Sunshine on My Shoulders

10:25 p.m.
Earlier this afternoon I made myself leave the office to soak up some sunshine. What a good idea. Later in the day, after work, the Donster and I went to our favorite park. Another good idea. Once again, a visit to the park resulted in a fortuitous meeting -- this time with a long-time friend, one from high school that I last saw at our class reunion last year. I love life. :)


A post from this afternoon...

Chris Columbus statue on the southwest
quad of the Statehouse.

Enjoying a brief break from the office with a stroll on the Statehouse grounds. Getting to take those kinds of walks are one of the many reasons why it's nice to work Downtown again. It's also great for people watching and running into friends I haven't seen for awhile.




Pic o' the Day was taken at last night's gathering of home church peeps - you can't buy this kind of solidarity!

It's a Fraroriety!

Sweet Surrender

The cooler temps and dew-ridden mornings seem to be coaxing some life out of my drought-stricken yard. I'm hearing more birds burst out in song, the hostas are sending up purple blooms, and wee insects such as the one featured below, are making an appearance. Testimonials to endurance, patience, and the promise.

September has not been many favorite month for a long time. So many sad things over the years have happened during its span of 30 days. Of course, today is to be remembered for the great tragedy we experienced as a nation.

I decided this morning, however, to reclaim September. There is so much beauty in this ninth month of the year. To spend it in melancholy is a waste. To spend it in mourning also is to turn away from the very good things that past Septembers have given me -- a beloved birthday, a cherished anniversary. Today, I am letting myself be nurtured by September's cloudless morning sky, streaming sunshine, and thirst-quenched grass.


As only a mother can understand her daughter, I dedicate today's Pic o' the Mornin' to my mom, who will recognize the whimsy in my subject matter.

Ephemeral

"Therefore, we are not discouraged; ... for this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond comparison ... for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor 4:16-18

"Make New Friends ...

... but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold." That little ditty has played in my head more than once the last couple of years. At one time, my pool of close friends seemed to be set -- I thought I neither wanted nor needed to add to that inner circle.

Hah, said God.

Thanks, said I.

I will be forever rich because of my long-time and newly embraced friendships -- the silver and gold treasures of life.

Vid o' the Day: I can't get enough of her -- hope you all feel the same!

Dog Day Afternoon

Sedona and pal, Trixie

It was Sedona Day, all day. With the cooler temps, she got to go with me on all my errands. Later, we visited with our pals across the river. What a beautiful day it was just hanging out on the patio, enjoying good conversation, watching the kids play, and laughing at the jealous antics of our sweet pups.

Since we're on the topic of dogs, I want to share that Golda did find her forever home. According to her new family, Golda loves letting the kids hang all over her and was even a good sport about being dressed up as a bee, superhero, and hula girl!

Dogs enrich our lives on so many levels. Without Sedona -- her affection, loyalty, humor -- my world would be so different, and not for the better. In our house, I'm glad to make every day Sedona Day!

Pic o' the Day

Professor Jones with an advanced degree in puppy love!

TGI this EOF

This is the best every-other-Friday (EOF) I've had since May 18! An excellent day to be in at the office. An excellent day to leave the office and begin a weekend that won't be about recovering from a recent chemo treatment.

Ah, a cold beer and bag of pretzels never tasted so good!


P.S.  To anonymous: 1) Dust off your grammar book, 2) if you have a dictionary, look up "irony" and "hyperbole," and 3) no, your comment isn't posted 'cause the only ugliness allowed on Bosomundheit is the CBitch.

Vid o' the Day: This mpeg was recorded September 7, 2002. Six days later we lost Lindsay. While watching this video makes me sad, it also makes my heart happy because those two loved each other so very much.

The Tattooed Lady

The tattoos are the bull's-eyes in the green crosshairs.
One on my chest, one under each arm.
Such a fashion statement!

The next phase of treatment is radiation. I went for my "simulation" yesterday at the Spielman Breast Center, which is where I'll go every day (Mon-Fri) for 30 days starting Sep. 17. Yesterday's gig was to determine exactly where to target the radiation. If only they'd asked, I could have saved them the time and told them: the right bosomundheit!;) During the process three little permanent tattoos were applied to my body, which will serve to ensure proper alignment for each treatment. Kind of disappointed though -- if I'm going to get inked, I'd like to have the option of how the tat appears!

