Rainy Day schedule on Cape Cod……

A perfect day to catch up on writing, as a storm is on the way. It has been a VERY long time since I contributed to my favorite space online – DTG. I have been SO busy and finally have been granted some serious down time. Lot’s of transitions to go along with the change of seasons. My favorite season of Fall is upon us on the East Coast and the leaves are all changing. The colors surrounding me are many shades of yellows, orange, red, gold, green, and browns. The sounds of leaves rustling in the wind, the ocean air, sounds from the sea, and the crisp cold feeling on my morning walks…..its beyond dreamy!!!

To recap what I have been up to since my last entry in late August would take way to long for one entry that I have decided to share a little recap from NYC and pick up with present day paradise in my other favorite slice of heaven location – CAPE COD!!!

NYC–

This was beyond sensory overload and a total whirlwind month that flew by!!! I worked non-stop at my dining room table of my UES apartment. I was blessed with a visit by my wonderful mother, and Tracy popped in to spend her birthday in the BIG apple. I have SO many connections in this crazy CITY that there were many people to see and create memories. NO down time to be had in NYC. This chapter started with my childhood family friends, The Beck’s being in the city to celebrate Drew’s success as a solo artist exhibition, The Armory Show at the Javits Center. We had yummy dinners/lunches out together on a special weekend and got to walk around this unreal art show with one of the famous recognized artists. We shared meals and lots of quality time catching up. The Beck’s were my second home growing up in AZ on Coral Gables, it was very special to all be together again.

Cousin Julie also lives in the CITY, along with Marley (Jackie’s niece). There was SO much to do at all times. I spent so much time working during September and had the pleasure of attending a conference for my job, which I spoke at- so fun to be a part of an industry event in NYC. I also attended the Broadway show, Hell’s Kitchen with my mommy- we toured the Anne Frank exhibit with Cousin Debbie. I attended a Candle Light Concert with Tracy, and many walks in Central Park solo and with friends. Dinners with Adoption attorney’s, coffee with many adoption professionals to reconnect- the month was action packed with work and family/friend time. I got to celebrate Max Kleins Wedding in Asbury Park, NJ. Such an incredible affair. It was a jam packed month of September – I’m SO glad it’s behind me now. Memories etched in the ever growing bank of special moments.

The end of NYC came with some unfortunate news for my very dear friend, Helene—who is like a second mom to me, she has been diagnosed with cancer. This rocked my world and a provided a reminder how very precious life is and why we need to appreciate every moment of our time on earth. At the same time my 90-day contract gig at this new company also wrapped up. We mutually decided it was not the right fit for me. I have always shared with my nieces, it’s so important to love what you do on a daily basis. I’m back to exploring what will be next in my career space.

Crazy the timing, as it allowed me to have some quality time with my very special Helene. I decided to leave NYC a few days early to be with her in Woodstock again. The beauty of no work and being able to care for my friend in a time of need. She introduces me as her daughter from another mother, so true. I had 3 relaxing meaningful days in Woodstock before heading to the Cape. Helene and I listened to podcasts, watched movies, drank tea and contemplated life together.

As I have shared before, Helene is one of the most inspirational people in my world. She is one of my greatest cheerleaders, confidantes, and a wise teacher with such a positive spiritual energy she embodies. She has always referred to me as a renaissance woman, which makes me smile and feel special too. I was able to cook for her, and take care of her which is one of my favorite activities- caring for others. We had another dinner at Nancy’s (her BFF), and brunch under the magnolia tree in the backyard with her kids. A quick hospital encounter which was no fun, but we managed to laugh over bodily experiences, this trip concluded at a diner in White Plains- never a dull moment.

I just love and adore this lady SO much!!! I feel truly blessed our lives crossed paths 5+ years ago. Honestly the timing of my life opening up with free time again could not have been perfectly timed. Embracing Gods plan for all of us and that all is for the good always! Please send positive healing energy and prayers to Helene as she starts chemo and this fight!!! I will be returning to Woodstock for the first week of November to be with her again and provide more TLC before I head back to AZ after my birthday.

Next Chapter- Cape Cod

Terri Sue was the start of this chapter. My older sister who has never been to the Cape – I scooped her up after my glorious drive across the entire state of MA. One of my favorite drives, having now done it 3 times in October. The best time of year to witness nature’s beauty. I had a quick lunch with Rachel Cohen’s daughter, Adina who is a freshman at Brandeis. Got the chance to tour this beautiful campus and shared quality time with her, hearing about all of her adventures. To be a freshmen in college again…..She still calls me Aunt LaLa, we had such a nice quick visit. 🤗

After snatching Terri Sue from the Logan Airport, we made our way over the bridge to one of my favorite places in the USA. (Maine is still #1, this has become #2). This year due to my delay in planning I’m staying in Brewster at a beautiful 2 bedroom/2 bath condo on a golf course, walking distance to a beach. I mean seriously, pinch me!!! Life is GOOD!!! I am beyond filled with gratitude! With it being the Jewish holiday’s, we started at a beautiful Kol Nidre Service at the temple, where I had attended last year.

