Archive | April 2016

In Remembrance

Prince felt deeply and shared his soul with the world. It’s so hard to believe his life force is gone although he will always live on through his music and our memories. It’s been very difficult for me to express in words my shock and sadness over his passing so I put together this video in memory of the one the only Prince Rogers Nelson.

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Prince Rogers Nelson (June 7, 1958 – April 21, 2016)

 

Rebirth

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I love Spring! It’s a time of renewal. A Rebirth. New buds on the trees, flower petals in bloom, birds springtime chirps.

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I’m a spring baby being born in May, ushering in the smell of newly cut grass and longer days in which to play.

Today I’m feeling my own rebirth. My body renewing the cells destroyed by the chemotherapy drugs and in the process generating my second life. 

Feeling Alive!

Thank you, God 💖

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Musical Therapy🎼

Hailing from the home of Motown, (Detroit) music has always marked the amazing eras in my life. Growing up in the 60’s my musical tastes range from the rocking British Invasion (The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and countless others) to the musical sophistication of the artists from Motown. (The Temptations, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and many more)

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My battle with colon and breast cancer has definitely been a crucial era in my life and so music played an important role in my radiation and chemo treatments. During radiation treatment music was always playing. I had my choice of stations and I picked the 70’s to bring back the joy and memories of that decade. (high school, college, marriage) I had so much fun singing along and remembering all the lyrics, it made the time fly. My chemo days in the infusion suite continued the trend. I found myself designing musical themed treatments such as “Rock Out” day, “Broadway” day and without a doubt, “Motown” day. 

These musical moments soothed my soul and brought joy to my spirit so I thought I’d share some of my favorites with you.

Growing up I swore they wrote this song for me! 😊

My girlfriends and I loved to sing this. I was always Diana! 🎤

The Beatles – “Here Comes the Sun” always makes me happy and joyous! 🌞

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Establishing a New “Normal”

Life After Treatment

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This is my first week since being diagnosed with both colon and breast cancer that I haven’t had a doctor’s appointment of some kind. The completion of chemotherapy feels both like Yay! and weird at the same time.  

I’ve been spending my time writing, napping (still have fatigue) and today thinking about what’s next in my life. I’m wide open and want to find my purpose and go for it, except I’m not sure what that is. Should I establish a freelance writing career or go into corporate marketing? Maybe explore a totally different opportunity I hadn’t considered. I’ve been so focused on treatment and fighting my cancers that I’m not sure where my road leads.

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I’ve got choices, which is a blessing, but I want to make sure I’m not wasting a moment of my life pursuing something that’s not going to grow me as a person and help me realize my dreams.

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I see lots of paths in front of me and I’m standing in the forest trying to figure out which road to travel. Maybe I should follow my own advice. Live in the moment, and breathe. The inspiration will come to you.

 

 

Happy Birthday Dr. Maya Angelou!

April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014

Today we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Maya Angelou on what would be her 88th birthday. She is a personal heroine and inspiration that lifts my soul and nurtures my attitude on life.

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Dr. Angelou is a remarkable Renaissance woman who is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning more than fifty years. Her first autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of 17 and brought her international recognition and acclaim.

Her poem “And Still I Rise” is another one of my favorite pieces and always motivates me to rise above any obstacles and to live and grow.

Thank you for sharing your light!

Happy Birthday Dr. Maya Angelou 💖

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