Writings By Vinni

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  • Where My Name Came From

    Daily writing prompt
    Where did your name come from?
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    My full name is unusual compared to most. Vincenza. My mother promised my grandfather when she was pregnant with me, that I would be named after my grandmother.  I never knew her.  She passed away before my oldest brother was born.  I am the youngest of 4 kids and the only girl. My grandparent’s names were Vincenza and Vincenzo. Both Italians that came to the US from Italy. They settled in Batavia, NY to raise their family. The family home is where the family would gather whenever my parents visited. My aunt was also named after my grandmother. When I was a teenager, she explained to me that my name was Italian for Virginia or Jennifer. My aunt was fluent in the Italian language. She spoke it and knew how to read and write in Italian. She said that there was no J in the Italian language; therefore, the “C” was used in my name. Vincenza. Sounded out in writing is “Vinjenza.” Exactly how to pronounce the name. My aunt was called Jenny for short where I am called Vinni. Why my mother never went with Jenny, I will never know. My other aunt, refused to call me by the short name. Growing up whenever I heard my full name, it usually meant I was in trouble.

    Being the baby of the family and the only girl, each trip to Batavia, I got special mentions. Yes, one could say that I was and still am spoiled. At every visit, my grandfather always cleared the kitchen table for us to gather round.  He took out his treasured penny jar and began to distribute the pennies to me and my brothers.  He told my mother to make sure these pennies went into our savings account when we returned home.  Back then, they added up!  He made her promise.  Mom promised that she would.  He would begin counting them by naming my brothers and me.  “One for James. One for Charles.  One for Russell.  And TWO for Vincenza!  He did this until the jar was emptied.  Each round was the same.  One for James.  One for Charles.  One for Russell.  And TWO for Vincenza!  Mom took the pennies and had them deposited to each of our accounts when we got home.  She honored her promise to my grandfather in both my name and in building my savings account. Just as I was extra special in my father’s eyes, I was my father’s, father’s (Grandpa) special girl.

  • Frequent Use of Word

    What is a word you feel that too many people use?

    Well, the word that comes to mind with this question is fuck.  So many people use it in everyday conversation whether it is to describe an object or a person.  While I am not offended by the word, I do hear so much that I want to make a plea.  Try not to use it in a professional setting such as a doctor’s office, business environment, school setting and the like.  I hear people using the word when they are angry about something.  More often than not, I believe the person who is angry simply wants to be heard.  I feel the best way to curb the use of the word is to walk away from the situation.  Calm down and think before you speak.  In the heat of the moment, being calm and thinking is hard to do!  That’s when the word is given so much power in conversation or altercation becomes physical and violent.  If you use the word frequently, challenge yourself not to use the word in any conversation or argument.  You just might find yourself feeling calm and in control.  Which can ultimately bring you some peace.

  • Peace

    Daily writing prompt
    What brings you peace?
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    There are a few ways that I find peace. Through prayer and Bible study, I find peace in that I am learning God’s word. I’m learning that I must trust him to guide me through any life obstacles. He has a plan for my life. As such, my faith is growing stronger. Part of my nightly prayers includes asking for peace in our community, our country and around the world. I will bet that if we all prayed for this, it is bound to happen!

    Another way I find peace is in the stillness of a lake where I sit and marvel at the beauty surrounding a body of water. So pretty that I believe it is God’s country. I often will sit with a coffee just to let my thoughts roam. Other times, I am fishing with my husband. I love sitting on the boat to enjoy my surroundings while waiting for a fish to bite. I don’t have to wait long either! One of many activities that my husband and I do together. Fishing. I am at peace when out in the open waters of the lake or pond.

    I also find peace in staying at home. In my PJs, I putter about the house. I get things done and when I rest, one can find me reading a book or binge watching a TV show. I find peace in seeing my home filled with love. A love that only my husband and I share. and the love we shower on our furbabies.

    I believe that true peace is found within ourselves. We need to focus on finding that peace within us and sharing that peace with those around us

  • Hope Circle

    Hope Circle.  It’s kind of a catchy title.  One would think this post is about hope.  Another would think this has to do with spirituality or a possible group of people who share their enthusiam for hope.  It is not.

    Hope Circle is the name of the cul-de-sac that I grew up on as a child.  This street had a patch at the top of a grass circle.  Cars or bicycles would circle around this patch of green to exit out of the street.  About 40 homes occupied this street and people knew who their neighbors were.  My father bought our home when I was 4 months old and relocated the family from Florida.  He was told that the street was named after the daughter of our realtor when the subdivision was being built.  

    Hope Circle was a safe street.  Kids played in the road up and down the street.  They rode their bicycles with no worries.  Driveways and the road showcase the artwork of the children through their chalk drawings Cars knew to slow down and exercise caution when proceeding up the street to their homes.  Neighbors knew the kids so they kept their eyes on them.  My yard had a street light at the corner.  We can see this light from anywhere on the street.  Mom always told me that when the light comes on, I was to be heading home or inside the house.  

