Mark Time Mark ~My Night with an Old Friend

Mark Time Mark

My Night with an Old Friend

Now that time has passed, I think it’s ok to tell a story about an amazing time I had this summer with a cherished childhood friend.

While paroozing my Facebook newsfeed one day this summer a photo of my friend Mark came up. His wife Inga had tagged him in the photo. But the amazing thing was he was standing along one of the canals in Amsterdam. I quickly clicked the like button and asked if he was in Amsterdam.

Mark and I were introduced to each other at the early age of birth. Our parents were best and dear friends. They had all gone to high school together and along with their friends, were raising their children together in the beautiful little town of Plymouth, Michigan.

As our beloved parents would have dinners together or get together to play Bridge, Mark and I would play. I fondly remember having to play some sort of “boy” game… legos, blocks or building or some sort of chase game. My dollies and tea parties were not invited. But as we grew up we both became interested in music. Being the gifted musician I am (hahha this is totally a joke!), I faked my way through middle school and high school band. Practicing only when forced because of some sort of try out or challenge for a 1^st chair spot that always scared me to death. I was plenty happy hiding in the third row but for some reason had enough God given talent that sent me to the 1^st chair more than I care to remember.

I played Clarinet and Mark played Saxophone. By high school I had my hiding technique pretty well mastered and had discovered, I was there for the love of the friends. Mark was there for the love of his music and his friends. My favorite time was in marching band hearing the sounds of our drum major yelling “Mark Time Mark” that would send us into a magical few minutes of music, precision and designs that told a story of the music.  Mark was in many different bands…. Symphony band, Jazz Band, Marching Band… the list goes on. We were surrounded by wonderful musicians and it was an incredible experience to be a part of. But it became quite apparent that Mark was a truly gifted musician.

My parents have both passed, so as the years went on I had lost connection with Mark. There was no way I was going to let an opportunity like him being in Amsterdam pass without making sure we got to see each other. I had heard that he had headed to New York and was enjoying life as a musician in New York City. As Facebook came along I saw that he was playing in the pit in many Broadway shows. Looked like he was having a fabulous time doing something he not only loved but had such a talent for. As we made plans to meet for lunch I had no idea what he was doing in Amsterdam… just figured he was touring with a show.

My husband and I met Mark and his wife Inga at Hard Rock in Amsterdam. Embracing, catching up on life and chatting the afternoon away … we all were having so much fun that my husband and I invited them back to our home for the night.

 Overnight bags packed quickly we decided we would take the short drive to Belgium for dinner at my favorite abbey in Postel.

Even Amy got in on the fun. Inga is the essence of cool! She works for Saturday Night Live as a hair and wig designer and stylist for cast members and also guests. Inga offered to cut her hair after she heard Amy asking if I would take her to get her hair cut. Haircut by a SNL pro… you bet!

Sometime during the day Mark asked me…. “Is there a chance that you would have time to come back to Amsterdam tomorrow for the concert?” Knowing now why he was there.. I tried to contain my excitement by not jumping up and down but beamed out an elated YES!!! Quickly I cleared anything that would possibly be on my calendar and made a reservation at the hotel they were staying at. Ready to see the concert of all concerts!

Mark and Inga left early in the morning from our house so that he could get back to work. I took the train in to Amsterdam later that afternoon, only getting lost once on the tram. But I was so giddy I didn’t even care!! Inga and I met up and taxied our way to the Ziggo Dome.

Tickets in hand ready to see

Barbra Streisand!

Yes, Mark was one of a handful of lucky people asked to travel and tour with Barbra Streisand around Europe.

I have loved Barbra since I was about 6 years old and saw Funny Girl for the first time.  I couldn’t even tell you my favorite Barbra song… People, My Man, Yentl, The Way We Were, Gypsy, Don’t Rain on My Parade… the list goes on and on. My admiration for this woman with the voice has lasted for years. To see and hear her in person was beyond a dream come true. She was beautiful, classy, humble and beyond pitch perfect! As described before about Ms. Streisand… her voice is smooth as budder and crystal clear.

