Live today.

HollyDays 2013

In a months time, so much can change.

Actually it only takes a mere second to completely change your path.
But for me this entire month has been gigantic.


HollyDays 2013 is over...
For now, at least until I begin planning on next years celebration.
What  happened this year has changed my life.
I have been gifted the pleasure of new friends.
Magical people that plan on staying. People that have already left their mark on my soul. People that will change me,and my life, for the better.

Amazing new friends:)

Friends came from far and wide to join me, celebrities took hours off their schedules to join us, contributions and donations were plentiful and beyond generous.


Once again rendering me speechless on the goodness of others.

Mike Parker from the ABC news summed it up beautifully with a note he wrote me days later.

Nathaniel schooling ABC Mike Parker!

"Holly your party was my pleasure to attend.  Your event was a joy and a revelation for me." HOLY COW.
Yes it was a revelation for me too..

It took me a few weeks to swallow the greatness, but yesterday I think I got it.

Micah Mattera WGN serving Martinis!

I understood that we all NEED this place, this celebration, this community and this new way of thinking.
We all need to accept one another as unique individuals.

The amazing Anthony tending bar!

Erase the pre -conceived ideas of our children with special needs and replace with facts.
Say hello, get to know them as individuals and make your very own judgement based on humanity. Kind, giving, loving ways will lead you to a new path of understanding, acceptance and love.

Handsome devil Kenny!

I was asked last week a few questions that has given me sleepless nights.

1.  Where do I want all this to go?
2.  What does happiness look like to me?
3.  crap I forgot #3.

Generosity abound.

I have been overloaded with some friends sadness's as of lately. Some powerful tragedies have occurred that have changed their lives forever.
I have no answers.
Lord knows I am no Mother Theresa, I cannot fix a damn thing.
But I can always offer what has worked for me....
'It is what it is'...
Cry,
scream,
Pray,
Fall down.

Families that have paved our way.

But the only good choice,
The only real choice is to get up.
Small baby steps but get back up.

Merchandise packaged and made by our amazing kids!

What does happiness look like to you?
Think about it..really think.
There's today's happiness, tomorrow's....and what about what it looks like in 20 years.

WGN in the house!!

Today is simple,
I am happy to hold my delicious Chai Latte in my warm hands in my fave cup from Starbucks.

I am anticipating a great meeting and talking with friends that lighten my day.

Amazing friends.

I am happy that I may catch a well needed nap in a few hours.

That each one of my kids are healthy and they love me, and they abundantly know how much I love them.

I am happy that I have a few bucks in my pocket and I may blow it all on myself.

Kelly and her gorgeous hand made jewelry- Special Sparkle!

Today I am happy for my mom, my family, my newly made protein balls  in the fridge- I am happy that my hair is short and it takes me 3 minutes to dry....

PREACH!

See happiness is abound.
Every corner.
But tomorrows happiness??
I have no idea.
Someone asked me last night how I stay so positive.
As most of you know I am Scarlett O'Hara-
 I will think and worry about most stuff tomorrow.

Anthony Forde, David Kennedy- Chicago Special events and the stunning Jen Kramer-President of the Special Olympics!

But I am amazingly talented at putting what needs to go in the box, lid on and tucked tightly under my bed.
I shall open when necessary.
Baby steps if you will.

Nathaniel has changed my life.

Nate ROCKED the house down.

Forever.
Yep- scared of tomorrows happiness as we face so many uncertainties.
But today he was hilarious. Kissing me like a teenager, telling me I am one hot mama and shaking his booty while using my brush as his life's microphone.
Today's happiness.

Let me show you my ability not my disability- I see Hollywood in his near future!

Next question you must ask yourself...

Families that have changed my life:)

Where do I see myself, what does happiness look like in my future.
Seriously.
Don't ask me that again.
Today's all I got.
OK, if I must,

Amazing men that have given of their talent:) Mark one of our amazing photographers.

My body would shrink to high school size, my hair would be Lindsey's length and color, my mind would be clear and not forget where I have just put my keys. My wrinkles would fade and only the twinkle in my eyes would remain.

Reality.
Happiness in my future?

Amy Rutledge and Sean Maroney

To see more smiles around my world.
To fear less and to give more.
To protect those that need protecting, and to honor every human being at every moment.
To live in harmony and stand up for what is right.
To believe that the good will prevail.
To rejoice when the feelings surge and to handle what God lands us with grace and dignity.

When I began I am who I am 2 years ago on my kitchen table I had no idea where I would be today.

Now I can see clearly the effect we have made. The profound yet simple message of acceptance.

seriously- isn't this cake amazing?

It was obviously missing in our world.
We have been embraced by all those that see.
We have been touched by all those that need.

Happiness?

Just LOVE

Simple.
Not just words.
Cannot just say it- or write it.
You must feel it, deep down.
It must blanket your heart with a soft furry grace.
You  must preach it, and give it.
The more you give, the more you get.

Just give.

Live.
Enjoy, give, love, accept, protect, honor, laugh, appreciate, forgive, dance, include, learn, then love some more.

I think I got this this time.
At least for today:)