KEEPING LOVE ALIVE....

 

    

Last night was an incredible summer night!

I gathered together on a beach at sunset with about thirty others.

The family of my late Godson Sean wanted to pay tribute to him on his birthday.

They have done the most amazing job of keeping his memory alive.

It’s quite touching. They all continue to do FB tributes, they host events, and they write poems, and they wear his shirts, and his rubber band bracelet.

His grandmother Barbara told me she wont ever take it off!!

The main reason we had come together was to send lanterns up to the sky for Sean…

There is so much love for this young man it’s incredible. I know he feels it wherever he is.

Well, we tried and tried and tried to no avail. Finally his very determined brother in law Danny managed to send one lantern up.

We were all so excited and I screamed “Happy Birthday Sean we LOVE YOU!!!!” It was a moment indeed.

Danny, still determined, eventually got another one to ascend up and into the big night sky.

Another Yahoo and “We love you Sean!!!” It was really cool.

We thought the night was over and we started to gather our things. Well, now this is the most incredible part.

So help me God this is how it actually happened…

Someone came running from the beach and yelled to those of us headed away, “You have to see this!!!” We all started running back, and those still there just turned around.

Then all I heard was “OH MY GOD,” and about ten loud and awestruck WOWS….

There on the water was the MOST AMAZING AND MOST MAGNFICENT AND MOST INCREDIBLE FULL MOON!

AND IT WAS AN ORANGE MOON. I WAS STANDING next to Seans’ little daughter Abigail (he also has a son Sean jr. pictured here) and since she was born on Halloween

her late father’s symbol to her was a big pumpkin, I had to assure her “Your dad is here and he is giving you the moon.

He loves you and all of us so much he just had to be here!!!” The moon was smiling and so bright like I had not ever seen. It looked just like a big orange pumpkin.

I was deeply moved. WE all stood there in awe for several minutes. Truth be told, I can not even describe it. And any pictures that we took or that I can find online DOES NOT DO IT JUSTICE. It was simply one of those YOU HAD TO BE THERE moments. I am doing the best I can to share it with you.

I know Sean’s parents felt enormous and incredible love. His mom was moved to tears and his father was speechless. We all believed it was Sean wanting to join us and assure us he is happy and watching over us.

I always believed this anyway. And I know we will all remember this night and this moon forever.

Shortly after he passed, January 7th, 2019, leaving his home after visiting the family, when I got back into my car the loveliest and most soothing Celtic music was playing. (Sean is Irish)

I had on a different station that doesn’t play Celtic music. The music sounded angelic and like Sean was dancing and smiling in heaven.

I say this because that is exactly what he is doing…and he’s laughing too. He loves us and we love him…and LOVE like this does the most Magical Things!

And the best part of all….IT NEVER DIES!

When you are loved, cherished and celebrated as much as Sean, you can dance, smile and be happy from wherever you are.

So, AS I ALWAYS SAY, LET’S CELEBRATE AND REMEMBER AND PAY TRIBUTE TO OUR DEPARTED LOVED ONES. THEY APPRECIATE IT AS MUCH AS WE GET COMFORT FROM IT.

And, then maybe one day when we cross over we will be so well remembered! I think this is the most beautiful thing. We are literally keeping love alive…

If you are not able to get 30 people on a beach, you can simply talk to your departed loved ones. Light candles before their pictures, frame their pictures, visit their graves, celebrate their birthday, read their favorite books, and be sure to share their legacy and their stories with the children and young people in the family.

I lovingly and consistently practice all of the above for Ming and for Aunty and Uncle D. and other precious loved ones of mine who have changed form (and I do this alone), but I am now reaching out to my family and asking them to join me Sunday evening September 5th lanterns on our beach for our Ming and Monday March 7th for our Aunty H. (a birthday party)! Will you join me? I can assure you, it's GOOD KARMA!

photo on left courtesy Pinterest

MANSIONS, CASTLES, KITES, AND MORE.....

 

 I am trying to think of the words to describe my recent birthday this past Monday May 3^rd.

 The best one that comes to mind is INCREDIBLE! I am so happy and feel extra blessed this year.

Lawn at Castle Hill

Last year, due to the pandemic, I spent my birthday alone (with the exception of a walk with a close friend and a brief family zoom call), and oh yes, a great big sky blue birthday cake!

 This year, I knew I really wanted to celebrate. Luckily my awesome sister Pam threw me a little family party. After a year of social distancing, I was going to be with the people I love and my favorite songs too.

It was a celebration of staying young with a song in my heart!!! Many songs.

