Reading

I have kept my word and have been reading. I just finished These is my Words by Nancy E. Turner and have started her The Star Garden. They compliment each other and are about the old days in the West...actually Arizona...Benson & Wilcox area. I just don't know if I could have made it back than. I feel that I would have been a strong woman but life was so hard and I wonder how people could actually find any kind of joy with the hardships they had to endure. The books are well written and easy to read and follow and in many ways very educational. I would definitely recommend them.

Breast Cancer, CFR, Etc.

Well...just 21 days left before the 2009 CFR Retreat occurs. There is so much preparation that goes into the retreat before it even happens. Everyone involved are wonderful. They give 100%. The fourteen breast cancer survivors have been chosen and are in for one of the best weekends of their lives.

I have given two "little" speeches and have found those groups to be VERY caring and generous. I would say that they were touched not so much about my speech but by the cause I have chosen to support.

There are soooooo many great causes out there that really need help. Sometimes I think maybe others are more deserving and maybe I shouldn't ask for some things so others can receive those donations. Then I think that each of us have to decide how to give back to our communities and to ourselves. Yes, there are many great causes but we each need to pick out one, or more, that touches us and calls to us for assistance. One that you are passionate about, one that you feel you can really make that difference.

My family has been touched by many diseases as are other families. I have chosen Breast Cancer as my special cause. That does not mean that I do not give to others or assist in others but this is my main cause. I am a 5 year survivor. My neice died from Breast Cancer. I am amazed by how many survivors surround me.

I also support Komen for all of the research and grants that they provide that would not be possible without them. But we are still getting Breast Cancer. There is no cure. So I will fight for the survivors and have chosen Casting for Recovery to truly support as it is a recovery/wellness program for those survivors.

Just needed to say that I guess!!! :0)

Crocheting

I could just kick myself for not learning how to crochet from my mom. She could do those cute little dollies with the tiny little thread while carrying on a conversation.

I got the basic down and actually completed a little neck scarf for Joceyln. Now there are errors if you look real close but hey, I thought it was a good start. I have now gotten thread and thought that maybe I'll make "everyone" a scarf. What is funny is that it is actually quieting and calming. I just didn't think I would have the patience to sit and do this. AND, when I look down at my hands I think of mom.

I looked at a couple of books, which are very expensive, but I think I need to maybe take a class or two...I'm more visual and I think I would pick it up quicker.

I'll wait and see....and...will take pictures of the end result(s)! :)

Catch Up

Wow, it's been a long time since I have typed anything on the blog. So..........

My sister Lorraine, and her husband, Roscoe came to visit. It's been a year since we have seen them. They are from Indiana and have been visiting Arizona since we moved here in 1979. Lorraine is ten years older than me and is like my mom. Roscoe is a jewel and is more like a brother than a brother-in-law. I would love for our whole AZ family to make the trip back to Indiana for a 4th of July get together or a family reunion. There have been so many marriages and births and time passes so quickly.

I actually took off 7 work days without calling ino work and it was great. I did check my e and voice mails but that just helps when you come back to the office from not being so overwhelmed with them. I did stop in and show my sister my office and before I could leave had to do some things, so I got out of there as fast as I could. Afterall, this is a vacation. I told them my cell phone was on but there was no guaranteers as to how fast it would be answered! :0)

Also took some time off from Casting for Recovery. Well, I did do some phone calling and some begging (donations). The retreat is in 4 weeks. There is a lot of prep but the retreat is so worthwhile!

So, I'm back and active!!!!

The Worth of a Woman

This was sent to me and it is so true.....


Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have the compassion and ideas. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Nervous

I never thought I would be standing in front of a lot of people...talking...giving a presentation. Yes, I have talked in meetings, voiced my opinions, explained a project, etc. etc. But to actually get up and speak...scary!!!

So, next week that is exactly what I will be doing. I am going to present to the Desert Fly Casting Club members a power point presentation and small talk about Castining for Recovery. It's easy to talk about CFR...it's a wonderful program. But, I can just see my tongue getting in the way of the words...my brain racing the words down before I can get them out...perspiration running down my back...you know...and I really don't want to imagine all of them in their underwear!!!! :):):)

I have a week to prepare. I am fortunate though that my mentor, Shirley, will be doing the same presentation to our GFWC meeting prior to the DFC meeting so I plan to copy as much of her presentation as possible. That does smooth my nerves a bit!!

Really, the power point presentation will speak for itself and for me. Shirley does a wonderful job of putting together the right information with the right photos that really does tell the story of CFR.

So...I'll report back how I did!!!!

The Top

I was very fortunate to meet the new National Casting for Recovery Director last Monday. She was visiting Arizona (her parents live in Scottsdale) and it was the best time to introduce herself to Arizona's Casting for Recovery's team. The planning team is from North, South, West and East Arizona so unfortunately only Shirley, Kitty and myself were able to have dinner with her.

I didn't know what to expect. Who I met was a lovely lady that was as normal as me. Not high maintenance, not low maintenance...normal. Someone that listened and someone that talked with not to you. Loads of ideas and information. Very willing to help when and where she could.

I could not have been more pleased. It was unanimous...we like her!!!!!!