A Sight To Behold!

Best Show In Town
"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." ~Native American Proverb~
We had front row seats to the best show in town!
Ahhh......the beach!!!

What Real Men Will Do For Charity!

Calendar Girls

Remember these two?
http://rosemaryaubut.blogspot.com/2011/04/catch-of-day.html,
http://rosemaryaubut.blogspot.com/2011/06/shark-fest.html

Hubby as Miss April

Back view  PRECIOUS!
I have thought long and hard about this post and I have to say what a great group of guys pictured above!!!
Sharon and Dave Van Leuven host a biannual event called simply to the residents of Lake Fairways as, The Vet Show. Sharon and Dave work countless hours along with about 60 volunteers to host this event attended by 400 guests. Many hours go into practicing and there are three acts resulting in eighteen performances. Very local talent is recruited amongst the residents. Every show is a sellout and people get down right rambunctious about getting their tickets and always a waiting list!
You just laugh till you cry and within every act a star is born!
The guys pictured above were in the grand finale and danced to the tune of Calendar Girls by Neil Sedaka. Alan Cristello headed the group.
You can view this on YouTube @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_yBLoL9III.
Great job everyone, I am proud to be a resident of this wonderful community!
By the way If anyone needs Easter Cards just give me a call, I know a very special bunny!

A Tribute to Our Hero!

Wilfred J Aubut, May 3, 1924 - February 6, 2012

Below is the eulogy read by my husband to honor his dad at his funeral. There were 600 people that attended his wake, the church was packed the following day, followed by a luncheon. There wasn't a dry eye in the house!

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~ 

Is it possible that Ralph Waldo Emerson knew my  dad? 

Lets see why I think he did; 

First: To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; Dad was a great listener, soft spoken and respected the opinion of others, whether he agreed or not. To be right all the time had no place in his gentle soul. His children, grand-children and great grand-children adored him. Hugs and kisses in abundance, he was always genuinely interested in what they were doing and loved that they were successful, great kids. As my little Sophia said, “I only had him for 10 years, PaPa, you're so lucky you had him longer, I miss him already.” 

Second: To earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends; What is an honest critic? Someone who believes in you and only criticizes to instill growth he was always man enough to understand the difference and offered his opinion only to inspire. Was dad ever betrayed and if he was you never knew. False friends had no place in his life. 

Third: To appreciate beauty; My dad loved life! He found beauty in everything, especially food! A breakfast at times could consist of cereal swimming in real cream, followed by several honey dip donuts a few strips of bacon and possibly an egg fried in butter just to top it all off. To watch him eat always a jaw dropping experience! Let’s discuss ice cream here! Always a bowl of many different varieties to be enjoyed. There was no loyalty to any one brand. What a way to end everyday! Life is just a bowl of ice cream! 

You always knew where to find him at a family barbecue, he loved to stand by the grill, while son-in-law Michael prepared the food. Actually it made no difference whose grill it was!  

He loved to travel and was always ready for a new adventure. He so appreciated his trips to Europe with Rick and Jo-Ann and Helene and Mark. He loved his home in Florida, his friends, the Men’s Coral, karaoke his computer, gadgets, the sunshine and most of all a great bargain, free was his favorite word. Most anything made dad happy especially his family. Dad was a husband, father, grand-father, great-grand-father, brother and your best friend. He had a way of making you feel special, and always had wise words no matter your situation. 

Fourth: To find the best in others; A-l-w-a-y-s! He married the love of his life and together they were a dynamic team of happiness! 

They lived best by setting Good Christian example! Such a sweet man, are the words I have have heard the most to describe my dad! I never heard him curse or use foul language! He believed in people and all of which they were capable. He was a man of God! A devout Catholic he said two rosaries daily at 5:00AM, one in English and one in French while listening to Catholic radio. He prayed to his mother asking that she protect his family and friends. A selfish bone he never possessed. 

Fifth: To leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; Dad and mom raised four successful, good and productive human beings. Married sixty five years themselves three of their children have been married thirty years plus and myself over forty to my wife Rose. His eldest grand-daughter twenty years this year. Quite a feat in this day and age. Once again they lived by example. Has life always been perfect, no, but each situation was always met with dignity and grace. Learn from your mistakes he would always say and move forward.

I asked my brother and sisters what they learned most from dad or how best he had influenced their lives: Gloria answered instantly by saying that dad told her that God never intended for any of us to be unhappy, you have a choice to be happy or not. Helene remembers not wanting to go to school as a young teen, dad told her that the next 24 hours are yours to do as you please angel.  