I gave Pam my playlist of 140 of my favorite songs with things like This must be the place (Talking Heads) In the Bottle (Gil Scott Heron) to Rock Steady by Aretha Franklin and so many more. There were some obscure songs like Sexy Coffee Pot (I still don’t know the artist) and  Take me Back to Tulsa (Bob Wills).

I was excited to see that Quest Love used some of the songs I had on my list when he hosted the Oscars last Sunday! I may change my name to Renee LOVE.

 Right before the party, on Saturday, I received a box full of gifts from two Facebook Friends (and friends from my youth)!!!! Yes, I did. Jo and Richie God Bless you and THANK YOU!

I got two awesome pair of MO Sunglasses and all kinds of fabulous incense and beauty products. Even a little heart pin that says KIND! They are exceptionally kind.

I was so delighted. What a treat!!! Then I received a card from Ming’s brother with all these great photos of Ming and I. It was precious and appreciated.

 At my party we drank Casamigos Tequila with organic watermelon juice and it was TOO GOOD. I called it the Funky Nassau (another great song we played).

We danced and sang along all night and I was in my glee!!!! My baby sister Lauren made me a homemade cake (the best kind) and I got some groovy gifts.

I was happy that my sister Val kept saying she loved every song that played. I think everyone did. It was a super fab play list! There were the Funky Meters to Tommy Dorsey and a dose of Dave Matthews and Steve Miller! We even had some Duke and the Drivers and can’t forget Paul Simon!

With each song I got a natural high. Later we sat around the fire and the music continued while the tequila poured…Shattered by the Stones, Sweet Jane, Lou Reed, and the Band, Baby Don’t you do it!!! They never sounded better. Looks like I will never lose my affinity for Classic Rock.

 The next morning I had brunch with my family since several of us slept over my sisters. The very best part was we are all fully vaccinated (expect my mother). I could be close to them again.

With a birthday crown on my head (my mother always gets me a little crown on my big day) I opened more gifts surrounded by my sisters, oodles of balloons, and a dozen roses from a friend. The most beautiful roses I have ever received.

 That day, Sunday, I rested later and got ready for my actual birthday on the third. The next morning, Monday May 3^rd, I received so many phone calls (texts are great but there is nothing like a phone call on your birthday)! I was really pleased. My sister Juliann called from LA and even my old college roommate called! Later, I even got a text from my old boyfriend.

 My friends picked me up and three of us headed to Newport Rhode Island. Many of you know Newport is one of my favorite places.  We went directly to the Breakers Mansion (Summer home of the Vanderbilt’s). Wow!!!! That is the best word to describe that mega mansion. 

One area in that home that I particularly am drawn to is the (semi-outdoor sitting area) they called the Upper Loggia. I was swooning. You can see what looked like the entire Atlantic Ocean with the cliff walk running along the edge of the property. Its staggeringly stunning and way beyond over the top. My kind of place.

                                                 

 From there we drove down Bellevue Avenue and Ocean Drive over to Castle Hill (another favorite place of mine). That property is swanky and first-class. We had lunch and just took our sweet time taking it all in. The view is the Atlantic Ocean and many boats sailing by.

The enormous green lawn is immaculate with white Adirondack chairs perfectly placed. One can sit and sip while watching the ships sail. Ahh…..While we were sitting there I didn’t think the day could get any better and just then I got a little video sent to me of three little children that I adore and am close with. I could see and feel their love for me as they were singing happy birthday. It was so sweet and touching. Then right after that, a loving call from Ming’s family. I was just so touched yet again. I truly was. 

For dessert my friend snuck in a pretty cake filled with sparkles and candy hidden inside. My other friend made me a handmade book of Friendship Quotes.  One saying: Friendship doubles our joy and divides our grief. Indeed it does. I would be lost without my friends.

 After the luncheon and prancing around Castle Hill, one of my favorite things ever is….Flying a Kite!!!! I honestly don’t remember the last time I’ve done this. But, right next to Castle Hill is a well-known kite-flying area, Brenton Point. Another WOW! My kite was super cool…it had a big red heart and an extra-long tail. I loved watching it soaring high overhead. What a great way to keep feeling young. Just fly a freaking kite! It was exhilarating. And flying one on your birthday in such a posh area was even better (lol).

 Driving home I received a text with a picture of Aunty’s great great granddaughter Rosie. I was glad to be remembered. I can’t wait to see her in person.

And throughout the day I got Face Book messages and texts saying Happy Birthday Renee! It made me feel really good. 

