3/11/08
Spring is in the air. Yeah, it's there. Frank and I went to the Flower Show last Saturday and if you don't feel Spring you'll feel it there. As soon as you walk in the Convention Center it smelled just divine, with the musical instruments of New Orleans Jazz all over. Just great. I love reading the comments of the judges, especially on the miniature displays..which are just incredible. The comments? A little tacky..The miniatures are little tiny scenes, and little tiny plants and foliage..really a lot of work. and a comment will say "lacks depth", or "too much plant material in the forefront", and you're thinking...geez, it looks great, I could NEVER do this...My big purchase..bought 3(!) new orchids..they are fab. I had two great ones that ran their course, and the new ones are blooming and just lovely...pink, ruby and yellow are their colors..I have a green thumb, if I say so. My Christmas cactus is still blooming!
Did you see Gamble and Huff get the Lifetime achievement award at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Made me love being a Philadelphian..such great music from those guys will be with us forever. I think we paid them great tribute on the Breakfast Club this week.
4 days to go til the American Red Cross Ball at the Constitution Center...I found a beautiful red halter gown...satin and chiffon and very chic. Got a good deal, too. Frank's doing red vest and tie, he will look very suave. Now of course this is my husband Frank...not Frank Lewis! Frank Lewis..suave? Sometimes, I guess (right)
By the way, St Patty's Day Parade..fun, but FREEEEEzing. Did you see us on TV with Bob Kelly? Blink and you missed it!
3/4/08
Our friend Billy Stinger's funeral was unbelievably well attended, with what looked like all parishoners of his St Peters Church in Merchantville showing up to say goodbye and give love to his wife and daughter, as well as anybody he ever worked with, and many of the DJ's from back in the day...my husband Frankie Who, Glenn Kalina, Wayne Geftman, Carmen Nataro, Michael Gormley, Charles Cussanno, Mario Sarno, Ronnie Arena, and Joe Notore...Joe is a Philly cop now, and on Saturday he escorted the funeral cortege (which had to be about 50 cars) from Jersey and across the bridge to the cemetary in Yeadon. Good going, Joe..Stinger would have loved it. I can just hear him. We will surely miss our dear friend...
Just got back from another walk with the doggies..these days are so warm and wonderful, aren't they? You know really, my life is a pretty normal one. Like wouldn't it be great if I got invited to the Oscars or Grammys? yeah, right..Valerie who?
But you know what? This Sunday the Breakfast Club marches in the St Patty's Day parade. Yeah, I'm Irish for a day. Last year we actually did walk after we got stiffed by Finnegan's Wake's float..they left without us, and Frank Lewis and I walked from Broad and Washington all the way around City Hall and down the Parkway. Frank complained alot, but he made it. God knows he could use the exercise. It was actually a blast..people hollering at us, us hollering back. I was a Holla back girl!
And on March 15th husband Frank and I will attend the American Red Cross Red Ball. Yes, a Ball! A real Ball! Black tie, gown, the whole thing. I don't get to go to many balls, in fact, I never go to any balls! So look out...I'm doing the waltz. Yes, just call me Marie Antoinette. Be back soon.
2/27/08
I am taking my space to pay tribute to and honor our great friend Bill Stinger, who passed away early Tuesday morning in his home in Pennsauken, New Jersey. He had a heart attack and was gone very quickly. He was just 55 years old. We are all just devastated over the loss of our dear Billy.
A few years ago he had bypass surgery and things were touch and go for him, but he pulled through, kept taking long rides with his beloved bike, lost weight, and led a beautiful and active life with his wife Bobbie and daughter Alexis. Lex and her Dad were tight. She's just 15 years old, and was the one who heard a noise that woke her up..then she found him on the floor. By the time Bobbie got to Billy, he was gone. To the angels, I'm sure.
My husband Frank and I have known Stinger ( we called him Stinger, we called him Billy) for almost 30 years, as we were all club DJ's back in the day. And what days they were! We were young and carefree, playing the music, hanging at the Record Pool, just having a blast. Billy went the rock route as the years went on, spun discs at the Trocadero..man the stories he had...we all had them! Yeah, it was me in a sea of guys doing the club DJ thing. It's still me and the guys...
