It's been so long since I've posted here that I'm not sure anyone will stop by anymore. But if you are, thank you, and I wanted to let you know that I just made public a new blog where I've been journaling through this journey I've been on ever since I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
I felt like here, Sunshine on my Shoulders, hasn't been the right place for me to share my updates, thoughts and feelings. I know there are a lot of people who don't want to read about cancer or someone's journey through it. I understand and respect that. I probably would have been one of those persons prior to this. Hopefully, I'll still post occasionally here, but you can always find me over at the new blog.
But the writing has been therapeutic so I've been doing it in private. I have realized that I needed a better way to keep my family and friends updated on how I've been feeling and what I've been experiencing. This blog seemed like the obvious answer. There's even photos.
I did have a TUMBLR blog that I made public here a few posts back where I wrote about the journey up to my lumpectomy, but then I stopped writing there. This new blog has incorporated those posts and then has continued on from when I received the news that the cancer was invasive and that I would have to undergo chemotherapy.
You can find WALKING IN SUNSHINE at this address: http://walkingnsunshine.blogspot.com/
(notice there is no 'i' in 'in')
For those who aren't inclined to visit me over there, let me give you a quick update. I made it through the last three weeks after my first round of chemotherapy. I had some minor side effects that were manageable, but nothing severe. The hardest part was that my hair has started to fall out. I go in for round 2 today.
I have a lot to be thankful for and have so many blessings that God has given me and my family. If you have said one or many prayers for me... thank you. Words can not tell you how much I appreciate them and your friendship. You are one of those blessings =)
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
i kept writing
As I mentioned in my last post, I kept writing during my break from Sunshine on my Shoulders and dealing with breast cancer. I didn't know I was going to do this. My diagnosis hit me so hard that my initial reaction was to retreat from everything, but after a couple of days, I realized I needed to write. Along with my experiences, I wanted to record my thoughts and feelings. I found it very therapeutic. I could type out what was on my mind and didn't have to keep it inside of me.
Besides my family, I don't know if anyone is interested in reading what I've written. Most of the posts are short as they are just quick thoughts. If you do read it, I suggest that you go all the way back to the first post and read forward from there (it will make more sense that way.)
You can find my cancer blog by clicking here.
I started it out with this post...
Besides my family, I don't know if anyone is interested in reading what I've written. Most of the posts are short as they are just quick thoughts. If you do read it, I suggest that you go all the way back to the first post and read forward from there (it will make more sense that way.)
You can find my cancer blog by clicking here.
I started it out with this post...
CANCER - That ugly 6 letter word. That word I’ve feared for most (if not all) of my adult life. That word you never want to hear from your doctor. The word that was used today in giving me the results of my latest round of biopsies. Cancer.
I have been diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS). Now starts a new journey, not just for me, but my family.
At the moment, I’m overwhelmed emotionally. I’m sad. I’m afraid. I know other emotions will follow. I want to have this place (this blog) to record my feelings, my thoughts, my progress, and my insights as I travel down this road.
I believe life is a journey. I’ve just encountered a bend to my road that I wasn’t expecting and one that I definitely didn’t want to have to negotiate - ever.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
what a long strange trip it's been
I'm baaacccckkkkkkk =)
Did you miss me as much as I missed you? I don't mean just my regular readers/friends, but my beloved blog where I come to share and unload. I don't think so, because I missed you all very, very much.
My last post was March 8th - exactly a month ago. A lot has happened since that time. I was diagnosed with breast cancer (ductal carcinoma in situ), underwent surgery (a lumpectomy), and just received the results of the pathology tests. I can now say that most of my ordeal is over and I am cancer free.
I had a very small amount of micro-invasion (the cancer was mostly non-invasive) with margins less than 1 centimeter. They also took two lymph nodes to biopsy and they came back negative for showing any cancer.
You can imagine how happy I am, as well as my family and friends, from this news. But I have also gone through some painful, fearful, and questioning times. It's definitely been an interesting process. I decided to keep a private journal, writing about anything and everything that struck me during the past month. I've decided I'm going to make it public after I take out a post or two. I'll supply the link on Monday as well as re-posting a couple of my posts here.
It feels good to be back... in more ways than one.
Did you miss me as much as I missed you? I don't mean just my regular readers/friends, but my beloved blog where I come to share and unload. I don't think so, because I missed you all very, very much.
My last post was March 8th - exactly a month ago. A lot has happened since that time. I was diagnosed with breast cancer (ductal carcinoma in situ), underwent surgery (a lumpectomy), and just received the results of the pathology tests. I can now say that most of my ordeal is over and I am cancer free.
I had a very small amount of micro-invasion (the cancer was mostly non-invasive) with margins less than 1 centimeter. They also took two lymph nodes to biopsy and they came back negative for showing any cancer.
You can imagine how happy I am, as well as my family and friends, from this news. But I have also gone through some painful, fearful, and questioning times. It's definitely been an interesting process. I decided to keep a private journal, writing about anything and everything that struck me during the past month. I've decided I'm going to make it public after I take out a post or two. I'll supply the link on Monday as well as re-posting a couple of my posts here.
It feels good to be back... in more ways than one.
Monday, March 8, 2010
break
It's obvious that I've been absent from the blogging world lately. I'm sorry I haven't been around to visit my blogging friends. It used to be a daily routine for me and I enjoyed keeping in touch with so many wonderful people.
For health reasons, I haven't felt like writing or visiting blogs. And for health reasons, I'm going to officially take a break from blogging. I don't know how long this break will be, but hopefully not too long. I just wanted to let anyone still reading my posts know that I didn't fall off the face of the earth or quit blogging altogether. I plan to be back, and with a renewed desire to write.