The only day that is not a good day is the day you don’t get out of bed. Baby Jesus gave you these 24 hours and you will never get them back. 

My self as a young married man I was struggling to make ends meet. “Dad can you get me on the railroad I asked, “I’ve been waiting for you,” he said! He put me in the best department securing a steady income to support my family well, an early retirement and a great pension thus living my dream in Florida. 

My brother Rick said, “well, dad and I talked the stock market,” Dad would say take no prisoners! My wonderful and successful baby brother! 

It would take volumes to describe the admiration he had for mom. She was his partner and best friend, her devotion to him like no other. To the very end she stood by his side hearing his last breath. What a blessing! Mom kept him on track to take his medications seeing that he had a healthy diet at least when she was around. Dad was known to sneak in a few goodies from time to time. Mom gave one hundred and ten percent every day of their married lives. We love you mom! You are his angel! 

Sixth: To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded; 

He kept our country safe during the war and received a Purple Heart.  An experience he barely spoke of. He was offered a promotion and refused it so that he could come home to his beloved and his family.

We have all breathed easier because of you dad it was my honor to have called you dad you were my father my hero and my friend. The true measure of a man your success will live on in each and everyone of us!  A standard you have set high! 

Are we not each and everyone our own temple before the alter of God to live and walk the word of the Lord? You did that dad and of you we are so proud!

The world has lost an angel and heaven has gained a saint! 

Smashing Color!

"It is not the form that dictates the color, but the color that brings out the form."~Hans Hofmann~

"The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts."~Marcus Aurelius~

"On the sixth day, God created the artist, realizing no doubt that He had far from exhausted the uses of color."~Robert Brault~
"Color sparks neurons resulting in an electrical charge of creativity flowing readily and freely thru one's being, a fire ever burning."~Rosemary Aubut~ 
 Visiting this glorious place for the third time excited me as much as my first. Does it not make you want to brake out the tool of an artist and paint a symphony? "Just sayin!" 
A little artistic inspiration today, enjoy!

Happy Birthday Dear Son!

Happy Birthday Chris!
Look at those killer eyes and he is going to kill me for posting this picture but it is my blog after all! 
When Chris was a toddler women would constantly stop and comment on his beautiful eyes and dark curly hair no matter where we were. This went on for several years and my guess is that when someone asked "what is her name" I think it was the straw that broke the camels back! 
We were watching TV one evening and his little head lay on my lap, when I went to brush the hair away from his eyes I noticed his eyelashes were gone! "YES GONE!!!! 
WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR EYELASHES," I ASKED??? "I cut them off mom, I'm sick and tired of all those ladies telling me how cute I am and look at those eyelashes too." "One lady thought I was a girl!!!"  "YUCK!" 
OK mom, so it was time to cut the curly locks and luckily his gorgeous eyelashes grew back! 
My baby was no longer a baby and this very sweet and mischievous little boy grew into a fine young man!
It seems like such a long time ago, yet it  seems like only yesterday! 
He is pictured here on his wedding day last September! 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Dear Son, we love you so!

The Royal Court!

The Royal Court
"I asked God to send me an angel and he sent me a royal flush!"~Rosemary Aubut~
Well here they are folks the Royals of Lake Fairways! My beautiful, intelligent, crazy and true blue friends. Kathy, standing left, made our beautiful crowns she is also known as, The Contessa, Joan, The Princess, Judy The Goddess of Tamarron, Patty the HO, (this is a family blog so we can't go there), Nancy, The Lady In Waiting, and myself, The Peasant Girl!
Seated left is Jackie, The Royal Artist, Karen, The Queen, and Paula, The Duchess of Indian Wells! 
It all started when Joan became eligible for Medicare on her last birthday but I won't tell you her age. The theme snowballed, hence the Royal Court came to fruition! We laugh till we cry and we support each other in a loving and respectful way, our get togethers always a hoot!
We each picked our titles and no two could be alike especially since the Princess and Queen refused to share their entitlement in any way shape or form. 
Empress was still available but I thought it way to stuffy, not to mention overwhelming, kind of like wearing control top pantyhose on a hot summer day! Peasant Girl, I thought befitting and ever so humble! It gives me room to grow and become anything I want to be! Wasn't Cinderella a peasant girl? I already have my Prince our story still unfolding, our castle filled with gratitude. Now that's my warped Fairytale people and I'm sticking to it! 
Have a wonderful day and may your kingdom be filled with joy, gratitude and many crazy friends! 
Empress, anyone?

The Way Of The Flower!

