Peter Gammons Talks Baseball, Passion, and Success

Signed baseball by Peter Gammons and a Louisville Slugger
Signed ball by Peter Gammons from Monday’s event and Tony’s battered, Pete Rose, Louisville Slugger.

 

The Event

On Monday I accompanied Tony to a client appreciation event held at the law offices of Greenberg Traurig in Boston’s financial district. Being there brought back fond memories of my time working nearby on Franklin Street.

I debated attending wondering what I could offer in a room full of lawyers. As it happens, my cousin David is a partner at the firm – catching up with him alone would be a treat (he’s one of the funniest people I know.)

The spacious and sleekly designed office space was also a treat. The outdoor patio on the 20th floor really sold me. When I stepped out and looked up to the tops of the surrounding buildings framed by blue sky, I imagined spending many a lunch hour enjoying this lovely retreat. Not surprisingly, it’s rarely used. Partners are too busy and associates wouldn’t dare be caught lounging outside.

Peter Gammons Takes the Mic

I soon turned my attention turned to the evening’s keynote speaker. The firm brought in esteemed sportswriter and baseball television analyst, Peter Gammons.

I’m not going to lie, baseball isn’t my game, but as soon as Gammons began speaking, I was fascinated with his in-depth recall of dates, statistics, players and general baseball knowledge. His remarkable knowledge and clear passion were inspiring. He commented on everything from the problems with youth sports to what it takes to be a star, along with countless anecdotes of his encounters with baseball greats.

I found his story about recognizing a great hitter most fascinating. Read his full story here. He explained that only great hitters like Ted Williams, Don Mattingly and Mark McGwire have had the experience. It’s when the seams of a fastball connect with the bat of a perfect swing in just the right spot on a foul straight back – or something like that. The perfect storm of power and placement results in the burning smell of ball striking bat.

The Message

While most of this baseball talk was lost on me, I took from it two things – the passion, dedication and natural ability to be great at something will lead you to unique experiences reserved only for a select few. I would like an experience like that someday. If you love something, like Peter Gammons does baseball, you can engross yourself in it so completely that your passion alone will bring you success and personal fulfillment.

I have found my passion in writing. While this discovery came later in my life, I’m very glad to have uncovered it and am committed to seeing where it will take me.

Have you found your passion?

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Stretch It Out – Stretching Exercises from Gaiam

girl stretching
I want to be this flexible some day.

 

I’m a big fan of good old-fashioned stretching exercises. I don’t do them enough, but I love it when I do. Yoga seems to have taken the place of stretching these days, but for me yoga’s not the same. All of the balancing and strength poses throw me off when all I really want is to loosen up with some classic bends and pulls.

I once suggested a 30-minute gym class just for stretching exercises and the instructor said, “That won’t go over well because most people hate stretching. Wow, I thought, how can most people hate something that I really love?

I once read that we should look to our dogs when it comes to a smart way to start our day. More often than not, the first thing a dog does when he wakes is to stand up and stretch.  I can attest that Oscar goes about a full downward dog at least 3 or 4 times before he gets moving – noisily I might add.

I’ve tried to commit to daily stretching exercises on my own, but I never follow through even though it seems like such a simple thing to do. I know exactly the kinds of stretches to do, but I find it so much easier to be led through a series of movements rather than do them on my own.

Just last week I discovered Gaiam AM/PM stretch through XFINITY On Demand. If you have XFINITY, you’ll find it under Sports & Fitness, Gaiam TV Fit & Yoga, Free Gaiam TV (because I refuse to pay any more than what XFINITY already gauges me for).

 

GAIAM stretching exercises with Madeleine Lewis
Simple, good stretching.

 

This 30-minute routine instructed by Madeleine Lewis is perfect – not too long, but just long enough and the basic stretches leave me feeling limber and energetic.

I’m so hooked on this program that I’m pushing both Julia and Ally to do it with me.  They aren’t as excited about the idea as I am, but I feel strongly that kids today are experiencing more injury and lethargy because quality stretching is being neglected.

If the Gaiam stretch video interests you, but you don’t have XFINITY, you can purchase it online at Barnes and NobleWalmart, or Target.

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A Cure for Diabetes – Connecting with a Cause

Friends at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
A wonderful group of women together for a great cause.

 

JDRF Gala

Saturday night I had the pleasure and honor to attend the Annual JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) fundraising event in an effort to raise money to find a cure for diabetes in children.  My good friend Karyn’s oldest daughter was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes ten years ago. The closer I’ve become with Karyn the more I want to help in any way I can.

I feel honored that Karyn and her husband, John, include us in this special night where over 600 guests come together to raise money for a cure for diabetes. Yes, attending the gala is a fancy night out in Boston with wonderful friends, but more than that, it’s an opportunity for me to contribute to a cause that I feel personally tied to. Supporting research for type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a no brainer for me because I want nothing more than for Karyn and John’s beautiful daughter to be cured of this disease.

Choosing a Cause

But choosing how and where to make a difference philanthropically isn’t always easy.  There are a great number of good causes and it can be overwhelming to know which to become involved with. I feel bad when I see a post for help on Facebook, but I opt to keep scrolling.  Whether it’s a family in need, an abandoned dog or a save the planet message; I want to help. But realistically, it’s not always possible and so I must choose.

