Not A Fan Of Red For Romance...

I've never been a fan of red for romance.

I'm more of a pink girl. It's just too dramatic for me, too harsh.

Don't get me wrong, I love to see red roses in a garden. I love any color

flower in a garden. But I'm just not partial to the colors red, orange or yellow in my

decor or life. I do love daffodils, jonquils and daisy's. Orchids with yellow tones can be stunning. But I don't like decorating at Christmastime with red and green - I use pale blues, silver, creams and white. Just me. 

I love dressing in it,

posies, ice cream, lipstick,

nailpolish, little girls dressed up.

it's soft, sensual, luscious, gentle, baby-like,

rich, mellow, fresh, crisp, clean

 bright

brilliant

just my size

2 scoops

and very important!

Sister Act - Strength in Numbers

Sisters - Friends
I had a wonderful summer. Bridal shower for my cousin, wedding this weekend in California, lots of beach time. I think I've mentioned that I see things in a different way since #1 my divorce in 1995, #2 kidney cancer last year, #3 having lost friends along the way to Cancer and other illnesses. So, I enjoy big and little things. I saw my first rainbow this summer. Yes! Believe it - my first! I also saw dolphins leaping in the ocean while I sat in my beach chair with my cousins. Cancer free - 1 year mark in June. I ate sushi more than once. Jersey pizza more than twice. No cake because I don't like cake (carrot cake is an exception - home-made only).

My friend Lisa had breast Cancer and a Mastectomy at 33 (2 little boys) and this year she wore a bikini proudly to the beach. She had fought through the surgery and the struggles of reconstructive surgery.  She has Cancer again.

So we start fighting again and this woman is a fighter. I look back to the laughs on the beach, the sand castles, the shells we collected, the jars I have them in and will not get pissed. God holds us in HIS hands. Bra, no bra, bikini or pjs!

I redid my bulletin board by my desk at school before the last day. It is so full of color that it soothes and pops at the same time! Cut out photos of roses in every hue, children, dogs, chairs, post cards of places I've traveled to, Bruce Springsteen, my kids, birdhouses, limes, lemons, sayings, students that have graduated, students babies.

how can I not feel blessed?

I get mad, impatient, pissy but there are such cool things in this world!

It just happened one day! The zest for Life! The appreciation!

Now I'm back to school. I love my job in the Health Room.

Friends peek in. Students I know by name. My good friend Karen came in yesterday. She is having a Mastectomy in 2 weeks.

It's not about bra size, she's a fighter too, gifted, loving, great support. God will help us in her care. But I'm feeling a little beaten down, well, not me - but that Life is picking on my friends. I want them well. I don't want them to have Cancer. Rose colored glasses I know. But the upbeat me is in fighting mode.

please schedule your mammogram, remind a friend or a loved one

remember self-breast exams

that you are loved, to give love, look for rainbows, fight against breast cancer

'A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves—a special kind of double.'

                                                                                                              Toni Morrison

Friendship's Healing Circle....Blessing Be Blessing Me

friend, dear friend
My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry;
to get my work done
and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return.
~ Maya Angelou ~


The idea is to write it so that people hear it
and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.
~ Maya Angelou ~

I cried a tear: you wiped it dry.

I was confused: you cleared my mind.

I sold my soul: you bought it back for me.

And held me up and gave me dignity,

Somehow you needed me.

                                           You gave me strength to stand alone again,

To face the world out on my own again.

You put me high upon a pedestal,

So high that I could almost see eternity,

You needed me.

You needed me.

And I can't believe it's you, I can't believe it's true:

I needed you and you were there.

And I'll never leave: Why should I leave? I'd be a fool.

'Cause I've finally found someone who really cares.

You held my hand when it was cold.

When I was lost, you took me home.

You gave me hope when I was at the end.

And turned my lies back into truth again:

You even called me friend.

You gave me strength to stand alone again,

To face the world out on my own again.

You put me high upon a pedestal,

So high that I could almost see eternity,

You needed me.

You needed me.

You needed me.

You needed me.

For all my sisters, mothers, daughters and friends that are fighting the fight - Cancer.  I heard this song the other day and it brought me back to several years ago. My friend Jackie's husband Dennis was diagnosed at the age of 27, with a malignant brain tumor. They had just returned from their honeymoon. I asked her how I could help. She said "just be there when I call". We held his hand for three days and somehow this song and album soothed him. The words have stayed in my heart and my mind and when I hear it I always think of "friendship" and it's strong bond, comfort. The day I drove home I told my husband fiercly that I "never wanted to lose another friend to Cancer again". As if I had a choice.

