You can take the Italians out of NY...

Whenever asked where we are from, and people hear NY...most think of NYC. I never realized that Rochester is such a 'small' town. We don't talk like anyone from the Bronx...well, maybe Chelsie..a little. Funny thing that old saying...(naturally revised) "You can take the Italian out of NY, but you cannot take the Italian out of the family"

Ok, that is not how it really goes, but it seems that we are few in the state of SC. With the stats being in the "country"'s favor, the label of Italian is no less intimating here than other areas of the country. Granted it is not as feared as in the past, but the stigma is still there. The funny thing is that I don't play up my heritage as much as my children do. But given the opportunity, I will play along...just look at our Thanksgiving Family Portrait! Hey...don't cha worry, it aint loaded...and it is only an airsoft gun....

Did you ever notice that many want to be part of the infamous Italian clan...even those Irish! Go figure. As you can see...the Italian rubs off on everyone...Indovino/Tharps...what a combination! One thing I refuse to do is tell someone...go to the mattresses! That only brings trouble...so forgetaboutit!

Until next time...

Thanksgiving Time is Here

Thanksgiving is here once again. Living in South Carolina brings me the opportunity to spend the holiday with my eldest daughter...but without my first son. I have come to realize that we often give up one thing to gain another. The exchanges in life continue to intrigue me. One in particular is the trees. Have you ever stopped and wondered what they give up to bring forth their glorious colors that crown their limbs?


In my observations, I find that the trees need a little coaxing from their fellow creation. Coaxing you might say...but just think about this....


as the night peepers sing together in a chorus of delight under a blanket of twinkling stars. The cool air of the evenings descend upon the trees to entice them into displaying brilliant colors for our eyes to view daily. Bursts of oranges and reds continue to blend into the ever present color of green amongst the backdrop of sunny blue skies, while the warm autumn breeze gently reminds us of the coming frosts. Each day brings another tree gives way to the color that is buried beneath its surface. A color picked just for the purpose of delighting God's people. Sadly, many continue to scurry about without notice of the painting set before them.


As we are gently coaxed by the wondrous hand of the Artist, let us remember the book of James as he tells us to count it all joy the trials we face. I am counting the joy and giving thanks for the abundance of life I see around me. Show forth your beauty just waiting to be unleashed...so others can enjoy the many colors of life around them so freely offered by their Creator.


Giving thanks to God for the abundance of all things! Happy Thanksgiving!


Until next time....