Sunday, August 8, 2010

The Other "C" Word

There are hurtful words in the English language that we fling at each other in anger, despair and even laziness when we do not take the time to find a more appropriate one. This post is not about the obvious it is about the other "C" word CANCER.

Cancer is a word that until recently was in my vocabulary distantly. I could empathize but I could not fully relate, it had touched my life but never so completely. All that changed late in May when my Mother was diagnosed. Now it is as much a part of my life as waking, sleeping, breathing.

The disease itself consumes the patient; the interventions to battle the disease consumes their lives. I support, listen, hand hold but find that it is not enough. I am still on the fringe trying to guide her through a maze that although I am familiar with, I can no longer navigate because I have lost perspective. I am no longer the healthcare provider, I am the daughter watching, waiting for results, hoping that all is going well, praying that she has the stamina to endure the ravages of not only the disease but of the "cure."

Her spirits are good. She goes through the motions of the endless doctors' appointments, the chemotherapy, the outward "signs" that all is "ok." There are moments when she shares her inner thoughts, when she puts to words the struggle she is engaged in. Her thoughts are simply verbalized nothing fancy. My Mother does not deal in "fancy." Again I listen helpless but never hopeless.

I love you Mom, you are not alone, we are all here with you and for you. I know we've taken this journey together before this is how you must have felt many years ago when it was you in my shoes. You did it then; we'll do it now.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

The Walk to Defeat ALS

For the past four years, every April I walk to support ALS. It began because of a corporate sponsorship and has blossomed into something I do to remember friends, patients, and staff who have succumbed to this devastating disease.

During the weeks leading up to the walk there is always the fund raising and attention to details that keeps my mind occupied. The day of the walk and especially the walk itself is a different story. At those moments my mind is filled with those who have fallen to this disease. I see their faces, remember their hopes, and pray for the ones that are newly diagnosed.

ALS is relentless and unforgiving. It knows no social or economic boundaries. It does not care what your ethnic background is or what you beliefs might be. ALS is an equal opportunity disease.

There is little known about ALS and what has been recently discovered is mostly due to the fund raising efforts for research and care of the ALS Association. Nationwide the ALS Association continues to look for the cure while providing for the needs of those afflicted. The cost of one year of care for one ALS patient is $200,000. Do the math, it is mind boggling!

ALS fund raising is not limited to once a year. You can donate at anytime to the ALS Association. No gift is too small or too great and every penny is deeply appreciated. To contribute to the ALS Association visit our Team Page, the Florida Chapter (just click on either to go to a donate page) or visit your local chapter's webpage.

Until next time,

Carmen

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Silent Sunday

Black Eyed Susan Scrabble Tile Pendant
(Not yet listed)
(Please click title to enter shop)



Scrabble Tile Pendant Leopard and Stripe Initial
(Please click title to enter shop)

Until next time,
Carmen




































































































































































































































Saturday, February 13, 2010

And My Mind Draws A Blank

I was originally going to title this post "This Menopausal Moment is Brought to You By..." but thought better (or maybe I didn't but it was masked by my menopausal moment). I am hoping that if I type real fast I might be able to complete this post before the next wave of ....what was it I was going to type?

Some of you reading this can't relate because you are too young (wait, it will come) and some of you can't relate because you are male (hahaha no excuse go ask your GF, wife, SO or any middle aged woman on the street). The Menopausal Moment is a real phenomena that warrants exploration and millions of dollars in research.

Ladies, we have all experienced it. The Menopausal Moment (or TMM for short, because it can't be real and medical unless it has an acronym) is that sudden lack of blood to brain that causes your mouth to stop in mid sentence. This is the hallmark sign of TMM. It is usually followed by "What was I saying," or "What is the word I'm looking for..." Unfortunately that only masks your embarrassment from YOU because the word you were looking for is "and" or "the."

My first glimpse into TMM was many years ago. It began with my grandmother. While rattling off orders as we marched out the door she would pause then cover by calling out fifteen names before getting to the right one, we were too young to realize what was going on. Then it happened to my mother, aunts, cousins the only common threads seemed to be age, "hot flashes," and statements of "wait 'til it happens to you."

I have experienced TMM myself. My best one to date was when I sitting in an interview, with 4 other women who were looking to hire a high profile executive for their high profile company (no names not that I shouldn't I just can't remember--it's happening now). While answering some deep question like "What is the meaning of life," my mind went blank. Noting the age of the women in the room, and knowing they had no clue what my age was I apologized profusely and stated calmly "I just had a menopausal moment." Being able to relate, I was offered the position a few days later. Being too embarrassed I declined.

So next time it happens don't be too concerned it is one of those skeletons in the closet that we don't share in polite societies. Yes, it is real. No, there is nothing wrong with you but I am sure that the pharmaceutical companies will come out with a pill to assist us through it--soon.

Until next time,

Carmen

Monday, February 8, 2010

M is for Monday, M is for Mucha








They don't even have names yet but I couldn't wait to share them. After recently discovering the works of Alphonse Mucha seems I can't get enough of them! There is an ethereal quality to his works that begs you to do something with them. So lately, I've been playing with paper, eating glue and running with scissors while working on Mucha girl pendants.


Each beauty in this newest group is mounted on polymer clay tiles, sanded and sealed. Gorgeous as a pendant but would be equally as lovely as a pin. Off to play with more Mucha muchachas.


Until next time,


Carmen


Saturday, February 6, 2010

Basic Rules for Living on the Planet

Life does not come with instructions. We are kind of thrown into it and then we are mentored and guided by our parents, families, friends, and a few wild cards that destiny throws in the mix. It's too bad that there is no reference book, You Tube video, etc. for when all else fails or for when you have reached the crossroads. It's also too bad that we don't take notes along the way.

One of my favorite books is Life's Little Instruction Book. Another favorite is Everything I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Granted they are not an atlas for living but they are a good start. We would all do well to purchase a copy of each and keep it near by. They remind us of basic issues in simple terms.

It has been one of those weeks, months, and years. I just need to remind myself of what is important and while I'm there I'll share with you:

  • Say "Please"
  • Say "Thank you"
  • Say "I love you"
  • Say "I'm sorry"
  • If you open it, close it
  • If you turn it on, turn it off
  • If it ain't broken, don't fix it
  • If you break it, repair it
  • If you borrow it, return it
  • Toilet seat down
  • You are responsible for your own happiness

Until next time,

Carmen

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

So you don't post for a bit . . .

and all heck breaks loose! What is up with that? You get a little busy with the holidays, making some custom orders and forget (abandon) your blog for a bit . . . and it becomes "inactive!" I never knew that!

 
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