tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72457057421833229562024-03-13T23:05:35.002-07:00Cottage Garden StudiosSarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.comBlogger726125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-50382759619452828852016-11-08T08:26:00.001-08:002016-11-08T08:26:33.736-08:00Let Fly..Version 2.0<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know.it is election day..and yes I will vote. That said..there has been enough said..so I won't. <br />
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Trauma is a tricky thing, leaves all your bits and pieces scattered. Some of which should be left lost, others we need. There is no rushing it, no forcing the issue. They return as we are ready to welcome them home again. Sometimes that happens naturally, others require help from folks around us. Sometimes the objective help of a counselor is needed to clarify what has been muddied. Sometimes just someone who makes you feel joy again is all it takes to make that process reboot. Yes a tricky thing. <br />
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I love that statement.. <em><span style="color: magenta;">"Let it be known that this girl has remembered who She is".</span></em> Because there was a moment this last week where I realized..I had in fact remembered. Whaaaaa.. about time right.. LOL? No it was just the right time..my time..when my heart and soul were ready. When my need to move forward over came my fear of standing still. One step..one leap...whooot here I go. I was a pro leaper in the past..no fear..Let Fly.. caution to the wind. I am a more cautious leaper now. A wiser, older leaper. A... let's check out where we land leaper. For me..I think this is a good thing. <br />
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I was asked this week about my artwork...had I gotten back to it? Well..sorta. My Muse is working part time. Going back and forth between gently pushing me and stepping back as I balk. <br />
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Morning Sarah...shall we create today? You know it will make you feel better, lighter. Will make you a happier you! <br />
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Uhm..maybe, if I can find the time. <br />
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You mean the time while you are sitting watching a new Netflix show..and not creating as you watch?<br />
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Ok maybe I will knit. That is creative right?<br />
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And so the conversation goes. I knit a little bit, take my pencils down and look at the beautiful colors and stare at my paper..and nothing. So My Muse steps back. She does not leave, just steps back. She is gentle with me. <br />
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I suspect that my creativity has something to do with joy..or the lack there of. It has been a while since I felt real joy. This week..I felt joy. I had become so used to the lack of , it was kinda a shock. So bright and beautiful, it was kinda blinding really. But in a good way. Kinda like being in the dark and walking out into the sunlight. Took a little getting used to. I fought it..but well it won in the end. So I am guessing that my Muse will hand me something I can handle soon..some inspiration that I cannot resist, that must be drawn. I look forward to that. In the mean time I will knit, which is creative, but lets me not over think it all..just let my fingers work and there it is. Simple, pure and feeds my soul. <br />
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So I guess this week is one of those..let it evolve and watch weeks. Enjoy the ride and see where we land, look first but still take the ride weeks. So although I still will Let Fly, it will be for now a more cautious version. What piece will wander back to me this week do you suppose? What piece are you looking for right now? <br />
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Thank you for popping by and pulling up a chair! Hugs and Namaste<br />
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Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-87507341209064132162016-11-01T13:20:00.002-07:002016-11-01T13:20:53.352-07:00Hope comes home.... <br />
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First off..let me say thank you to all of you who pulled up a chair and joined me last week. Those of you who gave me feedback, encouragement and hugs. HUGE hugs back and...thank you! You have no idea how very much it meant to me, to feel part of the tribe again. Thank you!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VBdwasBnVso/WBjrlkd_IUI/AAAAAAAASUg/VDFPQhz4eAoVIsd70VlS45_UItdS6ZwtwCLcB/s1600/wolf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VBdwasBnVso/WBjrlkd_IUI/AAAAAAAASUg/VDFPQhz4eAoVIsd70VlS45_UItdS6ZwtwCLcB/s320/wolf2.jpg" width="320" /></a> So since last week's leap..I feel...better, stronger..I feel a little bit of hope again. Hope is a funny thing, it seems like such a normal thing..well maybe that is the thing..the normal part. When things in my life were pre-trauma, hope seemed easy, simple. It just was there. I have always been that glass is half full kinda person. It came easy. Tomorrow would be better. Hope was always at my side. Cancer changed that, the choices I made after changed that. IT changed. To be honest it changed me, that loss of hope. She was always that steady presence by my side that guided me. That gentle, guiding light through the fog of stress and life's issues. Suddenly, after cancer she had run off like a wounded wolf. That wolf kept me protected from so very much. I did not realize it until she was gone. I was vulnerable and terrified. I was left groping around in the dark trying to find my way. I was lost in this terrifying new place without my wolf. <br />
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Folks have said to me often in the last three years..<br />
"Sarah, you have changed, your not the same ole' Sarah."<br />
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This is painfully true and beautifully true. I am not the same ole' me. I have been through hell and come out the other side. I have fought hard and survived. For that win, I paid a price. I am not the same Sarah. I am stronger and more vulnerable, lighter and darker, happier and more deeply sad Sarah. I am an oxymoron of emotions. And..I deeply have missed my wolf. <br />
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Now I know what your thinking...Well of course your different..duh?! <br />