 I share all this because like many of you, I had a rough year. It’s particularly tough when you live alone and don’t have children of your own. Staying connected with friends and family means the world to me! And to celebrate in this way, out and about again, was simply wonderful. That is why I share this LONG OVER DUE Joy in my heart. It felt good to feel good again.

 When I arrived home….well, I got teary eyed…not because the day was over, but because four different neighbors left great gifts by my door! And one was the most gorgeous bouquet from Winston Flowers (my ultra-favorite florist). I had to make a few trips to carry everything in….books, jewelry and gadgets and more cards.

And when I got inside I sat down to admire all my cards and those gorgeous pink perfectly blooming roses. I feel like a flower in bloom. It’s amazing what love can do. I feel the love from all the cards, gifts, texts, presents, calls that I received. And well, I just feel so blessed. I am grateful. And a special thanks to my sister Pam who made much of this possible and to my mom who always shows up with lots of presents!!!! She is the ultimate gift-giver! And to everyone who was part of my ageless birthday celebration. With birthday celebrations and friends and family like you…well, This Renee Gold will not ever get old! I love you and I Thank you one and all….

 

TO IMMUNITY AND BEYOND!!!

 

 Getting the Covid Vaccine Shot this Morning

Dear Ageless with Aunty Followers...

I want to share this most happy and monumental day with you!

Today, March 22, 2021, I got my first dose of the Covid Vaccine.

I may not look it, but I feel like a billion trillion bucks! I was so happy I cried.

 This morning I woke up and I was so excited. I rolled out of bed, brushed my teeth and washed my face and went directly to the Hynes Auditorium in my favorite city…Boston!

It was a glorious day. It felt so amazing to be so lucky as to get this vaccine. As far as I’m concerned it’s a holiday! It’s a blessing. It’s a miracle.

 I feel so glad to live in America where this is possible. I am so grateful to everyone who made this possible. Everything went smoothly and they even include free parking.

And now I want to share with anyone who is on the fence about getting vaccinated.

 First of all, it doesn’t hurt one bit. I didn’t even know she administered it. Second, you will have TRMENDOUS PEACE OF MIND.

I was walking on air when I left. I floated out of there. Just imagine, once you are fully vaccinated you don’t ever have to worry about dying from Covid.

It’s just not a way you want to exit this world.  If we want to face facts it really is the right thing to do for ALL INVOLVED.

 Imagine for a moment if everyone gets vaccinated, well, let’s face the fact: THE VIRUS WOULD HAVE NO PLACE TO GO!

So, those who don’t want to get vaccinated may be keeping the virus alive.  This is NOT to guilt trip anyone. I am not like that.

I say this with great love and compassion, the way I say and share everything I do. I say this for you! I care about people that is exactly where I come from on this. Thank you for understanding.

 Free yourself from any worry, fear or hesitation. It’s a most incredible and historic moment. You are giving yourself life and lessening the worry of contacting covid.

One of my dearest and closest friends NEVER EVER got a vaccine in her life. Even she got the vaccine today! She said “It gives me hope!”

My other good friend said, “It’s a lifesaver!”

 I agree. So, my friends….start booking your appointment today. And tell them Renee sent you. I promise it will be one of the best things you will ever do.

And your family who loves you so much, they won’t have to worry about you dying or getting deathly sick from this horrible disease. You may even be helping to stop the spread.

 This post is dedicated to my mother. Because I love her with all my heart, I am asking her to please get vaccinated so I can have some peace of mind knowing that if she were to contact the covid she will be highly protected.

If she won’t do it for herself I pray she will do it for her daughters.  And everyone else out there who is hesitant. DO IT FOR YOUR FAMILY, DO IT FOR YOURSELF AND DO IT FOR OUR PRECIOUS WORLD!

Perhaps once she and others who are hesitant see how easy it is maybe more and more will opt in for this lifesaving vaccine. We are so lucky to have access to this.

 Four weeks from today I can start fully living again…concerts, ball games, bb’ques, family gatherings, being with close friends, traveling, and I can hug and kiss all those I love! Whew…HOW AMAZING IS THAT! It’s been so long I might not let go.

For me, I am declaring today March 22, 2021 a Holiday and April 26^th (the day I will officially be 100 per cent protected from getting really sick from Covid)!  Make your vaccine appointment soon and you can have your own holidays too…. Believe me, that’s what it will feel like once you know you are fully protected! And you can smile knowing you did  your part to help stop this pandemic.

 Love, Renee

THERE IS NO OTHER WAY!

 

Picture taken before Pandemic

I feel like that little boy standing next to me is saying to all of us, please read what Renee is saying here. Do it for me, for my mother, my neighbor, my grandfather....for all  human beings.

