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Milestones, Memorial Day, and Mash-Ups

Milestones…DSCN6415

Tis the season of weddings, First Communions, and graduations. Last week, my family celebrated our daughter’s college graduation. I was tempted to cry, but she wouldn’t have approved. I’m thrilled for her, confident she is ready for the next step of her journey. It also doesn’t hurt that she’ll be home with us for a year before moving onto medical school. (How can a mom resist that cute face?)

Hard to believe, but Margarita Moments & Other Escapes celebrates its second blogiversary on Friday! One randomly selected reader will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card, just for commenting on today’s post. You’ve got to enter to win!*  

Memorial Day…

All Gave Some, Some Gave All.

As much as we enjoy our Memorial Day weekend barbeques and pool parties, the meaning behind this holiday is bittersweet. Our hearts and minds remember those who have fought and died for us to have the many freedoms we savor as Americans.

Never forget.

Have a safe, relaxing holiday with your loved ones. Celebrate on behalf of those who can’t because they’re too busy keeping us safe.

…and Mash-Ups!

DSCN6377PEACH SANGRIA RECIPE

1.5 L White Wine (ie. Mescato)

1.5 cups Peach Absolut Vodka

1-2 cans of frozen lemonade

Strawberries (in chunks)

Granny Smith Apples (in chunks)

Serve over Ice or with Seltzer

JOLYSE’S HIGHLY RECOMMENDED POOLSIDE READS

 

Now it’s your turn.

Share any milestones, Memorial Day stories, suggested summer drink recipes or poolside reads. We’d love to enjoy them with you. Remember to leave a comment to be entered into this week’s drawing for a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

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*Winner must provide a valid email address in order to receive gift card via email. Winner will be announced Monday, June 3rd, 2013. Good luck!

23 comments on “Milestones, Memorial Day, and Mash-Ups

  1. Aww, thanks for the plug Jolyse! Congrats on the graduation, too! I adore this time of year for me it’s all about the grill. I love cooking and eating outside.

    1. You’re very welcome, Jeannie. Have a wonderful Memorial Day relaxing with your family. I love the grill, too, my favorite recipes posted last year at this time (bacon-wrapped scallops and shrimp skewers). According to my Kindle, I’m about 70% into your story and I’m enjoying every page! On my way to read the rest by the pool now. :).

  2. I agree with A.C., the peach sangria is a must now! Graduation day always brings on the water works. Medical school, that’s impressive! You should tell your daughter to make the most of that year at home because after that…life will never be the same.

    1. Hey, Nicole. You must have been commenting here while I was reading your great post about Cavern. What a cool eatery. I’d totally enjoy the wine. 🙂

      You would appreciate that my daughter is in Italy these first two weeks out of college, and loving every moment of it (although she says they’re having an unusually chilly spring). I believe she will be very busy between work as a phlebotomist, vacationing with us now and then, and interviewing for med school. I’m hopeful she will stay close to home, but you’re so right. Life will never be the same once med school starts.

      Happy unofficial start to summer!!

  3. Congratulations on your daughter’s graduation! What a remarkable young lady! I am counting the days until my summer reading marathon begins poolside. And thanks for the recipe…will have to try that one!

    1. Thanks for stopping by, M., and for your good wishes. We are very blessed and excited to have her home–if only for a short time. I’m right there with you poolside, reading, reading, reading…

      Enjoy the peach sangria. Cheers! 🙂

  4. Congratulations on your daughter’s graduation. The time has gone by way too quickly.Thanks for the book suggestions and recipe. Summer is right around the corner.

    1. I believe this summer is going to be all the sweeter for the harsh winter we’ve endured. Or something like that. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, E. and I hope your season is all you wish it to be.

  5. Your daughter looks so pleased at the graduation. I can just imagine how proud you are of her.Well done for not crying openly but I hope you managed a little out of sight. These moments happen only once but can choke you up year after year.
    xx Hugs xx

    1. Thanks, David. I admit it. I did weep a bit the morning before we left for her special weekend. I was writing her graduation card and broke down, a little montage of her as a little girl heading first to preschool, then kindergarten, high school and college flashing through my mind. In some ways, it seems like only yesterday but in others it’s been a rich lifetime of love, laughter, and tears. I have no regrets.

      That is one of my favorite photos of her from that day…reminds me of the spunky little girl inside. So proud.

      So happy you stopped by, and good luck on winning the gift card! My readers are the best. 🙂

  6. Congrats to your daughter!! Yeah, time goes so fast. You start remembering her first day in Kindergarten and the years after that. Now she’s off, as she should be, but it still hurts a bit. Bittersweet. Hugs to you, her mother, for doing such a great job!

    1. Thanks, Donna! I try not to think about the bitter part too much…I’m a look ahead instead of look back girl. Have a wonderful week, and hope all is well with you and your family. 🙂

  7. Thanks for sharing the photo of your lovely daughter, Jolyse. She looks just like you! Congratulations to her and to you on your second year of blogging! I noticed in a previous post comment, you mentioned going to a writer’s conference. Is this your first? I’ll be interested in hearing about it. I’ve never been to one, but hope to sooner rather than later. Have a great week!

    1. Hi Jill! Thanks for the good wishes. This is a fun time of year. Yes, I’ll be attending RWA’s National Conference in Atlanta this summer. I’m so excited to network, meet a bunch of my online writer pals, get immersed in the craft through workshops, and pitch my novels. I attended my first RWA National Conference two years ago when it was in my backyard (NYC) and it inspired me so much. My local RWA Chapter (LIRW) also has a small but reputable luncheon in June where agents and editors mingle with us writers. I attended two years ago and am registered to attend again this year. (Getting my pitch ready!!) I highly recommend attending writing conferences. It’s a great way to acclimate yourself with the business side of writing and surround yourself with like-minded people. I’m hoping to attend the NJ RWA conference this year and the Writer’s Digest Conference in NYC eventually.

      Feel free to email me with any private questions if you’d like. 🙂

      1. You’re obviously further along than I am if you’re ready to pitch ~ how exciting! I’ve got a long way to go before I’m ready for that, but I love the idea of the conferences and mixing with other writers. I may take you up on your offer and pick your brain a little about RWA. Thanks, Jolyse!

        1. I’ve completed one full-length contemporary romance, one shorter romantic suspense (44K), and I’m currently writing a full-length romantic suspense and another short romantic suspense/magic. My goal is to finish both WIP by November and start anew for NaNoWriMo. At least, that’s the plan. 🙂

          Always feel free to email me. Love to talk shop.

  8. Congratulations on your blog anniversary and on your daughter’s graduation!
    I’m a major book worm, so I especially appreciated the poolside reads recommendations. I’ve only read the Crossfire books from your list and… aren’t those too hot to read on a hot day? Lol. I’m anxiously awaiting the 3rd book in the series, out next week, I think.

    1. Thanks for stopping by, Adnana. Yes, I believe Entwined with You comes out on June 4th. It definitely may be too hot to read outdoors. Great point! I hope you enjoy the suggestions. 🙂

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