I’ve come to a point in my life where I am fine tuning my focus. This entails a little R & R without any doubt or guilt in my mind that “work must me done.” I’m just taking time on the weekend and focusing on enjoying the moment.
Welcome to My neighborhood, Ithaca, New York. Where many talented folks come out on this day for what we call “Porchfest” – A magical event because all I have to do is walk out my door and there is entertainment all day long.
The Lesson Here is to take a few moments and sit back. There is nothing to learn, noting to take action on, but only one thing….RELAX……ENJOY……SHARE!
JUST IN TIME:
LOVE THE LIFE YOU LIVE:
Put Your Dancing Shoes On Now
So there you have it! A little entertainment during the day as you visit blogs. This one is for your entertainment. Lesson: Focus on taking time out of your day to ENJOY!
Blessings,
Donna
P.S. Did you have fun? Did you get out of your chair and Dance? lol
Years and years ago, Donna, I attended the Atlanta Rock Festival. It preluded Woodstock. (Actually, Woodstock was announced at that festival.) But this soooo reminded me of the good music, the dancing and the good times. Yes, we must take time to enjoy. It’s NOT all about work!!
Thanks for the memory jogger!
RICK
Rick Lelchuk recently posted..The Not Soooo Serious Side of Making You a Better and Enlightened Human Being
Now, that’s relaxing (Is this a perk of living in NY? :D)
These videos just remind me that we are human beings after all. Whatever we do, we need rest. Our body and mind need it. Relax and enjoy life as it (and maybe do some work – such as blog commenting – while you are at it).
Hope you had a great time 🙂
This is so amazing. I would have never guessed that this would or could happen in Ithaca. I want to live in Ithaca now lol.
My brother in law lives in Floyd Virginia and they have somethign similar except everyone goes out on to the main drag and plays music in one spot. It’s rather amazing and i just love it. i wish i could sing though so i could perform. That would be fun..
Annie Andre recently posted..Free Travel Packing Checklist + Life In Our New French Town (Monthly Report#4)
Hi Donna,
My name is John Maheu and I live in Ithaca N.Y. as well! I have to say it’s exciting to know there is someone else in this town that does what I do. I lived here for years and really like it. I am a little said that Castaways closed though.
You are right about the entertainment around here. I live right on S Cayuga St so I get to enjoy the commons plus my little boy loves the little playground and the guy that sometimes does magic tricks.
Anyway, it’s great to see you here and would love to connect with you and rap about Internet Marketing. Have a great day!
John
Hi John,
It is great to see a neighbor here! So you are in the middle of Cayuga St. Been the to “take back the streets?” I have and it was a blast. It was so nice to see the kids riding bicycles and playing with chalk.
Ithaca never seems to run out of things to do! I emailed you so we can get together and talk about the internet.
I have virtual friends but not neighbors who do what I do.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Google+ Hangout With Patricia Gozlan
Hey Donna,
What a cool idea Porchfests are. They show a real sense of community and Ithaca looks like a fun place to live.
I turned up the volume and enjoyed the sounds – thank you for sharing 🙂
Kelvin
Did you Dance Kelvin?
I wanted to take some fun time and share the awesomeness of where I live.
Thanks for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Google+ Hangout With Patricia Gozlan
Twitter: saraharrow
September 23, 2012 at 4:27 am #
What a great neighbourhood you live in Donna, an amazing community experience. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Sarah Arrow recently posted..Should I choose Facebook or a blog for my online business?
Thanks for dropping by Sarah,
This neighborhood Rocks! I think it is because it is an international community and we all need some social bonding.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Google+ Hangout With Patricia Gozlan
I have seen this type of stuff a lot whenever I go to Mexico… it really is awesome and makes the neighborhood seem more close-knit. 🙂 I wish I had neighbors to do that.
Nile recently posted..WordPress Video: The WordPress Comment System
Hi Nile,
Seems like everyone wants a neighborhood like mine. The funny thing is that this is just a part of it. There is always something going on here.
Even in the cold winters there are many street festivals and Cornell University has so much for the residents. There is art, music, and so much more. Gee…I feel like a travel agent lol.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Google+ Hangout With Patricia Gozlan
Wow, I am from upstate and I do not remember Ithaca being like this.
My Mom is from North Kortroight, and I spent many Sunday afternoon visiting relatives in the small towns in the Catskills, and it was not like this.
Maybe I should consider moving back, if I did would you be willing to shovel my driveway for me. LOL
Michael Shook recently posted..EFT Abundance Tapping
Hey Michael,
The Catskills are so different. Ithaca is Cornell Town so it is an international community. There is a saying here that Ithaca is 10 square miles surrounded by reality. It seems to be true. It is often called San Francisco East.