In light of the raging Pandemic AND the Crisis in our country, I am asking everyone to put on their thinking caps! I AM REACHING OUT AND ASKING YOU TO REALLY PAUSE AND TO LISTEN. I have figured out a way we can more forward….

 

The Media always wants to give us something to be afraid about!!! Yes, things are horrible, and truly out of control.

Yet, the Media doesn’t help matters at all…they only become (or have become) part of the problem at this point.

What are we to do?!

If there is no good scary "developing" story they are out of jobs or people change the station. We are all to blame, Yet, where is the solution and how do we get there?

In my wildest imagination, and I do have a wild imagination, I couldn’t have ever imagined all this, that we as Americans, and people of this world, are all dealing with.

 I am also deeply and profoundly saddened that so many people just don’t take the pandemic seriously enough and quite frankly are selfish. They think the rules don’t apply to them, or that their rights are being taken away.

This is the most unsettling reality. I mean, people are selfish. There are many making sacrifices, but unless or until EVERYONE gets on the same team here the Virus will keep winning.

Please let your younger children know this too. EVERYONE’S ACTIONS affect everyone else when there is a raging pandemic period, even if you try to rationalize your behavior. Deep down most humans  know the right thing to do. I can not think of a better time to start doing it.

 And even now, with this riot on our sacred capitol all over the big lie (which we know by now our 2020 election was the most accurate and fair election in history. This has been verified three times!). Yet, even with death and destruction there are people who still voted against confirming the election results!  How sad is all this? Well, obviously very. Yet, as the eternal optimist, even in this darkest hour I do believe things will get better. But how….

 To answer my own question I will tell you what I am going to do. I AM GOING TO WATCH MUCH LESS NEWS PERIOD. I will consciously choose fair, accurate and HONEST sources to get my news and LIMIT IT!  I will spend that time that I would have normally spent watching the news on reading up on American History, Writing my own book (s), learning an instrument, talking to friends and staying connected, taking walks, and paying attention to the world around me WITH A BIG OPEN HEART AND A GOOD EAR. I will respect my fellow humans and my fellow Americans. It does start with us even if we don’t want to face that fact.

 One way we can make things better is by better listening. JUST SAY FOR ONE MOMENT, ONE TIME, MAYBE THAT OTHER PERSON HAS A POINT TO MAKE, and then REALLY LISTEN. TALK IT OUT…Respect, remember that word!

There are ways we can slowly improve. WE are human beings with enormous capacity for soaring and evolving…..above and beyond anything! And keep in mind there can be no healing or moving forward without the truth. That is a rule of life…None of us can escape that no matter how hard we try. We all have to see the truth even if it hurts.

 And as for the pandemic, I will continue to social distance, wash hands, always wear a mask, and even if I upset or annoy people I am going to state facts that I know undoubtedly to be true…and I hope and pray that more and more people (even or especially those who like to fight or always be contrary) will eventually come to see the TRUTH!  And get vaccinated as well. WE ALL NEED TO GET VACCINATED. IT IS THE ONLY WAY TO BEAT THIS PANDEMIC. AND WHAT PRAY TELL IS POLITCAL ABOUT THAT? I WILL TELL YOU, ZIP, ZERO, NOTHING. IT’S called doing the right thing and not being selfish anymore. I am sure most people don’t want a needle placed into their arm (even for a moment or two) BUT, if it will save lives including our own, or our family, or that older woman in another state (the one with five children, eight grandchildren, and is a retired school teacher)! Not to mention the little boy above in the picture with me. 

 THE TIME HAS TRULY COME TO START CARING ACTUALLY CARING ABOUT OTHERS AND NOW with THIS PANDEMIC AND THE STATE OF OUR COUNTRY WE HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO…IT’S CLEAR.  Let’s teach our children and our grandchildren this too. 

ONLY WE CAN MAKE THE FUTURE BRIGHTER IF WE START RIGHT NOW IN THIS PRESENT MOMENT. OUR power is in this moment and how we decide to carry on. Will you do the right and fair thing for your fellow man? At this moment in history, our actions can actually help doctors and nurses and hospitals from being overwhelmed, and good hard working people from dying alone! 

 And the good news is, when you do the right thing that karma and good energy comes back to you!  So, please stay home, wear a mask if you must go out, wash your hands, get vaccinated as soon as you can and limit your news to HONEST and ACCURATE NEWS. NO more conspiracy theories. AS YOU CAN CLEARY SEE NOW, NO one wins with those. NO one! At this point I don't think we need more proof on that.

