LOVE IS LETTING GO OF FEAR....

 ANGEL AUNTY

Six years ago yesterday I had the most moving experience of my entire life. I helped an angel cross back over to heaven. It was November 18, 2011 a bit before seven p.m. that my beloved late Aunty Helen crossed over. I remember it vividly. I remember it always. There were times in my life when I heard people say that someone they loved had experienced a beautiful death. I really didn’t know what they meant. It sounded kind of scary. But, what happened six years ago here in my home perfectly demonstrates what a peaceful and harmonious, perfect death actually is. And, I can assure you there is nothing to fear.

This blog was started and continues in the name of my late Aunty Helen. (Thus the name Ageless with Aunty). She was the epitome of selfless humility. She was a person so highly evolved she loved and forgave everyone even those who profoundly hurt her. She lived all her life caring for and giving to others EVERY DAY. She exemplifies what it means to be a bodhisattva. She was always happy and we had a wonderful life together (along with her husband my late Uncle D another genuine good soul). She lived fully and wisely and generously until her last breath.  After a brief but extremely serious illness it was the evening of November 18^th, a Friday around quarter till seven, this is what transpired….

There was music playing softy; a mix of chanting, Christmas hymns, lullabies and arias. The room was lit perfectly with purple (her favorite color) soy and cotton wick candles.  The lights of the Christmas tree shimmered magically and twinkled like angels. I had put up the tree early that year because I knew Aunty was preparing to pass. She was resting comfortably at home and she had told me I am ready. I was right by her side along with pictures of her family including her late husband, her late daughter, her deceased parents, her parted siblings, and her grandchildren and great grandchildren. When she started to move her mouth to say I love you I knew it was time. I embraced her and told her that she would soon be united with her husband, her daughter, her parents, her siblings all of whom she loved so dearly. I am at a loss for words to describe just how much she loved them; to the extreme degree you can love another. I kissed her, held her, and told her how much I love her and that I would miss her and that I would see her again. I said things that seemed to flow out of my mouth perfectly, so comforting, so full of truth; I know they were coming directly from the Holy Spirit. I was experiencing God, the angels, the Saints, my ancestors, and the greatest divine love one can know. This is a force so powerful, a feeling so strong, that I feel immense comfort when I think of it. I always will. I myself was elevated closer to heaven in those intensely magnified moments...

Aunty passed so peacefully, perfectly, and beautifully. Right before my eyes she eased into eternity. There is no other way to say it. That is exactly what happened. She passed exactly as she had lived, with beauty, grace, dignity and strength. And as if she were a saint (and she certainly was to many)

I anointed her hands, feet, and forehead with lavender oil. I sat by her side and prayed absorbing all the goodness and Love I was later told that she was transferring to me. I received so much it will sustain me forever with an abundance to share.

This exceptional and extraordinary woman is best part of who I am. I carry her with me eternally, along with my late Uncle D. Every single night for six years now I light a candle for Aunty and for him. And I get signs all the time that her spirit is all around and we remain and forever will be connected. The love we had was so strong that I honestly feel like she is still here. I know in many ways she still is.

 A little side note: Yesterday (the six year anniversary of her passing) I ended up in the emergency room. I am fine now. It was just a scare and probably some stress. But, I was in the exact same room (number 8 and her favorite number) that Aunty had been in when I had to take her to the ER once. When I realized it was the same room, I knew I would be okay. And I am…. Thank you Aunty for continually letting me know that you are looking out for me. Which reminds me….she had one eye open when she passed. And I knew for sure that meant only one thing…given our extraordinary unbreakable bond, SHE WOULD BE LOOKING OUT FOR ME FOREVER. This is validated when I recall our little good-night ritual. Right after I helped tuck her in I would hold her hand and she would look directly at me. Right after I would say “I love you forever.” She would emphatically add “forever and ever and ever….” AMEN!

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK, THEY ARE THERE....

with Aunty's great grandson and my godson far right and his fiancee left

How memorable was your Memorial Day (kick off into summer) weekend….take a closer look. If you are anything like me perhaps it was even better than you think.