But to those closest to survivors it is not so simple. Be gentle with them...they have spent years knowing the old us..the pre-trauma us. The new me is a bit of a shock. Add to that, the dealing with my own internal struggle to right myself, cause seriously, my boat was listing in a huge way. It is hard for them as well. So, as I have battled with my new self, others are battling to make me the old self. Or worse, the you they think you should be now. In my case that is often ..be the joyful, happy all the time, pink wearing, survivor. Be gentle with us. I am not a label...I am me, I have to find my way through this in a way that I need, not someone else's way. I need to find and follow my path. That fact is hard for folks who love you, be patient..cause we love you too. But please keep in mind, we will never be that same person again. But with any luck we will be a stronger, better one. <br />
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So, I saw my wolf last week, through the shadows in the woods. She has healed and is seeking my company. So this week, I am on my knees coaxing her out of the shadows and hoping she will return to my side. To be again my strong and steady companion on this path. She is changed too it seems. She has become a more realistic wolf, a less Pollyanna wolf. We have both grown a bit. I am so very happy to have her back. Hope makes any journey softer on the soul. <br />
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Thank you for popping by again and pulling up a chair. The fireplace is roaring and there is hot cider to be had! Please feel free to share your thoughts or feelings. As always, Namaste<br />
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Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-36166624700572475662016-10-25T10:47:00.001-07:002016-10-25T10:47:57.151-07:00Testing..testing...<br />
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I know..it has been nearly a whole year since my last post. :/ I will be honest...I have been hiding. I have worked hard this last 6 months to get the kids, cat and I home to Idaho, acquire a good job and some stability. With the help of folks who love us...we have finally found some calm. Balance..well no..but calm is good for now. Along with a good job came the blessing of insurance. With this I was able to get my broken self into counseling. <br />
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Some would argue... that I am not broken..but the fact is I am a bit shattered. I have spent three long years in survival mode. I have lost so very much. I have gained so very much. My heart and soul, my Muse, my warrior woman..all hidden away from world. Unfortunately, I was pretty good at hiding them, because it has taken me a long three years to begin the journey back to them..back to me.<br />
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For the first time in what seems like forever, I feel the call to write..to share of myself, my journey. I have missed you all..missed the sharing and learning. For the first time in a long time I am not afraid to share the details of my life. In the very first session of counseling I was shocked by one very real epiphany ..I was closed, scared, protecting every little part of myself, my life...my story. I was afraid to even share with her the deeper truths of me. For those of you who know me...that is so far from center it is scary. <br />
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It took a very honest post on Facebook by my dear friend <a href="http://www.beyondvagabond.com/p/blog-page.html">Zan</a>, to snap my head around and go...WHAT? I lost this part of me too..this part of me I love? So here I am..trying to be me..finding the new me..finding all the pieces of me that have scattered. So if you will indulge me as I work though the past three years of life battles and a broken heart..I would love it if you pulled up a chair and joined me. <br />
Hugs and Namaste Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-40347660997269140702015-11-23T15:42:00.000-08:002015-11-23T15:42:34.363-08:00Taming Fear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi all..it is Monday:) Kinda loving being back to blogging and seeing everyone again. Popping over to other blogs and seeing what is up with you all! :) So today I am gonna tackle a big one for me..fear. There is not much about cancer that does not scream fear. From the first mention of the big C it is well...terror. <br />
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When I was in my early twenties my Mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Like many of her generation (born in 1923) avoiding the whole thing was common. Sadly it also lead to much later diagnoses and poor results. Mom had a large tumor that had spread to, and beyond her lymph nodes. I walked through chemo and radiation with her.. hair loss and complications from treatments. A few years of calm before she it came back with a vengeance. She struggled with it for several years before succumbing to liver cancer in the end. We lost her in 1987. I was 27 years old and very pregnant with my daughter Kate. I found out about cancer very early in life. I felt that fear early on as I watched my Mom struggle to cope and survive. But..it was a secondary terror.. a secondary fear. Her's was primary. Something I think is very hard to truly comprehend unless you have been there and fought that beast. <br />
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That said..for many years after that I was obsessed with when women were dying of cancer. I looked at the obituaries daily to see when women had passed away from cancer. I know..that was just weird! It shaped my eating habits and my social ones as well. I was not a drinker or smoker. I tried to eat well and exercise. I read books on how to avoid it and breastfed my kids. I was always aware of the possibility of it striking my body. I eventually quit reading the obits..tried to work on what I could to avoid getting it and had my cancer screenings and mammos. The fear was there..just well..not exactly real. Fuzzy..<br />
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After I insisted on my lump being excises..right away..and then insisted on a biopsy also..there it was..cancer. I received the phone call from my GP...she needed to see me. No she didn't..I didn't have to even go in to know. It was like some horrid TV show really. I walked in the front door and the receptionist looked up and with tears in her eyes said...I am so sorry Sarah! OMG!!! This is where the real fear starts. Then it is a whirlwind of crazy appointments, impossible decisions ..like would you like to keep all of your boob..part..both gone..here are the insane statistics. Truth be told, it was good that I recorded those first few meetings..cause I didn't remember much. The color of my socks..the carpet ( yup I took this picture)..his voice..that screamed to my empathic ear.."she is not gonna survive this". Then comes the..your tumor is large..aggressive and very uncommon. Well..hello..its me..nothing is ever common LOL~Deep fear.<br />
