Gratitude, 2025

November 29, 2025

Traditions are my DNA. I cherish the ones my grandparents and parents have handed down to me, along with the ones I am cultivating.

Drying out the struffolas before frying.

So instead of the usual food or entertaining related post, a gratitude blog rejoicing in the past year’s moments is fast becoming my one of my traditions. I know I skipped a few but I’m back on track.

Also, I figure that there is so much going on the week and day before the holiday that you don’t need another idea to make you second guess your menu. Posting on the actual day would just be an intrusion with all you have to do; eye balls deep with recipes, sauces, measuring cups and the like. So a day or two after seemed like a good time for a another dose of gratitude to keep that feeling going.

Another year of me juggling ‘what do I want to be when I grow up’. I have so many ideas but having a hard time settling on one. And thinking maybe I should stick to what I’ve always done, juggling a few at a time. I continue to cook for my small but faithful local customers. Putting any production work on the back burner for now while trying to conjure up new other ways to earn a living. Hitting some bumps along the road may be difficult but they are gifts. Any stumble or road block is there to guide me, to push forward and through, to focus in on the work that needs to be done, and search my soul for the answers.

And so I do, with gratitude for all the opportunities and talents that are bestowed upon me. I am filled with joy for my good health, and my fortitude to continue seeking out ways to build on that health. To be grateful that I have so many people who believe in me, and to continue to find the courage to believe in myself.

Always and forever, there are my family and friends who are my rocks and a real sense of pride and joy for me. So here we go with the yearly roundup of just some of the joys that fill my life. My nieces and nephew, who are my absolute treasures. Grateful to my sisters for bringing them into this world, and raising such talented, accomplished, wonderful human souls.

Part of our Italian Wedding Celebration: L to R: Nicolette, Jill, Gabrielle, John, Alyssa, Michella, Gianna, Robert and me.

Gabrielle Brooke

The leader of the niece and nephew group , she has had a most spectacular year. Continuing to develop, expand and rebrand her Social Media Marketing Company, Terra Collective, she has complied an impressive customer list and amazes me with her knowledge and expertise, not just in the social media marketing realm but in her business savvy. Besides buying another home, she got engaged and then curated the most magical wedding in Florence, Italy to her handsome, kind, wonderful husband, Tyler. When I say stunning, I’ll just let the photos do the talking. She has a gift for bringing a vision to life.

The powerful, all woman team at Terra Collective

The proposal in a North Carolina vineyard. Photo credit: Erica Serrano

Photo credit: Izzie Karan

John Joseph

A man with a deep soul and knowledge seeking interest in all aspects of well being. Beside, mixing up smoothies and healthy food combos with his equally loving girlfriend, Charlotte, together they created CANDID. A set of playing cards that poses questions of introspection and curiosity. They both are soul seekers, and ones that not just propose that we reclaim a more analog lifestyle, they live it. They live life big and bold, and encourage others to do the same. Check out their CANDID cards. They will make you think, encourage you to create deeper conversations and certainly make great holiday gifts, especially stocking stuffers! He also performed the most inspiring, emotional and perfectly delivered ceremony as the officiant at his cousin, Gabrielle’s wedding. It brought us all to tears.

Michella Rae

What can I say but WOW for my godchild. Michella, natural talent combined with a work ethic and discipline that makes my head spin, has honed her on air sports reporting skills to the next level. She was invited to CNN to give her March Madness predications (yes, that is national TV, folks!). She was tapped for side line reporting for football and continues to shine a bright light on the exciting world of NCAA women’s Volleyball. She also bought her first home this year, marking a personal achievement among her professional ones.

Poised and always in control.

She has single handily brought NCAA volleyball more exposure than ever.

Her enthusiasm is contagious.