Mine started out quite startling and harsh and ended up full of blessings and joy. As I stood there this morning waiting for my water to boil to splash over my Nantucket Blend coffee I realized I had just had a superior weekend full of blessings. And the reason it is such a big deal to me is I am the type of person who always has ten million fantasies going on about everything. So, when I think of Memorial Day weekend, I imagine being on Cape Cod, or partaking in a big family cook-out with Jimmy Buffet music playing and all my relatives there. Of course it’s 80 degrees and sunny. Then I might feel bad if I don’t get to do something like that. But let’s face it, not everyone gets to have idyllic and perfect vacations with each holiday. And, when I think of everything I experienced this weekend, I may not have been strolling about Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard with my entire family (which has been a long-time summer dream of mine) but, I ended up feeling truly blessed.

My weekend went something like this. First of all I might add it was cloudy and cold most of the weekend here in New England. I spent Friday at Mass General Hospital with my boyfriend who is dealing with an extremely serious and complicated heart disease. The procedure he was having was rather surreal and given all the worry and anxiety surrounding it I almost collapsed. Needless to say standing in the hospital waiting room I couldn’t have been any further away from those Norman Rockwell-ish holiday fantasies in my head, but, then the blessings started to come. And this weekend they came in all shapes and sizes.

A dear friend who knew I would be at the hospital all day came by to comfort me while I waited. We sipped Tulsi Tea and meditated at a secret Zen room we discovered.  Later that day my boyfriend pulled through the tests and procedure okay. I went home to sleep. On Saturday still a bit shaky, out of the blue, while I was working an old acquaintance came into the shop and after only a brief chat she took off her angel necklace and gave it to me. She had no idea what I have been dealing with. She simply said, her name is Grace and she was meant for you!

After work that day a kind and generous friend who I might add was a special friend of Aunty's too had just returned from Italy came to my home bearing gifts including a gorgeous Christmas ornament from Venice and homemade tiramisu! She had taken cooking classes in Italy, scoured all the local Italian markets when she returned, and it was the best tiramisu I have had! Even my angel Grace was smiling. 

Later that night my boyfriend and I watched one of the best documentaries we have seen: Muscle Shoals. I highly recommend it. The music and the people in it were all amazing and I was really feeling good.  The main person in the story Rick Hall is a major inspiration. I think there needs to be a monument to him.

the Shoals

Sunday morning my neighbor and friend put a copy of the New York Times at my door.  What a treat. A while later as I sipped my Nantucket coffee I enjoyed an hour long phone conversation with my mother. We laughed over funny stories and people from our past and remembered with much affection some of our beloved and departed family members. It was on that note that I went outside to gather some flowers and brought them to place at Aunty and Uncle D’s grave. Something told me they were so glad to see me and I felt connected and loved!

Then, having accepted an earlier invitation I drove over to hear Auntys’ great grandson (a talented musician) play the drums at a local tavern. I ended up spending the day with my cousins (Aunty’s granddaughter and her kids, Aunty’s great grandchildren). There were hugs, and stories, music and burgers, and future plans made. My godson (Aunty’s great grandson) asked me to stop by and see his new nearby home for the second time. It was spectacular especially out back where he just put up this Moroccan tent with lights overlooking his big backyard. It may have been cold but my heart was thoroughly warmed by now.

Monday, Memorial Day, I caught up on some work (many of you know I have some magic up my sleeves having created a sublime new product and am on the brink of unveiling something out of this world fantastic)! And speaking of amazing, another delight this weekend a friend took me to lunch at Organic Café in Beverly, Mass. This organic and raw restaurant is so good I wish I could eat there every day. I could really feel every cell in my body smiling with each bite and thanking me. We dined on fancy arame noodles dressed in creamy sesame ginger sauce, sprouted buckwheat pizza, and washed it down with a mint matcha latte. And no kidding, it truly was delicious.