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So the hard part here is this...yes, you fear for your life..that you will lose it..or spend years dealing with this beast. But the big fear..at least for me was leaving my kids behind. Nonni was ten at the time and Fox 15. My wonderful older daughters were just beginning their adult lives and needed me too. I was absolutely not ready to exit stage left. I was determined to battle this beast and win. But the fear and terror you feel as a parent is well..overwhelming. Trying to wrap my head around it was crushing. So I fought..and I won this one. Let's hope I have scared it away for good. That leads to the other part of this..the after part. As one lucky enough to have an after part...<br />
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Cancer is not like other diseases ..your more likely to know the cause. Like diabetes..there is generally something to be done about it..you often know why you have it. But many cancers like breast cancer are sneaky beasts. You have no clue really what exactly it was that set off your system to allow it. So you think about it..a lot. Was it the medication I was using..food I ate..water I swam in..stress that I was dealing with..soda..meat..it goes on and on. So the fear now is..what the hell gave me this and how do I avoid it again! So you are constantly feeling the need to analyze everything. It is exhausting, terrifying..and anxiety creating madness. At some point you have to just scream STOP! That is what I struggle with daily.. making my way back to a life that is not fear driven. I mentioned post traumatic growth in one of the last couple posts..that is what I am working on. Moving beyond the post traumatic stress that cancer creates and into post traumatic growth. <br />
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I have always been a.."there is a silver lining in everything" kinda gal. So this week I am stepping away from the stress, being present, and stepping onto the path of growth. Am I still scared..yuppers. Do I still breakdown and cry when Disney kills off another mama..oh geesh yes. But I know without a shadow of a doubt..there is something in all this terror and fear that I will be asked to use to help someone else. So I am looking for things that light my path, meditating, and pointing my great big sword at fear, and saying...ENOUGH! It's time to move forward and leave some of this fear behind!<br />
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Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I am very happy to be here again this year~ Thank you for popping by!<br />
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Namaste AllSarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-29421002479065140792015-11-16T13:57:00.000-08:002015-11-16T14:17:49.974-08:00Winner Winner..Mermaid Swimmer..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok so today I am talking more about my daughter and less about me. 'Cause well..you will understand. <br />
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Last August Nonni (11) came to me with a contest she had found online. She had long wanted a mermaid tail, you know the kind you can actually swim in! <a href="http://www.finfunmermaid.com/">www.Finfunmermaid.com</a> was having a Mermaid Mania contest and tails were the prizes! She was all in! She brought me the rules and what she had to do. To be honest I was working like a mad woman and this contest was pretty complicated and time consuming. But she was so excited how could I resist. So we entered the week long contest and I became not just an assistant but, video taker, sand tail maker, photographer and general advice giver. That said..Nonni was adamant that she create and do each days task her own way. She did not want changes to her essay or ideas. She is a bit like her Mama..driven and stubborn LOL. She was required to do five things..one a day. Write and essay, draw a picture of herself as a mermaid, do a video, a service to the environment project, a photo shoot and a poster about her favorite part of it all. Turns out..we had a wonderful time making great memories! <br />
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We had a particularly fun time with her photo shoot and video. As we were not one of the lucky families to already own a tail..we had to create one for Nonni. Thankfully we live were beach and sand is plentiful! Sandtail it was! It was so very fun, lots of giggles later we had a huge sand tail, photos and a fun video. <br />
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Each day one lucky girl won a tail for that days project..each day it was not Nonni. On day two Nonni came in to say she had just seen a stunning double rainbow and it was a sign..she was going to win! Come the end of the week she had not won a daily prize..still confident we waited for the results of the of the grand prize. This prize included..a tail and matching swimsuit for Nonni, and one for five of her friends. A bag of fun treats for her too! A ride in a limo for her and her friends to a delightful pool party! All this filmed by the wonderful Fin fun crew. Did I mention..Fin Fun is in Idaho LOL?<br />
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So..when Nonni came out to tell us she had won the whole kit and caboodle..we thought she was joking around. She was not!! She was over the moon..excited...beside herself. And...SO WERE WE!!<br />
They called..yuppers amazingly wonderful folks and we decided that the week before her birthday would be perfect! So last Saturday we had our amazing party! We had such fun..even the Mama's got to swim with them..soooooo fun!! She had a blast, the crew were delightful and well..Nonni has never felt so special. We had a wonderful time treating five lovely daughter's of my coworkers to tails. Lets just say...wow..amazing..wonderful..joyful fun! Thank you Trina, Kelsee, Tanner, Steve, Caitlyn and the rest of the amazing crew! You made us feel so wonderful! You made Nonni a memory we will never forget! <br />
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Now..before I close here is the hard part I need to write about today..cause well the rest was just a joyful piece of cake! I want to tell you why this amazing young woman so deserved this treat! Why it meant the world to me that she receive it. Here goes... <br />