As the years went by, many of us lost touch, but some didn't. Frank and I married, and the story Stinger always told ..with a lot of laughs from all of us...was how the disc jockeys sitting together in the pew at church were taking bets on how long Frank and I would last! Haha..we're still together, in our 25th year of marriage. Stinger loved that story.
Well, we didn't lose touch. Billy eventually married Bobbie Bradley, and they really wanted a child. It happened for them through the grace of God, and Alexis was born. When Billy asked my husband Frank to be her Godfather, how proud they both were. And so we knew we'd be together for life.
In his life Billy was a very good man, and became very active in his Catholic church, taking communion to sick people who couldn't get to Mass, and his mission became one of helping people. He was studying to become a Deacon, and just made Acolyte. When he sent us the picture of him in his robes, we still all (including him) got a charge out of it! Billy was a holy man! And really wonderful at it.
In 2006, he came to see my Father twice in Dad's last months to give him Communion, as Dad was not able to get to church, to even get up anymore. I remember the one beautiful sunny Sunday morning, and how he came and cheered us all up. He was terrific.
The night he died he went all the way to north Jersey to give comfort to a family who lost someone very young. He went home to Pennsauken, and died a few hours later. He was doing good until the end. His wife Bobbie is devastated, but told me she knows he's in Heaven because he had his life in order. God love him. We should all learn from Stinger. We'll bury him this weekend, and it won't be easy. Please pray for his wife and young daughter. Do something kind for someone, and think of my friend, Billy Stinger. RIP buddy. We love you. It'll never be the same.
2/21/08
You know I really am a person that likes Summer better than Winter but I hope it snows...you know...even enough to shovel! Just once...that's all. My husband Frank is an avid skiier so he wants snow all the time. He even flies out West to Utah to ski..and boy, there's a lot of snow out there. Over this past weekend he skied Elk Mountain in northern PA with my big BOSS. How about that? they had a great time, though. Skiiers have a thing together...
I think I'm losing my interest in American Idol. I don't know, everyone looks the same, the girls seem to all sound the same, and Simon is so mean. Why is every one so darn mean? Do you know after I've been doing my Purina One commercials and talking about my spaniels, Dixie and Sandi, some guy actually called and left a message that he HATES Springer Spaniels. What's up with that? It's my sweetie dog, for crying out loud!
This weekend we're supposed to drive to Poughkeepsie NY for my husband cousin Nick's Surprise 50th Birthday party. I hope we can make it (even though I want the snow!) I love Nick, and we haven't seen him or that branch of the family in a long time.
Went to the gym today and I'm feeling strong...hey, do you exercise? Well, why not? You have to do like Mr Nike says...just do it! See, then you can have that biscotti I just had and not feel so guilty.
Gotta walk the dogs...
2/10/08
Sorry I've been away so long..just concentrating on the show since I got back form Sundance. I feel like we've done 2 weeks of great shows on the Breakfast club, don't you think? I've been laughing alot. Nice gig I have...
Finally convinced my husband Frank to renew our vows this Thursday on Valentines Day at Geno's Steaks in South Philly. It's not that he didn't want to, because I KNOW he would marry me all over again (really, we both would), he just felt funny doing it at a cheesesteak joint, and I don't blame him. Plus, Ross as the holy man? I said sure...why not? He said okay, so we'll be doing it along with whoever else shows up to re-state their love.....and have a cheesesteak wit...
Yesterday, we went down to see my niece Caitlin at her school for a day at the University. She attends Loyola College in Baltimore, and boy, is she a smart kid. Majoring in Business, getting A's in advanced Italian! My father would have loved it! My brother and sister in law should be, and I know they are, very proud. I sure am. I always tell my brother Monte she must take after me because she's so smart. She lives in a huge apartment with 4 other girls..her building is part of the college ..an old apartment complex converted for students. She's on the 9th floor, with a great view of a park and beautiful homes, and the Baltimore skyline in the distance. Very nice! Of course it's still "college life"..no frills... I told the kids they should hang some pictures on the walls...All of her roommates are smart and studious girls, laughing alot, thank God. We all hung out, they made us some coffee, we walked around campus, I bought some sweats with the Loyola logo, then we went to McCormick and Shmicks at the Baltimore Inner Harbor. We sat right next to the window at sunset with the water glistening..very nice. The sun was out all day and it was like Spring last Saturday in Maryland. Better than the weather here, I think. There's a McCormick and Shmicks across from City hall in Center City Phila, check it out..I've eaten at that one too. It's pretty good.
