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.

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

Silent Sunday

Black Eyed Susan Scrabble Tile Pendant

(Not yet listed)

Scrabble Tile Pendant Your Initial

(Please click title to enter shop)



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

Until next time,

Carmen

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

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

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

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!

Not So Silent Sunday

It's been a long time. Over a month and nothing from this self proclaimed "loud mouth." I've missed blogging but unfortunately have not found the spare minute in the day to devote to it.

It's been a strange year. In earlier posts I've shared what I am seeing in my community secondary to the recession. Yesterday I received another dose of reality while participating in a health fair that my staff coordinated and sponsored.

It was held in our statellite office. An area that just 18 months ago was considered very up and coming, with multiple coveted zip codes, affluent areas, promise of the American dream. Today it has one of the highest foreclosure rates and unemployment rates in our State. Today it is an area that hurts visibly.

In the land of plenty, the land of milk and honey that is America, it is difficult to comprehend the inability to provide yourself with basic needs--food, shelter, being able to provide and care for oneself, etc. That is what I saw. That is their reality.

There are no words to describe the response we received from those that attended the health fair. It was pure gratitude and I cannot begin to share what that looks or feels like. But I can say to anyone reading this blog that if you have an opportunity to assist in community events in your area take the time, do it, make a difference in someone's life. Right now, it is needed.

My deepest appreciation and thanks to those who made this possible for our community. Ursula, Ron, Tim, Terri, Claudia C, Claudia J, Yvette, Isaiah, Pacia, Connie, Jayne, Melissa, Wendy, Dawn, Ramona, Carol, Eva, Hugh, Luz, Marlene, Taymi, Brenda, Debbie T, Debbie D-M (and Buddy), Valarie, Linda (and her wonderful Volunteers), and Paul--thank you! Your dedication and committment to our organization, your community and the people that we serve is a source of inspiration. I am blessed to be a part of this "Dream Team."

Until next time,

Carmen

Growing Up Spanglish

My sister and I are slightly damaged, I say that in a loving way. We grew up just a little different than our friends. We grew up Spanglish.

Now you might ask what exactly is growing up Spanglish? Well if you take the best of American culture and mix it with the best of Spanish tradition you have growing up Spanglish. Our parents did not speak English as we were growing up which now in retrospect has led to some of the funniest moments (and memories) of our lives. We recall parental language faux pas and can laugh for hours not only at the way they were said but at the subtle innuendos associated with what they said.

Our parents never said thank you very much, but did mange "sank ju' berry mush." Our friends shopped at Winn Dixie Qwik Chek we cut to the chase and went to "Winn Chek," our grandmother's favorite store. Most of you probably have had a bucket of the Colonel's Kentucky Fried Chicken hmmm at our house that would be "Ceeken Leeken." And then there was the bus driver who insulted our mother (according of course to our mother) the man simply asked her to "Put the fare..." in the toll machine and pointed. Our mother insisted that he had called her "...an ugly lady of the evening."

As we grew up we learned the American translation for our "secret language." Now after so many years we crack up when we hear friends and acquaintances discuss their "secret languages." It seems they might not have been as "secret" as any of us thought. There are so many common factors that we are beginning to wonder if it wasn't a master plot thought up by our parents.

Growing up Spanglish was amazing. It prepared us for what life had to hold. If nothing else it did teach us to think on our feet, to question the spoken word, and to stand on what we know to be right for us. Case in point, I was going out on a first date many years ago when my mother turned to me and the young man and uttered, "Don con hon lader." A huge smile emerged on my dates face, to which I responded "zip it, you can't begin to understand."

Have a great weekend and until next time,

Carmen

We're Back~~Silent Saturday

Good Grace-Crochet Pin

Sumpin Else

Back in the shop in a multitude of colors, just in time for your holiday shopping. Pin on your lapel or slide a ribbon or chain through the pin's back for a unique look this fall.

Crochet Necklace

Sumpin Else

Back in the shop in a multitude of colors, just in time for your holiday shopping.

Integrity Necklace

Sumpin Else

Length adjusts from choker to full 30" can also be used as eyeglass holder

Grow flowers of gratitude in the soil of prayer~V. Woods

Wishes Do Come True

Wish Bracelet--Sumpin Else WISH

Sumpin Else

Wish Bracelet--Man Star with Heart

Sumpin Else

If a pig can fly, are any words necessary? Hope you enjoy the new additions to our shop.

