{ Dashus:land }

Happy Birthday to the QUEEN!

Charlie.

xox.

XOX

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

xxo!

Nine Eleven.

Wow - It's September 11th again. How these years fly by as I get older. I often write a lengthy post on September 11th as it marks three important things in my life. The tragic 9/11 attacks on the US, my father's birthday and the "birthday" of this blog which is now six years old. I often think of September as the start of a new year for me -- not January 1st like most folks do. I'm currently sitting in Rehoboth at the Bellmoor Inn enjoying my fall trip that I've taken annually. This trip is like a reset button for my soul. I get to unwind, take stock and look ahead to the future.

So the first reason I'm reflecting is the most important to me which is my Dad's birthday. I love my Dad so much. He is such an amazing person and such an incredible father. He is simply a good and decent man. He has taught me so much and I would not be the man I am today without his ever-loving guidance. I see the way his friends admire him, I see the way his grand-daughters look up to him, I see the way every member of my family looks to him with adoration. As I strive to become a better person, I look to him as my guide. I love you, Donnie Steven Sr. I adore you.

The second reason that September 11th is so important is the unfortunate 9/11 attacks. It's now been 11 years since that insane day. Having been in New York that day, there is a different feeling I have than many who were not witness to the craziness of that day. The panic in my fellow New Yorker's eyes, the dust covered office workers making their way by foot uptown and the feeling I had when I hugged my friends who had all rushed to our local pub waiting and hoping that all of us were ok. Luckily, we were all ok. We were accounted for and felt blessed. I look back at that day and know that it forever changed me. It made me look at my world differently and gave me an appreciation for the moments we have been given and that we should never assume that anything is promised. I'm grateful to live in a city that is amazingly resilient and transformative. As the new World Trade Center soars high above Lower Manhattan, I'm reminded how, despite all obstacles, we can rebuild, we can reignite a flame that was weakened if we just make it so. So many times New York has kicked my ass but I never gave up. New York has taught me so much. I'm thrilled to see it rise up and thrive. 

Lastly, the 3rd major thing on my mind today is this here blog which turns 6 today. I have loved writing on this blog each and every day. I haven't missed a day writing on this blog in over 4 years. Every single day I take a moment to post a little video, or an image or a quote that rings true to me. I've enjoyed each time I post a little something that makes me laugh or even cry. This gives me a creative outlet and also allows me a voice to reach out to folks. I love Dashus:land and I love you for reading it.

Here is to an amazing year ahead. We are lucky and blessed for each moment we get to share and revel in. Happy birthday Dad and Dashus:land!

Big love! xox.

Blessed me ~ Mr. July 23.

Today is my 36th birthday. I'm in a state of bliss today. Just back from an amazing weekend in Rehoboth Beach (my home away from home) with my partner who just continues to bring me more love than I ever expect. I'm soooo fortunate to have everything I have. I've worked hard for what I have but I've also, by chance, met people in my life who enrich my day to day life more than ever. Look at the rad peeps who shouted out to me on Facebook today. Geez. Such love from old school to new school. I'm just HAPPY. Truly happy and truly loved. This year I will continue to dedicate more to my health and my body which I have become even more focused on this past year. I'll continue to focus on my family who I adore. I'll focus time on the friends that I truly believe deserve my love. I will dedicate more time to being in love with him (Mr. RJH). I'm a blessed boy and I take nothing for granted. 36 is looking fresh. x.

Happy Birthday, Chuck.

Happy 4th, y'all from NYC.

xox.

XOX.

YO BRO.

Happy Birthday to my handsome lil' brit.

I love you to the moon and back. xox.

Birthday Girl.

Today I get to spend the day with an amazing friend. It's her birthday and we are set to make it a fabulous time. I've known the sweet Ashby over 17 years now and I consider her to be one of my dearest friends. She is beautiful, thoughtful, considerate and at all times so giving. I adore this girl and I'm so happy to be taking a day off to celebrate her. xox!!! 

Nine eleven.

Every September 11th, I have reason to take stock, look back on the year that's passed and think ahead for the next year of challenges and opportunities. I consider my post-Labor Day retreat to Rehoboth as something of a New Year's celebration. It's in the Fall that I feel like we get "reset" and I launch in to a new season. There are also three key things that are my focus on September 11th. My Dad's birthday, the 9/11 attacks and the birthday of this here blog which turns 5 today.

