Daymaker - a person who performs acts of kindness with the intention of making the world a better place.
~ David Wagner
, author of Life as a Daymaker; how to change the world by making someone's day ~

DayMaker - any thought, word, or deed that spreads happiness, compassion, or fruitful ideas.
~ Annis Cassells ~

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Summer of 2012



The DayMaker is back. This summer’s blogging hiatus grew into hibernation. Traveling many miles, and  experiencing emotional highs and lows, I have had an unusual summer. And, before I knew it, it was Labor Day! 

In early July, I spent a couple of weeks in The South, lapping up Southern Hospitality, love, and friendship. In North Carolina, I spent quality time with my daughter Asila and son-in-love David. 
Asila's personal trainers at Empower Personal Training developed a partner workout for us.







I met up with old and new friends, including some darling children who bestowed my grandma name on me! I am proudly “Nama Annis” to these toddlers.


 My brother Tom and his family drove down from Virginia, and we had a mini-reunion. How those precious grandkids have grown!
The Cassells Clan

In Greenville, SC, I communed with motorcycle pals at the Women on Wheels® International Ride-In, and I visited other buddies in Georgia.  It was an action-packed couple of weeks.

With WOW (R) Women Cris and Kathy

After returning to the Oregon Coast for 10 days, I climbed onto Big Red and headed out for Carson City, Nevada, for the Women & Motorcycling Conference. There I met up with my Sunblazers friends from California and Oregon, my best riding companions. 

Elaine & Sylvia

Laurie and Virginia

At the end of the conference, I rode home to Bakersfield with Sylvia and was able to have time with her and Trudy and Trudy’s sis, Rebecca. Our friend Beth made a marathon trip from Oregon to join us. It was a lovely time. Around the dinner table, we had an opportunity to have a heart-felt conversation of appreciation. And, Trudy was in good form. 


Beth, Trudy, me, Rebecca, and Sylvia

Trudy loved her birthday, and though it was a few days early, she enjoyed this mini-cake that Beth brought.

Eighteen days later, Trudy slipped away peacefully in her sleep. As we knew the time was near, I had made the trip back to speak love into her ear and help support Sylvia and Rebecca during this last stage.

Though it was a tough summer in many ways, I am grateful to have been wrapped in the love of so many and able to be available for dear friends.

Once again I was reminded of the power of love and the impact of being human and forthcoming with our feelings. It's a beautiful and sustaining thing. 
~ xoA ~





8 comments:

  1. Glad to see you back, Annis, and to see how you spread your love and joy around the country!

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  2. Thanks, Bobbi. It was a two-way street. xoA

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  3. I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear friend, but so glad that you were able to see her and 'speak love into her ear'. What a gift for you both.

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    1. Thank you, Kim. It was an incredible gift for me -- and a privilege to be one among her many friends. xoA

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  4. It was a busy summer of highs and lows for you. So sorry to hear of your friend's passing. What a blessing that you were able to be there to offer support.

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    1. Thanks, Kate. It was a memorable summer, for sure. I was on the receiving end of many blessings. xoA

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  5. I miss Trudy, and the others from Bakersfield Women on Wheels. Trudy was an amazing motorcycle riding mentor. I hate that we lost her.

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    1. Nine years later, and she is so often in my thoughts. Some funny thing she said or one of her "only Trudy" ways will creep into my mind bringing smiles and tears. Thanks for commenting, whomever you are. xoA <3

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