suburban crafty

ten years

Laura — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 20:22:19 +0000

i know i haven’t posted in forever on my blog, but i have a duty to remember, every year on this day. i made a promise, years ago, to remember someone on this day, every year, and so today, i remember.

Giann F. Gamboa

Giann worked for Aramark as a manager at the Top of the World observation deck atop the south tower of the World Trade Center. He was one of the countless heroes that terrible day – thinking of someone more frightened and more fragile than himself when he gave his employee his spot in the elevator.

Giann’s story was spotlighted in an article written by Patrick Reilly, asking “Where was God on 9/11?”

Among the thousands of posters of people who were still missing, was one of one of Giann Gamboa, a manager at the Top of the World Restaurant. Giann was a devout Christian who regularly attended the 6:00 AM prayer service with other members of staff. He was a man of faith who would pray with colleagues if he knew they were in distress. He was last seen waiting for an elevator on the 78th floor of Tower 2 at the World Trade Center. He gave his place to a young female colleague. As the doors closed, he was heard to reassuringly say, “I’ll get the next one.” Giann believed with all his heart that no man has greater love than this than he lay down his life for his friends. That was the last time he was seen ever seen again.

In the years since I originally posted a tribute to Giann, people have continued to share their memories from near and far. Giann’s sister, Gaby, continues to leave messages for her brother on this terrible anniversary. Here is one of her tributes to a brother she obviously loves very much.

June 06, 2009

Giann is my brother, and he was my best friend too, every day I remember all the things I used to do with him when he came to Ecuador, Giann was the most important person in my life and my big pride, I miss him a lot… I am grateful to all hes friends especially Rich Costa, because I know how my brother appreciated you.

Gaby Gamboa Ambato, Equador

A cousin of Giann’s posted her thoughts on the man she never got the chance to know.

September 10, 2009

Even though i did not know Giann F. Gamboa I just found out he had died and was apart of my mom’s side the family and i just turned 12, i really never knew him our really seen him i was only little but i will regret it for the rest of my life i hope that i will see him in the after life my god take care of you and my the lord bless you with all his might i wish you luck up there i will always remember you for the rest of my life love ur distant cousin xoxo <3

Krystal Penafiel, Miami, Florida

Gaby and Krystal, if you ever read this, i am so sorry for your loss.

Here are some of the comments about Giann that were left in internet guestbooks in the months and years following 9/11/2001, including messages left just today on this sad day of remembrance.

September 11, 2011

Giann, it’s been 10 years now but you are still in my thoughts and prayers. I think of you often (and your wonderful smile) and know you are watching over your friends and family. God bless!

Nancy Beeck,

Morristown, New Jersey

September 10, 2011

Ten years have past, but nobody who knew you has forgotten you. Giann, you’ll always be in the minds of the people you touched with you’re kindness and good soul.

Fernanda Saenz,

Quito, Ecuador

September 10, 2011

I had the honor of working with Giann for many years at the WTC. He was an amazing person who could always break me out of any bad mood I was in simply by teasing me. Hy heart broke when I heard that he was one of the victims of 9/11. I always tell people with a cracked voice about his bravery on that awful morning. Giann is a true hero…may he rest in peace!

John Carrozzella

Londonderry, New Hampshire

 You were a great co-worker with a heart of gold. One significant thing I remember about you was your (Smile) For his smile could brighten up anyone’s day. May God continue to watch over your soul for eternalty.
Terry Edwards (Queens, NY)

How I miss you Giann. You took my spot to manage that Observation Deck and you learned the ropes. I always remember your battle cry (Uhyuuhhuhh!!!) echo through the core from the 107 to the 110 floors. We spent alot of time together, and we had plans to open the best eating place in NY. You will always remain the strong, kind and wonderful person that I will always remember. We helped each other many times, even that last Friday. If you did get to Ecuador that week, I bet you would have been made El Presidente!! God keep you. I miss you, hermano.

Tony

Giann worked for me when I was GM of the Observation Deck. He was the best. He was both a hard worker and a really nice and kind person. When ever things got tense, he would tell me “Rich, relax”. I try to imagine him telling me that know as I worry that he is ok.  He did not really get into religion until after I left to become a theology teacher. We had a great relationship, but I wish we could have had some talks about what became his passion.  I have two sons, and I would be honored if they turned out like Giann.   I miss him so much.  

Rich Costa

Rich also left a message for me on my blog a couple of years ago about Giann.

Thanks so much for doing this for Giann. He was a special man and like a son to me. Although he did not work for Windows on the World in the North Tower, (but rather the Top of the World Observation Deck in the South Tower), I am told he did get off of an elevator on the 78th floor of the South tower to let others leave. While waiting for the next elevator, the second plane struck.