I neglected to bring my camera into the room, so no pix from this experience, but I promise to be more diligent the next time. That said you'll only get to gander at the machinery as I'll be a little more exposed during radiation treatment versus chemotherapy!

Dr. Allison Quick

If I had my way, this rodeo would be getting started on the 10th. My radiation oncologist (Dr. Allison Quick), however, insists on being thorough and making sure everything is properly planned. Geez, can't a girl just get radiated and be done with it?!;)

What a Day!

I had a few appointments today and took the day off work, which made me feel guilty. I felt even more guilty when, before the first appointment, I took my pup to the park. But something happened at the park that made me realize God saw things differently. Let me tell you why.

As an off-leash Sedona and I ambled along the path, I stopped to pick up acorns from beneath a bur oak tree and attempt some artsy photos with my iPhone. The caps on these acorns are whimsical and I couldn't resist collecting a bag full! We resumed walking then half way round the park my girl took off after another dog, much to my mortification. Fortunately, the husband-and-wife owners were not offended; their dog also was a golden, so all was good. We exchanged the usual banter about our beloved four-legged pals, a topic than can go on forever when it comes to goldens. But then the wife very politely and directly inquired about my hair style and that was that -- my day crystalized.

She is one week out from surgery and likely will be going through a similar treatment plan as me. As the three of us talked, my heart filled with compassion, joy at our meeting, and awe at witnessing what clearly was a divinely instigated meeting.

From little acorns grow mighty oaks, indeed.
And, today's devotional referenced a verse from scripture that included this line "... They will be called oaks of justice, planted by the Lord to show his glory." [see Isaiah 61:3 for the full verse]

Make no mistake, dear readers, this was no coinky-dink meeting. I could have:

• Gone  to a different park
• Not stopped to go nuts over the acorns
• Kept Sedona on leash, preventing her from greeting her brethern and drawing together the owners
• Allowed my guilt to get the better of me and gone into the office for a couple of hours before my appointments
• Simply been lazy and told Sedona we weren't walking today

God has a path for us. Today, I clearly walked mine.

On the Verge?

I think I'm feeling sharper these last few days, but is it my imagination, reality, or a little of both? I know that in weeks past, pending chemo treatments were a bit like the Sword of Damocles, casting a physical and mental pall over everything in my immediate future. That sword now removed, and despite upcoming radiation, I feel a sense of anticipation or eagerness returning to me about work and every-day-life. I pray that this sense of renewal sticks with me through radiation. And, if it doesn't, I firmly believe it will return upon completion.

On another note, this nighttime electronics abstinence isn't working. I think modification to include evening electronics in moderation is in order, otherwise Bosomundheit is going up in flames!

Pic o' the Day: A dive into the archives yielded this sweet photo featuring one of my nieces and nephews. Today, they're still just as sweet, but certainly a wee bit older!

DiAnna & Andrew

My Gift Basket Runneth Over

Funny how the act of serving others becomes a gift to the server. I got the chance this afternoon to dish up meals with friends Rick and Rene to about 50 kids who live in the south Linden area. Making it even more fun was having assistance behind the counter from four of the neighborhood kids. The meal and subsequent teaching were part of a weekly program supported by Xenos Christian Fellowship.

What a gift to me that God has opened the door to this and other service opportunities. I am blessed.

Gift Pic o' the Day!

Holiday Weekends

Meet Golda

It feels so much more acceptable to fritter away a Saturday when there's a Monday holiday. Had a nice, laid back day that included connecting a homeless pup with, I hope, a new family. Also took time to hang out with one of my gal pals, her mom, and daughter. As for the evening, well, I dedicated it to my sweet Sedona, and the TV, and the computer -- a bit of a binge on the electronics, I'm afraid. 

I am feeling good, a little swelling going on in the hands and ankles, but nothing major. My appetite is returning and the taste buds, too. It's really sinking in more every day that there's no more chemo in my future -- that the every-other-Friday ritual is over. I am incredibly grateful that my body was strong enough to carry me through the treatment so successfully. 

He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak he makes vigor abound. - Isaiah 40:29