Later my boyfriend and I got invited to dinner by a dear friend we both admire. She is the epitome of an artist in every aspect of her life and cooks everything from scratch. There is never a crumb left. We took a rain check (something to look forward to now). But just knowing that someone you look up to this much cares enough to invite you to dinner and drop soup off at your door when you are going through tough times is a precious gift and blessing. 

After dinner at home we poured coconut oil over our organic popcorn and watched the film Whale Rider (a film I had first seen at the Nantucket Film Festival). That movie is utterly enchanting and so well done. I went to bed with a big smile. And when I woke up today, Tuesday morning, after the long holiday weekend, I realized that I was a lot closer to Nantucket and a perfect Memorial Day Weekend then at first thought. If you look closely at any holiday weekend whether you are vacationing or not, my guess is there are so many blessings right under your nose. And a wonderful thing about blessings is, the more you recognize them the more they come…..especially when you are particularly grateful!

Can you count how many blessings there are in my story? How many were sent by Aunty?

With love,

Renee, and that Angel on my shoulder, Aunty 

I MISS MY BLOG.....

And Aunty too

Hello all you Ageless with Aunty Readers. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your support and continued interest in Ageless with Aunty.  Your friendship means so much, and, I just love sharing stories, adventures, mishaps and mayhem, and, all my interesting and noteworthy finds with you.

But, I have to tell you, I miss the blog. I simply haven’t had as much time to write as I would like to. Now no worries, I am still honoring my commitment. I love keeping that Ageless with Aunty Spirit alive (most of you remember our Amazing and Wonderful late Aunty who inspired and still inspires this blog). She's featured in the first two photos here.

 I will keep writing as long as you keep reading. The only little glitch these days is time.  I have also fully committed to developing my product and all that entails. Think of it as preparing to go on Shark Tank. This is real life Shank Tank i.e. seeking an angel investor, and, it’s all a full time job! I am also a caregiver to someone who has helped me for a long time and now I am doing my best to help them. So, naturally there is only so much time in the day. Not to mention finding ways to simply keep a roof over my head while I carry on like a mad scientist with my creation.

I won't stop reaching for a star until I catch one

Yet, no matter how busy I am, I always miraculously make time somehow for a little fun. I have to have stuff to write about, don’t I? And, then I have to make sure I find the time to write it. I miss it myself when I don’t. People tell me they really like the blog. It’s been called “charming and upbeat.” And, let’s face it, we need more of that. 

So, thanks for staying tuned. I can undoubtedly promise you that there is a lot more EXCITEMENT TO COME. What I have up my sleeves (and very close to bringing to fruition this time) will truly inspire and uplift you. And, as a reader of Ageless with Aunty, you will be privy to all the news before anyone else. And, I can assure you, for any lapse of time I don’t write, it only means I am working very hard, and when I get back to the blog, it will be with something worthwhile. But, most important, I will always get back to the Blog!  I believe Aunty enjoys reading it from heaven. And, since she remains a major inspiration, I’m staying Ageless with Aunty! I hope you will too….

IS THIS MUCH FUN ALLOWED?

Lighting Up the Night...

 

I was thinking of calling this blog post "TRADITION" because here I am once again with my gal pals keeping up yet another tradition. This is one I started with our beloved Aunty back in 2007. It's called the Lantern parade and it's run by a fabulous organization called Spontaneous Celebrations. Two nights every October, hundreds of people light up Jamaica Pond (right outside of Boston) and walk around in a gigantic circle carrying colorful lanterns.

 

It might sound simple, and it is. Yet, the bonding, camaraderie and good feelings are all magnified under that irresistible autumn moonlight and maybe its the magic of the water that reflects them back to you. But, you are somehow whirled into enchantment and wonder...

One of my all-time favorite Aunty pictures...

 

If you notice in the picture above, and at the top, I am carrying that very first lantern. My heart smiles at the thought of keeping up any traditions started with Aunty. She was the quintessential kind and loving human being! Her love is so big it still pours down from heaven!!! The eyes of my heart see it clearly. And having good friends by your side is a blessing as well.