It is a lot of fun, and it is in a valley where we don’t get much snow. That being said, I will shovel your driveway lol.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Google+ Hangout With Patricia Gozlan
Donna,
I still cannot figure out how in the world you can have such a great time attending thse great family and community events AFTER knowing that you and yoru husband have so much going on in life of business and socializing… I truly need to lern how you guys do it.
Thanks so much for sharing teh videos and poictures of this wonderful commuinty event.. I must confess, that I do not attend many any more… I used to attend as many as I possibly could when my two boys where growing up… now they have their own wonderful families (I am a proud granfather of 5:-)and they continue teh tradition to bring their kids to all teh community events around where they live an dsometime in other communities.
Your post reminded me a lot of the old days of me getting involved.. wow, that was fantastic and I am so, so, so grateful that I was able to attend and partecipate when I truly felt good doing it.
Thanks for sharing once again Donna.
Continue your wonderful journey as best as your Guidance allow.
nickc
Nick catricala recently posted..The KISS Principle
Hey Nick,
Maybe it is time for you to take some baby steps out and do something a little different.
I’m a grandmother, internet marketer, and many other things. I follow my interests joyfully.
But…I was finding out that I was staying inside in front of the computer longer than I was just doing nothing! There was that little voice inside me that said…”Get out and do something for YOU” And so I did.
I have been doing a lot of self hypnosis for the past few months and it has helped me ENJOY every task. Yes, David and I are very busy, But…we know we need to take time out.
Thank you Nick for your awesome response,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca
Hi Donna,
Thank you very much for sharing! It was very entertaining to watch these. Take care.
Gary Young China Sourcing recently posted..China Sourcing: Setting Goals.
Thanks Gary for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Google+ Hangout With Patricia Gozlan
Hi Donna, I would love to have a Porchfest in my neighborhood! It looks like a fun way to relax and connect with your neighbors while enjoying dancing and music. I’m going to take your advice this weekend and sit back and relax on Sunday and enjoy the wonderful weather. Thanks for the great reminder!
Shelley Alexander recently posted..Fermented Carrot Pickles
Hey Shelley,
Glad to see that you got the message of this post. Take time out and have some fun!
Running our own business can be so time consuming, if you allow it. Even though we enjoy what we do, we need to take some time out for ourselves. It can be silly stuff like getting a pedicure, or going out in our community to poke around and see what events are taking place. It can even be a local garage sale.
I cannot tell you how many interesting people I’ve met at garage sales! I don’t go to them to just purchase a good find, but also to see how they live, what they are about.
Fact is: Enjoy your life! Do something for YOU!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca
All I can say Donna is damn I miss New York! I’m closer now so I’m going to have to take a weekend trip! I know you had a ball. That’s what life’s about girl. Awesome.
Mys Palmer recently posted..The 3 things you should never blog without
Oh yea,
I love the action here. There is always something going on where I live.
I did move out of the city several years ago because, NYC has changed so much. So I moved to this funky town where it reminds me of the East Village before the condo’s went up lol.
I love diversity, and a multi-cultural setting. So here I am parting in the streets –
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca
Hey Donna I love the way you enjoy your life and blogging I must say. You are fully of life and I wish to learn a lot from you. 🙂
Shiwangi peswani recently posted..50 Essential iPhone Apps 2012 – Free iPhone Apps To Download (1-10)
Thank you Shiwangi
I am glad you enjoyed this post. As I go through life, I like to keep on learning and improving myself both consciously and subconsciously. This was a little break from it all.
Enjoy the life we live! That’s the message.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca
Twitter: MayuraDeSilva
September 19, 2012 at 8:08 pm #
Hi Donna,
Love the life you live, Live the life you love 😉 That’s a nice message to spread around. Anyway I love music and nature there too 🙂 Really glad you recorded and shared here. I’m listening ’em again 😉
Feels really cool 😉 Music can heal us. Hope you had a great time and enjoyed being outdoor. Why not?! I thought that you and David were dancing in last video 😉
Cheers…
Mayura recently posted..How to Set Up a Company Page on LinkedIn
I am so glad you “got it” Mayura!
That was the main message to love our lives! However we are living, we have to enjoy it. Even the most smallest thing we bring ourselves, can change our lives.
Yes, music heals. I like to listen to music all the time when I’m working. I usually have classical music on to inspire me. Here is a secret that no one knows.
I play “Ode To Joy” Each morning as I open my computer. There is so much history to that song, but it comes down to freedom. I can feel it through the music.
Thanks for visiting. and Dance Dance Dance! Keep loving your life,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca
Love the salsa Donna,
what a great energy and love for life.
I think a good anchor would be to put some music while we are commenting on blogs or working, to remember we came on this planet to have fun and enJOY!
Life is too short to worry!
Patricia Gozlan recently posted..How to Avoid Messing Up with your Prosperity Manifestation Process Using One NLP Tip NOW!
