your numerous deliciousness, I could never waste.

You bring on the summer joy,
And leave me giddy like a wee, small boy.

Was it worth it? Yes! Although it won't be pretty.
Cuz what comes next is kinda shi*ty...

Happy Weekend Bloggers! Go out and get your fried clam on!

Holy Crap!

So this is how I'm feeling today.

The world is being held together with duct tape. Dang, something better give for me in the universe soon because I'm ready yet I'm hanging on by the crack of my butt!

Like duct tape, I'm strong and I stick to it. (and I also come in many fashion colors...)
This too shall pass, and the need for the duct tape will be diminished.

and the rainbow is just at the horizon.

Three Words Wednesday

Cut. It. Out.

Now visit my poll on the sidebar, then give me your three words.

Merry Christmas

He's coming, you know, my good friend in red.
All dressed in his finest, from the top of his head.
At Christmas time I get giddy with happiness and cheer.
But really, it could be from all the eggnog and beer.

So we'll invite him to come, to join in our joy.
Knowing full well that he's busy, he gotta bust out the toys.
But to me Santa just isn't a legend in red.
He's a spirit, a hero and a saint, in my head.

As I harness that feeling when I think of the old boy,
I'll try to remember that this weekend's about joy.
It's not about toys and it's not about things.
It's about family and love and about spreading your wings.

Merry Christmas bloggers, may you all experience great love.
My wish for you is for blessings, that come from above.
But can Santa do that? Can he even try?
Well, for sure he's a myth, which means we'll never know why.

May your holiday be wondrous and your heart filled with glee.
And may Santa bring you peace, all wrapped up under your tree.


A very merry Christmas to you and yours from Candy's Daily Dandy.

From The Musings Of My Mind

Hemingway I'm not and chances are I'll probably never be, but if there were a time when I needed to call upon the great literary artist's soul, it was never more than now.

I awoke this morning at 4:45am filled with worry.

I have to write my ENTIRE wedding ceremony. More accurately, I have to SCRIPT my entire wedding ceremony, down to the very last second and I just gotta ask myself, HOW THE HECK DID I GET ROPED INTO THAT ONE???

I know how. The second the JP who will be performing the ceremony said,
"I don't really say much of anything other than ,'do you take this person'. So if you want the ceremony to be longer than three minutes, you have to write it yourself."
Oh yeah, Candy, you're a writer, you can do it. Script it? No problem. All those years of sports journalism copy you have written for broadcast?? It should be a piece of cake. What the hell was I thinking?? Writing a script for TV is one thing. Scripting the most important moment of your life is another thing entirely.

So here I am staring at a blank page, my writer's credentials never more paltry than now.

Have any of you done this before? What the hell am I going to do?

I tried brainstorming, the usual catalyst to the floodgates of my mind spewing forth but the best I can come up with is a theme; Love and Family. I have a template for the all-important "do you take" stuff, but everything else I write seems sophomoric and cliche. And I'm all about wow-ing the audience with my glittering prose, just not so much in this case. Cuz it's important and it has to be meaningful.

I need your help bloggers.
Chances are I'm not going to get voted off this wedding script island, so since I'm out here alone I need some inspiration. I'm confident I can handle the personal details but I need some direction, and I want it to be memorable.

Any ideas??

Happy Easter...A Really Bad Poem

I wish for you joy and peace on Easter Sunday.
Enjoy, because soon enough it will be back to work on Monday.
Let's color eggs and stuff big baskets.
And could you tell me what the heck is "a tisket, a tasket"?

I hope your hunny gives you a chocolate bunny,
and inside stuffs some serious ca$h money.
Peeps are yummy, sticky and super fattening.
I hope the rise in sugar does not cause any "heart attack-ening".

Forget the calories, sugar, and fat
because Easter candy is where it's at.
Who care's if the kids get pissed when you eat thier stuff.
Screw em'! Those spoiled brats, they get enough.

In the end, let's be thankful to enjoy the day with family and friends handy.

To you and yours, a very Happy Easter from Candy's Daily Dandy.

Falling Down

I fell down yesterday, but I got up.

I fell down hard yesterday; again, but I have to get up.

The strength to get up is innate and it protects me.

I pray it will see me through, for I have been walking on unsure footing for a while.

My trail has ended and I choose me.

I walk it alone and I will try not to stumble.

I have gotten up before and I will get up again. I have faith in me.

Im F*cked!

"No more pencils

No more books

No more teacher's dirty looks

School's out forever
School's out for summer

School's out with fever

School's out completely"

From Alice Cooper's , "School's out for the Summer "

Today's the day! Yahoo, my kids will say.

Sleeping late and being lazy.

Oh my goodness! Let's drive mom crazy.

Mom, I ain't reading. Mom, I ain't writing.

Mom, in this summer break, I am delighting.

Would you look away from my mess on the floor?

I'm on vacation, and could you please shut my door?

The freedom is limitless, the possibilities, no end.

Mom, can you spare a few 20's to spend?

A job, this summer? Surely, you jest.

For it's your money spending, that I do the best.

Drive me here, then pick me up too.

And make it snappy, cuz I got things to do.

Yes, mom I'll read and write this summer, on that you can rely.

Texting meets all those requirements, so I'll keep a steady supply.

Can I go to the beach?

I'm going to the mall.

We are just at Dana's house.

Do I really have to call?

Golf is life, so get me to the course on time.

Drop me off here, mom really, I'm fine.

I'll spend the day getting my game on track,

then I'll call you when I'm done...(Now get off my back).

Empty coke cans litter the once clean family room.

Dirty dishes in the sink and the cups, they are strewn.

Filthy socks on the floor, next to towels still wet.

Yes, mom I'll pick it up, but I haven't just yet.

The mall, some cash, eighteen holes and a cart.

The fleecing of mom and her guy, we've got down to an art.

Enjoying the freedom, just being a kid.

How can we blame them? It's just what we did.

I don't begrudge them the freedom. I'm glad they, from school, have a break.

I'm just kind of worried about how much of them I can take.

"I want to be lazy" they exlaimed, citing the hard work in school which they said really sucked.

So you can see, like I said, Holy s*it, now I'm f*ucked!

Ode To The Snooze Button

Mr Snooze Button, my friend, how have you been?

I'm relieved that you're back, for you allow me

to stay in the deep slumber I'm in.

It's still dark and I fear I'm not ready to rise,

still you warn me of the dawn of the opening of my eyes.

You keep watch over me and give me more time.

So I ask you, is another 9 minutes that much of a crime?

See, it's my internal clock, not me, that's all messed up inside,

And between the kids and the dogs, I've got no where to hide.

You feel my pain and you've got my back,

"Work with me," you say. "and I'll keep you on track."

Lazy mornings of late, are our secret; yours and mine.

And you never do judge, stating our arrangement is fine.

So what if I use you much more than I should?

I'd do the same for you Mr. Snooze, you know, if I could.

You're loyal and punctual and I like that in a friend.
You don't rush me, you nudge me and you never pretend.
So I thank you for giving me total waking satisfaction.
It's much nicer, than say, a jump out-of bed kind of reaction.

To you, I give credit for a pleasant transition into my day.
I can start out stress-free, though it never seems to end that way.
Take care, till tomorrow when begin our morning dance,
for as long as you're there, I've got more than a fighting chance.