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While I was receiving chemotherapy for five months, there were several days a week that I was too sick to move. We were homeschooling, k12ing fortunately so she was home with me daily. Thankfully no puking, but too sick to do much other than stumble to the bathroom and back. Nothing much was able to keep my attention. I was just trying to get through it. Now understand..I received help from many folks and have very strong feelings about how this all went down..I will address this in the next post. My kids and family were amazing and several very dear friends, but this is about Nonni. Every day she made sure I was comfortable and warm, she made sure that I had bits to eat every hour on those horrid days, as food in my stomach helped keep the nausea down. She loved on and cared for me, made sure I was safe and to be honest there is no way I could have gotten through it all without her loving care. Yup my young, sweet hearted daughter did all that, every day. She held me when I cried..when I was scared and loved me back to happy .She was my rock and held the strength that I would be just fine in the end. For one so young, who didn't deserve to deal with all of that, but did so with such amazing grace....do I think she deserved this amazing prize??..yes I do. Do I know that someone else did also?..yes I do. Because the computer randomly chose her not once out of thousands of entrants ..but twice. Yup..twice! So this blog post is dedicated to my amazingly wonderful daughter Nonni! Whom I adore! Thank you sweetie for being my rock! Every single wonderful moment of that party was well deserved! I love you! <br />
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Ok..am a sobby wreck now. In part two of this post I will talk about it more. Hugs all and thank you again for joining me! So glad to be back! <br />
Namaste xoxoxoxoSarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-87609521451476473692015-11-09T07:32:00.002-08:002015-11-09T07:32:29.382-08:00Survivor Confusion...over ..me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Those of you who know me here..know, I tend to put it out there the way I see it..or feel it so to speak. I have found over the years of blogging that others often can relate. I am kinda hoping that that is the case with this post. I am a bit nervous about putting this one out there. But last week I said I needed to get through this part of after cancer stuff and that I would let fly with truth of it. So here I go....<br />
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Many years ago I lived in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was sunny and hot..and sunny and a little less hot. Basically a golfers, swimmers..summer lovers paradise. Unfortunately..I am a cold weather..fall, winter, early spring kinda gal. There is an unspoken social pressure in places like Arizona to always be busy outside doing something. Being inside hiding and knitting is well..frowned upon a bit. I find this to be a metaphor for cancer survivors.. for myself and so many fortunate others.<br />
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You survived cancer, you should be: happy, joyful, relaxed, doing new things, out playing, forget about stressful stuff, screw work, live your life to the fullest, get out there in the sunshine and play metaphoric golf. <br />
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Now, don't get me wrong..I completely agree with all of that. Except well..there is still the need to provide food for my family, pay bills and be a responsible adult. I don't have the luxury of being cared for. I am guessing many cancer survivors are in the same boat. That and the massive anxiety that the whole process has left me with. Despite the miracle of being amazingly and delightfully here, we still have life to deal with. So, in my head all that sounds well...whiney!! Like I need to serve up a whopping plate of cheese and crackers to go along with all that whine. I hate that! The badass part of myself screams..put your big girl panties on and deal already. My muse..well..<br />
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"Uhm..Sarah...yup have your attention..been there, done this right? The badass, strong woman who takes it all on and keeps everyone's head above water..as she tried to drown herself. Remember that..all the stress that brought you to you knees? Yup time to find a new way to fly! A more gentle way to fly hon."<br />
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The problem is..I am completely at a loss as to how to do this. I meditate, I knit, I read, I watch movies..not enough artwork of late..that has to change. I am working way to much and sleeping poorly. Life here on this island is stressful in ways that I have not really talked about, and is truly putting undo pressure on me. Things have to change. I am struggling to find balance. If you know me..that makes me crazy, the lack of balance. <br />
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Ok so what is my point here? Those of us who have survived this nasty beast, cancer, are well aware that we are under social pressure to be delightful happy all the time, eating perfectly, and enjoying our life to the fullest on a daily basis. Believe me that is exactly what we want to be doing. We are keenly, and beautifully gifted with the knowledge cancer survivorship gives us..we know what death looks like now. Not that fuzzy kinda knowing..it is real, and cold, and mind awakening. We get that now. The struggle is in the balance between that new and beautiful knowledge and having to live life. So this week...that is what I am wrestling with..how to become the new me who takes good care of herself and manages to keep the family afloat at the same time. <br />
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I am working towards looking a bit more like this....and feeling more like well..a relaxed, unwound kinda me! Deep breathes..here I go! <br />
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Thank you for popping by..would love any input, thoughts or ideas! <br />
Namaste all, Sarah :)<br />
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Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-50087622123436242302015-11-02T08:35:00.001-08:002015-11-02T08:39:36.253-08:00The New Me......Kinda Sorta...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know...I have been gone from my blog for almost a year...I have been well...hiding I guess. Recovering, regrouping... reinventing myself. Dealing with the aftermath of a battle with cancer..no one tells you about the after part really. Your so busy fighting to stay alive, that is where the focus is. Then suddenly your cut loose and you feel a bit lost and well...terrified. After months of constant care and folks hovering over you (in a good way), your out there suddenly alone. There is this huge part of you that is so relieved, and feeling hugely blessed that you made it through the battle alive!! Oh yes I am!! But the part they don't tell you about is the post traumatic stress part. <br />