Let the games begin, Dora was in full effect as Terri’s tour guide…….I felt like I was with a little kid in a candy store for 5 days. Terri has the BEST energy, still entertains me like a BIG sister 50 years later and makes me laugh so much. We had loads of fun and it was perfectly timed for all the recent transition that had presented in my personal world. A carefree weekend to play like a kid with not a care in the world. If you follow me on FB or Instagram you have seen the incredible reel she made and all of our many photos shared from our adventures. We visited Nantucket, Provincetown, Sandwich, Dennis Port, Chatham, Harwich, Orleans, Hyannis, etc. I showed her every corner of this beautiful Cape.

We had drinks at The Chatham Bars Inn, toured other favorite fancy hotels, shared a wine tasting at The Truro Vineyard’s, laughed our way through the many sex shops in P-town, and ate at many yummy restaurants. We call ourselves the “friendly sisters” because we talk to EVERYONE!!! HA. On our Nantucket day….Terri who is Numero Uno Fan of the Elin Hildebrandt’s fan club – she had signed us up for the Blue Book Tour. This tour was lead by Elin’s sister, Heather. Well Heather has since become Terri’s new bestie and happens to live walking distance from me in Brewster. She has become our texting buddy and shared many must do/see in town. We shall see if I get together with her again. She gave Terri the newest novel- “The Academy” and a hand painted shell as a gift. Terri was in in all her glory and never happier.

She had a bucket list day to say the least. We walked miles, laughed like lil kids, played hard, and created more memories to last a lifetime! After 5 days, I said my good bye’s to my sister on 10/5, and now have created my own life in Cape Cod.

I mean seriously, God is good!!! When last Monday approached, It was time to regroup and the calendar was full with lots of activities. I am a hustler, never sit still and always find work to do. I have a few contract gigs on the calendar already and also have decided to embrace this down time for some “me” time. I attended a full moon woman’s circle where we created a nature themed mandala (pictured below), and I met some of the nicest people. A new found group of friends here.

Also, if you’re looking for a movie recommendation, go see “Eleanor the Great”! An inspiring beautiful movie with June Squibb and directed by Scarlett Johansson, which I loved. I have signed up for many classes for October and some walks and dinners with these new friends. Plus, my Aunt & Uncle will be visiting for a few days towards the end of the month. Lucky me!!!

I had to go to Boston for a work gig and while there I decided to attend the NOVA Music Festival exhibit. What a heavy experience, but something everyone needs to see. I highly recommend attending if it comes to your city. It is headed to Chicago after Boston. I spent 3 hours on October 8th wandering the exhibit. The conversation I had with the head of security before entering was mind- blowing, he had been in 2 wars and he shared personal stories about this exhibit. I was actually a bit scared to enter, but glad I did. 600 people had attended the exhibit the day before on October 7th.

They have the shoes on display of people who attended the festival that fateful day, similar to holocaust museums. So many live stories shared on TV screens, cell phones on display to pick up and listen to the real footage on that day to family members, texts messages etc. It was all shocking to see in person, even after seeing so much in the news over the past 2 years.

I left there numb, and in a strange state of mind. I spoke to my dear friend and editor (Michael) of Jewdicious on my drive home, as he seemed like the person to call with all my reflections. I’m anxiously awaiting to wake up tomorrow to see the rest of the hostages released. Keeping all of them and their families in my thoughts and prayers.

This now brings us to present day, although I feel that I have rushed this entry, as I’m so far behind. It makes me giggle when some of my DTG readers text asking for a new post. I will slow down and write more this month. I was excited to spend yesterday in a new coastal town of Scituate, just outside of the Cape, part of the south shore of Boston with a new friend. Lots of new experience’s for which I’m saying YES to all of them.

I love being exposed and invited to new places with new people. Strangers are no longer strangers once you break bread and spend quality time together. I attended my very first QiGong class, have attended one Sound Bath with another happening tonight. I am signed up for a Forest Bathing experience and a Labyrinth Walk in the weeks to come. I’m loving exploring all these new activities in such a beautiful land. I walk every morning to the beach, and have watched the sun fall into the sea every night. I’m cooking all 3 meals at home unless I have a visitor or a friend to eat out with. I’m feeling very lucky to have this month of peace and quiet while meeting wonderful people.

Stay tuned for a much slower paced reflective post to come next…..Missing you all and hoping everyone is doing great.

Until Next time…..

All my Love- Laurie Sue- AKA Dora!!! XO❤️