A Personal Connection

Like with JDRF, I commit to causes to which I have a personal connection. I have friends and family whose children suffer from Cystic Fibrosis and another friend who is a long standing supporter of St. Jude. When opportunities come up to support either of these I say Yes! If either of the schools my daughter’s attend holds a food drive or fundraiser, I do everything I can to participate.

At the end of the day, I do the best that I can and try not to feel guilty when a call comes in that I must decline. I remind myself that I can’t do it all, but I am 100 percent dedicated to doing what I can.

Indeed, it takes a village and I’m grateful to be a part of a group of friends and a community where we can lean on each other whether to find a cure for diabetes, cystic fibrosis or cancer.

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Haute Under the (Dog) Collar

dog collars
Decisions, decisions! Dog collars for every occasion.

 

Motherhood can take many forms. The busier my girls get, the more I transfer my smothering to my schnauzer, Oscar.

Not long ago, a friend commented on Oscar’s copious dog collar collection (Hi Gretch!). I was thrilled that someone noticed and explained that we’re all lucky he’s not a girly teacup pup because if he were, he’d most definitely be dressed to the nines. Why I have this compulsion, I’m not entirely sure. But fortunately for Oscar, and everyone else who knows me, he does not like to be weighed down with uncomfortable canine apparel.  The one time I put a t-shirt on him, he froze and wouldn’t move a muscle. It was a Thing 2 t-shirt! It would’ve been so cute for one of my girls to wear Thing 1 with him in Thing 2.

Dressing Oscar?

Alas, I won’t torture my poor boy, but there is something I oddly enjoy about dressing a dog.  They have personalities after all and what better way to express yourself than through your wardrobe.  Luckily, my fashion affinity is not entirely lost on Oscar.  I’ve channeled my desire to adorn him through collars.

Oscar’s Dog Collar Collection

He has sports dog collars, Christmas dog collars, weekend/leisure dog collars and two signature mustache collars.  However, my all-time favorite is what I like to call his “business tie.”

 

Schnauzer dog collar
Dapper.

 

His business collar gives him an air of sophistication and professionalism that seems to suit (pun intended) his serious demeanor. I put it on him on Mondays and together we are back to business with focus and determination. Yeah, I know I’m nuts.

Where to Buy Dog Collars

My favorite dog collars can be found at Ciao! Bow Wow in North Andover. Mel LaRocca is the owner and she stocks her specialty pet store with the most adorable assortment of collars, among other great pet foods and items. I’m particularly fond of the Yellow Dog Design line which, in a medium, is just the right size and weight.

All this collar talk has suddenly given me the urge to run down to Ciao! Bow Wow for a new look for my little man…

I’m back and wouldn’t you know I’ve found not one, but two new options. I couldn’t resist the funny face collar for Oscar’s rare, silly days and although he already has a Red Sox collar, I find it a bit cumbersome, so the new version is sure to get much more wear.

 

Red Sox and silly face dog collars from Ciao! Bow Wow
Today’s new collars courtesy of Ciao! Bow Wow

 

Ok, I’ve shared my crazy dog lady side, what crazy things do you do for your dog?

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Motherhood on Mother’s Day

my daughters at Lake Winnipesaukee 2010 and a rose
The girls, Lake Winnipesaukee – 2010

 

When I first began writing for hire, a seasoned editor advised me not to get caught up in “mom writing.”

I knew what she meant and did my best to follow her suggestion. Later I was told to write about what I love and what I know best. If that’s the case – then motherhood is my muse. Yesterday was Mother’s Day. It was an intentionally quiet day and I took the opportunity to reflect. My thoughts went to gratitude – first for having a wonderful mother who helped me be the mother I am today and second for having two wonderful children who have allowed me to embrace motherhood in a way that no one might ever have guessed I would.

When I was young, I wasn’t drawn to little kids.  I never babysat and I never oohed and aahed over babies like some of my friends and sister did.

Becoming a Mom

When Julia came into my life, a switch flipped. Eighteen month after Julia, Ally joined the party and motherhood has been my obsession ever since. Not in a helicopter parent kind of way, OK maybe sometimes, but in the way that there’s nothing I’d rather be doing than taking care of my girls.

I don’t like to go on and on about it, but motherhood fulfills me in a way that nothing ever has. Yes, I’ve pursued a writing career to fill my time and justify my two degrees, but I often say that I could be totally satisfied just being Julia’s and Ally’s mom. Whether I work a little or a lot or not at all, they are my top job and I really enjoy what I do.

When I first became a mom, my dad noticed how engrossed I was in the role, he said “Beth, I never thought you’d be a mom, never mind a good one.” I laughed so hard at this sideways compliment, but fully understood his sentiment.  Motherhood changed me in a lot of positive ways.

Of course, it’s not always easy, but nothing great ever is. When I look at the featured photo and think about the six years that have passed since then, I know that time is precious.

It Goes by Fast

At the risk of being cliché, this year has flown by at record speed. I can’t believe we are nearly midway through 2016.  I was warned that as the girls got older time would move more quickly.

I feel it happening and I’m not sure if the rush scares me or thrills me. Either way, I’m holding on tight and doing everything possible to enjoy the ride.

To all the moms out there, Happy Mother’s Day – yesterday, today and everyday!

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