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So, for the last year I have been hiding..way out here on this Caribbean island. 'Cause I did a geographic in hopes of regrouping, and running away from and to the familiar. At least that is what it seems to me. When I finished up chemo, I went back to work, got back to things, quit wearing pink, quit wearing that horrid wig, headed back to being me. Funny thing ..that woman was gone. That woman who wrote this blog for years with strength, joy and that Let Fly attitude. I lost her..she was gone. Left behind was a weak, beaten down, scared, terrified warrior woman who had lost all her armor and was down on her knees. My delightful Muse..stood by waiting patiently, hand on my shoulder. <br />
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For many months I just focused on right now..this day..this week..this month. Little by little my Muse gently reached out to me...<br />
"Sarah..its time."<br />
"Uhm..nope not ready yet. I need more time to ignore it all." Then I would sob for a bit. <br />
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After my diagnosis in January 2014 the most difficult time of my day was that moment I woke up. My mind went right to...ooo wonderful new day..what are we gonna do? To...Omg I have cancer..what am I gonna do? It was depressing and terrifying. Over the last year I have woken to my Muse saying..<br />
"Sarah..its time to deal a little bit..just a little..come on girl!" And I would sob some more. <br />
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So folks here I am.. finally dealing. Ready for some post traumatic growth. Still sobbing, but excited too. I was thinking blogging a bit might help me along..and well...I was hoping you guys might too. <br />
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Namaste all xoxoxo<br />
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Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-86812551643952809702014-11-24T06:22:00.000-08:002014-11-24T06:23:19.479-08:00Transitions.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am feeling incredibly blessed to be here...it is so amazingly beautiful and different. All the things to do here..the different culture, life in general! Ok... the beach anytime of the year and the weather... heavenly:) </div>
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That said..I am struggling a bit with the lack of seasons and my head is saying,</div>
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"It is August...see look outside! Why on earth is there holiday stuff up in the stores..like it is November or something?"</div>
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My head wants to be doing this..knitting. Frankly it is a bit too hot for that. :/ But this hat..I wanna make this one! </div>
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I want to enjoy a great hot cocoa..or coffee. Iced is the only way here..just not the same. But yummy. I am embracing all the "new".</div>
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As my friends in the cold North are dealing with snow and cold..I am trying to wrap my head around 80 degrees in November. Delightfully so..don't get me wrong..just is a bit odd is all. </div>
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I am about six months out from my last treatment..and frankly I think it is time to write about it maybe. My Muse and my heart are telling me it is time to get it out of my head. Starting to rattle around in there a bit too much. </div>
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Happy Monday all! </div>
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Namaste</div>
<br />Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-68526128318131218162014-11-16T14:27:00.002-08:002014-11-16T14:27:40.436-08:00The Caribbean..where is the rum.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZwbf6tsfsQ/VGkjwjHAwXI/AAAAAAAAKbg/52_yImHmzsQ/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZwbf6tsfsQ/VGkjwjHAwXI/AAAAAAAAKbg/52_yImHmzsQ/s1600/untitled.png" height="392" width="400" /></a></div>
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Actually they give you a shot a you get off the puddle jumper LOL! Rum that is. Here is a little cattle egret..it seem they are white until breeding season. We have the large ones also..but these guys are all over. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AaU-A-GlNvM/VGkjnVaqfmI/AAAAAAAAKbY/0nTT7vm4h3s/s1600/fredricksted2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AaU-A-GlNvM/VGkjnVaqfmI/AAAAAAAAKbY/0nTT7vm4h3s/s1600/fredricksted2.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
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The skies here..can't get enough of them..the clouds are amazing. Happy to be playing with my camera again. I will also say..I am surprised my phone takes such great shots. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbmixvDjgiM/VGkj11Sf1dI/AAAAAAAAKbo/TTcdGwdPhvs/s1600/jelliesorignwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbmixvDjgiM/VGkj11Sf1dI/AAAAAAAAKbo/TTcdGwdPhvs/s1600/jelliesorignwm.jpg" height="400" width="277" /></a></div>
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Of course I had to create some jellies...hope your Sunday is going well. Namaste all!</div>
<br />Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-86273820971811231602014-11-15T11:31:00.000-08:002014-11-15T11:31:08.841-08:00Big Changes....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l70Bdihgdkk/VGemgiJRKxI/AAAAAAAAKak/6qbORLoevQ4/s1600/littlebay1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l70Bdihgdkk/VGemgiJRKxI/AAAAAAAAKak/6qbORLoevQ4/s1600/littlebay1.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></div>
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So...it has been a right long time since I blogged..way too long. I have missed it...I have missed all of you. I am hoping you have not all disappeared! First off..clean bill of health. For which I am extremely thankful for. Treatment was complete in May and was completely clear in August. At which time...I joined my hubby Jim, Fox, Mhanon and Kate in St. Croix. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_N_F5sUS-o/VGemiV99KDI/AAAAAAAAKas/mC-67Rhd17g/s1600/littlebay2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_N_F5sUS-o/VGemiV99KDI/AAAAAAAAKas/mC-67Rhd17g/s1600/littlebay2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Yuppers..I am living here...in the Caribbean. Sometimes you have to just leap and go for it! So here I am..healthy and starting over in St. Croix..US Virgin Islands. Toes in sand and pina colada in hand (well now and again LOL). Seriously though..it is stunning here and the water...amazing. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvPCC7NohvU/VGemr0T0UkI/AAAAAAAAKa0/e5JvwnOJB0M/s1600/theroseway1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvPCC7NohvU/VGemr0T0UkI/AAAAAAAAKa0/e5JvwnOJB0M/s1600/theroseway1.jpg" height="400" width="322" /></a></div>