My Man

But I do have to admit the highlight of my night was getting to see Mark perform with her. As intermission came I saw him standing looking into the audience. I stood and waved wildly at him. 

We both beamed with excitement knowing what a special time it was for us. Mark played 6 different instruments that night! I am so ever proud of my friend Mark and thank him and his beautiful wife Inga for a weekend I’ll never forget. A big hug to your parents Marge and Ted, I know mine… Dick and Nadine, are smiling knowing we got to see each other.

Getting to see Barbra Streisand in concert… perfection!

Getting to see my childhood friend Mark perform with her… priceless!!

Well I’ll be a Yankee Doodle Dandy!

Well I’ll be a Yankee Doodle Dandy! 

I finally found a great supply of Yankee Candles here in Eindhoven. There are a few places that sell Yankee Candles but this place has its own special room.

About a year ago my friend Megan and I took off in the middle of a rainstorm in search of this store. We drove around for an hour in the pouring rain with an inkling of an idea on where we were going. I finally had to leave but she was able to find it. With no address in my possession I finally concluded that I would never find it.

Not knowing it was the same store, my friend Kelly told of me of a great place to buy the candles we from the States were missing so much. Address in hand I took off.. and it really wasn’t hard at all. Minus a rainstorm, an address and a GPS, it was pretty easy!

If you’re on the hunt for Yankee Candles or if you’ve never experienced Yankee Candles, do yourself and your house a little favor and visit this beautiful little shop. It’s called La Brasseur. 

Enjoy!

Fashion Fridays Oh Yeah!

Fashion Fridays

Oh Yeah!

While traveling in the States a few weeks ago, I loved my time shopping with my girls in Dallas. There are some amazing malls in Dallas with one of my favorites being Northpark Center.

 http://www.northparkcenter.com/

I’ll keep this short and you can parooze their site… but saw these shoes and thought…

Kate Spade Taxi Shoes

Oh Yeah! I would totally wear those!

 But, I didn’t buy them. This trip was about my girls. Maybe another day.

Fashion in Dallas! You bet!!!

A House Divided

A House Divided

A house divided is like a heart divided. After a recent trip back to the good ole US of A, I realized it only takes a few moments for the rush of familiarity to take hold of your heart.

The Texas summer heat engulfs you as you exit the plane but cool air welcomes you home as you enter the main building of the airport ready to go through customs.

Embracing my children and family, we make a plan for our time we would get to spend together. Selfishly I plan two days to spend with my girls for alone time with mommy. Shopping, lunches, Mani/Pedi’s, laughter and the joy of just being together.

 It’s funny but when the kids were all little and all the moms were busy scheduling car pools, I was the mom avoiding them like the plague. To me, that might be the only 30-60 minutes my kids would be trapped with me alone in my car. Unable to talk to their friends, they would talk to me. Of course this was pre texting days. It’s how we learned a lot about each other and our days and I still treasure my alone times with each of my children.

But right now in our lives we are divided by a lot of miles and an ocean. As I walk into our Texas home, I’m greeted by my children’s pets, Coco, Tucker and Rocky. Tucker the cat says hello and then runs to hide while Coco and Rocky engage in a game of chase that goes on for days and days. 

My children have left their own mark on our home, a cozy family room and an inviting kitchen waiting to be filled with our family. On the walls are the gifts they have received from us or they have bought themselves. 

It’s Europe all over the walls and shelves. France, England, Belgium, Germany and of course The Netherlands line up along with family photos all over the house.

Our family is USA all the way… but what we have all become also is a heart divided. A love for the US, our core, our upbringing our history our pride and joy from shore to shore and a love for Europe with its historical beauty and charm. Understanding and appreciating many different cultures is a gift. I thank God for the opportunity to expose my family to differences around the world which has in turn shown them how much people, cultures and homes are alike.