The first is the most important to me which is my Dad's birthday. He turns 60 this year! I love my Dad so much. He is such an amazing person and such an incredible father. He has taught me so much and I would not be the man I am today without his ever-loving guidance. He has lead by example and taught through kindness and generosity who I hope to become as I get older. The man has the humor of a master comedian, the heart of a loveable bear, and the determination of no one I've met. As I strive to become a better person, I look to him as my guide. I love you, Donnie Steven Sr. I adore you.

The second reason that September 11th is so important is the unfortunate 9/11 attacks. This year marks ten years since that dreadful day. Having been in New York that day, there is a different feeling I have than many who were not witness to the craziness of that day. The panic in my fellow New Yorker's eyes, the dust covered office workers making their way by foot uptown and the feeling I had when I hugged my friends who had all rushed to our local pub waiting and hoping that all of us were ok. Luckily, we were all ok. We were accounted for and felt blessed. I don't want to get in to the politics of that day and everything that has transpired since. I'll leave that to the CNN and FOX news experts. I look back at that day and know that it forever changed me. It made me look at my world differently and gave me an appreciation for the moments we have been given and that we should never assume that anything is promised. We must always keep in mind that nothing is owed to us and it can all be snatched away in an instant. I had my friends that day in New York to say it was ok. I'm lucky enough to have an amazing family that I adore. I'm also lucky to have friends that I consider family as well. Friends are the family you get to choose. That day, I also chose New York - a definite friend to me.

Lastly, the 3rd major thing on my mind today is this here blog which turns 5 today. I have loved writing on this blog each and every day. I haven't missed a day writing on this blog in over 3 years. Each day I take a moment to post a little video, or an image or a quote that rings true to me. I've enjoyed each time I post a little something that makes me laugh or even cry. This gives me a creative outlet and also allows me a voice to reach out to folks. I love Dashus:land and I love you for reading it.

Here is to an amazing year ahead. We are lucky and blessed for each moment we get to share and revel in. Happy birthday Dad and Dashus:land!

Big love! xox.

A big high 5 and a happy birthday!

Yesterday my buddy Justin (AKA Juki) celebrated his birthday and today two friends Mark and Angelo are celebrating their birthday. Big hugs to you guys! xxoo!

A day I kinda like....

It's my birthday today so I'm going to do something that I did a few years ago and create a list of things that I'm grateful for. This year I'm going to be 35 so I'll be naming 35 things that ring true in my heart. Wow - 35?! Where does the time go?? It's amazing. I'm such a blessed person and I appreciate every soul who has ever entered my life. You have given me the stepping stones to learn from, revel in, and grow which has made me who I am today. Here is my 35 @ 35 in no particular order. 

What I'm grateful for...

1) My Health.

2) My Mom and Dad.

3) My rock, RJH.

4) My brother, his wife and my amazing neices.

5) Cackles.

6) My London family.  

7) My beautiful friends.

8) Music that takes me there. 

9) Rehoboth Beach.

10) Alice - my cat.

11) Learning from mistakes.   

12) Everything Jenn taught me. 

13) My work & my work ethic.

14)  The quad and it's ongoing goodness  - Jason/Charlie/Justin/Stevie.

15) A breeze when you need it. 

16) Amazing food. 

17) Running my ass off. 

18) Amazing wine & fabulous cocktails.

19) The view from my balcony. 

20) Life lessons. 

21) Memories of my Nanny.

22) New York City.

23) The number 23.

24) Having learned to ride a motorcycle.

25) Growing older with style.

26) Kahlil Gibran.

27) Meaningful quotes. 

28) Reuniting with the right people. 

29) My Longwood peeps.

30) The girls in 6P. 

31) WBC.

32) Warm hugs.

33) Looking up in NYC. 

34) Falling in love. 

35) You reading this now...

King Charlie.

Birthday Boy!

Mom #2 has a birthday!

Today is the birthday of an amazing and fabulous woman that I'm proud and honored to know - dear Cackles. (That's not her real name but it should be!) Cackles is my boyfriend's mother and she is the absolute best. She is caring, kind and treats me like one of her own. I hope she is enjoying her birthday today! She deserves only fantastic & wonderful things today. Big hugs from NYC to Phillyland. xoxox.