For health reasons, I haven't felt like writing or visiting blogs. And for health reasons, I'm going to officially take a break from blogging. I don't know how long this break will be, but hopefully not too long. I just wanted to let anyone still reading my posts know that I didn't fall off the face of the earth or quit blogging altogether. I plan to be back, and with a renewed desire to write.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
time marches on
Ok... it's time to get back into the habit of blogging. I've been terribly lazy and unmotivated. I miss one day, and then two, and with each passing day, it gets harder to sit down and write something of quality. But I enjoy writing here and reading other bloggers, so I just need to make the commitment.
The last month has been hard because Danielle was traveling and my mind was on her and her trip 24/7. I didn't want to bore any of my readers with my daily thoughts and worries, so I withdrew a bit. I am happy to announce, though, that she arrived home Monday night safe and sound. She had a wonderful time, a lot of interesting stories, and memories to last a life time. Thanks for all of you who lifted a prayer on her behalf.
I've been reading a lot. I found that my mind wouldn't wander to Danielle as much if I was engrossed in a book. I read a book titled Still Alice and would highly recommend it as it sheds light on the reality of living with Alzheimer's. It's told in the first person of a 50 something year old who starts displaying symptoms of early onset Alzheimer's. It really makes you think and helps you understand what this terrible disease does to not only the patient, but the family as well.
I also started reading the Harry Potter series. I saw the sixth movie over the summer and became intrigued. Or maybe it was because Jake read all seven books over a month's time and kept talking about them. Don't ask me why I haven't had any interest before now. All I know is that I found myself having the desire to read them. I've read the first two and enjoyed them very much. I think I'll read them two at a time, and read two or three other books in between.
We are once again empty-nesters as Jake and Danielle started classes this week. As always, the summer flew by. We didn't have any of the super hot weather, so in some ways, it didn't even feel like summer. Since we didn't get the hot weather, I'm wishing summer would last another month or longer instead of looking forward to Fall, like I usually am about this time of year.
But life, and the seasons, march on. And so do I.
The last month has been hard because Danielle was traveling and my mind was on her and her trip 24/7. I didn't want to bore any of my readers with my daily thoughts and worries, so I withdrew a bit. I am happy to announce, though, that she arrived home Monday night safe and sound. She had a wonderful time, a lot of interesting stories, and memories to last a life time. Thanks for all of you who lifted a prayer on her behalf.
I've been reading a lot. I found that my mind wouldn't wander to Danielle as much if I was engrossed in a book. I read a book titled Still Alice and would highly recommend it as it sheds light on the reality of living with Alzheimer's. It's told in the first person of a 50 something year old who starts displaying symptoms of early onset Alzheimer's. It really makes you think and helps you understand what this terrible disease does to not only the patient, but the family as well.
I also started reading the Harry Potter series. I saw the sixth movie over the summer and became intrigued. Or maybe it was because Jake read all seven books over a month's time and kept talking about them. Don't ask me why I haven't had any interest before now. All I know is that I found myself having the desire to read them. I've read the first two and enjoyed them very much. I think I'll read them two at a time, and read two or three other books in between.
We are once again empty-nesters as Jake and Danielle started classes this week. As always, the summer flew by. We didn't have any of the super hot weather, so in some ways, it didn't even feel like summer. Since we didn't get the hot weather, I'm wishing summer would last another month or longer instead of looking forward to Fall, like I usually am about this time of year.
But life, and the seasons, march on. And so do I.
Monday, August 10, 2009
julie & julia
I saw the movie, Julie & Julia yesterday and enjoyed it very much. First off, I saw it with twelve other ladies from church - so that made it a fun outing, but the movie was good, too.
The movie was a dual story, one being about Julia Child, a little bit about her life and how she came to be such an amazing cook. The other about a young woman (named Julie) who cooks her way through Julia's cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, in a year and blogs about it.
To be honest, I didn't think I would like the movie because although I know who Julia Child was, I've always thought her a little odd. I'm not a foodie person and didn't think I'd enjoy that aspect of the movie. But through Meryl Streep's wonderful portrayal of Julia, I found Ms. Child to be delightful and fun. And there wasn't as much cooking in the movie as I'd thought there would be.
I equally enjoyed the story of Julie. She was a young, struggling in her world, young woman who needed to find fulfillment in her life. She took on a project and chose to share her experience and feelings through a blog. Something anyserious blogger can relate to. At least I could.
She started her Julie/Julia project and her blog in August of 2002. I was intrigued, so I googled her name and found her blog. I read through several of her posts. Her posts were much lengthier than shown in the movie and she writes about more than just cooking (and it's not G rated).
What really surprised me is that she does all this cooking but doesn't post one picture. That's definitely not how a cooking blog is done nowadays. I have a few blogging friends who post recipes and, like I said, I'm not a foodie, but I can't imagine finding any interest in their latest conquest without the pictures. The pictures are what makes me actually want to try to duplicate their creations
It would have been so fun (and appetizing) to see, in pictures, the Julia Child creations that were recreated by Julie Powell.
The movie was a dual story, one being about Julia Child, a little bit about her life and how she came to be such an amazing cook. The other about a young woman (named Julie) who cooks her way through Julia's cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, in a year and blogs about it.
To be honest, I didn't think I would like the movie because although I know who Julia Child was, I've always thought her a little odd. I'm not a foodie person and didn't think I'd enjoy that aspect of the movie. But through Meryl Streep's wonderful portrayal of Julia, I found Ms. Child to be delightful and fun. And there wasn't as much cooking in the movie as I'd thought there would be.