Please Pardon our Dust...

I've always loved this sign in department stores. It's always been encouraging to me to see growth and to know that there exists planned chaos. I've always secretly wanted to hang one of those signs up myself.

Sumpin Else is our little dream. We hoped for a "Please Pardon our Dust..." sign of our own one day. Ahhhh, one day that was the key. That day came a little sooner; not a complaint just a joyful realization.

Over the next couple of weeks, we will be working on reorganizing our growing "little" business. For which our kitchen tables, living rooms, dining rooms, and families thank us. We in turn thank you!

We are not as savvy or well equipped at this as Bloomingdale's or Macy's. So in order to fulfill our local and custom orders while we revamp we will be on hiatus until September. If you have placed a Sumpin Else order (through 8/7/2009) your order will be shipped in the same timely manner as it always has been. If you are placing an order 8/8/2009 or after please note that orders will be shipped on August 27th.

Again, thank you for making our dreams come true. Next blog entry will be August 27th in the meantime: Please pardon our dust while we regroup to serve you better.

Until next time,

Carmen

Oh, GROW UP Already!

We've been talking a lot about kids moving out, moving on, and getting married . . . and, as a mom, I know you have to let them go at some point, BUT (and that's a big but) what if you're not ready? What then?

My daughter decided it was time to spread her wings and fly, and fly she did! All the way to New York City! It's not like I can hop in the car and be there in an hour or two. Even if I fly it's still more than a few hours out. I remember being her age and getting in my car and going and going. . . albeit it was only for the weekend. Then, I'd come home. My weekend trips never took me out of state (okay, once)!

Nick just popped the question and as happy as we are about it . . . he's spreading his wings and flying, too!

My mind rewinds and I remember all of them as little kids (Carmen's and mine) . . . the day Nick (his sister's interpreter - they're a year and half apart) decided he could no longer understand what she was saying so we were up the creek understanding her . . . the day Carmen got stopped by the cop and Amanda and Alex (still in their car seats) started singing "Bad boys, Bad boys, whatcha gonna do . . . " . . . Alex removing every stitch of clothes and running around saying, "I'm cold!"

The kids have grown up . . . but I still remember these moments (and MORE), and I thank God each and every day that I was able to share times with them when they were little.

But to the youngest of the clan, my Derrick, I say . . . take your time.

~Maggi

Beauty in a Grain of Sand

Glass Pendant--Glass Ceiling--Bellagio III

Sumpin Else

Glass Pendant--Glass Ceiling--Bellagio II

Sumpin Else

Glass Pendant--Glass Ceiling--Bellagio I

Sumpin Else

"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free." Michelangelo

Have you ever looked at a tree and noticed the sun shining through the leaves? How they glimmer and become almost translucent? How the color is alive and vibrant? Or have you walked on the beach and marveled at those tiny little grains of sand? How they shine as if each were a diamond just ready to be plucked?

Man has been awed by the beauty of nature since the begining of time. The great masters saw more in a piece of stone or a stretched canvas something that needed to be released. The beauty they saw in their raw materials was much more than words could describe, so they set them "free."

Each one of us has the potential to do that; if not with our hands, with our minds. This power uplifts and transcends us. Next time you find yourself in the garden or on the beach, find the beauty in a grain of sand.

Until next time,

Carmen

For My Children

Slider Box--Baby's First Haircut Lock Keeper Girl

Sumpinelse on Etsy

Slider Box--Baby's First Haircut Lock Keeper Boy

Sumpinelse on Etsy

MorningsideThe old man died

And no one cried

They simply turned away

And when he died

He left a table made of nails and pride

And with his hands he carved these words inside

"for my children"
Neil Diamond Morningside

(for complete lyrics and to view Morningside click on Morningside above. You will be directed to the lyricsmode.com site and the appropriate page. The youtube video is available on the left.)

The first time I ever heard this song my eldest son was not even a glimmer in this mother's eyes. I can't begin to express how deeply the lyrics touched me and the commitment I vowed to make for my children at that time.

Decades have since passed, but the whole time, the lyrics have lived within my head and my heart. Their haunting beauty pulled me through some of my darkest moments, moments when I could not find it in myself to lift up by the boot straps and go on. They were constant reminders of why it was important to me to be there for my children. They helped me to focus on what I held to be important and what I believed I needed to instill in them.

For Mom's (and Dad's) every where, your job (raising your children) is the most important work you will ever do. You are molding their futures, yours, and that of the world. They are our legacy. They are our hope~~raise them with all the love and compassion that you hold within.

