I'm Old!

You Belong in 1951

You're fun loving, romantic, and more than a little innocent. See you at the drive in!

What Year Do You Belong In?

9/11/08 - We Cannot Forget

At the Beach, finally!!

This is one of my very favorite photos - it's my great-nephew, Jay, taken by my nephew, Brent, in July 2004.





I can't believe I was away for over 7 months! It's so wonderful to be back! These photos are from last year but I will add some current ones soon.

Happy 4th of July!

Your Flag and My Flag

by Wilbur D. Nesbit

Your flag and my flag,
And how it flies today
In your land and my land
And half a world away!
Rose-red and blood-red
The stripes forever gleam;
Snow-white and soul-white -
The good forefathers' dream;
Sky-blue and true-blue,
with stars to gleam aright -
The gloried guidon of the day,
a shelter through the night.

Above is a calendar page I made for a 2004 RR that my friend Aileen hosted. And also, a few years back, I participated in an Altered Book RR whose theme was "Color" - my friend Jean chose "Red/White/Blue" - above are some pages I did in her book.

I wish each of you a very happy and safe 4th!

Pan Pastels and Twinkling H2O's

I recently bought some Pan Pastels http://www.panpastel.com/ and love them. I played a bit with them and my Twinkling H2O's - I printed out the clip art of the birds on 140 lb. water color paper and then had fun.

I'm Cancer Free One Year Today!!

One year ago today, I was undergoing a total hysterectomy due to uterine cancer. When I started my blog I declared to myself that I would only write about meaningful things – mostly happy things – and that I would NOT complain about all of my health issues. But I am making an exception today. A year ago, I underwent cataract surgery (very successful!) a colonoscopy and an endoscopy (I have several problems, but I can deal) and a D&C. The result of the D&C determined that I had uterine cancer - thus, the hysterectomy. I will never forget how I felt when my doctor announced those dreaded words: “It’s cancer”! My whole world crumbled around me, I was sick to my stomach with fear and uncertainty. I remember the days that followed the diagnosis and I kept thinking it was not really true – just a terrible dream. But it was true and I had to hold myself together and pray that the upcoming surgery would “get it all”. It did!! I am so very blessed that no radiation or chemotherapy treatments were required, although I must have quarterly CT scans.
I recently read Moon Willow’s blog http://moonwillow.blogspot.com/ and she had a link to this beautiful slide show: http://thesurvivormovie.com/ - I think it is very powerful!
So now that I’ve completely recovered from the cancer and surgery, all I have to deal with health-wise is my 24/7 indescribable pain from fibromyalgia and arthritis. I also fight depression but fortunately my meds have it under control. And as with most fibro sufferers, I have chronic fatigue. My obesity is also a real health challenge too. But I have learned to get by one day at a time and deal with the pain and immobility and being home bound for the most part. I have a wonderful, loving family, my precious furbaby and dear friends plus I enjoy my art and other pastimes - life is good!
Today I cut up a myriad of medical bills and other health-related stuff and created the collage above. It's not my best work, but it will be a happy reminder of where I've been and how many blessings I have to be grateful for!

4 Legs Good, 2 Legs Bad

I just love Christine Kane - (http://christinekane.com/blog) I love her music and her uplifting essays and her self-help emails. My new favorite song can be seen on this YouTube video - "4 Legs Good, 2 Legs Bad" - funny!