Today is Sunday and I am pretty lazy. Gonna watch the Pro Bowl in Hawaii and pretend I'm there. then it's Aloha and off to Los Angeles to watch the Grammys. By the time you read this, do you think the very troubled but talented Amy Winehouse will clean up? I'm rooting for the old rockers, too..We'll talk.......
1/30/08
My blog is a reprint from the Tattle column of the January 30 Philadelphia Daily News!
Our Knight at SundanceWOGL's Valerie Knight just returned from the Sundance Film Festival and sent Tattle a brief recap of her trip to Park City, Utah (we get to go only to the Toronto fest in September).
"You can always tell the L.A. people," Val writes. "Skinny chicks in high heels - and not dressed warm enough - making deals on cell phones (or at least acting like they're making deals).
"It was cold this year, and there was a lot of snow. My husband, Frank, skied like it was his last mountain. There's hardly anyone on the slopes - everyone's in town profiling and going to the movies.
"At a Thursday screening of 'Choke' (an award winner) the row in front of us was reserved. In walks Quentin Tarantino and Marcia Gay Harden, both judges in the Dramatic competition at the Festival. Then comes Sandra Oh of 'Grey's Anatomy,' and Diego Luna, also judges. Tarantino wouldn't pose for a picture but I took it anyway. Oh refused a pic, too. They all looked like they just rolled out of bed.
"Tarantino was loud during the film (drawing attention to himself maybe?) and Oh had her hair pinned up and the spikes were sticking up right in my view of the screen. She had her arm around Luna. Hmmmm.
"A rumor Thursday was that Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young would play at the Star Bar Music Cafe on Main Street at 5:30 (the CSNY 'Deja Vu' documentary was the next night, so I knew they were in town). The line at the Star Bar was too long and it was snowing hard, but I snuck around to the back door. Success! I got in to a packed house, and Neil Young introduces a singer, who's a Marine, and in the movie. Then Young and Nash join the kid for the chorus of his last song - and that's it! No songs from CSN&Y.
"Everyone files out of the bar quietly, and I'm thinking, boy, if this was Philly, the crowd would be booing and maybe not so polite.
"I got into a Hallmark Channel party, but I was probably the most famous person there. When I saw Josh Groban at the Zone Bar, Sharon Stone was there, looking pretty good.
"As for the movies, I loved the Dramatic grand prize winner, "Frozen River," starring Melissa Leo, and told Tarantino he made a good choice when I ran into him at the airport. He was nicer there, actually smiled and said a few words. He was alone but still had a ton of luggage.
"Alas, no Robert Redford sightings this year. He's a tough one. And no Paris Hilton sightings, thank God. But I heard she was there, making out with Jared Leto at one of those parties I couldn't get into."
1/25/08
Yesterday it was snowing all day here in Park City, and the rumor was Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young were performing at the Star Bar Music Cafe on Main Street. I snuck in the back door, showed my card, and got in to a very crowded bar. Another young fellow was singing, as there is music all day in the Star Bar. Neil Young and Graham Nash were there, but alas, they did not perform. The packed place was peeved...But earlier at a screening of a movie called Choke I the row in front of us was reserved. So in walks Quentin Tarantino and Marcia Gay Harin, both judges at the Festival. He was kind of a jerk...wouldn't take a photo, but was pretty loud thoughout the film, you know...calling attention to himself.
Oh, and I forgot, sitting right in front of me was Sandra Oh (of Grey's Anantomy) and actor Diego Luna..and they were very much a couple! Sandra had her hair up, and it was sticking straight up, and kind of in my way of the movie screen...She refused to take a picture, and so did Tarentino, who really makes some weird films, doesn't he? Last night, my friend Danuta and I got ourselves into a private filming for Fuse Network. Know who performed? With only about 100 or so people in the audience? Josh Groban! I'm not a huge fan, but waht a talented young man he is...and very nice. It was great..and the wine was free, too!
