Life & Family

Radio Rookie on Eagle News Radio

Lysa Pelletier, Beth Daigle, Leslie Buresh, Lou Blasi at Eagle News Radio station
Lysa and I gear up for the show with the clock radio she brought in to listen to in the “Green Room.” She’s a Vintage Vixen! A selfie with Lysa and Leslie. Ready to roll! Lou, Lysa and Leslie – where the magic happens.

 

Hanging with the Valley Girls

I had a smile on my face all afternoon on Tuesday. I kept thinking about my morning and how giddy I was to have done something I’d always wanted to do. It didn’t hurt that it happened with one of the funniest women I know. I’ve known Lysa Pelletier-Gibbs for about 10 years. She’s a talented fashion and product stylist and we’ve always wanted to work together. It took us about 9 years, but it finally happened when Lysa joined the team at Merrimack Valley Magazine. Working on editorial was fun, but sitting in as Lysa’s guest on her new radio show took it to an entirely new level.

Lysa and her life-long friend, Leslie Buresh, are the “Valley Girls” at WCCM 1110 Eagle News Radio airing Tuesday’s at 11:00 a.m. They, along with producer Lou Blasi, create a talk show that makes good on the station’s claim as “The Conversation Station.” These ladies know how to talk.

“I’ve wanted to do this for years,” Lysa shared about why she ventured into radio. “I figured radio would be easier than TV (no hair and make-up and I don’t have to hold in my stomach) and I love talking with talented, funny, inspirational people.

I was thrilled to be a “Valley Girl” guest. I’d get to see what goes on behind a broadcast and tell the Eagle News Radio 1110am audience all about 3 Olives & a Twist – Yay me! I just hoped others wouldn’t hate the sound of my voice as much as I do.

Inside the Eagle News Radio Studio

The radio booth was exactly as I imagined it; an intimate space with classic looking microphones, headsets and a control center that Lou manned like the seasoned pro that he is.

Eagle News Radio station studio
Quiet when entering the sound booth! Foam soundproofing is functional and aesthetically appealing. My headset, mic and the heart rock Lysa gave me from Ogunquit beach.

 

I wasn’t nervous, although I thought I should be. I’m a writer after all – there’d be no delete or backspace on my words this time. Lysa and Leslie, however, kept the conversation flowing with ease. And as I always do with Lysa, I giggled at her endless humor. She’s one of those magnetic people that promotes positivity and laughter. In fact, laughter is a tie that bonds Lysa and Leslie.

“Lysa and I’ve been friends for eva,” says Leslie in her signature “Valley Girl” accent. “Since high school we’ve always had a blast. Over the past 5 years, our boys went to high school and played basketball together – we saw each other all the time. Two years ago, my husband was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away in October – Lysa was there for us and especially me. She makes me laugh and I make her laugh. So when she asked, how could I not join her on the airways! She’s my best friend–she makes me want to dream again. I’m not quite there; but soon, hopefully, I will dream big for myself and that would make Lysa soooo happy.”

Leslie’s touching words made me even happier that I’d tried something new with such fabulous people. It was so much fun and I hope the folks listening enjoyed it as much as I did. Whenever we got our first caller, Ernie, I almost jumped off my seat. I hope our dating advice gets him a gal!

Lysa was as happy with the show as I was. “Yesterday’s show was EXACTLY what I dreamed it would be,” she said. “Hanging with my bestie (and Lou of course) and having a wonderful guest that I could share with the world (or at least Merrimack Valley).”

Awww, thanks Lysa! The entire experience was hilarious and exciting. If you missed it, here’s the podcast link to my first ever radio spot.

The Podcast – In case you missed it…

 

Valley Girls 7-5-16, Click Here To Listen

Jump to minute 2:01 for the show’s start and minute 14:15 for my first words.

Thank you Lysa, Leslie, Lou and all the Eagle News Radio listeners for an awesome opportunity!

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Life & Family

Happy 4th of July! How are you celebrating?

4th of July North Andover Fireworks, 7/3/2016
North Andover Fireworks, 7/3/2016

 

So far, this 4th of July weekend, the weather has been beautiful, the beaches packed and barbecues plentiful. I have enjoyed time with my family and friends and took in a beautiful fireworks display in good old North Andover.

But more than all the busy stuff, I have most enjoyed lazy mornings, catching up on yard work and evening walks with my dog, Oscar. It’s always the simple things that make the biggest impression on me. Don’t get me wrong – I love a little hype now and again, but laying low can be just as rewarding. In past years, we’ve typically traveled over the 4th of July holiday. Being at home this year gave us the welcomed opportunity to enjoy Independence Day at a different, slower pace.

Overall, it’s been a wonderful holiday weekend. In addition to the fun and festivities, we’ve had the opportunity to reflect and celebrate the freedom and goodness that our great country still has to offer. Today I pray for peace, prosperity and continued American pride.

How did you spend your 4th of July weekend?

***On an unrelated note – I’m excited to announce that I’ll be sitting in for my first radio spot tomorrow on Eagle News Radio, The Conversation Station, WCCM 1110am. I’ll be a guest on Lysa Pelletier-Gibbs’, show, Valley Girls, on air at 11:00 am. We’ll be talking about reinventing yourself after forty. I’ll hope you’ll tune in.***

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Life & Family

Advice for College Students

graduation cap and diploma

June is always a busy month for me. We take on three family birthdays, Father’s Day and, of course, the typical end of school chaos.

