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A Dog’s Life… in Yours: Observations of Life

February 21, 2013 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

Ollie Art Picture
The picture says it all. It’s a dog’s world and we’re just living in it. Let’s be glad we are. The picture that is associated with this blog is the work of Andrea Zimmerman Nusinov, her talents are on display on her Facebook Page at AZN Pet Pics. Unbelievable work, right? The rich texture she can pull from a simple photograph of a dog served to remind me the richness they bring to the lives of anyone who is lucky enough to own one.

The dog in the picture is named Ollie. He’s a Shichon, a mix of Shih Tzu and Bichon. Ollie came into our lives about four years ago and we’ve never been the same… in a good way. Talk about giving and getting back. Give a dog a home, feed him, bathe him, play with him and he/she brings you unconditional love and affection you won’t find anywhere else. Sure you love your children like that – but do they greet you at the door every day like it’s the first time they have ever seen you? There’s nothing quite like a dog.

Whether you purchased or rescued, it’s really the same. Although I give a ton of credit and respect to those who go the rescue route. Especially after you own a dog, you realize how hurtful it is to see another one abandon or abused. A dog deserves a good home and to be well taken care of. They’re just so darn innocent and forgiving. We bought Ollie, and I’m not going to apologize for it. Believe me if you saw his picture as a puppy, you would have bought him too. What he has brought to our lives is immeasurable, as I know any dog owner can relate. The first three months of training were a bit rough, much like a new baby, and our boy was like Houdini. The places he would escape from when you tried to keep him confined to one area, are legendary and worthy of a short book sometime. I kept telling my wife, who was exasperated at his antics and some other activities he was doing, is that it will all be worth it. One day we’ll recount these stories and laugh about it. I couldn’t have been more right. And it couldn’t have been more worth it.

Somehow someway the good Lord makes these animals, one cuter than the next, and thankfully he does, because if they weren’t they couldn’t get away with so much. Do they get away with a lot? They run around outside, pee, poop, put their nose in other dogs “stuff”, sniff and lick other dogs, get dirty, smelly, muddy, they put their paws in who knows what, they have bad breath, the list goes on and on. Yet they come back in the door, give you a “kiss” (well most dogs do, not Ollie, again a story for another time), prance around the house, get on the bed, sofa, etc and you still love every inch of them. Would you let your kids do all this then hug them when they walk back in the door?? Not at my house.

Yet the dog gets to have all that fun and you just don’t care. It’s simply the power of love. The dog loves you like there’s no tomorrow, because they have no idea if there will be. Imagine if we all lived that way… so we put up with all that he/she is capable of. Hey, they’re acting like animals, cause they can! The more I think about it, the tougher it is to put into words, what Ollie, or any dog brings to our lives. Tough to remember life before him, tough to think about life without him. Damn dogs. They make you love them as much as they love you. In the big scheme of things, what’s wrong with that? I knew from the day we brought Ollie home that he would enrich our lives beyond measure. He’s one of the kids… and we know what they mean to our lives. We don’t bring dogs into the world, but we’ll stand by them ’til they leave it. Maybe because it’s such a short time on this earth, that the love is so unconditional, in both directions. Maybe if we all thought about each other the same way, we would love just a little bit more. Who knows?

It’s a lot to think about, so while you are.. check out some beautiful pics of man’s (and woman’s) best friend over at Andrea’s Facebook Page… AZN Pet Pics. E-mail her and maybe she can bring your dog to life as well, even more so than they have done for you already.

Thank you Andrea for the inspiration. A dog-gone good job.

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark

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Hope Springs: Observations of Life

February 17, 2013 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

O's and Girls

Another Miracle in Maryland last night at College Park, with the Terps beating the stunned Blue Devils and sports again takes center stage in our lives. It just keeps getting better.

And after watching the highlights again… I figured what better action to take on a cold Sunday morning here in Baltimore, than to look ahead and take a sneak peek at what’s going on down south. A good time to bask in the warmth of reading updates on the Orioles Spring Training. Speaking of more miracles.. if last season was a collection of them, this season is full of hope.

Buck and the boys are already at work putting together the squad for this 2013 campaign. And how cool is it to care??!! For the first spring training since before my own daughters were on this earth, the emotions and expectations down in Florida are warm and sunny.

Here’s just one excerpt from the Sporting News online:

Buck Showalter says he didn’t think anyone on his club was surprised with their performance in 2012. “Who was surprised?” Showalter asks in mock indignation, adding with a grin, “I was a little surprised.”

For Showalter, 2012 was just the beginning. Losing in the Division Series to the Yankees didn’t sit well with his club. “There is a pretty good fire that has been ignited,” Showalter says. “No one was satisfied. No one was celebrating after Game 5 with the Yankees. We felt like we’d had a bigger opportunity.”
There are no Cinderellas… but in a private moment, (you have to think) “This is pretty cool, you know. I’m not so old that I can’t take that in and go ‘Wow!’

