I Did it

I finished a proposal for a photo grant - the hardest and most time consuming thing I have done while trying to pet sit, attend events, photograph bands and live life.  I made sure it was a top priority but still didn't feel like I had enough time to work on it.
One thing I do know is I drive around too much as a dog walker.  I did enjoy pet sitting and have peace and quiet to work on it.
Here are a few photos I found while trying to decide which photos represented me as a photographer.

 I was on train to NJ to see my friend Susan in 2011 when I took this selfie.

Love when I can help people see the Beauty

I posted the photo below of a rusted chair in the snow in our backyard and got the best comment from a friend - Kim said - "you never stop amazing me.... I walk past this type of stuff and don't even notice it - you take a picture of it and I think "holy crap, that's beautiful"!" 
I love that I can do that for a person/friend.
I am glad I could help her see and maybe help her to start noticing the beauty in the world around her more.
Take the time in your busy day to see that the snow on a rusted chair, that small flower in the crack of the sidewalk or that red leaf that fell just right in the green grass. 

Time Flies

It's been a year since I was in Palm Springs with a great group of ladies for the Shutter sisters Oasis Camp at the ACE hotel.  I am so glad I went on that trip.  I loved every minute of my time there and the friendships that were made. 

Beautiful Day

You don't know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

- unknown

I had my head painted 4 times while going through chemo - this painting session was for my last chemo.  To be continued means to me life goes on.   I never knew how strong I could be until I got diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011

RIP Talia

Photo borrowed from Talia FB page - love this photo for so many reasons

this was the post from AngelsforTalia fb page yesterday - sweet angel couldn't fight any longer
 
#‎prayfortalia‬ It is with a heavy heart that we share with all of you that Talia has earned her wings at 11:22am. Please lift her beautiful soul, her beautiful light to heaven and please send your love and prayers to her family during this most difficult time. God speed little one, may you be free from pain and suffering, may your soul feel the light and love that you brought to so many of us on this Earth during the short time you were her with us. We will miss you more than you will ever know baby girl.

2 yr Annv Breast Cancer removal

Two years ago, on June 28, 2011. I was getting a wire placed in my breast for Breast Cancer surgery.  I was alittle nervous but more anxious about the fact they were suppose to put this wire in while doing a mamography on me - Ouch!  Luckily my cancer was on the bottom of my breast and it couldn't be down so we had to do it by sonogram.  Greg drove me over to the hospital and into Pre-op we went.  I laughed and joked with the nurses.  I was in shock still so I didn't take photos that day - wish I had.  My surgeon and I have agreed when I have my port out I will take photos.

This is a shot of the drainage tube that I had under my arm after surgery - i took this shot the day I was getting it out - 2 wks after surgery

No Place Like Home

I was visiting my family in the Carolinas the week of June 1-8.  I love being HOME and really would love to move back but I am still under doctor care for Breast Cancer.  It was great seeing Mom, Dad, Aunt Polly and my sister, her husband and my Nephew.  Loved  meeting up with a few close friends.

Me and My mom

My sister, nephew and brother-in-law

Me and my Aunt

Hung my photos at WSOC in Charlotte, NC - this is just one wall

Hung my photos at WSOC in Charlotte, NC - this is the wall of the Tutu photos

I had the opportunity to take a workshop with a photographer that has inspired me since I first discovered her - Catherine Anderson.  I took her Soul Collage Class, I need the spiritual time that I knew I would find at her workshop.

Who’s Better Than Me?

I joined Comedian, Life Coach, and Author Nancy Witter and a group of women for Ladies night out at Garden city Casino for the event “Who’s Better Than Me? Learning to Live Happily Ever After”

From the minute I was greeted at the door by Nancy's cousin I felt welcomed.  Her energy was amazing.  I bought tickets to help another BC survivor and mingled with the other ladies.  The band “John Khoury and His Hambones” were incredible and I even bought a pair of guitar earrings from one of the local vendors selling at the event.  What an amazing evening.  

After Nancy took the stage and had us all laughing - the energy was incredible in the building - she signed books, I bought 4 so I could share with my family.  

Awesome night out. 

“John Khoury and His Hambones”

Nancy Witter Comedian, Life Coach, and Author

Today is a good Day

I had a 6 month follow up for Mammo and Sono today - can you say OUCH!!!   if you ladies think it hurts normally trust me it is much worse once you have had surgery and Radiation on a breast.

As I sat in the waiting room after the Mammo collecting my thoughts and getting copies of my Magazine article out to leave, I sae a lady come out of room 1 and thought Bless you my friend - she was there to have wire put in and head over to the Hospital because her journey had just began.  I wanted to run after her and say stay positive, eat healthy and LAUGH alot!!  but I felt overwhelmed with memories of June 28, 2011 - my surgery date.  

I left 2 hours after entering and with great news - NDD (no disease detected) or NED (no evidence of disease) - woo hoo!!  this triple negative BC lady is happy with that news.  I will go back in 6 months for a follow up.   

the sun was coming out as I arrived and almost made a heart in the sky - that's a good sign!!

the lovely gown you get to wear during your appointment.

 here's the shot I took of the machine we all dislike!!

yep these were placed on my breast before the Mammogram and taken off for the sonogram - forgot I had them in my pocket