I equally enjoyed the story of Julie. She was a young, struggling in her world, young woman who needed to find fulfillment in her life. She took on a project and chose to share her experience and feelings through a blog. Something any
She started her Julie/Julia project and her blog in August of 2002. I was intrigued, so I googled her name and found her blog. I read through several of her posts. Her posts were much lengthier than shown in the movie and she writes about more than just cooking (and it's not G rated).
What really surprised me is that she does all this cooking but doesn't post one picture. That's definitely not how a cooking blog is done nowadays. I have a few blogging friends who post recipes and, like I said, I'm not a foodie, but I can't imagine finding any interest in their latest conquest without the pictures. The pictures are what makes me actually want to try to duplicate their creations
It would have been so fun (and appetizing) to see, in pictures, the Julia Child creations that were recreated by Julie Powell.
Monday, July 27, 2009
If you left a comment to yesterday's post, thank you. My post wasn't really directed at anyone. It truly was just wonderings and I knew other bloggers were wondering some of the same things. I definitely understand the busyness of summer. I know that's been part of my problem.
I had not thought about Facebook as a possible reason for the waning blogosphere, but it makes a lot of sense. I'm sure that many women blog to connect with others and Facebook is a great place to achieve that. Originally, Facebook was only for college students. It was designed strictly for that group. Then they opened it up and the High School age (if not younger) and young adults signed up. I was on, too, because I worked with the youth and like I said, it's a great way to connect with others.
But there weren't too many people over the age of 30 using this social networking site until a year or so ago, and then there was an explosion of people joining. My "friends" include: family, church friends, blogging friends, old classmates, old youth group students, current youth group students, and acquaintances of all kinds. I love and use Facebook as a wonderful tool to keep in touch with all these people. Needless to say, I spend a fair amount of time logged in.
So I can see where some bloggers have switched their priorities and use Facebook to connect with others. Plus, they have all those quizzes, surveys, fan sites, and games, not to mention the status updates. You could spend all day on the site, and I know some people who do. Don't worry... if you think I'm talking about you, I'm not. Those people don't read my blog =)
Even though I use Facebook and enjoy my time there, I will continue my blogging. For me, connecting with others is a bonus to blogging. I truly enjoy the relationships that form here in bloggyland, but my number one purpose to blogging is that I have an ongoing record of my life, my thoughts, and my feelings. Facebook doesn't come close to offering me that.
And don't even get me started on the subject of Twitter.
I had not thought about Facebook as a possible reason for the waning blogosphere, but it makes a lot of sense. I'm sure that many women blog to connect with others and Facebook is a great place to achieve that. Originally, Facebook was only for college students. It was designed strictly for that group. Then they opened it up and the High School age (if not younger) and young adults signed up. I was on, too, because I worked with the youth and like I said, it's a great way to connect with others.
But there weren't too many people over the age of 30 using this social networking site until a year or so ago, and then there was an explosion of people joining. My "friends" include: family, church friends, blogging friends, old classmates, old youth group students, current youth group students, and acquaintances of all kinds. I love and use Facebook as a wonderful tool to keep in touch with all these people. Needless to say, I spend a fair amount of time logged in.
So I can see where some bloggers have switched their priorities and use Facebook to connect with others. Plus, they have all those quizzes, surveys, fan sites, and games, not to mention the status updates. You could spend all day on the site, and I know some people who do. Don't worry... if you think I'm talking about you, I'm not. Those people don't read my blog =)
Even though I use Facebook and enjoy my time there, I will continue my blogging. For me, connecting with others is a bonus to blogging. I truly enjoy the relationships that form here in bloggyland, but my number one purpose to blogging is that I have an ongoing record of my life, my thoughts, and my feelings. Facebook doesn't come close to offering me that.
And don't even get me started on the subject of Twitter.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
just wondering
...
I wonder...
... why I haven't been more motivated to blog.
... why other bloggers aren't posting as much.
... why some bloggers have ceased to write completely.
... why comments have been so scarce.
... if my posts are lacking something, like interest.
... if I would be more motivated to write a post if I knew more people were reading it.
... if other bloggers have been less motivated, or if it's just the season of summer.
... what I can write about tomorrow.
Speaking of blogging, Michelle of Scribbit wrote a great post on what she's learned about blogging that has me wondering even more.
Check it out.
I wonder...
... why I haven't been more motivated to blog.
... why other bloggers aren't posting as much.
... why some bloggers have ceased to write completely.
... why comments have been so scarce.
... if my posts are lacking something, like interest.
... if I would be more motivated to write a post if I knew more people were reading it.
... if other bloggers have been less motivated, or if it's just the season of summer.
... what I can write about tomorrow.
Speaking of blogging, Michelle of Scribbit wrote a great post on what she's learned about blogging that has me wondering even more.
Check it out.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
blogging = friends
I'm not very good at keeping up with awards and tags.
The thing with awards is that, although I am honored that someone thinks enough of me to pass on an award to me, I always feel a little funny about it. I think just about every blogger out there deserves one or more of the many awards that get passed around, so I don't feel like I should be on anyone's short list and I hate making that short list myself.
With that said, I want to let my blogging friend Christine, of Chris's Coop, know how much I appreciate her passing on this award to me, and to say I truly am honored. Here's the award and write up about it.
These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give attention to these writers. Choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of the award.
Even though it says to pass it on to eight people, Christine only passed it on to me and I'm only going to pass it on to one blogger... Sarah, also know as Might Mom, of My Wonderful Life. Mighty Mom (and she is a mighty mom!) recently wrote this in one of her posts. I echo her sentiments and think this award fits her perfectly.