 

My friends and I sure do know how to enjoy ourselves. I dare say I don't think a Sunday night was ever this much fun! We danced non-stop after the revelers congregated at the grandstand for some of the best music around. A super funky group called Opposite People played. My toes were actually buzzing!

 

I really hope you can join us next year! Keep your heart open and your inner child alive....I promise it will lead to wonderful places and people.

 

 

IMAGINE THE WORLD WITH MORE HALOS...

Radiant and Ageless Aunty, 82 years young 

at home in her kitchen and ready to serve

 

I remember while my grandmother was alive, Aunty (who was her sister) often cut my grandmother’s toenails and that was after she washed and wiped all of Nana’s dishes.

How is that for an act of real humility?

Humility is a quality that I see less and less of these days and one that I truly admire.
 

 Aunty welcomed giving of herself. When I think of Aunty running next door cleaning up after and tending to her gravely ill sister-in-law, all those late nights for what seemed like years, and fearlessly wanting to help the homeless (treating the drunken man on the street as if he were a newborn baby kitty in the rain)  I see humility in action.
 

Aunty simply had radar for those in need and compassion for the burdened. Like the times she brushed her sisters hair or cleaned her house. Perhaps my Nana was tired, or had a bad day. Aunty just did these genuine acts of kindness always on her own without being asked. At the time I didn’t really think about it but I can clearly see now how humble and virtuous Aunty really was. She was the epitome of selfless humility (and so was my Uncle D).  I want to be more like them!

 

For readers of Ageless with Aunty I am asking you to help make the world or certainly your world a little more Aunty-like. See how it feels to step out of yourself…even for a few hours and actually think of serving others.

Being humble is a true virtue and really does light up the world. Besides, you can’t feel bad when you treat a fellow human being good.

A halo diminishes any lines or wrinkles. Just look at Aunty (ABOVE)

AND TRUTH BE TOLD

Aunty didn't look too much different than this

at the time of her death at 88 years old!

FROM THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS BLOG:

Humility is a quite noble attitude, it is respectable, uplifting, ineffable, divine; it is the attribute of individuals who are strong and wise. Can you think about people in your life that are very strong but humble at the same time? I can and its very easy to respect what they say and do.  Humility means to profoundly and sincerely admit the value of the fellow people. 

Are you humble? Can you be even more humble? This is something I am self-reflecting upon these days. Will you join me?

 

 

Side note: when I was a little girl Aunty would wash my hair with HALO shampoo....now I can think of this as getting a head start:)

  

THE WONDER OF AUNTY...

still keeping up her routine with Gracie

As many of you know, my darling Aunty is very sick. She is 87 years old with advanced pancreatic cancer. She has not eaten any solid food for five weeks. Her body is weak. Yet, she is smiling. She laughs. She jokes. She still draws people in. I am continually amazed at her strength and courage. Her joie de vivre is unmatched. You have to see her to believe her, but, that is where this blog comes in. I hope to convey even a sliver of my Aunty’s wonderful spirit with my words. And, maybe even inspire you (and myself) to take our life up a notch, because we see through Aunty’s resiliency and happy heart that every breath is an extraordinary gift.

Aunty has no food in her body, yet, she got up to answer the door a few days ago! She tried getting herself out of bed this morning. And a few minutes ago she told me… you give me a happy life. She keeps thanking me. We bond closer every moment. Our love continues to blossom. I put flowers in her hair and all around her. I snuggle up next to her and hold her close. No matter how much time I spend with her it will never be enough.

I bought her the softest, coziest, and warmest, Martha Stewart down alternative comforter. She sleeps like a baby with a soft angelic smile. My friend Rory says “Aunty’s happy as a lark.” If there is a moral to this post, or a deeper meaning behind it, it is to live life to the fullest…every moment, every day, NO MATTER WHAT! If my precious and beloved Aunty, under her current circumstances can still dance (even if I have to hold her up), and sing, and pray (every night), and continue giving (she keeps giving her heart to me and those who come to our door. She lights up, reaches out to them, and tells them how lovely they are, then with all she has… she thanks them for coming to see her), than we can make the most of each day and our own set of circumstances. Maybe we can give of ourselves a little bit more than we thought we could. We can get up and dance, no matter how we feel, just to lift our spirits. We can always say one more prayer.  

