This is for you Penny B! My goal of every Sunday writing to everyone has gotten side tracked and I do apologize--I will make the effort to stick to my guns on this. Feel free to give me "heck" if I don't!

Fun news-- my submission story to the editors of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series is in final contention and if it makes it--will be in the new book of the series coming out around first of the YEAR. I will keep you posted!

Getting ready to open in Chicago and I am very excited abut it! The opening events will be free and fun for everyone! So if you are in the area come on down-- all the info. is right on home page-- you can't miss it!

If you would like copy (e-mail style) of our latest New Face of Fitness News & Views newsletter-send me a note and we will get it out to you! This one is a goodie!

September 11, 2001- I was watching MSNBC with my honey, just catching morning news updates when live coverage of the second plane slamming into the tower hit the screen and my eyes like a ton of bricks. My hubby and I just sat there in total disbelief, eyes glued to the TV. The days that followed I just could not get away from the TV, the heartfelt stories, the horrific images, the loss, the grief.

You know at that point, fat did not matter, being short did not matter, thin did not matter, being rich or being poor did not matter, being made fun of did not matter, feeling intimidated did not matter--judging, prejudice, any and all the negative stuff---all of the stuff we carry around that makes us lose our sense of self, our sense of worth just did not matter---what matters is life and love and family and friends and being together--- the responsibility of trying to take better care of me so I can really get the most out of what really matters does indeed lie with ME!

So for that reason I work out, I make better food choices and I keep trying--because when you love someone and they are lost from you on this earth suddenly and/or tragically size, shape, and all our hang-ups just do not matter--we must cherish our lives--our families and friends and our time on this earth and live to the fullest of full---life is there and gone--one thing that does bring some sense of balance ---love and memories do keep---

I am so sad for all the loss and grief of September 11, 2001. I thank God daily and so appreciate the love and life, family and friends that I have been blessd with. Remembering is a good thing! The small stuff--hey it really DOES NOT matter!

Heres' to love and life and the quality of them both. What a worthy investment eh?
Love, Dee