"Diana, you mentioned that I always answer questions here and how it seems like we get to know each other better with this give and take. This is what I blog for. It is a sense of community that is important to me. Not number of hits a day or comments per post....but rather the relationships that have been formed. I share my life with you, you share yours with me. And I love this little group of bloggers that come by regularly. I'm always happy to make new friends."
Tomorrow I'll catch up even more with answers to a tag I received. Beware... I might be tagging you!
The thing with awards is that, although I am honored that someone thinks enough of me to pass on an award to me, I always feel a little funny about it. I think just about every blogger out there deserves one or more of the many awards that get passed around, so I don't feel like I should be on anyone's short list and I hate making that short list myself.
With that said, I want to let my blogging friend Christine, of Chris's Coop, know how much I appreciate her passing on this award to me, and to say I truly am honored. Here's the award and write up about it.
These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give attention to these writers. Choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of the award.
Even though it says to pass it on to eight people, Christine only passed it on to me and I'm only going to pass it on to one blogger... Sarah, also know as Might Mom, of My Wonderful Life. Mighty Mom (and she is a mighty mom!) recently wrote this in one of her posts. I echo her sentiments and think this award fits her perfectly.
"Diana, you mentioned that I always answer questions here and how it seems like we get to know each other better with this give and take. This is what I blog for. It is a sense of community that is important to me. Not number of hits a day or comments per post....but rather the relationships that have been formed. I share my life with you, you share yours with me. And I love this little group of bloggers that come by regularly. I'm always happy to make new friends."
Tomorrow I'll catch up even more with answers to a tag I received. Beware... I might be tagging you!
Monday, April 13, 2009
i missed it...
I wasn't paying attention and completely missed my blogaversary. April 5th marked two years that I've been here putting my thoughts into words and sharing my life with faithful friends and the occasional passerby. As of April 5th, 2009, I have written 564 posts.
I'll have to admit, posts don't come as easy as they used to. There are so many days that I just don't have anything to share and the brain seems pretty empty. But I will continue on and treasure the days that I come up with something to say.
Let me take this moment to once again state why I have a blog and try to write on a regular basis. I started it as a place where I could express the thoughts that constantly rattle around in my head. This still holds true. I also want it to be a record or who I am and what my life was like for my future generations. Wouldn't it be cool to have a journal with numerous entries from one of your grandparents or great-grandparents? Hopefully, my words will one day be read by my grandchildren and they will find some interest in who I was and what life was like during my time here on earth.
I also want to take this time to thank all those who come by here regularly (even those who aren't so regular) to read my attempts in articulating what's in my heart and head. I appreciate that and each and every comment that you leave me.
Through these comments and what you write on your blog, I have been blessed in getting to know many of you here in blogland. When I started this blog, I would never have been able to guess that I'd meet so many special people and be blessed by your cyber friendship. Thank you to all.
I'll have to admit, posts don't come as easy as they used to. There are so many days that I just don't have anything to share and the brain seems pretty empty. But I will continue on and treasure the days that I come up with something to say.
Let me take this moment to once again state why I have a blog and try to write on a regular basis. I started it as a place where I could express the thoughts that constantly rattle around in my head. This still holds true. I also want it to be a record or who I am and what my life was like for my future generations. Wouldn't it be cool to have a journal with numerous entries from one of your grandparents or great-grandparents? Hopefully, my words will one day be read by my grandchildren and they will find some interest in who I was and what life was like during my time here on earth.
I also want to take this time to thank all those who come by here regularly (even those who aren't so regular) to read my attempts in articulating what's in my heart and head. I appreciate that and each and every comment that you leave me.
Through these comments and what you write on your blog, I have been blessed in getting to know many of you here in blogland. When I started this blog, I would never have been able to guess that I'd meet so many special people and be blessed by your cyber friendship. Thank you to all.
Monday, December 1, 2008
i did it!
I made it! I posted everyday during the month of November as a NaBloPoMo participant. There were a few days I didn't feel like posting, but for the most part, I was able to find the time and content to post each and every day. And contrary to the graphic here, I have a great sense of accomplishment.One of the things that helped was posting a blessing each day with the goal of having 30 different blessings at the end of the month.
Here's a recap of my 30 blessings:
1. my children
2. the opportunity to vote
3. unseasonably warm weather
4. the beautiful colors of the season
5. not having to work everyday/my days off
6. my home
7. two very good friends
8. to live in America
9. my husband
10. to have men and women fight for my freedom
11. my relationship with my daughter
12. gas prices continuing to fall
13. owning the cameras I do
14. when it snows and the beauty of it
15. the luxury of Saturdays
16. getting together with good friends
17. my prayer group
18. that Don's mishap in Canada wasn't worse than it was
19. Don's company and how much they helped him to get home
20. healthy teeth
21. good health/dental insurance
22. my current level of health
23. being a mother
24. being around kids (my job)
25. Don being able to provide for our family
26. feeling better after catching a bad cold
27. enjoying Thanksgiving with friends and family
28. being able to go to California for Christmas
29. blogging friends
30. my faith
Now I look forward to the Christmas and the season of advent. Christmas will be here before we know it. For me, it's important not to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and to take time to reflect on the reason for the season.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
the end
It's the end of a long holiday weekend, the end of the month, the end of my daily blessings (in writing only - I count my blessings every day).
Blessing #29.... I really enjoy being a part of the blogging world and meeting so many interesting and nice people. But the blessing is the small group of bloggers who stop by my blog frequently, leaving me comments that affirm me, make me smile, add to the conversation, encourage me, open my eyes, or simply to say hi. If you leave me comments, I'm talking about you. Thank you for your support and friendship. I do count you as a blessing.