    Hope Circle was a beautiful street during the holidays!  All homes but one were decorated with lights.  Picture windows showcased the Christmas trees.  Other homes had lighted candles in each of the windows that were visible from the road.  Some homes had character lights:  Santa, Frosty, large candle, and the like.  There were no inflatable balloons back then.  Significant snow blanketed the yards. 

    My childhood.  Alive on this street as with my brothers.  Neighbors gathered for coffee or picnics.  Neighbors looked out for each other.  My father sharing his harvest from the garden with the neighbors. How I wish I could go back in time just to be on this street and in my childhood home. Life was so much simpler back then. I know I could visit the street but I’m quite sure there are a lot of changes. Enough so that it could tarnish my own memories of the place. Therefore, I leave it alone. Whenever I want to travel back, I just close my eyes and focus on the many memories I have of this road. It sure feels like yesterday but it was so long ago.

  • Most Money Spent on a Meal

    Daily writing prompt
    What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on a meal? Was it worth it?
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    The most I’ve ever spent on a meal is $85+ for a birthday dinner for my husband. We go out to eat every Friday night. A date night just for us. Recently my brother-in-law has been joining us. For our special occasions such as birthdays and our anniversary, we will go to either of our two favorite restaurants. Ruby Tuesdays or The White Horse Tavern.

    If we are in the mood for seafood, we will go to the Maine Fish Market. It is always my husband that picks up the tab. When his birthday came earlier this year, I gave him the choice of where he wanted to go. He chose Ruby Tuesdays as we both enjoy their salad bar along with their entrees. The whole meal: salad bar, entree, dessert and drinks came to $85+ and I’m not complaining. I would have spent whatever as long as my husband was happy with the venue food and service. With all of our favorite restaurants, we’ve always been happy with them.

    My husband rarely lets me pay for a meal. I do mean RARELY! His birthday is the only exception to the rule. He is old school in that men took care of their significant others. He still opens the door for me. He still holds my hand while out in public We’ve been married for 16 years – I am his 3rd wife while he is my second husband. We still treat each other like we’re lovestruck teenagers. Was the meal expense all worth it? Absolutely! And I’ll do it again for his birthday next year!

  • A Christmas to Remember

    A Christmas to Remember Storefront

    No doubt, there are a lot of Christmas shops throughout the country.  Some are open during the holiday season while others could be open year round.  A Christmas To Remember is a store in the village of Lake George New York.  A shop that is all Christmas!

    My husband and I visit Lake George at least two times per year.  At almost every visit, I do visit the shop to see what’s new. I love to explore the many ornament choices on their filled racks.  Every year since my granddaughter was born, my grandchildren get a special ornament that is unique to their personality and interests.  Every ornament is personalized with their name and the year.  The year represents when they were purchased and given to my grandchildren.  They also represent whatever interest the kids have for that year.  Art, favorite character, sports, scouting, baby’s first Christmas, and the like.  The goal is to get each grandchild an ornament until they reach the age of 18.  When they reach this age, they will have a collection of ornaments to take with them when they get their own place. Today, I’m buying ornaments for 3 grandchildren!  We’ve added unique ornaments to our own trees! 

    Best Dog

    While inside the shop, I’m drawn to the Snow Babies collection and their beautiful snowglobes.  I have quite the collection of Christmas snowglobes and each year, I am adding one or two to the collection.  My husband will surprise me and purchase them when we are there.  He knows how much I love them.  As with the ornaments for the kids, I’m drawn to those snowglobes that have special meanings or something that I do not have in my collection already.  The lighted animated snowglobes that are unique in shape and design catches my eye.  Like this carousel one!  I added this one to my collection last year.  So pretty with the lights and the snow swirling around Santa and the horses. 

    Santa Carousel

    The shop also has home and decor items as well as unique lights that cannot be found anywhere else.  Like a child in the candy store, my eyes twinkle at the beautiful sights.  I can spend hours in the shop.  Each trip begs the question.  How many days must I wait til I can put up my trees?   

  • 30 Things That Make Me Happy

    Daily writing prompt
    List 30 things that make you happy.
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    I am not even going to try and list a full 30 items that make me happy. The list isn’t that long! The prompt should read “30 Things That I am Grateful For” could make me list a full 30 items. That said, God and learning about Him through my Bible studies makes me happy. Growing up, I struggled with God’s word and today, I have a close friend that has been helping me understand how to study the Bible and learning the messages that God wants me to know for me life. She has been instrumental in breaking down the material in such a way that I am able to understand the Bible better.

    The second thing that makes me happy is my husband. He is my second (and last) husband, and he is my biggest cheerleader. He encourages me and supports me in anything I want to do. He rarely ever says no to me and will always give his honest opinion. He tells it like it is! My official taste tester with new recipes. My teacher in learning to ride motorcycles. My partner in teaching pistol classes and going grocery shopping. There isn’t anything that the two of us don’t do together.

