This is me. I paddle like hell underneath my calm surface and it’s all okay. I’m sure many of you feel the same way from time to time. Things are hectic around me and the holidays can add an additional amount of stress. I’m reminding myself to focus on what matters most. So to anyone who needs to hear it, hang in there. Remember that you are a miracle and that you have the power to share the light you carry. A kind word and a warm smile can change the course of a persons day, especially your own. #lovedrop Denise

And great progress requires many hands too. I have spent countless hours, days and weeks working on a myriad of things related to hurricane Ian recovery and repairs, and we still have so much more to deal with and do. It’s impossible to explain how many little pieces are involved in getting things fixed and right again. But this is not a post about how exhausting so much of this time has been, but, rather this is a post about how grateful I am for the good stuff I’ve seen. I’m grateful for all of the work people are doing each day to help our communities rebuild. It’s not hard to see that people care, and even in their own exhaustion and frustrations, I recognize that given an opportunity to share a kind word and a helping hand, someone always steps up. These are the moments that lift my soul and my imagination. And these are the moments that remind me that all good things are possible.

You already know that I don’t run…unless I’m running for St Jude’s children and their families. This years St Jude fundraiser almost got away from me, but I couldn’t let that happen without at least trying to do what I can to help the kids. So, on this day known as “Giving Tuesday” I set up my team page and my personal fundraising page and I went to the park and did my second round of intervals in over a year. This is my 11th year fundraising and running for St Jude and I still suffer from anxiety about running and asking for money. So, here it goes. If you can make a small donation to St Jude, $5, $10 or more, I am happy to earn every penny as your St Jude warrior. All the money goes directly to St Jude Children’s research hospital and my sponsorship page can be find by clicking the link here!

I am heartbroken. And I am grateful to have been fortunate enough to know Jim Lorimer as a dear friend. My heart goes out to his wonderful family and millions of friends and fans all around the world.
Knowing that you are not a phone call or a visit away, feels like one of my life’s challenges dearest Jim. Forever friends. Rest in peace and joy. xo Denise

I’m pushing all of the right buttons and doing all of the things I need to do to help diagnose the current cam issue. I ordered a new camera, which hasn’t arrived yet, but if you are up for it, I would like to do a live cam show tomorrow and test the system. Plus, I think we all need to celebrate a members bday. So I hope you will join me and give it a shot tomorrow. I can’t promise the that cam will work but I want to try. Wednesday 11/23 at 9pm Et/6pm Pt – Thanks! Denise

When things don’t work, and when things don’t go according to plan, make a new plan. I will be posting the replacement cam video later today and I am working with my programmer to diagnose the connection issues we had last night. I hope to be able to do a live cam show by Wednesday night. Let’s see what I can get done. Thank you for the kind reassuring comments last night. I know how disappointing it is when things don’t work. I feel like I am in a loop of “try again”. Please stay tuned, I’m on it. xo D

Do you ever feel like you are on a roller coaster ride that just won’t stop? Yep, that’s me right now. And I know I’m not the only one feeling this way, but that doesn’t always make it easier. My schedule is turned upside down these days with lot’s of appointments that are difficult to schedule and or being rescheduled all around me. The reason for a lot of this is the ongoing Hurricane Ian clean up. We are dealing with super high demand for all kinds of repair and clean up and it’s just going to take a while to sort out. So, I’m jumping hoops, staying calm and doing what I can to keep moving forward. Stay with me a little longer as I get things sorted out and let’s catch up on Friday for happy hour. Love and Gratitude Denise

I got a reminder on my feed this morning that a year ago today I was completing my 5k run for St Jude. It made me sad to think that I have not even started running for the kids this year. I have to start running again. I have to suck it up buttercup!

I’m happy to report that Hurricane Nicole did not affect our area in any meaningful way. And even though it cost me days of work, we are getting back to it. The repairs from Hurricane Ian continue and I look forward to resetting my schedule for our next live cam show. Thank you to everyone who emailed me and for your thoughts and prayers, I really appreciate your well wishes. #lovedrop Denise

While so many people are still struggling to put their homes and lives back in order, and while so many citizens are working long hours to help in a million different ways, the fact is Tropical Storm Nicole (projected to be a category 1 hurricane is making it’s way towards Florida. That means I will be working on preparing my home for the winds and water to come. I’m so glad I got my vote in early. It’s no fun to be dealing with an additional weather event when we still have so many damages to deal with. So due to Nicole, I am forced to postpone our normal Friday Happy Hour Cam. Please stay tuned for additional updates on the cam schedule and if you are in the storms path, please prepare, and I hope you and your community stay safe and secure. #staypumped #lovedrop Denise