Blessing #30.... I've thought about this every Sunday during this last month and knew I would leave this for my final blessing. To put it in one word, it would be my faith. It encompasses everything that goes along with that; having Jesus as my Lord and Saviour, having the Bible as my instruction book and the freedom to read it without be persecuted, the opportunity to sing my praise to Him (even though I don't sing well), the gifts He has blessed me with and opportunity to use them, to fellowship with other believers, to know that my sins are forgiven and I will spend eternity with Him, and the list goes on and on. It is such a blessing to know His love and to love Him in return.
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Blessings #29 & #30 in a month's worth of blessings.
Blessing #29.... I really enjoy being a part of the blogging world and meeting so many interesting and nice people. But the blessing is the small group of bloggers who stop by my blog frequently, leaving me comments that affirm me, make me smile, add to the conversation, encourage me, open my eyes, or simply to say hi. If you leave me comments, I'm talking about you. Thank you for your support and friendship. I do count you as a blessing.
Blessing #30.... I've thought about this every Sunday during this last month and knew I would leave this for my final blessing. To put it in one word, it would be my faith. It encompasses everything that goes along with that; having Jesus as my Lord and Saviour, having the Bible as my instruction book and the freedom to read it without be persecuted, the opportunity to sing my praise to Him (even though I don't sing well), the gifts He has blessed me with and opportunity to use them, to fellowship with other believers, to know that my sins are forgiven and I will spend eternity with Him, and the list goes on and on. It is such a blessing to know His love and to love Him in return.
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Blessings #29 & #30 in a month's worth of blessings.
Monday, November 24, 2008
dear mother
This is my letter to a young mother as part of the Mother Letter Project. Please read my previous post for more information.
Dear Mother,
I am a mother who recently became a mother living in a house void of children. My youngest left for college and I found myself unsure of what my mothering role would now look like. It is different, but I have been reassured that I am still a mother. Once a mother, always a mother. It is just a different phase of motherhood.
This has caused me to reflect on the past 20 years and take note of the different phases of motherhood. There are a few. Just as our children go through phases, so do we. I think if we, as mothers, are aware of this, it gives us permission to grow and transform ourselves right along with our children.
We also need to give ourselves permission to not be perfect, to fail at times, to be human. Not only do we personally need that grace, but our children need to see that we make mistakes and that we can learn from our mistakes. Our children learn so much from us, as parents, and so much of it is from who we are as people, how we treat others, and how we conduct ourselves.
When I think back on the different phases my kids and I have gone through, there are two constants that shine brightly. The first, when I made my children and our family a priority, everything else fell into place appropriately. If I kept my agenda focused on them, it was easier to know what was truly important and what was not. Motherhood is constantly being selfless, but the benefits and blessings are infinite.
The other thing that I feel is very important is making sure you nurture yourself in small (or big) ways on a regular basis. It's important not to lose yourself and/or get to a place where you feel so overwhelmed that you can't be an effective and loving parent. Give yourself a break every once in a while. Find a way to tell yourself that you are more than just a mother. Find a way to find the joy in life and in being a mom. By doing this, you become a better mother.
Before you know it, your kids will be grown and will leave your home. Enjoy each and every stage you encounter while you're with them. There will be heartache, and there will be immeasurable joy. Love them unconditionally, and the love flows back to you. And know that your job as mother is the most important thing you'll ever do.
Sincerely,
Diana
Dear Mother,
I am a mother who recently became a mother living in a house void of children. My youngest left for college and I found myself unsure of what my mothering role would now look like. It is different, but I have been reassured that I am still a mother. Once a mother, always a mother. It is just a different phase of motherhood.
This has caused me to reflect on the past 20 years and take note of the different phases of motherhood. There are a few. Just as our children go through phases, so do we. I think if we, as mothers, are aware of this, it gives us permission to grow and transform ourselves right along with our children.
We also need to give ourselves permission to not be perfect, to fail at times, to be human. Not only do we personally need that grace, but our children need to see that we make mistakes and that we can learn from our mistakes. Our children learn so much from us, as parents, and so much of it is from who we are as people, how we treat others, and how we conduct ourselves.
When I think back on the different phases my kids and I have gone through, there are two constants that shine brightly. The first, when I made my children and our family a priority, everything else fell into place appropriately. If I kept my agenda focused on them, it was easier to know what was truly important and what was not. Motherhood is constantly being selfless, but the benefits and blessings are infinite.
The other thing that I feel is very important is making sure you nurture yourself in small (or big) ways on a regular basis. It's important not to lose yourself and/or get to a place where you feel so overwhelmed that you can't be an effective and loving parent. Give yourself a break every once in a while. Find a way to tell yourself that you are more than just a mother. Find a way to find the joy in life and in being a mom. By doing this, you become a better mother.
Before you know it, your kids will be grown and will leave your home. Enjoy each and every stage you encounter while you're with them. There will be heartache, and there will be immeasurable joy. Love them unconditionally, and the love flows back to you. And know that your job as mother is the most important thing you'll ever do.
Sincerely,
Diana
Sunday, November 23, 2008
mother letter project
A few days ago, I came across something that really grabbed my attention. It's called the Mother Letter Project, with a tag line of Letters from Mothers to Mothers.
It was started by a husband who had the idea of giving his wife letters from a few mothers lending her encouragement and support. He wanted to give her a special Christmas present without spending any money. After getting some letters from acquaintances, he thought how much more he could make this gift if he opened it up to the blogging world, which his wife is a part of, asking for letters from bloggers who would be willing to share their stories.