Okay, off to my next screening...boy, I just love this festival!
1/23/08
Saw two movies today in very cold and sunny Park City, Utah.
One callled The Yellow Handkercheif starred Maria Bello (from Conshohocken) and William Hurt. A quirky love story..the end was the best part. Saw another very dark film called Death in Love. It was okay, but the cool part was meeting the stars after. The lovely Jacqueline Bisset, and Josh Lucas (he was in American Psycho, and A Beautiful Mind, and Poseiden..Lukas Haas...he was in Witness, and played in the Ryan White Story.....I have many more movies to go....
1/14/08
It's been a while, hasn't it? Well, for anyone who really IS reading my blog, sorry I've been away so long. Anywhos, just chillin from the blog. And busy with the usual. (I just saw Juno so I'm talking like a hip chick..by the way, have you seen it? It's a charming and quirky little movie about a 16 year old girl who gets pregnant, learns a lot along the way, and she is just adorable. What's her name? Ellen Page. Here's the imdb.com description of the film Juno: "Faced with an unplanned pregnancy, an offbeat young woman makes an unusual decision regarding her unborn child."
There, they do it better than I!
So what a dismal day. I hate this weather. It was supposed to snow, it just should have instead of just being stinkin damp and cold. Like Marvin Gaye said: "makes me wanna holler"...Know what else makes me wanna holla? The weather people in this town. So sure of a "winter storm". ..so wrong again. And what if there was 2 inches of snow? It's not the end of life as we know it. Those meteorologists must be buying a lot of bread and milk.
Know what makes me wanna shout? Cowboys lose...Cowboys lose! Eagles fans really like to see Dallas lose. And that cryin T-O behind designer shades..how many times have YOU seen that clip?
So I'm going to the Sundance Film Festival next Tuesday, my seventh January trip to Park City Utah to enjoy the movies! God, I love this film festival. I get to see many films (about 12 to 14 over 5 days) from many film makers, new and established, to see documentaries from here and around the world. To get to vote for the 16 films (of which I'll see maybe 3!) in the Dramatic Competition. Get to discuss the films afterward with the director, and many times the cast. This is where I've seen so many actors, stars, celebs. Last year, Justin Timberlake and Samuel L Jackson, the year before...Robert Redford..(yes FINALLY..2 years ago), Nick Nolte, Robert Downey Jr, Paul Giamatti, Patricia Clarkson, Jennifer Aniston, Toni Colette, Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Steve Buscemi, Sting, Neil Young, heck, honestly, I forgot more than I remember. So maybe I'll see some movie stars, and definitely see some great films like Little Miss Sunshine, and Napolean Dynamite, Hustle and Flow, Maria Full of Grace, Grace is Gone, Real Women Have Curves, that Neil Young concert film (I was at the premiere two years ago!) honestly, I forgot more than I remember. If I see anything exciting this year, why, you might even see it in Tattle in the Daily News. Yes, moi...a newspaper reporter.
1/2/08
Happy New Year! Hope your holidays went well. We sure had a long vacation...but it's funny about walking back into work even after 11 days or so...it's like you never left...
The visit from my Italian cousins was great. The girls (ages 53, 39, 27 and 18 ) wanted to shop shop shop and we really did! I took them to King of Prussia Mall, downtown to Walnut Street (to Macy's..the Christmas light show, the Charles Dickens Ebeneezer Scrooge story tour upstairs...did you ever do that? fantastic!) We walked up Broad Street, I showed them the theaters...we shopped up Walnut Street to Rittenhouse Square..they love Starbucks, too. Then we drove by Independence Hall, through Chinatown, and to the Art Museum so they could run up the steps (yes, EVERYONE knows Rocky) and they took their pictures by the Rocky statue, too. They loved our city, and were positively giddy. And I was so proud. the city looks so beautiful looking from the Museum steps... Here's a fun story: We were going into Macy's behind City Hall, and DA Lynne Abraham (a big fan of the show) was going into a building. So I called to her to say Happy Holidays, and don't you know when I introduced her to the Italian ladies she launches into the language and they had a nice conversation. Turns out she vacations in Italy, and knows the language! I told the girls "you know she's the top cop around here!" In fact, there were a lot of Philadelphians in the stores who spoke Italian to them..I was very impressed. One a native of Italy, another American student who studied Italian...bellissimo!