Gianna Marie

My kind and gentle godchild has had a spectacular year professionally and personally. After honing her skills with long hours at a private research firm she landed a research position in the NY governor’s office. There she excels at detailed investigative work, is thorough and precise, and beloved by her team and bosses (and basically anyone who meets her). She and her fiancé, Trevor, bought their first house and had a great vision for its renovation. A stunning starter home. And you read that right, she also got engaged, plus adopted a dog, Billie. She is always at the ready to lend a helping hand so I’m fully expecting her trusted help with Christmas cookies!

Trevor, down on one knee in the warm Golden Hour Glow.

Last year’s batch. I’m expecting a repeat.

Nicolette Grace

This little peanut is a peanut no more. She is taller than me (sure that may not be such a tough accomplishment, but it’s growth!) and stronger than ever. Not only did she juggle the intense sports regime of WCLA lacrosse, she garnered top grades graduating from University of Georgia with a BA in Political Science with minors in International Affairs | Public Policy and Management. All the while leading her team to a hugely successful lacrosse season going all the way to the Nationals and almost snagging the ultimate prize. She moved to DC to attend George Mason University for a one year intensive master’s degree in National Security and Public Policy . Her star continues to rise.

She was a powerhouse on the field.

And a great leader to her team, going all the way to Nationals and finishing in 2nd.

Adrienne & Gene

My parents are going strong. This year marked not only their 64th wedding anniversary, they also celebrated milestone birthdays. Dad turned 95, and Mom 86. We threw a surprise birthday party for them. Some questioned our choice to surprise our parents at their ages but they are strong troopers. We were so grateful to the many family and friends who made long journeys to be there, celebrate them and share the love. It was a spectacular day. We all feel blessed to have them in our lives especially after a tough year of health issues but with love and support there was an amazing rally back. Their love for one another is ever present, ever evident.

JuanCarlos

What a fabulous career year for him. After years of working on The Waldorf Astoria project he finally saw it’s completion, and grand opening. He is juggling more projects than ever all over the country as far a Hawaii and continuing to make his mark as a leader in his industry. (I’m sure you’re thinking he’ll take me to Hawaii, but NO) He carved out time in a busy work schedule to travel to Spain to cook and food explore with his good friend, Juanfran. And of course our fabulous Italian vacation for Gabrielle’s wedding.

But mostly, he is my rock. Always there for me, building me up, supporting my back, making our dreams a reality. We celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary and continue to boogie to the dance of life together.

As for me, I had and continue to have many great joys. From receiving appreciative notes from customers not just for the delicious meals but for the relief it provides their family, to continuing to share my children’s books with schools and young readers.

The Grumpy Frog rests peacefully in our money corner.

Book reading event at my local Barnes & Noble

Grateful for our upstate Airbnb home and great guests, and being able to block out time so we can sneak away for some peace and tranquility. We love having a place where we can introduce good old friends to good new friends with a bounty of nibbles.

And the absolute joy it was to share the most wonderful Italian vacation as a family.

I am most proud of the Big milestone of the 20 year mark of great health! And all the small daily wonders. Gratitude abound - I’m filled to the brim.

As always, I am grateful to all of you, my faithful readers who I feel honored that so many of you continue to read and enjoy my blog for the past decade. And I am continually grateful to those who buy and share my books.

As much as the big accomplishments are wonderful to rejoice, and easy to recognize, it’s the small ones I like to focus on.
One, because they force you to dig deep to see the blessings in the small gifts.
Two, because they actually come more often, daily even.
Like the beauty of a body of water as it reveals itself upon reaching the peak of a bridge, or the burst of color in floral arrangement that came together just as it was envisioned, or a table setting that brings joy knowing that people you love are about to come over, or the love that is felt when a text arrives from a friend reaching out with gentle support.

**Fall Themed Centerpiece**: A tray full of fall bounty.

I am fully aware at how the world we live in can seem bleak. So much destruction, so much bickering, and so much grief where you just want to hide. But if we neglect to appreciate, and cling to the good, then it will be overwhelming to get through the harder times. It’s best to dig deep inside of hide.

Life can be tumultuous but I see the beauty, the strength, the cleansing of it all.