Jackie moved to Florida, married again and has two sweet daughters. I have been with other friends fighting the fight - some have won, so far I have won.

To be there, to be a friend, to have a friend - blessing be, blessing me.

Where there is great love,
there are always great miracles.
~ Mother Teresa ~

I say a little prayer - we say a lot of prayers...

********************************************************
*******************************************************

gentle spirt holding you in my heart take the time

healing thoughts thinking of you blogs of hello
peaceful images funny reminders get well wishes
*****************************************

*********************************************************

P.S. I LOVE YOU to

THE TEXAS WOMAN

OOOOOOOOOXXXXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOXXXXXXXXOOOOOXXX
OOOOOOOXXXOOOXXXXOOOXXXXOOOXXOOXXXOOX

**************************************************
you're my new breast friend too :)

Surviving - Kapow!!!

So I go to the doctor on May day - having a few gastrointestinal issues a few weeks before my Colonoscopy. She says "let's do a Cat Scan". Could it be my gall bladder, irritable bowel syndrome, stress - hmmm. I win the prize - a large mass on my left kidney that is more than likely malignant. WHAT???? Well, it was, it's out and it rocked my world. I have a sense of humor, a strong faith in God, very supportive friends and family, I recovered rapidly. But I just never dreamed I would have Cancer. I have lost friends to Cancer, have friends dealing with Cancer. Know there are millions of women with Cancer. Now I know how brave you all are. I'm so proud of you. I applaud you for your faith and courage and tenacity! Although I can never feel what you feel - my heart and prayers are with you. Love, Jennifer

Long, Lean and In Love

I fell in love...shouldn't
have but I
did and he's HELL
on Wheels! He's Trouble
with a capital T. He's a
demon. He's a wanderer.
He's the reason they started the tv show "It's
Me or the Dog". His name is "PALMER".
And we love him. Our 13 year old "Annie" - the sweetest, most obedient, gentle natured Chesapeake Bay Retriever lost her battle with Cancer. Weak, yes .... I was weak. I thought our other 13 year old Chessie would be lonely. Actually, she and our 3 cats were quite content. I was nuts. I found him in one lapse of weakness on Delaware Puppy Rescue and he was mine. He terrorizes of family pets, runs away every chance he gets, barks at the wind and moon, humps my vacuum cleaner. But when he races to see me and cuddles around my knees at night ... I'm in love. You know - like a Mom with a her naughty little boy when he closes his eyes at night? Ahhhhhhh.

Feeling peaceful and blessed...

Life is good for me these days... I made it through Kidney removal surgery on 6/2 surrounded by loved ones and recovered rapidly and dashed off to Riviera Maya with family... whooeee - I love the sun and family more. Rested, healed my body and soul. Spent time with my

hubby, my sons and their girlfriends.

Learned to settle myself in prayer,

be thankful more often and say so,

laugh at the silliest moments, tell the folks I love them that I do, go the extra mile and enjoy every moment - that breeze on my face, the rustle of leaves, the "I love you Mom."....How blessed can I be?

Knit? Crochet? Want to Be a Sweetie and help someone?

Did you know that there are churches and oganizations that accept donations of hats
and scarves for Cancer patients undergoing Chemotherapy? I live in Maryand and a local has a group that gathers to make hats and

scarves to donate. They accept yarn and

will teach beginners how to. So if you

knit, crochet or have yarn or knitting

or crochet supplies - please check out

your area and see if there is a resource like this.

Breast Cancer Awareness - Call a friend, make a mammogram appointment!

I know our lives are too busy - but they are never too busy to call a friend or family member and remind them to schedule their mammogram appointment! Take time for yourself and a friend - take time to Live.

October 18th & 19th - Breast Cancer Fund Raiser - Lucketts, VA. - Shop 'til you drop!!!!

On A Whim in Luckett's VA. is hosting a Breast Cancer Awareness Fundrasier October 18th - 19th. This area is fun area to scout out any day of the week or weekend.
On A Whim is open 7 days a week. When you've explored that area - head to Leesburg and if you're feeling adventurous .. there's always Really Great Finds in Purcellville, VA.. By the way - I love to shop.