HOME SWEET HOME

DAYS FOURTEEN & FIFTEEN

I love visiting churches I used to attend when I was younger - or that my husband and I served in leadership at.  Yesterday, I went to the Intersection Church (formally known as Valley Open Bible) and reconnected with lots of folks I've knows since I was in the first grade!  One particular lady was really fun to connect with because we share the same grand children!!  So fun having two grandma's together bragging on their beautiful grandchildren!

It also was an opportunity for me to publicize my book!  The pastor set me up at the information counter to meet and greet and have my book available for anyone who might want a copy.  Mostly those who knew me purchased a copy, however, there was one lady who purchased one who I didn't know.  We chatted for quite awhile as she shared her story with me.  I am still amazed at how common abuse is - in whatever form - among so many people.  

Mom and I rested all afternoon!!  Boy was that nice!  Then my friend, Shannon, came to hang out with us.  We went to dinner and Noodles Express and then indulged in an Asian cannoli!  It's my new favorite dessert!!!!    We rented the movie "We bought a zoo" and stayed up late watching it.   Thank you Shannon for hanging out with us!  It was great catching up with you!

Shannon

Today was Memorial day.  It has been a long time since I've been able to visit my dad's grave site because I live in Portland and dad is buried in Spokane.   I drove my mom, sister, & brother-in-love to the cemetery today.  I loved seeing all the flags and watching the other people that where there to remember their loved ones.  I took some random photos - I thought I would post some of them here for you to see.  Thank you to all those who fought and lost your lives for our freedom and to their families for their great sacrifice.

REMEMBERING

My Daddy

 

 

FRIENDS, SPIDERS, & LOST TREASURES

HOME SWEET HOME ~ DAYS ELEVEN & TWELVE

Everyone should have that one kind of friend who is just as crazy and spontaneous as you are.  But who also loves & supports you and gives good advice!  Who laughs at the same things and views life through the same lenses.  My friend, Lori, is just that friend for me.  When we lived in Coeur  d'Alene, we would always have spontaneous coffee or movie dates!  I sure do miss her lots and it was good to catch up with her last night at dinner at Cafe' Rio. 

Me and my "spontaneous" friend, Lori

 Tonight, I had dinner with more great friends, again at Cafe' Rio.  This makes my 5th time this week.  (The employees there are starting to recognize me and two of them want to buy a copy of my book!)  I sat with David and Liz for three hours catching up and sharing parts of our stories.  Don't you just love times like that when you don't realize how much time has passed during your conversation?  I do!!  I also had the opportunity to meet the manager of Cafe' Rio - after all, I am probably their most frequent diner.

David & Liz

 

Me and Robert - the manager of Cafe' Rio

Cafe' Rio ~  VERY much like Bajio in Portland

We're making progress on the yard sale preparations.  We did the garage today.  Not my favorite by far - I am not too much of an outdoorsy person nor do I like spiders!  My poor mother had to sweep the cob-webs and dead spiders before I would empty out any of the cabinets or boxes. I kept trying to tell her she had the wrong child helping her with this part!  She said she was going to put a pea under my mattress tonight to see if I was really a Princess!  We got through it, and I survived.  But I'm itching like crazy!!!   And I added a few more things to my "take home" pile.  

Plant stand made by my Grandpa McClain!

I think one of the most cherished treasures I will be bringing home is a box full of  memories.  Twenty-Eight years ago I stood in my mother's garage full of all of Nathan's belongings.  (see my very first blog post if you don't know who Nathan is)  As my mom, his mom, and I were going through boxes of all that was left behind, I told them that I didn't want any of it - just get rid of it all!  Nathan's mom took everything and told me she would store it at her house for me; and if I ever changed my mind, it would be there waiting.   My mom, in her infinite wisdom, kept a few things as well.  I came across that box while cleaning out one of the closets.  I was actually excited and thrilled to see it!  Ten years ago, I would not have been, I'm sure.  As I looked through photo albums and letters, all I could do was smile.  I didn't see the abusive Nathan in these photos; I saw the happy Nathan from before the drugs and alcohol.  And I'm so thankful my mom saved a piece of my past for me.  It is a true testament that I really have forgiven him and that God has truly restored and blessed me.  And for that I am thankful. 

THE NOSTALGIA OF BEING HOME

Home Sweet Home Days  Nine & Ten

I honestly didn't think I would have anything to blog about this week while my mom and I go through her things to prepare for a yard sale.  Boy was I wrong!  My mom has been showing me all kinds of treasures and telling me about our family history that I don't recall ever hearing before.  She has put a note in with every little item to explain whose it was and when or how it was acquired.  One of the notes was even in  my grandmother's hand writing.  That must be where my mom got the idea. 