“There’s many a night where I kind of said, ‘Boy, I’m pretty lucky to be a part of this.

We were all a part of it… even those who NEVER experienced it. Maybe my most favorite personal moment of last season was taking my family to the game on a Friday night… fireworks night at Camden Yards. In the middle of another exciting O’s win, Sophie, (my then 12-year-old), was asking me about the numbers perched just below the upper deck seats in left field. I told her they are all retired jersey numbers from past Orioles players, Hall of Fame players, and in honor of their accomplishments those numbers will never be worn again in Baltimore. I then went down the line and told her stories and stats about each one. Ripken, Murray, Weaver, Brooks, Frank, Palmer. She turned to me and asked, “Dad, how do you know so much?”. I told her “I’ve always known and you never forget, but the O’s have been down so long, for longer than you’ve been alive, there was really no reason to share, now we’re back and it’s awesome.”

That moment with Sophie was about as awesome as it gets. Spring can’t some soon enough.

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark

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February 15, 2013 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

http://markbrodinsky.com/324/

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A Valentine Every Day?: Observations of Life

February 14, 2013 By markbrodinsky 1 Comment

emily valentine

So it’s a Hallmark Holiday. No kidding. The commercialization of love, romance and all that stuff. Makes you feel like you have to do something, or someone else will think you not worthy. Special lunches, dinners, flowers, candy…the list goes on and on. You certainly don’t feel like doing it, right? Who would?

Although the other person on the receiving end of those cards, gifts or dinner, might just feel differently and you might want to keep that in mind as well. Give and get back many times over. Remember that, it might make it easier.

Then again, suppose you were already were doing those things. Suppose Valentine’s Day was not the only day of the year you chose to do something special for someone else. Suppose those types of thoughts and actions were habits, or at least part of your schedule every week, or every month.  Just suppose.

Then maybe it’s not a chore, or a last minute hustle, hurdle or hassle.  Maybe you’re not almost forgetting to do it because the date crept up on you, the thought of what the day really means escapes you, or worse, it’s so far out of your realm of thinking, emotions, or feelings it just makes you regretful every year.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be like that and for you, maybe it’s not. I’ve seen it posted all over the place today, every social media and mass media site you can think of.  Share the love. Appreciation for who is in your life. Gratitude for those special people. Nice that there is a day to focus on that… but wouldn’t it be cool if it wasn’t just one day?  Maybe, every day?

It literally takes a few seconds a day to tell the people in your life you love them. And it takes just a few minutes a day to think of why you are grateful for them and what they do to enrich your life. It’s never perfect, it’s not supposed to be. But if you turn your attention to those things every day… a few seconds, a few minutes, it’s amazing what can happen. Suddenly it’s no longer a once-a-year chore, it’s part of the fabric of your life.  And every thread of that fabric makes a difference.  It’s not that hard.

A little love every day goes a long, long way.

Think not?  Here’s the inside of the card pictured above: “Daddy, happy valentine’s day! You are so amazing and make me smile every day. You spoil me so much and I’m so thankful that you are my dad. I love you. From your Valentine, Emily”

Enough said.

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark

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Mark Brodinsky
Emmy Award Winner, 1996

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Blog Reviews

Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

 Stephen Koncurat

I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

Gina Glick Jolson

Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

Marilyn Lefkowitz

Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

Lynne Turner Dorsey

From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

Gayle Blank

You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

Cynthia

I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

Ed Nemec

Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

Debbie Press

Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

Aileen Braverman

I can’t wait to read the book. I have followed all the blogs and feel so good that I know u guys. You make me cry but you make me laugh too. All the very best to you!

Beverlee Rendelman

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WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

Jgs17
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

Réné Pallace
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

Paul A. Riecks
November 4, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109
October 23, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

Blahsan

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

L. Bogash
Seven Valleys, PA

ittakes2_reviews_2

There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

 PattiM
September 25, 2013

 

ittakes2_reviews_2

From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

 Jenny Schloss 

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The Sunday Series, A Guest Blog: Dear Cancer

On this morning of the Race for The Cure in Baltimore, I thought it fitting to share the thoughts of a breast cancer survivor. This short blog comes from a Breast Surgeon, someone who got into the field to help others battle the very demon she is facing: Dear Cancer | Dr. Deepa Halaharvi Posted […]

#10, My (Our) Story: It’s Just About… Life.

When you speak from the heart, everyone who has one buys in. I’m hoping I’m right. On April 13th, 2012, my wife Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer. On the pages of Caringbridge.org, (search debbiebrodinsky), I started a journal documenting the journey, which three surgeries, multiple recoveries, and plenty of emotional moments later, will lead […]

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