He is asking anyone that is interested to write a letter either in a comment on the blog or through an email. If you send a letter via email by Christmas, you will receive a copy of all the letters that have been collected.
What a concept! What a loving gift! What a great collection of advice, encouragement, support, and motherly love! My next post will be a copy of the letter I will send. I've written it and re-written it. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. Maybe I made it harder than it needed to be. I came to a point where I figured I'd probably never be completely happy with it, so I'm leaving it as it is. I hope this young mother will find encouragement from it.
Maybe you, too, would like to be a part of this worthwhile project. If so, just follow this link; Mother Letter Project.
Being a mother is one of the biggest blessings I can think of.
Blessing #23 in a month's worth of blessings.
It was started by a husband who had the idea of giving his wife letters from a few mothers lending her encouragement and support. He wanted to give her a special Christmas present without spending any money. After getting some letters from acquaintances, he thought how much more he could make this gift if he opened it up to the blogging world, which his wife is a part of, asking for letters from bloggers who would be willing to share their stories.
He is asking anyone that is interested to write a letter either in a comment on the blog or through an email. If you send a letter via email by Christmas, you will receive a copy of all the letters that have been collected.
What a concept! What a loving gift! What a great collection of advice, encouragement, support, and motherly love! My next post will be a copy of the letter I will send. I've written it and re-written it. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. Maybe I made it harder than it needed to be. I came to a point where I figured I'd probably never be completely happy with it, so I'm leaving it as it is. I hope this young mother will find encouragement from it.
Maybe you, too, would like to be a part of this worthwhile project. If so, just follow this link; Mother Letter Project.
Being a mother is one of the biggest blessings I can think of.
Blessing #23 in a month's worth of blessings.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
nablopomo
Why in the heck do I do these things to myself. The only answer I have is that I like challenges. And this one will definitely be a challenge.I have joined NABLOPOMO, which stands for National Blog Posting Month and the challenge is to post each and every day during the month of November. That's 30 straight days of blogging. Oh, I'm already having second thoughts. But I'll give it a try.
Part of my thought process on this is that I have struggled a bit lately in coming up with things to write about on a regular basis. If I know I have to write something, I'm forced to dig a little deeper and come up with something.
But don't expect every post to be some deep thinking. I have a feeling I will be using more memes and photos. I thought I would write under the theme of 31 days of thankfulness. After all, it is the month of Thanksgiving. But I didn't want to be limited to just that. I'm sure I will be posting about the many blessings that are present in my life.
Wish me luck.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
i'm the good kind of stalker
First off, let me say thank you to everyone who commented on my post yesterday to express their feelings on the subject. I appreciate each and every one of them and am thankful that we can share our feelings in an honest way without being attacked for what we believe. I know some of what was said made me examine my own feelings and motives and gave me the opportunity to see the situation from different perspectives. I hope we all could do that. And as one commenter stated, first and foremost, we should be praying for Sarah Palin and this election, which I plan to do and ask that you do, too.
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I just found out that Blogger has a new feature. Have you seen it? At the bottom of your dashboard there is now a Reading List. Here you can keep track of blogs you follow and readers who follow your blog. And on your dashboard, next to your blog name, there will be an icon showing you how many readers follow your blog. There's also an option where you can import and export these blogs to your Google Reader. I don't use Google reader so I don't know how all of that works.
On top of that, there's a widget for your sidebar that will display the avatars of all the readers who follow your blog. I don't have the widget installed as I write this post, but maybe by the time you read this, I will. If you'd like to follow this blog just follow the link, "follow this blog." And maybe you'll want to put the widget on your blog to show your community of readers.
So if you see someone is "following" you, don't worry that it's a stalker. It's just me, because I enjoy reading your blog.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I just found out that Blogger has a new feature. Have you seen it? At the bottom of your dashboard there is now a Reading List. Here you can keep track of blogs you follow and readers who follow your blog. And on your dashboard, next to your blog name, there will be an icon showing you how many readers follow your blog. There's also an option where you can import and export these blogs to your Google Reader. I don't use Google reader so I don't know how all of that works.
On top of that, there's a widget for your sidebar that will display the avatars of all the readers who follow your blog. I don't have the widget installed as I write this post, but maybe by the time you read this, I will. If you'd like to follow this blog just follow the link, "follow this blog." And maybe you'll want to put the widget on your blog to show your community of readers.
So if you see someone is "following" you, don't worry that it's a stalker. It's just me, because I enjoy reading your blog.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
on my mind...
A few have asked why I haven't been blogging as much and wondering if I'm doing okay (thanks to those who inquired). I am doing okay. Being in an empty house and having both of my kids away at school has definitely been an adjustment. And there are times I'm sad. But I think both Don and I are getting adjusted to this new way of living just fine.
Why I haven't been blogging daily? I guess it comes down to motivation, or lack thereof. It's not just one thing, but a combination of things.
=> I don't feel like I have much to write about. I don't think my well has run dry, just going through a dry spell. I'm not too worried about this aspect and I'll be working on towards my original challenge when I started this blog - posting something every day.
=> Since Jake left the house, I felt like I lost a lot of structure to my day [and life!]. I need to find that structure again. I've been lazy and that has shown in my blogging life. I know I need structure and need to figure out what that's going to look like now in my life.
=> And I hesitate to mention this because I don't want to offend anyone, give you the wrong idea of why I blog, or guilt anyone into doing something they weren't planning to do.
