Archives for January 2014

The Maya Macey Foundation www.mayamaceyfoundation.org

You may recall that The Maya Macey Foundation was highlighted for Philanthropic Friday on The Candi Dish last month!  Well, NOW is the perfect time to re-familiarize yourself with this dynamic organization because there is excitement to report!

Everyone knows the importance of empowering children to flourish because  young people ARE our future. The Maya Macey Foundation makes it VERY easy for generous donors to help make education a reality for students that need help.

Here is the exciting part!  Currently, the Foundation is tirelessly working on organizing the Annual BBQ FUNdraiser, which will be held on March 9, 2014 in Palmetto Bay, FL.  The BBQ is not only a fantastic event, but the funds from selling raffle tickets and auction items allow the Foundation to help dynamic young people.

Right now, the Foundation is looking for donations of products and services for its celebrated raffle and live auction! Current donated items are Florida Panthers tickets (including a meet & greet with players); a 5-night stay at a 2-bedroom condo on Playa del Carmen in Mexico and a stay at Waldorf Astoria in Naples!  Great stuff!

So, Candi Dish fans: if you know a business that is interested in donating products or services for this amazing cause, please let me know!  No donation is too small.

The Maya Macey Foundation provides educational scholarships to deserving young students who have overcome adversity in their personal lives and need assistance pursuing their dreams in spite of the obstacles they have faced. It  is a federally recognized 501©(3) non-profit.

www.mayamaceyfoundation.org

American Snowstorm on Fifth Avenue

I may have been born and raised in Florida, but even as a kid, I was a Northerner at heart. Perhaps the fact that 1 of 2 parents and 4 of 4 Grandparents grew up in the North had something to do with it.  Don’t get me wrong, many people who I love and like are in the South (plus I love grits) so I am “down there” often, but Manhattan is my home.

The snowy dome of St. Bart’s Church

The Windshield Wipers UP Trick (this is not my car)

It is freezing in Burger Heaven!

Because my childhood winters were very mild (I remember swimming at the end of December), it was quite a thrill to experience cold weather when I was on trips. Fast forward to my first winter in NY. It was glacial!  Once I figured out that it was all about layers, keeping my ears covered and my hands and feet warm, I was golden.

I love experiencing 4 true seasons (particularly fall and spring) and would not trade it for year-round warmth and certainly would not trade in the NY lifestyle.

“Bigfoot was here”
Park Avenue

On Tuesday, the early part of the storm’s blanket of snow made Manhattan look delightful. I was out and about:  first by taxi, then by bus when I could not get a taxi and then by foot the rest of the day, which served me well until the sun went down and it became blistery.  I even dared to remove my gloves to capture a bunch of snapshots of sights that caught my attention.  I posted several of these on Twitter and Facebook and received a flatteringly huge response.  I hope that you enjoy my “Janus photos”.

Snowy fountain on East 55th Street

Happy 2014!

A precious friend recently reminded me of the beauty of receiving greetings in the mail, particularly holiday greetings.  I completely agree.  There is something special about finding an envelope in your mailbox accompanied by the brief anticipation of wondering what is inside!

In the world of texting, email and e-cards, it is easy to forget the warm feeling you get when you receive a personal note.  This year, my mailbox was aglow with Christmas, Chanukah and New Year’s cards: pre-printed, handwritten, photos, collages – all of it fantastic!   I display all of the cards that I receive in my entryway. So many well wishes and cute faces to see each time I walk past.  When I take the cards down (which happens later and later each year), it is impossible to not feel treasured.

When I think about the first day of 2013, it would be an understatement to say that my life is completely different on this first day of 2014.  My 2013 can be summed up as the year of learning and doing.  Last year was filled with innovation, unblocking, creativity, mourning, collaboration, reconnecting, missteps, progress and clarity.  I witnessed the best of the human spirit by those I know and by strangers. This will continue to inspire.  There was also disappointment from the weakness of character that I witnessed.  This will continue to inspire as well.

Launching The Candi Dish and receiving positive support and compliments for my blog posts has been incredibly gratifying.  I am not a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions but I do have huge plans for 2014!  Writing and creating and seizing the day, oh my!

Thanks for digging into The Candi Dish in 2013!  I hope to serve up some good stuff in 2014!