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Am loving seeing ships out my back window, pelicans, coral reefs...amazing!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jDKBUAbDEM/VGenHKtFKSI/AAAAAAAAKbE/3acATeOtXWM/s1600/scubascotties3origwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jDKBUAbDEM/VGenHKtFKSI/AAAAAAAAKbE/3acATeOtXWM/s1600/scubascotties3origwm.jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></div>
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Snorkeling here...well is my very favorite thing to do. As you can see it has showed up in my artwork LOL. Here is Becky Blue Bonnet with his kitteh buddy taking in the reef! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zuPzwwfV0n8/VGemzbUXztI/AAAAAAAAKa8/uTQ7ujPHRWg/s1600/threesunflowers3wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zuPzwwfV0n8/VGemzbUXztI/AAAAAAAAKa8/uTQ7ujPHRWg/s1600/threesunflowers3wm.jpg" height="400" width="390" /></a></div>
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My muse...yuppers she has joined me. Trying to get back into the creative groove. Anyway, I am so happy to be back. Namaste all :)</div>
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<br />Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-63709727394464598602014-05-10T13:06:00.002-07:002014-05-10T13:07:38.675-07:00Raffle #2 for Cancer Support <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWUiObP3NWc/U26GioqbKgI/AAAAAAAAJpU/n_Vf3XHmzGk/s1600/il_570xN_253126034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWUiObP3NWc/U26GioqbKgI/AAAAAAAAJpU/n_Vf3XHmzGk/s1600/il_570xN_253126034.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had hoped to do just one..I know I said I would offer up
two raffles. Seems I need to do the second one, which I struggle with :/ I am
back to work..thankfully! But I am struggling to do more than a couple days
here at the start. The new chemo I am on is easier on the system and I am getting
stronger day by day..it is just taking more time than I had hoped. So…I decided
to offer up two of my very favorite original pieces, “The Bohemian Bean” and “Dragon’s
Rest”. Both created in pen and ink and colored pencil..each will come to the
winner with a certificate of authenticity. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yKC7m4snzW0/U26GRpq6vHI/AAAAAAAAJpQ/0Yrj6Jbp1Z4/s1600/dragonsrest3nwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yKC7m4snzW0/U26GRpq6vHI/AAAAAAAAJpQ/0Yrj6Jbp1Z4/s1600/dragonsrest3nwm.jpg" height="311" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As before you will get an entry with each $5.00 donation. Please add a comment too :) If
you are kind enough to share it on your page or blog, or anywhere.. you will
get another entry</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
If you donated last time and didn’t win..I will add your name in one time
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those of you that sent
donation after the last raffle you will be added into this one</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> The raffle starts
today and will end at 4pm Pacific time on May 18<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I cannot tell you all what this means to me..how your
support has lifted me up and touched me. Thank you just does not say enough. Huge
hugs and love!<!--3--></span></div>
Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-89457832629833392442014-05-07T08:23:00.002-07:002014-05-07T08:23:50.817-07:00Lessons on Trusting...
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ExOzXG7clVU/U2pOF6LQx5I/AAAAAAAAJo8/Ed7ipfdfW1k/s1600/happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ExOzXG7clVU/U2pOF6LQx5I/AAAAAAAAJo8/Ed7ipfdfW1k/s1600/happy.jpg" height="400" width="283" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There have been times in my life that I have been called
stubborn girl. Who me? Uhmmm yeah. This last couple of weeks I have tried to
get myself back to work a couple days a week. Clearly finances are a concern…but
well as usual I pushed a bit harder than I should have. My head was thinking
that two days a week, on my feet for seven hours should be doable right? Maybe I
could even handle three or four. Sigh.. last Friday my body and the Universe
had a serious sit down conversation with me. It went something like this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Hi Sarah…how is the view from the floor in the back room at
work? You were not ready to come to work today…your body told you so..you
pushed on ahead and well..how does that ceiling look? You have scared your
daughter (working with me) to death and well it’s time to go home for the day
and regroup.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But…but…but…I can do this..I will be ok in a bit..just let
me...ok…I will go home.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mortified and when I was ok enough to drive, I went home. I
wanted to stay, but my gut was trying to readjust to the new chemo and had
other ideas. I went home and I sat outside for several hours in the shade contemplating. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYdrbFaaxUo/U2pNvn-jijI/AAAAAAAAJo4/CimcBmF-9OM/s1600/1911904_724136990960126_23466354_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYdrbFaaxUo/U2pNvn-jijI/AAAAAAAAJo4/CimcBmF-9OM/s1600/1911904_724136990960126_23466354_n.jpg" height="276" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Sarah…your fear is overwhelming your trust. Stop today and
listen to me and your body. Slow down, you are not able to do 100% right now.
Someday soon you will, but not yet. You only have so much energy to spread
around as your doing chemo and your body is healing. Stubbornness and fear will
hurt you here. Calm and positive will win this battle..stop and regroup.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Several folks close to me had been telling me this…many
worried that I was pushing too hard..fear about finances and well..to be honest
my frustration at being at a mere 50% of my normal energy level upset me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
fact was simple and clear I only have so much energy to go around right now and I
had to accept that and work with what I had. Thankfully and without fear I had
to do some heavy duty trusting and quit being so stubborn. I restarted my
meditation practice, started measuring my activities more carefully and started
working on being in the present. Not the past or the future..the now. Sometimes
you just have to let go of all the fear before the answers are presented to
you. Is it easy?? NO..cause I want control..but I am working on it. Minute by
minute, hour by hour, day by day. Trusting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Namaste all, Sarah</span></div>
Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-20178194662625631802014-04-29T18:45:00.000-07:002014-04-29T18:46:35.638-07:00A Thank You Giveaway.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cX7o8KvP09Q/U2BSvSZaYAI/AAAAAAAAJoY/GbkIb0eRwBk/s1600/orangeoceanbookmark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cX7o8KvP09Q/U2BSvSZaYAI/AAAAAAAAJoY/GbkIb0eRwBk/s1600/orangeoceanbookmark.jpg" height="135" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am so deeply touched and thankful for all of you who donated to help me get through this rough time. Thank you was just not enough..so I wanted to offer a little original. This sweet little ocean piece is approx. 8" x 3", created in pen and ink and colored pencil. It will come to one lucky winner with a certificate of authenticity. So between now and May 5th at 4pm Pacific time..<strong>first chance</strong> please leave me a comment here..and for a <strong>second chance</strong> share it on your blog or FB :) Make sure you let me know you have shared this so I can add it to your chances. <br />
<br />
A couple folks have asked about the second raffle I mentioned...I will be doing another in a couple weeks. I am thankfully back to work two days a week and that is about all I can handle for a little bit. So I will be offering up two of my favorite originals for those who missed the last one or would like a chance to win the next ones:) For those who entered the first one but did not win will be added into the second raffle automatically for a chance to win:) Cause well...you guys are amazing and thank you is just not enough..huge hugs and love all. xoxoSarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-18831620079176637452014-04-21T09:16:00.000-07:002014-04-21T09:16:00.001-07:00We have Raffle Winners!! Our winners are.......................... Grant Anderson and Laura Imhoff for my two pieces and Martha Murphy for Tammy's amazing offering! How can I tell you how much this meant to me..thank you is not enough. Huge hugs and love to each and every one of you xooxoxoxox Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-76877319671688842032014-04-10T15:06:00.000-07:002014-04-10T15:08:55.577-07:00I need a little help.....and a raffle...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MsnO2GbIWr4/U0cPPkL8m3I/AAAAAAAAJn0/SMKGa8_bUvE/s1600/il_570xN_317649623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MsnO2GbIWr4/U0cPPkL8m3I/AAAAAAAAJn0/SMKGa8_bUvE/s1600/il_570xN_317649623.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I need a bit of help. Those of you that have known a
while..friends, blogie friends, folks who know me for a very long time..most of
you know asking for help is hard for me. Cancer tends to change that. I find myself
gratefully all be with a little difficulty accepting help, meals and visits
from amazing folks..it has been a huge blessing for me and well…one of those
lessons I had to learn. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So today I am
asking..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The added two weeks of heavy duty chemo has thrown off my
schedule all the way around. But hardest hit was my financial plan. It put off
going back to work part time for several weeks and thus the first paycheck
nearly a month. So my sister and I were throwing around ideas about this..I
know lots of folks put donation buttons on their blogs when they get into
difficult spots like this. I guess I just wanted to offer something back. So
this is what we decided. I am going to do a couple of raffles. I have several
of my original art pieces... ones that I have especially liked over the
years. I would like to offer them up as thank you. Larger ones not the little baseball card
size ones. Full pieces of work. Although I might add an extra ACEOl treat at the end. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So here is the deal…for every $5.00 you donate to help me
keep my apartment, car and phone running and food on the table for my kids..I
will add your name to the pot for the piece being offered. Share it on your
Facebook page and I will add your name again. The raffle will run ten days and
at the end my sister Barb will draw a number out of her hat and I will send the
piece of artwork off to a lucky winner..international included</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So here is the first raffle of the springy piece above..starting right now..and ending April 20th at 4pm Pacific time..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. for each $5.00 you donate your name will be added in the hat..if you share on your facebook page I will add it another time (please let me know if your link does not show up on my FB page..add a note here:) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. International is fine and I will cover shipping costs:) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3. The donate button is on the right hand side of my blog at the top. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although this is hard for me to do..please know that it
means the world to me that you are here and supporting me. If you can and want
to help…that means the world to me too. Hugs all</span></div>
Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-6484330925116725852014-04-08T13:49:00.001-07:002014-04-08T13:49:36.445-07:00Plot Twist...Going Pink...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iz4g6JlTnrs/Uwov-RBxD2I/AAAAAAAAJmk/oH6zgXyKuR0/s1600/imagesCA8ZJOJ3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iz4g6JlTnrs/Uwov-RBxD2I/AAAAAAAAJmk/oH6zgXyKuR0/s1600/imagesCA8ZJOJ3.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You know that moment in movies when the doctor calls and
says “Your results are in but you need to come in and talk to me.”? Yeah that
moment…it really is just like in the movies! Everything kinda stops..you choke
on your own heart and then you sob for a bit. As I walked into the doctor’s
office…the receptionist says to me…”Sarah I am so very sorry!”…OMG! Yuppers…just
like the movies! PLOT TWIST…you have breast cancer! There it is…the big C. I
said it…and well I am gonna beat it. Strong words from someone who feels a bit
small and scared at the moment..but I have a wonderful cast of folks to help me
be brave. Jim has been beside me from the beginning of this two months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be honest, I am not sure if I could have
gotten through this without him. There is no doubt his love has
gotten me through this and continues to do so. He is my rock. Kate has stepped
in to make sure I am covered at work and covered with hugs. My sisters were
right there to give strength, love and advice. My daughter Hanna ever confident
and unwavering in her belief I will be fine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Fox and Nonni...there for me on my down chemo days! Thankfully due to new drugs..have been few. </span>Not to mention those who have already stepped