Although I don't feel like I'm comment driven, I do enjoy having people comment on my posts. It is motivation for me. And as of late, comments have been at a minimum.
I know people are busy and and have very good reasons why they don't comment at any given time. I really do understand that. It just feels lonely. I used to feel part of a pretty big community of bloggers. One by one, many have disappeared - leaving the blogosphere or not wanting to read my blog (which is totally okay with me. I have blogs I like and don't like). I feel like my blogging community is very small at the moment and when just a very few people comment, not only do I feel lonely but I question what I write.
Let me just say that this last thing is my issue... not yours (my readers). Just trying to be honest with my feelings.
Ironically enough, I've been honored with a couple of awards lately and wanted to recognize those who passed them on to me.
Sharon, of Quiet Reflections, gave me the Kind Blogger Award. Thank you Sharon. I am honored you thought of me. You are the kind one.
Kailani, of An Island Life, passed on the Brillante Weblog award. Again, thank you Kailaini. I appreciate it, you, and your blog.
Why I haven't been blogging daily? I guess it comes down to motivation, or lack thereof. It's not just one thing, but a combination of things.
=> I don't feel like I have much to write about. I don't think my well has run dry, just going through a dry spell. I'm not too worried about this aspect and I'll be working on towards my original challenge when I started this blog - posting something every day.
=> Since Jake left the house, I felt like I lost a lot of structure to my day [and life!]. I need to find that structure again. I've been lazy and that has shown in my blogging life. I know I need structure and need to figure out what that's going to look like now in my life.
=> And I hesitate to mention this because I don't want to offend anyone, give you the wrong idea of why I blog, or guilt anyone into doing something they weren't planning to do.
Although I don't feel like I'm comment driven, I do enjoy having people comment on my posts. It is motivation for me. And as of late, comments have been at a minimum.
I know people are busy and and have very good reasons why they don't comment at any given time. I really do understand that. It just feels lonely. I used to feel part of a pretty big community of bloggers. One by one, many have disappeared - leaving the blogosphere or not wanting to read my blog (which is totally okay with me. I have blogs I like and don't like). I feel like my blogging community is very small at the moment and when just a very few people comment, not only do I feel lonely but I question what I write.
Let me just say that this last thing is my issue... not yours (my readers). Just trying to be honest with my feelings.
Ironically enough, I've been honored with a couple of awards lately and wanted to recognize those who passed them on to me.
Sharon, of Quiet Reflections, gave me the Kind Blogger Award. Thank you Sharon. I am honored you thought of me. You are the kind one.
Kailani, of An Island Life, passed on the Brillante Weblog award. Again, thank you Kailaini. I appreciate it, you, and your blog.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
a new project
With Jake going off to school, I have now officially become an empty-nester. I do have some ideas and plans for some of my free time. I'm sure I'll be writing about them as the they flesh out more and ideas come to fruition.
I have come across a project that I think is worthwhile and that I would enjoy. It's called x365 and done through blogging, which means I have started a sister blog. I know... I know, I've started sister blogs before for projects that I wanted to tackle only to abandon them.
This new one will require that I have an entry for each day for a year (thus the name 365). I wasn't able to keep up with the picture a day project. What makes me think I'll be successful at this one?
I am hoping I can stick with this one because I truly believe and am excited in it's purpose. And even if I don't actually post on a certain day, I can make it up the next day. The purpose is to get 365 posts done in one year.
The project: to write about 365 people who has been a part my life in some way or another. A different person each day. But the fun part is (I say fun now but I may end up hating this little aspect) that my reflection of the person is done in 48 words - no more, no less. Why 48? Because that is my age. And in October, I'll increase it to 49 words.
One of the purposes I have in blogging is to leave a written record of who I am, and what I'm all about, for the generations who follow me. I think I will richly add to this blog by sharing 365 people who I have crossed paths with in my 48/49 years. And it will bless me to reflect on those who have had an impact on my life.
I invite you to stop by any time to check out who the person of the day is. I realize that most of these people won't mean much to most of you and I don't expect a lot of readership. I am doing this more for myself. And if nothing else, it will give me something to focus on during this time when I'm trying to get used to an empty and quiet house.
My x365 project can be found at: http://sunshinex365.blogspot.com/
I have come across a project that I think is worthwhile and that I would enjoy. It's called x365 and done through blogging, which means I have started a sister blog. I know... I know, I've started sister blogs before for projects that I wanted to tackle only to abandon them.
This new one will require that I have an entry for each day for a year (thus the name 365). I wasn't able to keep up with the picture a day project. What makes me think I'll be successful at this one?
I am hoping I can stick with this one because I truly believe and am excited in it's purpose. And even if I don't actually post on a certain day, I can make it up the next day. The purpose is to get 365 posts done in one year.
The project: to write about 365 people who has been a part my life in some way or another. A different person each day. But the fun part is (I say fun now but I may end up hating this little aspect) that my reflection of the person is done in 48 words - no more, no less. Why 48? Because that is my age. And in October, I'll increase it to 49 words.
One of the purposes I have in blogging is to leave a written record of who I am, and what I'm all about, for the generations who follow me. I think I will richly add to this blog by sharing 365 people who I have crossed paths with in my 48/49 years. And it will bless me to reflect on those who have had an impact on my life.
I invite you to stop by any time to check out who the person of the day is. I realize that most of these people won't mean much to most of you and I don't expect a lot of readership. I am doing this more for myself. And if nothing else, it will give me something to focus on during this time when I'm trying to get used to an empty and quiet house.