Yesterday we got through her office and today we got through the kitchen.  I had more fun in the kitchen, although, I saw tons of old pictures while we did the office.   But the kitchen; that's where most of my childhood memories surfaced.  As I pulled things out of the cupboards to clean, re-arrange, and decide if it was a keeper or a yard sale item, I have to admit, I absconded with some of my mom's profits that could have been raised at the up-coming yard sale.  Before it went into the "sale" pile I staked my claim!  Let me assure you, it's not all for my benefit.   Some of the things I will be bringing home for my daughter.  

Now, before any of my family members panic, there is nothing of great value.  (Mom said we had to wait to fight over that stuff!)  Trust me, I saw many, many boxes marked with each of our names on them.  And from the looks of things, there is plenty to go around!  

It has been an interesting experience.  There have been times that mom and I laughed so hard, I thought we'd bust a gut.  Other times, like when mom read me an article she wrote as a tribute to her dad, tears streamed down our cheeks.  There are just some things she is not ready to let go of yet . . . so we neatly packed them up and placed the box back in the closet.   And that's OK.  

Tomorrow, I think we will be going through her clothes.   That may sound like an easy task, but the woman has three closets full of clothes!!  One closet is a huge walk-in.

As I said, I have been re-connecting with a lot of good memories.  Here are just a few of the items I'm bringing home with me!

I literally squealed and jumped for joy when I found this hiding in the back corner of a cupboard!  I played with this apple/tea set ALL the time when I was little.  And for those of you who know me well, you know I have a collection of miniature tea sets!  

Yes, this IS coming home with me!

WOW - does anyone remember Rossetts?  My mom used to make these for us all the time!  I remember sprinkling the powdered sugar over them as they came out of the oil.  

SOOOOO GOOD!  I was thrilled just to be bringing this home, but when 

I opened the box the recipe was also inside!! BONUS!!

This little guy has lite up our doorstep at Christmas time ever since I can remember!  

It's plastic with a light inside.  The paint is worn off here and there but I don't care.  

It's an item you can't find anywhere else but your mother's treasure box.

 One of my favorite breakfasts was poached eggs.  And this is the very pan that my mom would fix them in.   It's one of those handy-dandy all purpose pots.  Double boiler, egg poacher, steamer . . .they just don't make em like this anymore. 

 These are just classic!  I love the design on them and the fact that they are reversed
in color from one piece to the other!  I don't think these are actually from my
childhood, but they made me smile anyway, so they are coming home. 

Good-bye ugly plastic strainers - say hello to my old metal strainer.

Love the little feet and handles!

My mom saves anything in print that has to do with her children.  If our names are in a program for a play, concert, or beauty pageant,  my mom has a copy.  She has also kept a lot of newspaper articles and explained to me that if there is a smile face drawn next to it, it's worth reading.  (so cute!)  I never met my Grandpa Juliano.  He was killed while changing a flat tire on the highway before I was born.  I've seen pictures (again) and heard new stories about him this week.  I wish I could have met him!

Grandpa Francisco Juliano - struck by a car while changing a flat tire.

 Grandma & Grandpa Juliano's wedding photo!  LOVE IT!

 One of the many musicals I have directed.

I can't believe she still has this!  I don't even have one!

My dad, Frank Juliano, with his first Grand son, Danny. 

I miss you dad!

It is hard to see our parents grow older.  I am so glad I made this trip to spend time with  my mom and help her go through things.  I'm making new memories to add to my old ones. 

HOME SWEET HOME ~ DAY EIGHT +

 

Happy Monday!  I got to spend most the day with some precious people.  For those of you who know my mom, you know she is always involved in hospitality for the church.  She has been serving ever since I can remember.   Today there was a funeral service and of coarse mom was on the food team.  They were short handed for this event so mom recruited me to help out.  it was such a blessing to help out and I had a lot of fun being with all the ladies and the one token man.  Lake City Community Church is blessed to have this group of Seniors.  

 

 

 

Since we have moved away, LCCC has added to their campus.  It is a beautiful facility and there seems to be something happening there everyday!  I especially like the new cafe'.  I could sit by this fireplace all day long!

OK, so there was one more reason I'm on this trip that I haven't mentioned yet.   My mom is getting ready for a big yard sale and I promised I would come and help her.  So this week will be spent going through closets, drawers, and boxes digging up treasures to sell.  I can't imagine there will be too much to blog about in the next day or two - so if I skip a day here and there - you'll know what I'm doing.  

I still haven't seen any of my CD'A friends!  I'm hoping to work hard in the day time so maybe my mom will let me go out and play in the evenings.  

HOME SWEET HOME ~ Day Six & Seven

The movie, "The Ultimate Gift," was awesome!  If you have not seen it, I highly recommend it.  It's a typical "Hallmark" movie with a great message.    It was worth staying up for.  In fact, Linda and I stayed up until 3am watching movies.  It was great - just like old times when we'd have slumber parties. 