Ahh Patricia!
Music is so uplifting! It can change one’s whole matrix. I put on music (without words) when I’m working. Sometimes serine music like “Rossini” who is my fav.
Sometimes salsa, to get me going….
Glad you enjoyed it.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca
Hi Donna,
what a great fest, love the relaxed atmosphere. It all comes down to the question I usually ask people: Do you live to work or do work to live? Most people realize that they ended up living to work although they might have had different intentions formerly.
Thanks for sharing a piece of your neighborhood.
Best,
Oliver
Answer to this question Oliver is that I live to work. I see everything through the eyes of a marketer lol.
But I am taking time to enjoy life. Isn’t that what freedom is all about in our niche?
Thanks for stopping by,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca
Hello Donna,
Very interesting post as well as Videos. I like the third video most because I really enjoy dancing and it brings joys and memories to me.
I’m not very good dancer but In my college fest I take part into lots of cultural activities to build some awesome memories and dancing is one of them.
Thanks for sharing these awesome videos Donna. 🙂
Hi Romy
Glad you enjoyed it. Hey, no one can’t dance! Just hit the replay button and dance away!
That third video was just a short one. I did have to put my camera down to join in and dance. But, I didn’t want to show anyone how bad a dancer I am, so I didn’t record it. he he
But I had fun!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca
Hi Donna!
love to see you in your city festival.and i watching this video my wish to get up and do dance on my working table ha ha…….
i like your events and thanks for sharing this.
anshul recently posted..Travel Portal Development
Ha Ha That is why I posted this….Dance Anshul!
I figured we sit at the computer so long, that a little music to move around!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca
i agree with you Donna that music is necessary to fresh your mood specially when you sit on the computer so then sometime moving make freshness to your body.
anshul recently posted..Computer Inventory Software
Absolutely Ashul!
Music is one thing that can change your mood! As we sit here in front of our computers working, what are we hearing in the background?
If it is something uplifting – our mood can change. Sometimes, like the salsa music in this blog, I’ll just get up and dance for a few minutes. lol
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca
Twitter: sylvianenuccio
September 18, 2012 at 6:59 pm #
Wow, what a great idea, Donna, Looks like a bunch of people who had a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing this with us. Great neighborhood.
Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..Why Do You Procrastinate And What Can You Do About It?
Hi Sylviane,
It is a great neighborhood, but I do have to leave it at some point. I am here for the past 10 years and want to downsize…time to find a different place.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca
Thanks Donna, enjoyed it very much. I love all kinds of music.
Elaine Horner recently posted..Autosuggestion Affirmation! Change Your Mind and Your Life.
Thanks Elaine,
It was fun on our Google Hangout too.
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca
Twitter: marquitaherald
September 18, 2012 at 10:12 am #
Oh Donna I would just love this! Kind of like a mainland version of our luaus … and for anyone who reads this and thinks of the typical tourist version of a luau – trust me, it is a v-e-r-y different experience local/backyard style! Thanks so much for sharing these great photos.
marquita herald recently posted..The One Thing I Want to Accomplish Before I Die
Glad you enjoyed it Marty,
Sometimes we just have to share an experience!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca
Hey Donna,
You are full of surprises, I did not expect to be greeted with 3 entertainment videos. The amazing to see this sort of thing in a neigborhood in the UK I’d be hard pressed to see these thing. Sadly English people are unfriendly and just keep themselves to themselves..
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Hi Simeon,
I live in a very progressive college town. There is always something going on. I was awakened by a blues singer across the street and then realized it was “porchfest” day! So I quickly had my coffee, got dressed and walked all over the town enjoying the music and dancing in the streets.
Funny you should say that in the UK people keep to themselves. We have the same reputation in New York. But, we overcome it and do have that spirit!
Being a progressive town, there is ALWAYS something going on from music to bike rides, to lights in winter, with ice sculptures and hot chili. The list goes on and on.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca
Hi Donna,
The reason why visit your blog is it makes me feel that blogging is not just about earning but it`s a passion.
I really enjoy your posts.
~@khajamoin1
Khaja moin recently posted..52 Dofollow Blogs List to Comment
Thanks so much Khaja
Yes blogging is not all about the money, or lessons, or good content. It is also about sharing parts of our lives that we enjoy.
Thanks so much for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca
Twitter: DrErica
September 18, 2012 at 12:01 am #
Donna,
Last night I had dinner with my aunt (soon to turn 92), my cousin and her friend. We shared a holiday dinner, Rosh Hashonah. As usual, they invited me back to my aunt’s home to relax and chat for a few more hours. Usually I say no and hurry home to check my emails, catch up on Facebook and do some online tasks.