Then Frank and I had a big party Sunday at our house..and it was pouring, but everyone showed up (freinds, family, etc) and we had a great time. Then Christmas Eve and Christmas..and a lot of reminicing about my Dad...we all miss him alot...then the day after Christmas..we took a limo to New York City! To Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Broadway! As you can imagine, there were more that the usual zillion people in the city..but it was great. Thanks to our friend Carl who got us the limo..the cousins never had a limo ride before, and they were beside themselves. One more day, and they left Friday the 28th. And we will be seeing them, soon, I hope, as my husband and I are talking about our next trip to Italy, to where they live, in the Marche region,by the Adriatic Sea...
Ciao!
12/6/07
Last night my Mom's phone was busy for hours...so I thought...okay, she just left it off the hook. She has a couple of cordless phones my cousin bought for her...and she probably didn't turn it off, I thought...so don't get nervous. Well, of course I did, and tried to tell myself I was overreacting. So I went to sleep...and it was a fitful night. Are you a worry wart? I had a high school boyfriend who used to say "no sense worrying til you have to" ...which was very sage advice from a high school kid. Easier said than done for me. By the way, I take after my Mom. So then this morning, about 7, I call her and now it's and it's ringing but there's no answer. Twice. Geez, Mom, what's going on? So I course I start thinking the worst. And I call my brother, who's working, and he says he'll swing by, he's in the neighborhood. Then she calls me, and says "did you call"? Yeah, Mom, what the heck, I was scared to death. So I called my bro and said...it's cool...she's okay. Well, all is well...and of course, this all happened during the show. Buck a Bark, in fact. But that Buddy was a barker, huh? Did you hear?
You know what? Be nice to people. Tell your Mom you love her, because you just never know what's going to happen. You walk out the door into the unknown (well, that's a bit dramatic..but so am I.) Say good morning to someone with a smile...you're doing more good than you know.
11/28/07
I think Mel B should have won Dancing With the Stars. Helio is good, but Mel B was the best. I think Helio won in large part because of that cute partner of his, Julianne...everyone loves her, she's so cute. He was a great dancer too, though...I'm glad it's over! And I'm very glad Marie didn't win!
Hope your Thanksgiving was happy. Ours was good, we got through, with some laughs, good family time, stories about my Dad. We have many fond memories about him, always. Now we are gearing up for my Italian cousins to come for Christmas! 7 of them, ranging in age from 18 to 88. It should really be a meaningful Christmas. My husband will be cooking up a storm. We can't wait. They're coming Dec 21. The medium was had on the Breakfast Club the other day said (off air) that my Dad was holding a ball (he HAD to be bowling, I hope) and hanging with my Uncle Bill, who's my Mom's brother who died years ago. Could be, huh? She said my Dad's nickname...Mandy. She also said my grandfathers are with me. I thought that was very interesting, because I didn't know either of them, but wonder about them often. She said one of their names, Joseph. Her name is Char Margolis, and she's a colleague of the cross over master, John Edward. Do you believe that stuff? I don't know. I think they're definitely psychic, but I figure if my Dad wanted to talk to me from the "other side", he would do so himself. He kinda does, though, you know?
Gotta do wash now, walk the dogs, and waiting for my husband to help him hang a big wreath outside. This ought to be good...
11/21/07
It's time to give thanks for all that we have. Sometimes I'm not so good at that...yes, believe it or not, I get a little caught up in myself...this isn't so good...that could be better...yadda yadda.
But you know what? I have SO MUCH to be thankful for. My family and my friends are so important to me, my job is great..and things are good. So let's all give thanks....even though sometimes it's not so easy...You see, I miss my Dad terribly. This will be out frist Thanksgiving and Christmas without him, and boy do I miss his easy humor, his quick laugh. He was a helluva a guy, My Pop. I know what a heartache is, because I have one...But I am thankful to have had him in my life for my 52 years. He lived to be 86, and that's something. But I wish he was still here. So hug your family, tell them you love them...and Happy Thanksgiving,
Love,
Val
11/19/07
Wow, what a busy weekend I had! Friday night our 20th Birthday party was tremendous!