It is good to know he is up there watching us.

Rich Costa

Here is a photo of giann’s church friends, desperate to find word on their missing friend.

Jenny Mosquera, Claudia Marmolejo and Margerie Cuartas hold a picture of their friend and church member Giann Gamboa who worked at Windows on the World Restaurant on the 107th floor and is now missing.

(Newsday /Bruce Gilbert)

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In the beginning, I couldn’t find a lot of information on Giann. I was able to glean that he was probably born in Equador, South America. I imagine that he was an immigrant to this country, full of hopes and dreams of a better life. With his job, his friends and girlfriend, and his church, it sounds as though he had found that. But over the years, a picture of Giann as a deeply religious man who was a friend to so many has emerged. As a part of their Portraits of Grief series, the NY Times published a remembrance of Giann on October 3, 2001.

Giann Gamboa: Found Meaning at Church

Published: October 3, 2001

Just about everything Giann Gamboa needed in his life he found at Iglesia Nueva Vida, his church in Corona, Queens. There he found his girlfriend, hundreds of pals, a weekend soccer team and a spiritual life. As often as he could, he tried to bridge his professional life, as a manager of the Top of the World Cafe, with his religious life, sometimes offering a word of prayer to a troubled colleague or an invitation to join the church’s daily 6 a.m. prayer service.

Friends at church still talk about how Mr. Gamboa, 26, arranged for 70 children from the church to visit and pray atop the World Trade Center a few months ago. “He loved being a Christian and sharing his faith with people,” said Fernando Montoya, his best friend.

The last time anyone saw Mr. Gamboa, he was on the 78th floor about to squeeze into a crowded elevator as the building was being evacuated. But he offered his spot instead to a young woman on his staff who was crying and anxious to flee. “I’ll just take the next one,” he told a friend, as the elevator doors shut.

Today, as we remember the victims of 9/11/01, I remember Giann. I promise to do so as long as I have an online presence. I will never forget.

right into the new year…

laurabloom — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:47:49 +0000

i guess i sort of passed right by christmas and new years, eh? well, nevermind that! valentine’s day is coming! and we have been busy little bees around here CREATING!! look – over there on the left –> see my *new* etsy shop? been whipping up scrabble pendants! AND i have a few ideas of other items to add, once everyone in the family gets healthy!

i don’t know what could be any better – i LOVE scrabble, and i love handmade jewelry! i hope you go take a look. let me know what you think, and if you have any ideas for designs *you* might like! ;) oh, and while you’re over there, check out my friend ali and her adorable coffee cozies. ♥♥♥

i hope everyone is having a fabulous new year.

trying to get into the season…

laurabloom — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 19:55:37 +0000

but it’s hard this year!! too much going on at school and in scouts and in life in general! is anyone else feeling this way? i have a tree – sitting bare in my living room. lights ARE up, thanks to my dear husband (no humbugs here!!). lots of presents are bought, so that’s a relief. but the decorating, the enjoying, the creative spark?? it’s not quite here yet. i’ll get up some posts this week – some etsy finds, some CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAYS (yay!!), and some cute christmas cheer!

some decor

some gifts

some martha

some food

time to get in the spirit!!

happy monday! fall is back…

laurabloom — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:09:53 +0000

after the 10o〫temps around here last week, the rain was briefly back and the cool weather is here again! yay fall. look, i love the heat more than the average bear, but it’s hard to get in the mood when you’re lounging by the pool and thinking about sunscreen and bathing suits.

and in celebration of the return of fall, i made this little thanksgiving wall hanging. give thanks, indeed!

*give thanks*

i found this cute little cardboard-y banner in my stash… i sure wish i could remember where i got it… and got out a little making memories fall kit that i found last year. LOVE the glitter leaf!

i’m adding my little creation to skip to my lou’s “made by you mondays” series – there are some seriously cute crafting ideas over there!

and i guess this season really does make me want to create! i made this little necklace with my vintage groove goodies. this stuff is really awesome – and if you judiciously use those michaels coupons, it’s really affordable, too. but really, this just screams FALL to me – yay!

i hope this stuff keeps selling well so i don’t have to drive to ORANGE to get it! ;)

and i leave you with this final fall thought – my keen mary janes and my favorite smart wool socks (the best EVER – no more more cheap socks). have a great day! :)

good halloween eats…

laurabloom — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:13:02 +0000

so many spooky and yummy halloween recipes out there! while mummy dogs are a big hit with kids, don’t forget to think about some creepy eats that everyone can enjoy!