But last night was different. I let myself into the flow of the moment and hung out, relaxed, talked, used my DroidX camera to photograph some old photos to send to my brother, and just relaxed thinking “Tomorrow is another day.” Problem is, when I got home at about 11:30 PM, I first went onto Facebook and Pinterest, my emails, etc.
The only music was my Sirius XM in my BMW M3 (the car I adore). I’ve been listening to Sirius Sinatra, enjoying some of the greatest entertainers from the past like Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald and Barbara Streisand, Johnny Matthis. On the way to my aunt’s house I discovered another station, “Love” and there’s also an Elvis station. Sometimes I listen to opera and sometimes Classical and even Broadway.
But having that music right outside your door is something else. Glad you took the time to just enjoy your day.
Warmly,
Erica
Dr. Erica Goodstone recently posted..Do Not Live On Yesterday’s Manna
Hi Erica,
That sounds like such a lovely time. And…Happy New Year to you. I love Rosh Hashonah…the food is delish! It is such a beautiful holiday. It is so much fun taking old photos and compiling them together to share with family. It is one of my own to-do’s when my niece visits me. I have old photos from my family in Italy. Cannot wait to put them together with her.
I know how much you love your car and listening to Sinatra, Billie Holiday and the rest is right up my alley! There is nothing like taking a drive and enjoying music.
So happy you shared your great time with me.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca
Twitter: suejprice
September 17, 2012 at 11:46 pm #
Hi Donna
Thanks for sharing these videos. How awesome an idea is this?
Oh and how crazy is it to be so caught up in work all the time? I have always worked too and think I am worse now that I work from home. I too am addressing this and taking some time out.
Does the porchfest only happen in your area?
See you on our hangout tomorrow.
Sue
Sue Price recently posted..Passive Income on Steroids
Hi Sue,
I’m glad you enjoyed this off beat blog. Porchfest is right outside my door and all around town, one day a year!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca
Twitter: LeslieLDenning
September 17, 2012 at 9:59 pm #
Great idea, Donna. It gets very easy to work, work, work. Sometimes we just need to get up and dance! Or sing! or play the piano! Or play the guitar and sing “Wild Thing”! Just watch for my next video! Thanks for sharing.
All the best,
Leslie
Hi Leslie,
Gotta see you doing Wild Thing! Main point here is that internet marketers need to have some fun!
thanks,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca
Hey Donna,
What a totally enjoyable page. Oh my! The entertainment. You know this is the first time I seen this in a neighborhood. Oh what wonderful world it would be if more people would socialize this way.
I will give you allot of credit for giving me a truly refreshing change from the all the information blogs.
WAY TO GO DONNA!
Hi Carol.
Thank you so much. Yes, I too a break from sharing self help or social aspects.
I decided to have a good time and wanted to share it with all. My town is small, but it is a gem. There is always something going on. When I moved from NYC to here, I thought I would be getting an anxiety attack.
But..I now have more than that rotten apple has ever given me.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca
Twitter: AdrienneSmith40
September 17, 2012 at 4:20 pm #
Wow Donna, what fun! I bet you had a blast walking around listening to the different tunes and watching everyone having such a great time.
I enjoyed listening to those tunes and although I didn’t get out of my chair and dance, I was doing a little jingle with my feet. Oh yeah, tapping to the music girl.
Was that just one day or the entire weekend? That would be so cool to just walk out your door and you have all that going on. Seriously, how fun is that.
So happy to hear that you’re been giving yourself some time off. You’ve very deserving of that young lady. Good for you. Enjoy your time and your hubby! 🙂
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..13 Steps to Relationship Marketing Success I Learned While Getting My Hair Cut
Adrienne,
This was only a snippet of what goes on. It is one day and it is the entire town playing music. If I shot everything I saw, it would take hours. I was a little late in getting out there, but I missed my favorite Dixieland Band. Oh well, catch them next year.
Saturday we actually did our new routine: We go to an organic farm stand, buy fresh veggies at half the price then go to this incredible restaurant for brunch. There were some things I bumped into there too.
The thing is that I successfully am having a good time without any inner critic in my mind saying “get to work!” and I couldn’t have done it without my self hypnosis thing I am doing.
I wonder what I will be doing next lol.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca
Hi Donna,
Thanks for sharing these! Loved the last one the most. I wanted to get up and dance but I think everyone in this cafe would think I was crazy…that would be fun. Ithaca does not look the way I pictured it. I like events like these…festivals, community events, Scottish games etc. They are one of my favorite pastimes (when I have the time) and they are a great way to relax, and meet people. I’m glad you are chillin’.
Raena Lynn
Raena Lynn recently posted..What’s Wrong With Me?
Hey Reana,
You could have danced on the table at the cafe lol! Good to see you here and glad you enjoyed my fluff post.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Porchfest Ithaca