Those of you who have had the privilege of spending some time with Aunty know exactly what I mean! She is a miraculous woman. Her selfless humility and inherent goodness are genuine. If I can typify even one tenth of her magic through this blog than you will feel really good when you are here. Following Ageless with Aunty is the next best thing to actually being in her presence. I give you my word of honor. Not one word of this post is exaggerated in any way. If anything, the words do not do her justice.

From this moment forward, my work is dedicated to our Aunty’s life and spirit. Like her, Ageless with Aunty will thrive, spread joy, and ask nothing in return. We’ll live to give. Amen.

Long Live Aunty!

THE MAGIC IS BREWING...

This blog is currently undergoing a new look. In the mean time, please excuse things like the LARGE FONT at the top, the missing "subscribe" button, and posts spreading so wide across the screen.

We will return as soon as my computer guru gets better.

We have a lot to share with you. I had lunch with two wise men, experienced a full super-moon gong, with Aunty no less, and for all we know, I might be pulling a rabbit out of my hat! It seems to be the general consensus, if anyone can do it, I can.

Thank you so much for following AGELESS WITH AUNTY, where anything is possible...

And, please don't forget to vote for Aunty and me, in the More Beauty Search. Every vote counts. And, you can vote once a day. If we win, we all win, because the prize money will allow me to continue this blog! I give you my word, there is a lot in it for you if you stick around...I have something MAGICAL up my sleeve. Until then....

Just click here

and

THE AUNTY TREE

Yes, that's my niece with Steven Tyler

The apple doesn’t fall too far from the Aunty tree…

It looks like my nieces took heed to my post  Ageless with Aunty, the Next Generation.

Here is my adorable niece Montana, with none other than Steven Tyler from Aerosmith, and the new American Idol judge!

Since she is gearing up to someday take over this blog, Montana wants to be happy, and meet as many celebs as she can, “Just like Aunty Renee.”

While at the Bruins Game (where she met Mr. Tyler) my other niece Jesse, was dancing on the ice as a Bruins Girl! They are just keeping up Gold Girl tradition while paving the way for the future of Ageless with Aunty.

AGELESS TIP OF THE WEEK:

FOLLOW THE FOOTSTEPS OF SOMEONE YOU LOVE

as long as they are going in a good direction, of course



A BETTER BONNET, A BETTER BOURBON...

Ageless Aunty Day After Derby

The most famous and respected horse race in the world, Kentucky Derby, held its 136th event a few days ago, on Saturday, May 01, 2010, ...Run For The Roses at Churchill Downs.

I am still not sure if Aunty realized she had missed it.

When she put this hat on Sunday morning, I asked her where she thought we were going, and she said... "For a real Mint Julep,"(which of course is the official drink of the race). She had seen me drink one in a tall glass with slushy ice, not a sterling silver Julep cup with powdery shaved ice, which some connoisseur mixologists say is the only way to drink one. I changed the subject, and threw some mint into her tea with a dash of bourbon for good measure... She seemed happy enough, as you can see. She did not mention anything about going to the races after that. Although I think I heard her humming Neil Diamond's Kentucky Woman.

I have always dreamed of going to the Kentucky Derby..... those drinks, those, hats, those horses. I am planning to go next year with Aunty. She has a year to pick out a better bonnet. This one doesn't do her justice. And I will sip a better bourbon concoction too. This time with a straw, shaved ice, frosty sterling cup and all.

Mint Julep

3-4 oz of bourbon

1 oz mint-infused simple syrup

fresh mint leaves

copious amounts of shaved ice

Muddle 1/2 oz of syrup with mint leaves in the bottom of the cup