It’s been a long week. There have been times during and since having cancer that I get completely overwhelmed with gratitude; an absolute moment when my heart feels like it’s exploding. Well, that happened a couple of times to me this week; once sitting in a parking lot getting ready to go into an office, and the other, while driving to go see a friend. I was flooded with emotion just thinking about my life, the people in it, and just exactly where it is today. In general, it was a week full of chaos (as usual) but I absolutely felt blessed in those brief moments. Almost two weeks ago a friend of mine’s dad had a heart attack. I was able to visit him and his dad in the hospital and I admit, it was tough. Seeing the interaction between the two, a son taking care of his father, it was humbling. Later he said to me, ‘my dad was my Superman, so seeing him like this is hard,’ broke my heart. It’s the circle of life right? My strong friend taking care of his Superman. Another friend of mine was in the emergency room last week not exactly knowing what was wrong. She had absolute fear in her eyes when she told me all about it the next day when I saw her. Fortunately in both instances, things seem to be getting better.
The first time I had cancer the doctor walked in my room when I was by myself and told me I was going to die, and it was 4 years ago this month that I had my third (and last, hopefully) surgery for cancer. There have been several moments in between where I have gotten completely overwhelmed with life and just living. My life has been in constant transition, especially lately, and not always smooth, but I am so thankful. There have been people, friends, that have really stepped up, and new people who I have met for exactly this time. I said this in my last blog but it’s awesome how different people weave themselves in and out of your story. Some meetings are brief but they all leave an impact and memory, and many times those people weave back in. Life is fleeting but beautiful if you can just stop and open your eyes…To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.~ Oscar Wilde
To everything – turn, turn, turn. There is a season – turn, turn, turn. And a time to every purpose under heaven. A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap; A time to kill, a time to heal; A time to laugh, a time to weep~Turn Turn Turn~The Byrds
Today I wear NYX Cosmetics Butter Gloss in Sugar Cookie. These glosses are AWESOME and inexpensive!. They are not sticky at all, slightly pigmented, and super moisturizing. I chose this color for two reasons. First, it’s a great pop of color that won’t scare people away (looks natural), and second, because of the name, my daughter made some amazing cookies this week! Cheers!
Anna's Lipstick Journey 
Anna – I’m headed in for surgery # 2 on Tuesday and when I saw that you posted tonight, I knew I should read it right away. Your positive nature and outlook are so appreciated. Thank you for continuing to write and share with us.
I will be praying for you!
Thank you Anna, very much!
I believe that gratitude (thanksgiving) is the most healing and transforming thing we can do. Your lovely blog reminds me of a favorite prose written by Lois A. Cheney:
BITS AND PIECES
BITS AND PIECES
PEOPLE. PEOPLE IMPORTANT TO YOU, PEOPLE UNIMPORTANT TO YOU CROSS YOUR LIFE, TOUCH IT WITH LOVE AND CARELESSNESS AND MOVE ON. THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO LEAVE YOU AND YOU BREATHE A SIGH OF RELIEF AND WONDER WHY YOU EVER CAME INTO CONTACT WITH THEM. THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO LEAVE YOU AND YOU BREATHE A SIGH OF REMORSE AND WONDER WHY THEY HAD TO GO AWAY AND LEAVE SUCH A GAPING HOLE. CHILDREN LEAVE PARENTS; FRIENDS LEAVE FRIENDS. ACQUAINTANCES MOVE ON. PEOPLE GROW APART. ENEMIES HATE AND MOVE ON. FRIENDS LOVE AND MOVE ON. YOU THINK ON THE MANY WHO HAVE MOVED INTO YOUR HAZY MEMORY. YOU LOOK ON THOSE PRESENT AND WONDER.
I BELIEVE IN GOD’S MASTER PLAN IN LIVES. HE MOVES PEOPLE IN AND OUT OF EACH OTHER’S LIVES, AND EACH LEAVES HIS MARK ON THE OTHER. YOU FIND YOU ARE MADE UP OF BITS AND PIECES OF ALL WHO EVER TOUCHED YOUR LIFE, AND YOU ARE MORE BECAUSE OF IT, AND YOU WOULD BE LESS IF THEY HAD NOT TOUCHED YOU.
PRAY GOD THAT YOU ACCEPT THE BITS AND PIECES IN HUMILITY AND WONDER, AND NEVER QUESTION, AND NEVER REGRET.
BITS AND PIECES
BITS AND PIECESS
Such a precious “bit” you are, Anna!
Love and prayers always …
Love it Grace! Thank you and love you!
Anna, I am here for you anytime. Bob and I always did and will continue to care about you!
Thanks Judy! Love you!