So I focus on those. So many grateful moments. So many positive blimps in day. So much to make me smile every moment. I, too, need reminding of all that. With my super support system showing me so much joy, they help me flip the switch off on negativity and see the light.

May light shine on you. May it reflect back beauty. May it be bright and joyous. May it be filled with gifts you need to be your truest self. May you be the light to others, and shine brightly today and each day. Light of love.

May you have love and treats in your life.

May the rainbow always find you.

Miami - The Long Goodbye

October 27, 2024

As I sat on the balcony of our beloved Miami condo for the very last time, I couldn’t help but think about fate, about destiny, about a convergence of life happenings that brought me there. Decades ago I moved to Miami to advance my career in television production. Ironically, I only stayed at that job position for 1 year but ended up staying 9 more, partnering with Brian and Kevin of Forti/Layne Entertainment producing, editing and co-directing so many wonderful projects.

Our most spectacular view from the balcony.

Obviously, I racked up hundreds of experiences during that decade. However, for this story to come full circle I want to focus on the night I went to a party at a building that jutted out into Biscayne Bay. I have crystal clear images of that night;

meeting at my best friend, Emilce’s house, downing some pre-party cocktails
packing into a car with a group of friends singing to Santana’s “Maria, Maria”
pulling up to the grand building tucked back off the busy, kinda seedy main street of Biscayne Blvd.
the warm wind that gusted off the bay as we entered that forced us to walk with leaned intention
the spectacular water view from the apartment
and finally the seed planted in my brain that I would live there one day

Biscayne 21 as it was known. Located at 21st Street and North Bayshore Drive off Biscayne Blvd and jutting out into Biscayne Bay.

Fast forward a decade, I moved back to NY having never lived in that building of my dreams while actually living in Miami. I settled back into New York living by buying my first co-op and moving in with my now husband, Juancarlos. Then 2 years later by absolute luck…AKA fate, an apartment in that very building came available. So, I bought it sight unseen. That is how much I wanted to be there.

Our beloved southern home, at just the right height, just the right location, just the perfect view. Just perfect.

After the closing, keys in hand, I pushed open the door that turned my purchase from wishful dream to glorious reality.

Not a lick of substantial furniture, armed only with an air mattress and some linens. It was all I needed to feel at home.

At first, we rented the apartment full time thinking it would be an investment property, and then eventually turn into a retirement pied a terre. But after awhile Juancarlos and I realized we wanted this place all to ourselves. Now after 20 years, we were forced out. The greedy glut of overbuilding and erecting enormous monstrosities has bought us out. A developer will tear down the quaint 15 story building to replace it with not 1 but 3 towers of 53 floors each! Yet another part of Miami history turned to rubble. If you have ever seen the movie “Something About Mary” then you have seen our building. It was the one to the left of the singers on the final scene. And oh yeah, they tore down the historic beautiful house that Mary lived in to construct an obnoxiously tall building that used to block the sun on our pool. But what can you do, fight city hall? So, we sold off most of the furnishings, gave away some, packed up the rest and drove back to NY with our memories in tow.

Even with clouds the days were beautiful.

Miami represents a million things to me. My first venture out of my native NY to pursue a career in live television. Being away from my beloved family and all our gatherings. Buying my first car, having 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms all to myself. No more elevator to the basement to wash my clothes, I had a washer/dryer all to myself and only having to deal with my lint, and no one else’s. Meeting new friends that would last a lifetime, Winning awards for my production work. Meeting my husband, being proposed by him in Miami. Having a second wedding celebration there for our friends who couldn’t/didn’t want to fly after 9/11, honeymooning in Miami and the Keyes and so much more. We have hundreds upon hundreds of photos, and I will do my best to inundate you with images so you too can be wrapped in the warm glow that tugged at my heart.

Engagement Party smiles. Juancarlos proposed to me in Miami two weeks before September 11.

It was a second home, and as such we welcomed our family and friends. For many years, my parents would spend the entire month of February there. Sometimes we would join them and spend precious moments together, by the pool, at the beach, but mostly eating. Who doesn’t enjoy a good meal with the people who bring you joy?