All of the WOGL staff was there..and VIP's from all over the place hanging at Benny the Bums! This party was so happening, even jocks and morning hosts from other Philly radio stations were there...yes, they know where the action is. But the real VIP's were the listeners who came out to celebrate with us. It's when I really get a chance to see who's out there..and talk a little bit, share a laugh, etc. My final question is......was anybody NOT in the VIP room getting free drinks?
Saturday I spent my afternoon with Scott, our Promotions Director, up in Warrington at the new Valley Square Shopping Center at 611 and Street Rd. I met so many listeners there, too, at this beautiful new shopping complex..you can pull right up to your favorite store and park in this charming shopping village. Reminds me of out west..shopping in Utah. Great concept. There's even an outside fireplace to warm up. But it was brisk...Speaking of outside, driving home Sat afternoon it was the MOST beautiful and breathtaking display of autumn leaves changing that I remember in my entire LIFE. The colors were so tremendous, I felt like I was in a painting. I was in such sensory overload I missed a turn on my way home...and didn't even realize it for a while. Thank you God. reds and golds and violets and fushias and greens and ambers and oranges...Sunday it was the Eagles game...cold and raw at tailgaiting, then raining when the game started! UGH!
Partied with Don Cannon..yes, we always see each other at Eagles games. But it was an Eagles win..Brian Westbrook superb as usual. We left in the third quarter..hung in as long as we could.
Don and I talked a lot about Hy Lit, because Don has some of the greatest memories of this legendary DJ who we all owe a debt to, whether you're in the radio biz or not. RIP Hy. Wherever you go Hyski, I hope it's filled with music and laughter and sweet talk and hipness. It's the end of an era with you gone. Thanks for all you've done for us.
11/13/07
Right now I am just being so lazy when I should be out for a stroll with my canines and moving around a little bit. So right after this message, I'm outta here to go for a walk. (shhhh, the dogs might hear and I'm not ready yet) A few of us on the show have been feeling under the weather the past few days...Between you and I, I think Frank Lewis started it...bringing all his germs in and spreading them around. I'm trying to beat a head cold and I'm just so TIRED. So I'm taking it easy for a few days. But I still love Frank and all of his germs. My Mom was so sick, too, but she's finally feeling better.
Oh yeah...last Thursday night...STEVIE WONDER! I went despite feeling sick, and was glad I did. Danced and swooned all night. Stayed for every song. Stevie played a lot from from my favorite album, Inner Visions...from 1973. Too High, Living For the City, Golden Lady ...and of course slammed into all of his hits, too, and was quiet and romantic as well. He has so much material he could play all night long. His daughter Aisha was one of his singers...and just beautiful (she's in Isn't She Lovely....) 1973? That album is 34 years old?? Help me! That's what I love about seeing the legends like Stevie, and Billy Joel and Paul McCartney...we're all young again...
Speaking of legends..Happy 20th Birthday WOGL! I am proud to be a part of you....
Four eyes are staring at me...gotta go for a walk.
11/6/07
Mom's been sick.. Nothing too serious,but just a terrible head and chest cold. So I've been taking care of her after work. Del Blog has had to wait.
So receiving my Milestone award last week was a great day. 25 years in Philly I got a beautiful spray of flowers from the staff of WOGL..just lovely. And just today all of the folks at the Center for Body Contouring (a client I endorse) sent me a big bunch of flowers to congratulate me...I just LOVE flowers!
Here's what I said at the luncheon...
More than 25 years ago, I sat in the lobby of a building on City Avenue (right down the road) waiting to talk to a Program Director of a hot station who said he'd see me...maybe for a job...
I sat there three hours...and no one ever came down to the lobby. This fresh faced out of college kid slunk away, rejected. But it didn't beat me down, and that guy is not at this luncheon today. Around the same time there was another PD who said I would never be on the air in Philadelphia... guess he thought I wasn't going to be any good. He's not at this lunch today either. BUT I AM!!!