So, day 6.   I had the whole day until 5:30pm to myself.  So I took myself on a "trip down memory lane" adventure.  After sleeping in until 11am - since I stayed up until 3am - I found a comfy Starbucks and hung out with my computer for an hour.  Then I began my adventure.  I drove to one of the neighborhoods I grew up in.  We moved there when I was in the 6th grade.  I started at my old home.  Took some pictures and walked around the area a bit.  When I got back to my car, the owner of the house was out watering the yard.  Of course I had to stop and say hello.  We chatted for a bit and she extended an invite for me to see the inside.  I didn't take her up on it at this time - but she told me to come back if I wanted to see the inside. 

This was the best house - lots of good memories

We had lots of youth functions in this room

 After our visit, I drove down the street to my elementary school.  The school sits on the other side of Indian Trail Park.  I loved that park.  We would ride our bikes through the "trails" area of the park all the time.  Back then, the trail seemed huge and full of big mounds of dirt we called hills.  Racing through there was an absolute blast!  Today, the hills are not so big.  Funny how that works.  I drove around the school and up and around the neighborhood some more; being sure to seek out the houses of friends I hung out with.   I actually squealed out loud when I came across the streets that were named after me and my best friend, Kathleen.  OK, they probably weren't named specifically after us - but it was really, really cool that they were right next to each other.   We would ride our bikes over to those streets all summer long; always talking about how cool it was that our "streets" were right next to each other - and we were best friends.  

Indian Trail Park - bike trails

My sixth grade classroom

Our sledding hill that stretched three blocks!

There was a community yard sale happening in the old neighborhood!  So, I parked on one end of the street and walked my way down one side, and back up the other.  Stopping and chatting with folks.  I also bought a few treasures along the way.

My next stop was my Jr. High School, the pizza hang out place, and the place I worked my first job.  After that, I headed North to the place that probably holds the most memories from Jr. & Sr. high school.   Pattison's North Roller Rink.  We spent almost every Monday night at the skating rink with all the other area youth groups.  Best rope licorice ever! And the dill pickles were huge!  But my favorite part of the night, ladies speed skate, and, ladies choice couples skate.  

Salk Jr. High School

My first job -at the time it was Corky's - famous for banana splits

 5:30 pm finally came and it was time for dinner with 2 more life-long friends, JoAnne & Nikki.  JoAnne made us a wonderful dinner.  We ate, sipped wine, caught up on family life, and shared dreams.  We topped the night off at FroYo's, a frozen yogurt shop.  (The best coconut & caramel yogurt ever!)

Me with JoAnne & Nikki

DAY SEVEN ~

Sunday!!  It was so good to be back at Lake City Community Church.  We were involved at this church when we lived in Coeur d'Alene.  I sang on the worship team, and Doug was the Alpha Director.  Since we have moved away, a new building has been added to the campus and it is absolutely stunning.  

After church, we met my sister & brother-in-law for lunch to celebrate John's birthday.  (from day two)  We hung out until about 4:30pm and now, my mom and I are chilling on the couch getting ready to watch a Hallmark movie!!  We are both exhausted.  Looking forward to the down time this evening.  I'm sure my mom will put me to work tomorrow. 

 

HOME SWEET HOME ~ DAY FIVE

Day five - wow! My trip is going fast.  It has been a week of hearing life stories and catching up with friends.  Today I met with yet another life-long friend I grew up with!  I'm feeling very blessed to still be connected with so many friends from my youth.  This friend's name is also Janice.  We even spell it the same.  We started mid-morning at a quaint coffee shop, "Rocket Bakery."    We chatted all the way past lunch time!  So we moved our conversation to one of my favorite taco places, Sr. Froggy.  I know I live in Hillsboro where there is a taco truck on every corner, but Sr. Froggy beats them all; and we don't have one in Hillsboro.  So it was a great treat for me!

The rest of my day has been relaxing.  I'm still staying with Linda for one more night.  She has this awesome cable channel called "Pixel" that shows good, clean movies with out commercials all day long!  I haven't had cable TV in over 5 years so this has been a treat.   It's like the Hallmark channel and ya'll know how I love my "Hallmark movies."   After all, the tag line to my book title is, "My Personal Hallmark Movie."  

Speaking of movies - I'm sitting here in my comfy clothes with Linda and her parents getting ready to watch "The Ultimate Gift."  It is apparently a really good movie that I have to see! I'll let you know  what I think tomorrow!  

Janice & Janice!

YUM!!!!

