Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites

Well, it's time again to say thank you to that wonderful woman who gave you life and is always there to listen or lend a hand when you have a problem. I am certain my mom is in the beautiful place where special moms go to on the other side, but I want to thank my three daughters who have all turned out to be such fantastic women, with mothering skills that they share with everyone around them; as well as my dear son Michael. I am lucky to have them to learn from, and thank God for giving me my time with them. I think being a grandmother is really the best hat I've ever worn. Cody, Leo Maxime and Natasha have brought me more joy than I can ever express, and I have no words to describe the love I feel for my great grandson Nolan, who is one constant source of smiles. He is such a little character and so adorable. There is an unspoken connection with grandchildren that no one can explain, but it's there and it's the best! A special May 30th happy birthday wish to my #1 daughter Kathleen who is cruising the Danube with me right now . . . you're the best Kat, and I love you!

I wish to honor all the great teaching nuns, and women in my family who have helped me grow and become the person I am today, especially, my aunt Dolores (Marcella Joyce Stein), my mother, daughters & granddaughter Natasha who have shown me so much. Thank you to great women who have inspired me including HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Mother Theresa, Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Queen of Austria "Sissy" and Elizabeth Blackwell, M.D. We all have a collection of great women whose books we have read, paintings we have admired, designs we wish we could afford to wear, recipes we wish we could duplicate, and exceptional political women who continue to fight with courage for our rights as women, but most of all I thank my dear women friends who have been there for me through the really tough times and the joyous moments over many years. I love you all so much and feel so grateful God put you in my life, especially a special 'steel magnolia' from Beverly Hills.

Pope: Focus on Peace - Pope Francis has added his voice to the serious condition of international relations, and on Easter spoke of a need to pray for peace in the world. His determinaton to be among his flock for the Vatican Mass is touching. With the danger in crowded areas the Vatican is a target, but Papa always show up and offers peace and love to his sheep.

In this issue we vist the Grand Velas and Casa Velas for Guacamania and Festival Del Chocolate - delicious and blissful tastes and treatments in Puerto Vallarta. So happy to meet the talented chefs at both Velas locatons. We also have great tips in the travel section, special reads in BookBites and great food and beverage ideas in Culinary Coup. Bon Appetit! Don't forget about the wonderful trains in the US and Europe that provide speed and comfort for vacationers. Amtrak has some great discounts for travelers.

Don't miss my latest story up in GettingOnTravel.com, an exciting new luxury

travel pub for people over 50; boomers and beyond. So many wonderful premiere stories by great travel writers from around the world.Keep an eye open for my story on Solvang, California that will go live on May 18.

My dear friend Lauren's latest story in Tastes of Italia, the best food magazine on everything wonderful that's Italian. Her Cooking Vacations site is filled with Italian Cooking Vacation ideas for spring & summer. www.cookingvacations.com.

Our "Health Minded" section offers some delightful coverage on CADA Amythest Ball, and informative health news on Arthritis Foundation Santa Barbara Walk to Cure Arthritis event at Santa Barbara City College that includes local area residents, supporters of Arthritis Associations, and sponsor teams for Muller & Webber Physical Therapy, Inc., Sansum Clinic, AMGEN, Cottage Center for Orthopedics and more. For information or to make a donation visit, www.ArthritisFoundationSB.com.

We hope your Mother's Day is peaceful and happy. Great gift ideas that can be delivered before mother's day are here in our Gift Guide. God Bless and we thank you for joining us this month. Look for our Father's Day issue in June, which will be devoted to men who make a real difference in our world.

Additional contributing writers are included on an individual issue basis. Please contact the editor with questions regarding journalist assignments. Email: writebc@aol.com