Thanks to my husband, Frank, my love and my heart. My biggest support. (he got a big round of applause...everyone knows Frank, too)
Thanks to my Mom...my biggest fan. (she was there, I was so glad)
Thanks to my Dad...my strength (I looked up to heaven...I really miss him)
Thanks to Glenn Kalina, Don Cannon, Mike Marder (RIP), Dave Allan, my WOGL people...my best job ever...and of course, The March of Dimes. (these are the radio people)
The grand dame of New York, a woman named Brooke Astor, who just died at age 105 in August, said something I recently read... She said "Don't die guessing."
Well, I won't, because I pursued it and did what I want, and I won't be an old lady wondering what it would have been like to be on the radio. I DID IT! I love being on the radio...Thank you so much!
10/31/07
Last Sunday, October 28th was our 24th wedding anniversary! 24 years for Frankie and I. I can hardly believe it..where does the time go? I remember it like yesterday. He bought me 3 dozen roses...white, yellow, pink..just gorgeous. I love to have flowers all around the house. Next year, Paris! Frank, are you reading this?
Yesterday the dogs and I walked about a mile and a half...and during this beautiful, long and quiet walk with the girls I was thinking a lot about my Dad..who died in uary and who I really miss..he's on my mind a lot lately. Went to the cemetary the other day...Can you imagine my Mom and he were together some 60 YEARS? And then he's gone! What is it all about anyway? What are we doing here? Oh well, I guess Del Blog and I are never gonna figure that one out together..the meaning of life. But on such a lovely crisp and clear day, the thoughts are coming fast and strong..
Hey guess what? Another biggie for me this week. Tomorrow I receive the March of Dimes Milestone Award for 25 years in Philadelphia radio. Yes, I am incredibly proud, and yes, I wonder where the time has gone. Many years, several stations, and all kinds of on air jobs from disc jockey...to morning show host.
Man, am I glad I hung in there... I recently heard this saying "don't die guessing." Well, I won't now..because I have lived my dream, and won't have to be an old lady and wonder what it might have been like...I am feeling a little nervous about being recognized...probably because it's in front of my peers...people in the biz I've known for years. It's a big luncheon. Frank and Mom will be there, too. Del Blog and I will report back next time.
xxoo
Val
10/25/07
Who made this word "blog" up anyway? It sounds like a monster or a growth. C'mon, it's a diary! And when my husband Frank and I were in Italy back in August visiting all of my cousins (and there are many) in the Marche region of Italy, Frank did a daily "diario", of course that's diary in Italian. I wonder if they call it a "bloggo"....
Italy was fantastic! Just last night my friend Donna was over and saw the pictures of our trip and said we looked so relaxed, like we belong there. We explored the region of my paternal grandparents..their town is Ascoli-Piceno in Le Marche. We stayed with cousins in San Benedetto Del Tronto..right on the Adriatic Sea on the East coast...Fantastico! Le Marche is the region just north of Abruzzo (where my maternal grandparents are from). You may have heard of Abruzzo...Le Marche is smaller. We explored towns, ate, drank wine, went to a vineyard (drank wine), ate, laughed, went to the beach, ate, talked , laughed and ate. And got to know each other even better.
The reason I have so many cousins there is because two of my Grandfather's siblings stayed behind in Italy the early 1900's and didn't come to America, so there are 4 generations, from 89 years old to a baby! The cousins in their 80's (my Dad would have been 86) don't speak English, but everyone 50 or under speaks some English..some better than others. Good for us, because we know a few words..not too many. It's amazing how you can communicate, though, as the language of love and blood is powerful....especially over a cup of espresso..or a glass of wine....
My wonderful Father Armando, who passed away January 9th, was the only thing that was missing. God, he loved them and they loved him. He introduced himself to them as a young soldier in WW2, and the relationship started, and the families grew, and my husband promised to keep the connection going always. And it continues, as seven of the cous' are coming over for Christmas! I'll be bloggo-ing my brains out then. By the way, my husband, Francesco, on his computer next to me, says the Italian word for blog is "Del blog"..really!
Ciao for now,
Your friend Val