I wholeheartedly believe that if most of us follow what I am saying here (and try with patience and love to help bring the light to those still refusing to see the truth and actual facts) THINGS WILL GET BETTER. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY.

 Thanks so much for listening. I feel very strongly about what I say here and I truly appreciate your time and interest to start making things better in our country…and ultimately the world since we are all connected!

Amen….

 

DON'T EVER LOSE YOUR SENSE OF WONDER!

 

Can you meet a person for a fleeting moment and fall in love with them?

I believe the answer is YES!!! Absolutely. It happened to me last night.

 I have some dear dear friends who love to celebrate Christmas with me. We have traditions and holiday rituals that mean a great deal to me.

Last night we went to the Festival of Trees at Elm Bank Reservation. It is an annual gift from one of my friends.

This wonderful event is so cozy that I just swoon when I think of it. Once on the reservation you have to drive up a long and windy road aligned with woodlands and trees. With some snow still on the ground it was heavenly and truly serene simply driving to get there. And since I was playing Christmas Carols in the car I was in the mood for a little celebration. I parked and met my friends.

From Elm Bank Website

Once you give your ticket they give you some hot chocolate and you wait for the rest of your small group to gather. Given the cold air and all the colored Christmas lights in the gardens, I was already enjoying myself before we even entered the gates.

The event is inside and out, and with masks and very small groups it was safe and a lot of fun.

 There were two large rooms filled with adorned Christmas trees This alone is exciting for those of us who can’t get enough Christmas.  (my last blog post was about my family’s love for Christmas and Christmas trees) www.reneegold.com

They are all extremely well decorated with themes from money on trees, cook books on trees, teddy bears, and even a Charlie Brown Tree! You can even enter the raffle (which we did) to win one of them.

The following is from their website: Tree sizes vary from one foot to nine feet in height and some have gifts in addition to the decorations.

Another and totally different experience is provided by Snow Village, an indoor exhibit occupying a whole room.  This large display features model trains wending their way through villages and vignettes, including Christmas in the City (Boston of course!), Fenway Park, a Dickensian village, the North Pole and hundreds of decorated houses and lights.  There are too many Santa’s to count as well as skaters galore.  This is a visual treat for young and old alike and each year it is a little different.

Visitors can keep warm and cozy melting S’mores at the fire pit. This is all so Christmassy.

Yet as wonderful as this all is, and was, turns out for me this is not the most magical part. The reason I am writing this post is what happened when we were leaving.

Of course I was feeling immersed with Christmas Magic and in the best mood. I was surrounded by holiday merriment, Christmas trees, and close friends. …

So as we were walking out of the gardens, as I passed the exit gate, I could see in the near distance the happiest little girl in the whole wide world! Really and truly. I am not exaggerating at all.

She was bundled up with a snow suit. She had a round face with dark brown hair and all she did was beam with joy!  Truth be told, there really are no words to describe her but I am trying. She was calling me and looking directly at me. I almost fainted because…..it was me!

She looked EXACTLY like I did as a child that age. And she wanted to talk to me. I honestly thought I was dreaming. I grabbed my friends arm. I took a deep breath and spoke to her. I was so overcome with emotion I can’t remember her name. But, I just gushed over her innocence, her beauty, her profound joy, and her purity. She couldn’t stop smiling and she was apparently so utterly delighted to be going into the Festival of Trees! I must repeat, she looked exactly like me when I was four years old! It was an incredible and indescribable experience. In this moment I realize she is my Christmas Angel.

Angel Aunty as a little girl

I got in my car and started crying. I was just so overcome by this experience. As I was driving away, again through the gardens and woodlands and surrounded by the feeling of the season, including angels, I got the message. I feel like the universe was saying to me DON’T EVER LOSE YOUR SENSE OF WONDER.  I almost did this past year. It’s been excruciatingly painful at times to live alone during a pandemic.

But, NO ONE CAN EVER TAKE AWAY THAT JOY DEEP INSIDE YOUR HEART. NOTHING SO REAL CAN EVER BE THRATENED! This is good news!

 So my message to my Facebook friends and longtime fans of my blog Ageless with Aunty… Keep that child inside alive. Go back somehow and find and feel that sense of wonder. Do whatever it takes. It’s miraculous and worth the effort.

And that child inside of you will get you through tough times. The lights on your tree will be brighter and your troubles a bit lighter. You may find you appreciate even the littlest things much more. And when you keep a heart of gratitude, God will give you even more to be grateful for.

 Merry Everything. And thank you TLC and Mara for being by my side….