Palm Springs 2012

In October of 2012 I had the pleasure of going to Palm Springs and staying at The Ace Hotel to attend the Shutter Sisters Oasis Camp.

I was with Tracy Clark at the Shutter Sister Snap Happy Hour in NYC in 2010, when she asked if anyone would be interested in a camp where we could share ideas and learn from each other.  I was so going to be there. 

Well just my luck in Feb of 2011 I had a swollen lymph node under my left arm, I knew something was up and knew I couldn't register for camp in 2011 - that year it sold out in a few minutes.   I was determined to stay healthy and attend in 2012.  Chemo wasn't going to kick my butt and Cancer wasn't going to take my life I wanted to go to camp.

October 2012 came so quick.  I boarded a plane for PS on Oct 20 so I would have a day to recover from the long flight.  First stop Dallas, TX and shopping for my friend Jennifer and her son the Dallas fans.  I got to Palm Springs in time to see the sun setting from the plane.   I grabbed a taxi and off the Motel 6 for the first night.

There was a Motorcycle rally in town so Motorcycles were everywhere. 

I was up early the next morning (Sunday) I was still on NY time in fact it was 2;30 PS time!!!  I went back to bed and 3 hours later started my walk into downtown Palm Springs.  I posted on FB on the Shutter Sister page where I was in hopes of meeting up with a Sister.  I was getting a few responses and then while eating breakfast at Rubies, Pamela Shaw a fellow Shutter Sister, stopped by to say hello and introduce herself.

I walked back to hotel to meet with 2 shutter sister who were there and we started on a walk around PS - it was too hot already at 12:30 to walk back to town so we had sandwiches and then headed over to the ACE to take photos and wait on the check in time.

At 3pm check in for Shutter Sister Oasis began.  So exciting to be in an area with so many talented photographers.  I felt great both physically and mentally.  I met Carol who I spoken to on FB and a few other ladies who I knew from online.  My roommate Laura was just too cute and sweet - love her.  we hit it off great and had a great time together.

My roomie Laura and I - great match up 

Below are some more of the photos from a wonderful trip to Ace Hotel in Palm Springs for Shutter Sisters Oasis Camp.

flying into the sunset as I arrive in Palm Springs

took a walk the first morning I was in PS to downtown PS - love all the Palm Trees everywhere.  I could love here.

Sono Bono Statue

Great place to eat - Ruby's Diner

Marilyn was in Palm Springs - I first saw this statue at Grounds for Sculpture in NJ

Pink Peace Van on the move in Palm Springs

I finally made it to the wind mills - awesome time!!

karin - what a great lady and photographer

 

forgot to return my key

Happy Valentine's Day - Pet Sitting and Snow storm - oh my

I started a new Pet Sitting job last Friday and there was a snow storm - the town I am in go over 20 inches. 

Seriously I am not pet sitting in January or February anymore - of course that's not true, if a client calls of course I will be there. 

 The dogs have enjoyed the snow and running in it but I didn't enjoy digging out of it and the neighbors aren't friendly where I am either.  

To top it off the parrot attacked me when I forgot that I didn't need to open the door because the water bowl and other food bowls have special little doors.

Happy Valentine's Day - Heart in the snow

Saturday night after crazy day of shoveling snow that was past my knees

Sophie loved the snow

Nicholas in the Friday night snow - he could still walk in it

the snowflakes are falling FRiday 2/8

I could not get out front door on Saturday 2/9 morning 

grabbed from TV scene from Seaside Heights, NJ - this roller coaster came off during Hurricane Sandy in Oct 2012

I had to walk through this waist deep snow to get to front walk to get snow from blocking the front door

Look at all that snow!!!!  I only lost Sophie 2 times in the deep parts!! ha!!

Finally ready to go inside

Waiting on Daddy's to come home - really watching for cats ha!!  

Going to add this to my oil and water collection

there's a new Pink Angel in Heaven

I lost my dear friend and Chemo buddy - Antoinette

Antoinette and I were diagnosed within months of each other and started Chemotherapy together.  We would sit and talk when she got to chemo but within 30 minutes of the nurses starting her treatment she was asleep.  I snapped a few photos of her asleep - sweet lady didn't get mad when I told her either.  

Antoinette always loved to see what I would be wearing or after loosing my hair what I would have painted on my bald head.  She said I was her rock and I kept her believing in the good and positive of Breast Cancer.   

Antoinette was stage 2 triple negative and I am stage 3A triple negative.  It is scary to think she lost her battle in just 2 yrs - I believe she was diagnosed in Feb of 2011 - I was diagnosed in May of 2011 but found my swollen lymph node in Feb 2011.  Heaven gained another Pink Warrior.  - Rest in Peace sweet angel.

June 2012 - Antoinette and me - she had just been re diagnosed with cancer