 

 

HOME SWEET HOME . . . DAY FOUR ~

It's a good thing and a great feeling when you can say "thank you" to someone in person for something they did for you years ago.  Today, I got to do just that.  In the front of my book, "Hiding My Bruises While Singing in the Choir," there is a page of acknowledgments.  Clarence, Luise, & Linda Seely provided me safe shelter many times when I needed it.  Tonight, 27 years later, I am sleeping in the same house, with the same people that gave me my safe place.  And I can't even begin to describe how my heart feels.  I'm so grateful for this family!  Linda is another life-long friend whom I grew up with.  In fact, Kathleen, (from day one) Linda, and I sang in a trio during our Jr. & Sr. high days.  We even competed and went all the way to National's one year.  Fun times.  

Linda and I spent the afternoon catching up on our lives; talking about our kids, grand kids, marriage, disappointments, dreams, and how faithful our God is.  And where better to do that than happy hour at the "Onion?"  $2.00 appetizers and iced tea.  It was the perfect place to have girl talk.  Throw in a little shopping and the afternoon was complete.  

I mentioned that one of my purposes for this trip was to network and promote my book.  Linda introduced me to Lonny tonight.  Lonny is an author, pastor, recording artist, international speaker, and successful business man.  The three of us sat in a coffee shop for a just over an hour and I received great advice and encouragement from someone who knows the ropes.   PRICELESS!  He has agreed to review my book; and if he likes it, he has offered to help me by sharing my book with some of his contacts.  (fingers crossed he likes it!)  

We ended our evening with dinner at Applebee's and then a night of movie watching.  This day has been awesome.  It's nice to be here in this house again, but this time, not because I need a safe place; but because I am on vacation and I wanted to "catch up" with my friends. 

Linda - beautiful as ever

My new friend Lonny

Me and Linda

HOME SWEET HOME!

It is so good to be back in my home town of Spokane!  This is my third day of my trip and so far it has been filled with amazing reunions of sweet life-long friends, shopping, pedicures, and of course food.   I'm on this trip for a few reasons - to visit friends/family, network/promote my book, and to cure my homesickness I've had for - oh say - the last seven years!   

I will be at the Service Station  (9315 N Nevada St, Spokane, WA 99218-1110)

on Sunday, May 27th from 1:00 - 4:00pm for a coffee & conversation book signing event.  

If you are on Facebook; check it out!    http://www.facebook.com/events/360701887311119/ 

If you're in the Spokane area, stop by and say hello!

Below are some pictures I have taken along the way while I'm here.  I will be adding new photos each day - so check back and journey with me as I reconnect with friends & family - and meet new friends.   I am enjoying being "home."  

DAY ONE ~

Kennewick, WA on my way home to Spokane.   Connected with my best friend since first grade, Kathleen.  It was also her birthday so we spent our day doing what all BFF's do; coffee, shopping, & pedicures.  Then her wonderful husband took us both out for a fabulous dinner.  Their dog, Diesel, really took a liking to me!  He followed me everywhere and even wanted to sleep on my bed with me.  I can't believe I'm such a softie - and I can't believe I allowed a Pit Bull to sleep at my feet!!  But he is sweet, and he kept my toes warm.

Mine are the toes with the flowers :)

Kathleen & Jan - BFF's since 1971

Diesel

Thank you, Kathleen, for spending time with me and for all your wonderful hospitality!  

Your home is beautiful and I hope you had a fabulous birthday!

DAY TWO ~

My sister, Gwen, and her husband, John are my gracious hosts for a few days.  They just bought a beautiful condo overlooking the Spokane river.  I have the penthouse suite all to myself.  Their upper loft, guest bedroom and bathroom is like a five-star hotel. My mom keeps asking when I will make it over to Coeur d'Alene to stay with her; all I can say is it will be hard to leave this luxury.   But soon mom, I promise!

View of the Monroe Street Bridge and Spokane Falls

The Spokane River

Gwen & John

DAY THREE ~

It was a beautiful morning for a walk along the river.  This neighborhood is very ecliptic.  Lots of older homes full of charm and character.  In fact, the house that was in one of Johnny Depp's movies, "Benny and June,"  is in this neighborhood. So I got to see that on our walk.  Just one street over, you're in another world full of newer, larger homes.  I saw houses that were probably 100 years old and others that are still being built - all on the same street! 

Poppy's

Loved this creative garage!

A portion of the sidewalk

Newer home over looking the river

I'm guessing these steps once led to a home

The house in "Benny & June"

 I spent the afternoon "catching up" with a life-long friend, Tamera.  We had lunch at Red Robin and then walked around Riverfront Park.  Four awesome hours of munching, chatting, praying, crying, laughing, and enjoying our time together.  Thank you, Tamera for taking the time out of your busy, busy schedule to meet with me today!  I love you girl!

Clock Tower from the old Train Station - RF Park

Love this new fountain that has been added since I've lived here!

The Pavilion from Expo '74 - one of the icons of Spokane

Carousel Ride in the park!

Tamera & Me