IKEBANA
"The spiritual aspect of Ikebana is considered very important to its practitioners. Silence is a must during practices of Ikebana. It is a time to appreciate things in nature that people often overlook because of their busy lives. One becomes more patient and tolerant of differences, not only in nature, but also in general. Ikebana can inspire one to identify with beauty in all art forms. This is also the time when one feels closeness to nature which provides relaxation for the mind, body, and soul. "Ikebana" is from the Japanese ikeru (生ける^?, "to place, to arrange, life, birth") and hana (花^?, "flower"). Possible translations include "giving life to flowers" and "arranging flowers".~wikipedia~
I recently purchased my second Ikebana vase at an art show in Cape Coral, Florida. The first was purchased several years ago at a show in Falmouth, Massachusetts. I have always admired the simplicity of this art form but never realized it's spiritual aspects. Ikebana is a beautiful way to arrange flowers and a fun word to say, it just rolls off the tongue! 
Try it sometime, a joyful experience is sure to be had!

Promise of a Better Life!

Gloria & Alice
Who are these two adorable little girls? The one on the left is my mom Gloria and on the right her sister Alice. My guess is that mom is around four and Alice about two years of age. I have always adored this photo and it has really got me to thinking about all the family stories I have heard over the years. Stories that will be certainly lost if someone doesn't write them down! 
Our family can not trace back to the Mayflower as I am only third generation here but their story is my legacy and that of my children, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles and anyone who knew them. One of courage, love, sadness and triumph. Stories and photographs I wish to tell and share with the help of any relative or family friend who would be willing to record them and get involved. Do you feel another book coming???
Since I cherish these stories and old photos what better place to start than with my mom's side of the family. Why that side first you ask? Well I have the most available information and my mom is still alive at the age of 88 as well as her three sisters to help me along. Women in the family always seem to recall the almost forgotten details far better than their male counterparts. 
I will create another BLOG for the family journey but will share it with all of you from time to time here on this site. A link will be created from this BLOG so that if you wish to click on over to visit the family site you may do so. I will continue to write and share general information, inspiration and photographs on this blog. I am very excited about this journey and hope my family is also and somehow I just know they are!!! Restoring old photos has become a new hobby. Just love it!!!

A New Discovery!

There they stood all mighty and proud

the day was perfect not nearly a cloud

a creature that bravely guards the sea

a creature totally unbeknownst to me

in formation they flew so swiftly and low 
what was this creature I really must know

a toucan, a penguin oh silly me 
what is this bird that lives by the sea?

Walking Fort Myers Beach several weeks ago we came upon these gorgeous creatures. From a distance they looked like penguins. In Florida??? What could they be? The size of a seagull with a much larger wing span they were a joy to observe. We got quite close and my friend commented on the fact that they looked somewhat like a toucan. 
Their lower bill larger than the top bill. 
A bird with an overbite. Isn't Mother Nature a riot? 
Surprises every day! 
Out came the Nature in Florida Bird Book as soon as we arrived home. 
Black Skimmer be their identity, the lower bill cuts and feels the water when food be found the upper bill snaps securely down.
How is it that I missed these lovely creatures for o so long? 
Glad we found them our lives enriched!

The Family Bible of Photos, Wit & Wisdom

The Family Bible of Photos, Wit & Wisdom by Rosemary Aubut | Make Your Own Book

Well here it is folks, my very first book! I don't think the reality of it has hit me yet, I am very proud, however, of the quality that BLURB.com has provided. It was such a joy to give it as a Christmas gift to my children.

Some of you have asked to purchase my book and by clicking on the title just below the picture you can do just that. I know it is pricy but It is exactly what it cost to print, there are 400 pages. My profit lies only in your enjoyment. You can view full screen by clicking on the square icon to the right of the shopping cart. Anyone who does editing for a living deserves every penny and then some. What a task!

Hope you enjoy the preview!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year
May your resolutions withstand the test of time and all of your dreams come true. Happy New Year to each and everyone of you!

This beautiful photo was taken by my sister-in-law Joanne Aubut with her cell phone. Enhanced by Dynamic Light. Just gorgeous J.

Merry Christmas 2011

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Project 365!