    The third thing that makes me happy are my two children. Both are adults now but the joy of raising them cannot be matched. I’ve enjoyed watching them grow into the fine adults that they are today. I encouraged them to try anything that helps them to discover their own interests and unique gifts. I was always involved with their activities. From everyday activities to holiday memories, my children fills my heart with pure pride.

    The fourth thing that makes me happy are my three grandchildren. My daughter blessed me with three beautiful grandchildren. One girl (a teenager now) and two boys. The boys are 7 and 3 years old. All are thriving in their own unique way. My granddaughter is the artist. She loves drawing and turning those drawings into beautiful artwork. My grandson joined cub scouts and is loving the opportunities presented by the Boy Scouts of America. He’s learned so much in his first year and I cannot wait to see what his second year brings. Both kids love to be in school too. My 3 year old grandson is a toddler just waiting his turn to be a part of something. Right now, he seems content just being a spoiled Momma’s boy!

    I just listed 4 things that make me happy. To come up with a list of 30 proves to be challenging!

  • How I Describe Myself

    Daily writing prompt
    How would you describe yourself to someone who can’t see you?
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    Coming from an Italian heritage, one could describe me as hospitable and loyal. As dogs are loyal to their owners, I am loyal to my family and friends. Others would say that I am trustworthy with a quiet demeanor. I rarely lose my cool but when I do, it is in a typical Italian way with lots of hand waving and yelling. I’m quiet and observant. I have a soft heart and always caring about others. Putting others before myself. Willing to help others when needed. A team player to some and a leader to others. My close friends and family will tell you that I look for the positives in any dire situation. I believe these attributes are why I am in the field of Human Resources. I enjoy helping others with their benefit needs. I enjoy chatting with potential candidates for job openings. I enjoy helping others understand the OSHA standards and why safety is important on their jobs. I also work in direct sales by night – I enjoy motivating others to achieve their goals. I enjoy recognition in both of my positions. With all of this, I am quiet by nature and enjoy my “me” time to read, write, and pursue my other interests. I have my moments as with any human and want to retreat to my little bubble when things get rough. “It’s too peoplely out there!” My favorite expression is “The more I know of people, the more I love my dogs!” Otherwise, one can find me with a smile on my face and sleeves rolled up to do whatever it takes to help others. I’m patient. Patience can be a virtue or it can be an enemy. In my case, it is a virtue of mine. I can be your best friend or I can be your enemy. The choice is up to you.

  • Parent’s Traditions

    Daily writing prompt
    What traditions have you not kept that your parents had?
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    As early as I can remember, the one tradition that stands out to me is the annual family trips to Batavia, NY. It is there where the patriarchs of the family resided. My grandparents came to this country from Italy and settled in New York. Batavia to be exact. It is there that they raised their seven children. The family home where my father was raised became the home of gatherings when I was growing up. Whenever my father visited, his siblings were on hand to visit with him. It didn’t matter that they had families of their own. Siblings were more important! I can clearly remember the many family gatherings around the kitchen table. It was full and then spilled over into additional chairs. Dad was important! My father, my aunts and uncles (his siblings) looked out for one another. They took care of each other despite having spouses and their own families. They were extremely close.

    As an adult, it became increasingly harder to make the trip to Batavia. I was raising a family of my own nor did I want to make the trip without one or both of my parents with me. My parent’s tradition continued for as long as they were able. I stopped the trips. I kept in touch with my aunts by phone – my uncles didn’t talk on the phone much. I sent out photos of my growing children in their annual Christmas cards. When my father died, the trips didn’t seem the same. My aunts and uncles aging. Surroundings of the city and family home changed.

    After the family had passed on, my cousins started the annual family reunion tradition. Every other year, we would all travel to Batavia to spend time with one another. The reunions were fun and I learned more about my aunts and uncles from my cousins. When my mother passed away, I no longer have the desire to make the trip to the family home and city. The patriarchs were gone. Visiting wasn’t the same. Closing the door on this chapter, I reflect on my memories should I ever want to go back to my father’s “home.”

  • Today Typical?

    Daily writing prompt
    Was today typical?
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    Today, like most days, my routine is normal. Get up, take the dogs out, feed them, and make my first cup of coffee. Say my morning prayers and thank the Lord that I woke up and was blessed with another day. Tuesday. It’s choose day. I choose to be positive and to look for the positives in any given situation. After all, it is a reflection of who I am. Sometimes a situation can throw me off guard and I lose my ability to be positive or look for the positive. I’m human. It happens. No matter what the day brings, I am always open to learning something new. I’m up for stimulating my brain to keep it active. As I sit with my coffee, I often wonder what the day will bring. My morning routine, my daily routine and my evening routine is the same. Today is typical but I am choosing to smile and be the reason someone smiles.