Until next time,

Carmen

Writer's Block related to Healthcare

In keeping with the summer schedule of blogging every three days today would be the day. My only challenge is that try as I might nothing has popped into my mind for tonights post. My entire day has been filled with so many other things that little time was left over to even consider what to write so I will briefly share with you what is troubling me. Healthcare!

As I've stated before, I am a nurse. Although I have been in Administration and not at the bedside in over 11 years I am still a nurse. Due to the current economic crisis I am starting to see first hand what I learned about in graduate school--the phenomenon of the emergency room as the point of entry to healthcare. How sad it is to watch and how deeply distrubing it is to know that so many are in need of care and unable to afford it. They put off seeing their doctors often until it is too late. It is not bad enough that so many are now out of jobs and underinsured or uninsured we must now add Medicare and Medicaid cuts on top of that as well.

I still have hope. Hope that we will lead ourselves out of this crisis and that we will find a more lasting and workable solution to our healthcare woes. A country's greatness can be gauged by how it takes care of its children, elderly and infirmed. Are we slipping?

Until next time,

Carmen

The Psychology of Color the Color Mood Connection

Glass Pendants--Jewel Tones Color Me Wonderful $8.00

Sumpin Else

Have you ever walked into a room and wondered why you feel so anxious, relaxed, motivated, or even tired? Have you ever dressed for a special meeting and chosen the red blazer or the black and wondered what it is about that blazer that makes you feel powerful and in control? Why do we dress baby girls in pinks, and baby boys in blues? And why do attorneys tell clients what to wear for their "day in court?"

The answer is both simple and complicated. Color effects our affect, moods, perceptions, and feelings. It also effects others affect, moods, perceptions, and feelings about us when we wear them.

Much research has been done on the effects of color. So much so that many articles and writings are now available to the general public thanks to the Internet. One of my favorites Color: Meaning, Symbolism, and Psychology can be found at http://www.squidoo.com/colorexpert.

So next time you wonder why you feel anxious whenever your boss wears "...that red blazer." Look it up, you might just have the answer at your fingertips!

Until next time,

Carmen

Thilent (Corny Yes) Thursday

Glass Pendant--Tequila Sunset

Original Sumpin Else Photo

Glass Pendants--Firsts

Sample: Maggi's "Little Man" Derrick

Firsts are Custom Items

Glass Pendant--Firsts

Sample: Our friends Ron and Ursula

Firsts are Custom Items

Until next time,

Carmen

Trying New Things

Glass Pendant-Magnolia

Sumpin Else

I remember as a small child often sitting at the dinner table with what looked like who knows what in front of me. I also remember my grandmother Mimi encouraging me to try whatever the flavor of the day was. Whether it was food, games, books, or activities it was always Mimi encouraging us to try something new.

Later on when Mimi was not at our side every minute of the day, her voice would pop into my head whenever I faced a new challenge. Thanks to Mimi our sense of adventure was developed and cultivated. She may have been a little woman but she was packed full of spunk. Mimi passed away on December 17, 2004.

As I was looking in our shop the other day I thought to myself how much I would like to try my hand at glass pendants. Up until this point I had always been fearful to give it a try and then there she was "Try it" I heard her distinct but tiny voice in my head. Of course I had to follow it.

Mimi, it is the first of hopefully many, this magnolia is for you. I love you and miss you, thank you for staying in my heart and in my head.

Until next time,

Carmen

An Idle Mind

is the "playground of the devil." I'm not agreeing with that quote these days. Well my mind really hasn't been idle, but it has been taking in way too much HGTV. Oh, the new ideas I have for this house . . . not that we need to do anything more to our house at the moment, but WOW!

I'm thinking of demo'ing the wall between the kitchen and the dining room. Really, it's not a major task. The problem starts with the re-wiring of the electric for the fridge and stove. I guess I shouldn't mention the air conditioning duct is encased by a soffit. Seriously, it looks great in my head! Mind you I'm not an electrician, plumber or carpenter nor do I play one on TV . . . but I'm loaded with ideas!

Next, the laundry room . . . it just needs to be a bit bigger. It's not a problem that the only way to expand the laundry room would be into the garage. Ha! Just a little bump in the road.

Tomorrow I'm Lowe's or Home Depot bound . . . now that is truly the playground for the devil!

~Maggi
(just kidding Babe!)