365/365 Just a few of my favorites!
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” N.D.Walsch 
"Above is the quote that started it all! What have I got to lose, just go for it," I thought! 
With the encouragement of my friend Mary, my year long journey began on 
November 8th 2010 and what a journey it has been.
I did this for my self first and then it became clear that it was something that I could publish myself and leave as a legacy to my children, grandchildren and generations forward. They could get to know me in a way that I wish I had gotten to know my grandparents, they had all passed by the time I turned sixteen. There is so much to learn from our elders and we are not always ready to receive it as a young person.
I also thought that I could sell some of my prints online and I quickly realized that this was not about money at all, I had to take that factor out of it completely and then the blessings began.
I started e-mailing some of my friends and my email list quickly grew, my friends Judy and Peggy started their own e-mail lists and so my words of inspiration spread.
I was blown away by this, I started getting emails of encouragement from people that I had never met. People were telling me that I made there day or they had learned a new way to look at issues in their troubled lives. One asked if she could share some of my writings with her sobriety group! WOW! I began to realize the true impact of my words, somehow I was somewhat intimidated by this new responsibility. People need to grasp onto something positive, I thought there is so much negative in this world. 
 Just keep writing what you feel and not to worry, I vowed! 
I have had over 27,500 page views, nearly 1300 comments and visits from countries all over the world, some I have never heard of before!
I had to keep a balance between the very serious to the ridiculously funny. People need to laugh and life has it's ways of presenting us with loads of material to laugh about if we choose to see it that way. I have a bizarre sense of humor so I used that to my advantage, surely I raised a few eyebrows along the way. With new found confidence I proceeded taking more risks doing my own thing.
The ironic thing about all of this is that I honestly did not know that I had a knack for writing. In the beginning it was more about the photos and then it became more about the writing, I do believe I found a happy balance. 
Learning the many facets of Photoshop was also a goal.
 I'll turn every photo into a work of art, how very cool, I thought.
 I am truly amazed by the versatility of the Photoshop Program and have so much more to learn. 
My new family of blogger friends has been a great source of inspiration, there is such an abundance of talent out there and they are always willing to help. Many are grandmas just like me. Their wisdom hath no boundaries!
There were days I had no clue what to say but if I had a beautiful photo on my screen the words would just seem to come. I began to enjoy the wisdom of many who had left behind such insightful quotes their words humbling and inspirational. I learned quickly that writing your words and living your words are two very different things. Living your words is not always an easy task and many times they kept me in line, whispering in my ear.
I found that my brain was far more creative at 4:00AM, my sleeping patterns became erratic. Sometimes I would wake in the middle of the night with a great idea and quickly had to jot it down for it would be gone by morning. Some nights I could not shut my creative channel off, please let me sleep I would beg. So my new found dark circles are now permanent and I can't blame my makeup anymore, a small price to pay. I suspect there is a lot more to come and I have only scratched the surface so stay tuned if you please.
"I recently received this email from a friend of a friend it sums it all up for me...
YOU DO NOT KNOW ME, BUT I FEEL AS THOUGH I HAVE COME (AND STILL BECOMING) TO KNOW YOU. WHAT AN ADVENTURE IT HAS BEEN... JO, MY DEAR AND LONG AGO GIRLFRIEND SINCE 5TH GRADE, PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, INTRODUCED ME TO YOUR BLOG DURING HER VISIT TO FLORIDA THIS JUNE. I HAVE LITERALLY BEEN REAWAKENED TO MY SENSES OF ART PERCEPTION...FROM MY VIEWPOINT, THAT IS! THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR CREATIONS...I SINCERELY LIKE YOUR TASTE IN STYLE. I WILL, HOWEVER, MISS YOU DAILY BLOG.  LOOKING FORWARD TO THE TWICE A WEEK BLOG." PAM 
I have inspired one, my purpose defined! 
Thank you all each and everyone. I have received far more than I have given, the abundance of my blessings overwhelming.
Yes I Can......and you can too!!!!!!!!


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Our Formal Best!

364/365 
Here we are folks my beautiful family at our formal best!
This photo was taken by Allicyn's grandmother with my camera!
It was so wonderful to see us all together on such a happy occasion,
looking all pretty and squeaky clean.
The line up left to right: Hannah, Brian, Kathy, Chris, Allicyn, myself, Sophia, Will, and Mike!
A beautiful memory to cherish forever!
Have a wonderful day!

Yes You Can!

363/365
" Our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."

 ~Walt Disney~ 

I see the light, yes there it is thru the trees, I'm almost there just a couple of more steps 

I know I can do it, yes I can, yes I can!!! No tripping no falling just a short sprint to the finish line of commitment. Right there on the horizon! 
With just a couple more posts to go I have learned that I have accomplished much, I have so much more to give, there is so much more to achieve, to give much better than to receive! My purpose defined!

I just love the lyrics from the song below. Just sums it all up for me, hope it inspires you as well!. Enjoy!