Since Miami had such meaning to us from a marriage point of view, we used to go down in October to celebrate our anniversary. And of course, we would meet up with friends or invite them over for nibbles and drinks, laughter and good cheer. We celebrated not just anniversaries but many a birthday as well, with our dearest fra-mily. Our home was small but mighty in the joy it provided.

Birthday celebration with framily, during a February visit when my parents were down. See my dad in the background? On this occasion our friends, John & George, hosted at that fabulous house.

From an uncomplicated lifestyle, to enough room to entertain, to a view that never got old, only got better. It fulfilled my every dream from decades prior.

The sunrise that warms our souls and inspired us to get up and get out.

Midday beauty. Nature’s artistry at work.

Reflections. Even the tall buildings provided interesting views.

At night the glow provided a different kind of warm.

A glow that filled not just the sky, but my heart.

One sure way of knowing when I’m comfortable and completely at home is preparing and enjoying meals. And boy, did we do that. If I have a kitchen, I will be stirring up some food of love. Every morning we would take our coffee & breakfast to watch the sun rise. Every late afternoon after a day at the beach we would make a healthy meal and eat on the balcony. In the evening, a cocktail or wine and watch the lights brighten the skyline. It was endless joy.

Sun rays reaching towards us to welcome us to another picture perfect day.

Here is a smorgasbord of food offerings over the years.

I’ve even had the great fortune of selling my children’s book at the famous Books & Books stores in Coral Gables and Miami Beach, as well as school author visits.

Signing books at the Coral Gables Books & Books store.

Proudly showing off my title at the Miami Beach Books & Books location. (Unfortunately, that store closed after the pandemic.)

A school assembly, getting the kids energized and excited. There is nothing better than a child’s enthusiasm, and to encourage creativity, imagination and curiosity. I have been blessed.

Many a time this place has grounded me. I used the beach and the water to find my way, to answer my questions, to assuage my doubts, to remind me of my talents and all the opportunities that the universe has locked and loaded for me.

The ocean vastness was never overwhelming. It showed me the greatness that was far reaching and touched us all.

Long walks along the golden sands providing quiet time to reflect.

We frequented a beach that rarely had crowds of people. Most of the time we had yards of beach to ourselves.

Shining sparkles that bounce off the water as if you say, look at all the possibilities life has to offer.

Each sparkle an opportunity, all rushing towards me.

The quiet expanse that calmed and soothed me.

Sun that would warm my skin and my soul.

Quality time with my husband, where we walked for miles, talked for days and dreamed up our future.

Together in the place where we met, fell in love, got engaged, celebrated our wedding and honeymooned. How could this place not have meaning to us.

Change is hard. And this change is not just hard but ironic. Since over two decades ago I made the hard choice to leave Miami to return to New York. To once again further my career, to be closer to family, and be near my beloved city. When the thought of leaving Miami became hard, I enlisted the advice from the popular book, Who Moved My Cheese? Back then, I was so afraid of making the move, of making a mistake. Would I find work? Could I survive freelancing? Would I miss the diversity of work, my friends, the sun and warm weather? But as the book professes, there is Cheese everywhere, and enough to go around for everyone. My cheese may have been moved again, but I know I will find an abundance and variety no matter where I turn.

And so here is the long goodbye, as we drove away from a view that will forever be etched in my mind. With gratitude and love for how much the universe has provided me, I give thanks for all the blessings in my life. And am reminded that the sun shines in the sky, no matter what longitude or latitude in which you are standing.

From recipes to table settings, lifestyle ideas and food travels, Dana finds simple and easy ways to entertain with her "something from nothing" approach. Whether it’s a holiday feast, a garden party, cocktail event, or Tuesday's dinner, her mantra is always the same; keep it simple, make it delicious, stir it with love.

Dana has also written a children's book series that encourages thoughtfulness, Think...then Jump™

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