This year we had the added pleasure of attending several high school graduation parties. Interestingly, these celebrations struck an emotional chord with me, more so than anything else. Watching these young graduates reach this pivotal milestone conjured up old feelings of when I went off to college. New feelings also emerged as I realized how soon I would be seeing my own children take this step toward adulthood and independence. I reflected on my college years and thought about what my advice for college students of today might be.

I was vicariously excited for the new phase of life these young, enthusiastic people are entering. I considered my own college experience and couldn’t help think about how I could’ve done it differently. I entered UMASS Amherst from graduating class of 60 girls at the Academy of Notre Dame in Tyngsboro, MA. I was scared and totally unprepared for the culture shock I would face. I would say my first real taste of freedom was intoxicating and toxic at the same time. My freshman year was rough, but I eventually got my act together and made it through the final three years. The one thing I didn’t do, was take my undergraduate education as seriously as I should have. I often wonder where I would be now, career-wise, had I been a better student and more tuned-in to the classes and opportunities I had available to me.

From the time I was little, I knew I was a creative person, yet I majored in business management and marketing. I considered a minor in art, but blew it off. Why? I’m honestly not sure, but I regret that I didn’t explore that further. Business didn’t excite me then or when I took a job in the financial services industry as a post-graduate.

Advice for College Students Today

If I could’ve told my young self a few things before heading off to college, here’s what I would’ve said:

  1. Relax and take it slow. Know your limits and remember why you are at college. Study first, party second.
  2. Your destiny may not yet be clear, but pay close attention to the classes and experiences that you are most enjoying. Your future success and contentment may very well be tied to your passions. It doesn’t always work out that way, but exploring the possibility will at least ensure you don’t utter the phrase, “coulda, woulda, shoulda.”
  3. Think ahead – really think ahead. Take time to consider what you want to do in life and whether you can see yourself happy on your chosen career path long-term. Change what you need to change, but commit when you’ve got it figured out. Seek the help of professors, parents and mentors. Don’t coast through college without a plan.

As my girls get close to graduation, I’ll be doling out more and more advice based on my own experiences and I’m sure they’ll beg me to stop. I know that those four years can be easily wasted or optimized and I want the young people of today to make the most of them. Their future selves (and parents) will be glad they did.

What would your advice for college students be?

Students graduating tossing their caps
College bound.
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Life & Family

Great Advice From My Horoscope App

The Daily Horoscope App
The Daily Horoscope App – available at the App Store on smartphones

 

Lately I’ve been caught up worrying that my blog posts are not getting a lot of “Likes” (on Facebook) or comments. I know you are reading because so many of you have the nicest things to say when I see you in person. Thank you for that!

I find myself asking; what are my posts are missing? What could I be doing or writing that would be more engaging?

When I wrote exclusively for the magazine, feedback wasn’t really expected and that made things easy. Now, in this sea of social media, I see all kinds of posts getting hundreds of “Likes” and comments. I wonder how I can reach readers here in the same way.

Advice from Daily Horoscope

Before this concern became all-consuming, I was reminded that this blog is only three months old and things take time. But I am so impatient! Thank you to my family and friends who talk me off the ledge. I also read somewhere that “Likes” and comments shouldn’t really matter as long as you are putting out quality content. OK, but still I obsessed.

Until this past Tuesday when I opened up my handy horoscope app and read this:

 

Leo

 

OMG – was the universe speaking directly to me? I was actually stunned when I read it and, as I often do with my horoscope, I took it to heart.

I discovered The Daily Horoscope app in the App Store a couple of years ago and have found it to be consistently positive and spot on 90 percent of the time.

Daily Horoscope App Icon
DH Icon

 

I turned Julia onto it and now she follows it too. Whenever she needs a little reassurance or encouragement, this app seems to have just the right message for her. It’s crazy really and, like mine, her horoscope is often eerily in tune with some specific things going on in her life. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve said to each other, “Did you see my horoscope today? It’s weird, just plain weird.”

So today I will listen to my horoscope and if the “Likes” and comments don’t come flooding in, I’m OK with it. But hey, don’t let that stop you. If you are so inclined- I’d love to hear from you.

Have you tried the Daily Horoscope App? Do you find it eerily accurate or missing the mark?

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Life & Family

The Memorial Day Flag Garden – An Impactful Tribute

Memorial Day Flag Garden in Boston

 

I don’t always remember to remember on Memorial Day. Sometimes beaches and barbeques take center stage and the point of this unofficial start of summer, day off, escapes me.

This year, however, I did something that made an impression and secured, in my mind and heart, what this day is all about. I love getting into Boston, so when this volunteer activity came up to participate in the Memorial Day Flag Garden, I was thrilled to participate.

Remembering Those We’ve Lost through the Memorial Day Flag Garden

I joined my sister, along with hundreds of other volunteers, in planting over 37,000 flags at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument at Boston Common. This annual tradition is organized by The Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund for which my cousin’s wife, Diane Nealon, is the Executive Director. I’m so grateful to Diane for sharing this opportunity with us.

Days later, I returned to see the completed flag garden with my entire family. Realizing that each flag in the mass display represented the life of a fallen Massachusetts service member since the Revolutionary War was sobering. I kept thinking – this is Massachusetts alone.

 

Over 37,000 flags planted at the Memorial Day Flag Garden in Boston
Impressive

 

This breathtaking tribute is on display until 6pm this evening at which time the flags will be retired. If you are in the Boston area on Memorial Day and have the chance to stop by the Memorial Day Flag Garden, I think you’ll find the sea of flags as impactful as I did.

Interested in volunteering in Boston?

Check out these opportunities at Volunteer Match.

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