My x365 project can be found at: http://sunshinex365.blogspot.com/
Thursday, August 7, 2008
i need my wi-fi
I knew there wasn't going to be internet in the cabin (in Alaska), but I took my computer anyways. I knew I wouldn't spend much time on it, but I wanted to be able to check in once or twice. By check in, I mean my email, my blog, my Facebook (that's where teens get a hold of me), and maybe even read a couple of blogs.
I figured I'd be able to find free wi-fi at a coffee shop, and the owner of the cabin confirmed my thinking. By Monday night, I wasgoing through withdrawals getting anxious about getting online. The whole family wanted to get out of the cabin so they agreed to go into town with me to find a coffee shop.
By the time we got into town, the two coffee shops that we could find were closed but even if they had been opened, we couldn't find a sign displayed anywhere telling the passerby that they offered wi-fi. We looked for said sign at every establishment we passed with no success.
Then I got the bright idea that I would turn on my computer and as Don drove, I would keep pushing the button asking my computer to show me any available networks. It got to be quite comical. There would be one displayed but then I'd lose it because we were in a moving car. Don would turn the car around and we'd go back to where I had a connection only to find that the connection wasn't strong enough and my computer wouldn't connect.
After three tries (driving-turning around-parking-driving again-repeat), we found a network offered by a hotel (should have thought of that in the first place). Don pulled into the parking lot and there we sat... me on my computer, and the other pushing me to hurry because they had already spent enough time in the car.
Needless to say, I hurriedly wrote out that first post, checked my other stuff, and then closed my lid. My next post I wrote out ahead of time but went to the exact same parking lot to post it. We then did find a small eatery that offered wi-fi. We ate lunch there one day and each one of us were able to check all those very important connections to our life back home.
Vacations are great, but we still need our connection to home.
I figured I'd be able to find free wi-fi at a coffee shop, and the owner of the cabin confirmed my thinking. By Monday night, I was
By the time we got into town, the two coffee shops that we could find were closed but even if they had been opened, we couldn't find a sign displayed anywhere telling the passerby that they offered wi-fi. We looked for said sign at every establishment we passed with no success.
Then I got the bright idea that I would turn on my computer and as Don drove, I would keep pushing the button asking my computer to show me any available networks. It got to be quite comical. There would be one displayed but then I'd lose it because we were in a moving car. Don would turn the car around and we'd go back to where I had a connection only to find that the connection wasn't strong enough and my computer wouldn't connect.
After three tries (driving-turning around-parking-driving again-repeat), we found a network offered by a hotel (should have thought of that in the first place). Don pulled into the parking lot and there we sat... me on my computer, and the other pushing me to hurry because they had already spent enough time in the car.
Needless to say, I hurriedly wrote out that first post, checked my other stuff, and then closed my lid. My next post I wrote out ahead of time but went to the exact same parking lot to post it. We then did find a small eatery that offered wi-fi. We ate lunch there one day and each one of us were able to check all those very important connections to our life back home.
Vacations are great, but we still need our connection to home.
Monday, June 9, 2008
shocked, honored, and gone....
I had a bit of shock last night. I was over at Kailani's place, An Island Life, to read her latest posts, and found her 2008 Bloggy Hoss Awards. She has ten separate categories with many blogs nominated in each. As I was scanning through them, seeing if there was anyone I knew personally - in a bloggy way, I saw my name. I had to take a double take, and then I stared at it to make sure my failing eyesight was seeing what my brain was telling me it saw.
Someone out there nominated me for "nicest personality." Whoever you are... thank you so much. I am greatly honored. I feel like a little fish swimming with the big guys. There are so many good blogs and amazing bloggers out there. I feel like a winner just having my name next to the other nominees. And to me, being nominated for "nicest personality" is the biggest compliment I could ever receive.
If you feel so inclined, you can go here to cast a vote. You have to use her contact form (found at the top of the page) to let her know who you're voting for since the voting boxes have a glitch. You can vote for one blog/blogger in each category until June 12th.
On another note... I know not much blog visiting gets done on weekends, but Susan, of Penless Writer, has started a conversation on being authentic and vulnerable in which I posted [over the weekend] my thoughts on the subject. I think this is a subject worth reflecting on and sharing thoughts and ideas. I encourage you to scroll down to my previous post and visit Susan as she continues the conversation.
And one last note... tomorrow I leave for California for a week. The main reason is to attend my niece's graduation, but since that's where all my family lives, I'll also be doing a lot of visiting. I'll be traveling alone and am really looking forward to my time out there. I may not be around as much during the next week but I'm sure I'll find time here and there to write a post or two.
Someone out there nominated me for "nicest personality." Whoever you are... thank you so much. I am greatly honored. I feel like a little fish swimming with the big guys. There are so many good blogs and amazing bloggers out there. I feel like a winner just having my name next to the other nominees. And to me, being nominated for "nicest personality" is the biggest compliment I could ever receive.
If you feel so inclined, you can go here to cast a vote. You have to use her contact form (found at the top of the page) to let her know who you're voting for since the voting boxes have a glitch. You can vote for one blog/blogger in each category until June 12th.
On another note... I know not much blog visiting gets done on weekends, but Susan, of Penless Writer, has started a conversation on being authentic and vulnerable in which I posted [over the weekend] my thoughts on the subject. I think this is a subject worth reflecting on and sharing thoughts and ideas. I encourage you to scroll down to my previous post and visit Susan as she continues the conversation.
And one last note... tomorrow I leave for California for a week. The main reason is to attend my niece's graduation, but since that's where all my family lives, I'll also be doing a lot of visiting. I'll be traveling alone and am really looking forward to my time out there. I may not be around as much during the next week but I'm sure I'll find time here and there to write a post or two.
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