Yes You Can

Lyrics by Donnie McClurkin

Listen, gather 'round 

I found something that you can use
And if you listen, well, 
I'm here to tell you, you cannot lose
A simple song, simple melody, 
to remind you that you can be
The greatest ever, defeated never, 
even though sometimes you may lose
Yes you can
you can do anything if you try, just try
Yes you can
but you have to believe 
and rely on what you have inside
You can make it through your trials, 
for your trials will just make you strong
You can do anything, yes you can, oh
Teach your children well, 
it's time to tell them just who they are
Train them as they go 
to let them know that they can go far
Oh my brother why do you wait,
tomorrow might just be too late
For God gave the provision, made the decision,
you can do all things through your faith
I can, I can, yes I can do anything
No matter what if you can just conceive it,
if you believe it, then you can achieve it.....

Retirement Mode!

362/365
Amazing that we have been retired for a little over four years now it has really flown by. 
While working I use to think that I had everything in my life that I needed except time with my husband. 
Time, precious time a gift that is sometimes unaffordable. 
We can make time, use time, spend time, and loose time but we still need time to do it! 
Retirement comes and all of a sudden we have loads of time. 
This time comes with it's blessings and challenges! 
"Finding a purpose seems to be my greatest challenge and having the time to explore it my greatest blessing."~Rosemary Aubut~ 
Time, precious time a precious gift, there for the using, never for abusing!
Therein lies the comfort in knowing that time spent wisely is time to cherish!

TV Mode!

361/365
I took a photography class last evening and here are some of the subjects we talked about: aperture, shutter speed, ISO, Auto Focus, Manual Mode, Auto Mode, AV Mode, Program Mode, TV Mode and adjusting different options in the menu. Yikes how much of it did I retain, not sure yet will just have to practice. So much for getting out of my comfortable automatic setting zone.
 It is amazing how one little black box can keep me so entertained for such a very long time.
If I remember correctly I took the above photo with the class in AV Mode, think we were going for shutter speed here trying to freeze the water in place.
So much to learn, so much to retain, the more I learn the more I realize how much more I need to know. 
The instructor said it would all make sense soon and I did have a couple of light bulb moments! 
Simply can't wait until my next class.
Have a wonderful day!

A Very Special Day!

360/365

Posting some of my favorite photos before my 365 journey ends! I took the first shot as Sophie was running to a waiting swing set with Bear, she stopped for a brief moment to reclaim her shoe. It was a beautiful warm and sunny summer day with a gentle breeze with not a hint of humidity.

We packed a lunch, camera in tow enjoying a quiet afternoon by the river's edge. 

The playground was ours exclusively for most of the day. 

Sophie used Bear as a shield to protect herself from my camera lens on several occasions. 

Bear also doubled as a pillow as Sophie rested in the shade under a sprawling old tree for a short while. 

Bear had been to many a Tea Party and really needed a day out! 

Bear is several years older now a bit tattered and well loved and hugged!

Very special moments for this Grandma for sure! 

We later stopped at a general store, Sophie grabbed a brown bag and picked thru the penny candy which doesn't cost a penny anymore. A routine she is very much familiar with. 

She found a funny hat and posed for me what a great kid! Love her so! 

Some days you just never forget!

Goblins Two!

Artsy 359/365
Our two little goblins Hannah and Sophia! 
Hannah was The Mad Hatter and Sophie a Purple Crayon! 
Their older brother Mike, now fifteen is way to cool to Trick or Treat! 
He went out to eat with all of his way to cool but very sweet fifteen year old friends.
The girls were adorable in the color photograph via my daughter's cell phone, but I decided to do something a little artsy today instead. 
Had some fun with layers and filters. Made a copy of the background layer followed by a line and pencil drawing filter. 
Reduced the opacity and erased around the girls faces. 
There you have it instant art ready in less than ten minutes. 
Got to love that photoshop!
Have a wonderful day!

A Witch's Brew!

A Witch's Brew 358/365
by Rosemary Aubut

A witch's brew I make for you 
A stinky stew a hearty brew
Health be not a scary thought
My caldron ready to see you through 
Sticks and stones and brittle bones
A stock of plasma boiling red
A smell to surely clear your head 
O eerie ghosts and goblins too
Come to me I will care for you 

O me O my what's in the sky 
My hairy arms raise on high 
 Bats swoop down to compete my stew 
Let chill my brew let curdle too
It best be eaten by the midnight light 
Raising your spirit to all new height 
Let your soul take to flight 

Yes my darlings come to me
 A scary witch that I be 
I love you all as a good witch can 
This Halloween Night be full of fright
Try as you might to break my spell 
There is no escape from this fearsome hell 

For those in doubt I can not cook 
I have my sacred spellbound book
A boiling pot I saved for you
To drink or not up to you
Happy Halloween!


Posted to: http://www.the-creative-exchange.com