jello candy corn(!!!) from jelly shot test kitchen

tombstone cookies in chocolate pots de creme from sunset magazine

halloween pancake molds from williams sonoma

frankenstein bento from happy little bento – SO CUTE

owl s’mores from living locurto

mashed “boo-tatoes” from martha stewart

spider eggs also from martha

coffin cookies from bake at 350

cheese pumpkins from betty crocker

meat hand from not martha

pumpkin spice latte from javaqueen

and last, but not least…

candy corn cordial from food network

i think i might need to go infuse some vodka… how’s that for scary? ;)

and the banner goes to…

laurabloom — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 05:41:36 +0000

*legoland brick or treat*

True Random Number GeneratorMin:

Max:

Result:2

becky!! you’re a winner! :) i’ll have to stop by and bring you your banner. congrats!

and if anyone is looking for something fun and halloween-y to do this weekend, make sure you check out just spotted – the place for info on what to do in oc! TONS of halloween activities over there! those girls are on top of things for sure.

halloween is getting closer…

laurabloom — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 18:30:04 +0000

and fall is here in full force! it’s raining cats and dogs out there. the thunder is shaking the house, and i LOVE it! i thought i’d do a little project this morning while staying warm and cozy by the fire…

i got this little banner kit at michaels, brought it home, and ribboned it up! i knew that ribbon stash i had would come in handy from time to time. BUT the good news is, i have SO many different halloween and fall banners, i just don’t have a spot for this one! so, drum roll please, it’s another GIVEAWAY!! just leave a comment telling me your favorite thing about halloween, and i’ll draw a winner on wednesday afternoon! i want to get this out into someone’s happy home before halloween comes and goes.

we visited the pumpkin patch this weekend, gathering the first of what always ends up being our many, many pumpkins. there aren’t too many farms around here, and i refuse to do the mall parking lot “pumpkin patches” ( really, can we call a mall parking lot with a bunch of bouncy houses and carnival rides a PUMPKIN PATCH??). so off we went to tanaka farms over in irvine (along with what seemed like everyone else in south oc) and had some fall fun.

if you haven’t been to tanaka farms… try to get out there and have some fun!

the kids are so ready for the big day… costumes are bought (ariel and anakin skywalker) and the pilowcases are on stand-by! we can’t wait. i never know who is more excited for halloween – the kids or ME.

oh, i almost forgot, i made the best pumpkin cupcakes the other night! they were so good – not too sweet, and almost like a pumpkin muffin. well, except for the cream cheese frosting! i found the recipe via foodgawker (love that site), and it did not disappoint! i didn’t have cloves so i just substituted pumpkin pie spices for the spices that the recipe calls for, and i thought it turned out just fine. and, oh how i LOVE cream cheese frosting. make them – you will love them!

have a great day! :)

the best of halloween…

laurabloom — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 05:39:43 +0000

around the web…

witch of the east card

halloween cake bunting

mummy dogs

free halloween printables

halloween banner

american crafts halloween goodies

candy corn cupcakes

i love halloween!

winner winner chicken dinner! (and OC restaurant week)

laurabloom — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 06:50:46 +0000

True Random Number GeneratorMin:
Max:

Result: 2

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

annie! you are a winner!! congratulations!! i’ll get you your goodies this week – we might have to do breakfast to celebrate!

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i got a chance to get out sans kids (and husband for that matter) to attend a party to launch OC restaurant week at prego ristorante in irvine. it was so nice to get out with some sweet friends. we ate. we drank. we chatted. it was a fabulous evening!

restaurant week is a great way to experience some delicious OC restaurants – a great way to try something new! grab your hubby or your girlfriends and make a date! you can check out links to the different restaurants and their restaurant week menus on the website. there are dozens of restaurants all over OC to choose from. i may need to partake to get the energy to finish putting this site together properly! please excuse my dust and messy sidebars while i work it all out…

tomorrow, i am off to michaels to check out all the new vintage groove jewelry! i can’t wait – i’ve been dying to go see it all in person and share it with you. we are so lucky to have gotten it into an OC michaels (in orange). it’s only in about 20 stores nationwide…

hope everyone had a great weekend. it was so hot here – i’m just waiting for a nice cool down. seriously, my AC just switched back on… it’s almost midnight, and it’s almost october! that’s just wrong. so stay cool out there!

happy, happy mail day!

laurabloom — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 19:53:43 +0000

oh my goodness, my mailman was very, very good to me today!

martha stewart is my halloween roll model, so the october issue is a big event.

and have you seen the new making memories vintage groove jewelry? i am going to have some FUN with those goodies… i’ll be sharing, for sure…

have a great day… the weekend is almost here!