in to send their love, prayers and healing my way. Amazingly blessed..I am. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8HBgSGv5ENA/U0RgN_GqNII/AAAAAAAAJnc/G-E4BZZnlt4/s1600/blessed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8HBgSGv5ENA/U0RgN_GqNII/AAAAAAAAJnc/G-E4BZZnlt4/s1600/blessed.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have had my Lumpectomy and lymph nodes removed on the..margins and all lymph nodes were blessedly clear! I have been on a whirlwind of doctor's appointments and procedures ever since. I am now partway through my chemo...not fun..but will make sure I am clear of any stray cancer cells. I have posted quick posts of Facebook and many of you may have already been aware of my new battle...but I know many here don't FB..and you are important to me..so I am going to try and be consistently posting here. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRNj713XfWk/U0RgyGjR4EI/AAAAAAAAJnk/K9dxTytQ3BE/s1600/1175321_10151860167784205_2071510336_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRNj713XfWk/U0RgyGjR4EI/AAAAAAAAJnk/K9dxTytQ3BE/s1600/1175321_10151860167784205_2071510336_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So please keep me in your prayers as I go through this battle. Thank you and hugs all! </span></div>
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Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-63764628955126948702013-07-15T16:24:00.001-07:002013-07-15T16:24:31.158-07:00A New Job...Whoot!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--8W51RcFw1I/UeSA1Oww65I/AAAAAAAAJY4/DPIpq_ASqa4/s1600/signihorse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--8W51RcFw1I/UeSA1Oww65I/AAAAAAAAJY4/DPIpq_ASqa4/s400/signihorse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Its funny how thing happen. I have been applying for jobs all over the area for a couple months now.. just waiting. Sometimes you get a message back..sometimes nothing. But in general it has been my experience that the online applications make getting a job even more difficult. </div>
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I am old fashioned I guess. I think seeing someone in person is a good way to get a good idea about them as potential employee. Being older and female..the whole online thing does not work in my favor. Soooooo.....</div>
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When I got a call from my darling daughter Kate..who works downtown at the Iron Horse Bar and Grill..saying..we need a hostess now..want the job? Uhmmm.. YES please!</div>
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So I started out part time. Now years ago a hostess just seated folks and took money. Well..this is a bit different much to my delight! I have some other things to do also and I really enjoy it! So two weeks in they have offered me full time hours. Whoot happy dance. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V7lOothwC5g/UeSDoXAFPgI/AAAAAAAAJZI/sfnfy9ifSko/s1600/1325575228_296380462_1-Pictures-of--Foot-SPA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V7lOothwC5g/UeSDoXAFPgI/AAAAAAAAJZI/sfnfy9ifSko/s400/1325575228_296380462_1-Pictures-of--Foot-SPA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ok gentle happy dance cause what I need is one of these! Yes please. Sore tootsies! So...a bit of a regroup in summer plans..but to be completely honest..I am THRILLED to be working. I like the folks and well..shhhh but it is kinda fun to be out of the house a bit! </div>
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But today and tomorrow I am off and I think we need to go jump in the lake! </div>
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Happy Monday all!</div>
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<br />Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-87741284767039444922013-06-09T09:50:00.000-07:002013-06-09T09:54:08.284-07:00Summer Plans...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FjePwFc7Qh8/UbSontom-3I/AAAAAAAAJWI/FC6GeBJ9C8w/s1600/springbeenwmcu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FjePwFc7Qh8/UbSontom-3I/AAAAAAAAJWI/FC6GeBJ9C8w/s400/springbeenwmcu.jpg" width="338" /></a></div>
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I know two post in one week!! Whoot! I miss blogging! Am so happy to be done with the semester and moving on to new stuff!! Whoo hoo! </div>
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So summer plans...</div>
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I have not had time for my camera...I have missed it and my Muse is not happy with me! So lotsa photography this summer! Lots of new macro shots and happy kiddos! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tlZUVMKwQEg/UbSou4_vKeI/AAAAAAAAJWQ/LMZI_fyHnH0/s1600/manofsteel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tlZUVMKwQEg/UbSou4_vKeI/AAAAAAAAJWQ/LMZI_fyHnH0/s400/manofsteel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This made me smile..cause I am a serious geek girl! My name in Krytonian! What movie am I looking forward too this summer? <em><strong>Man of Steel</strong></em>!!! Can hardly wait for this one!! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dpacdVbJm7Q/UbSo_o_HtGI/AAAAAAAAJWY/j2dtZOxo5do/s1600/mossgarden+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dpacdVbJm7Q/UbSo_o_HtGI/AAAAAAAAJWY/j2dtZOxo5do/s320/mossgarden+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Crafty project...a delightful terrarium please! My wonderful sisters sent me an arrangement of stunning flowers for my graduation..yup..sobbed like crazy! I was so touched! So I have been looking for bitsy things to create a little world in a jar!! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmgpTZx8XV8/UbSrr-lUq2I/AAAAAAAAJWo/9rPOIMkfdvQ/s1600/open+h2o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmgpTZx8XV8/UbSrr-lUq2I/AAAAAAAAJWo/9rPOIMkfdvQ/s320/open+h2o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What am I itching to do?? I can hardly wait! Open water swimming! Last summer, quite by accident..I discovered open water swimming. Who knew this was a sport!!!?? Last summer I dropped 25 lbs and ready for the next 20 lbs to be gone! I am by nature a bit competitive..I know..but it is true..I am. I have missed competing. Not that I am fast or amazing at it. But I LOVE it! I hope that this year I will pick up the pace a bit..go a little farther each day. Seriously found this good for my soul! Now....the lake just has to warm up!!!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNgGxo2HmdM/UbSr0WVueHI/AAAAAAAAJWw/sTok70qeRwo/s1600/pastelblend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNgGxo2HmdM/UbSr0WVueHI/AAAAAAAAJWw/sTok70qeRwo/s320/pastelblend.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Knit socks....I WILL learn to knit socks this summer! Before the cold season is upon us again..I will have mastered this one. Driven girl...just sayin' ;)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M6pMzDRfcDA/UbSsrgybFmI/AAAAAAAAJW8/bFGcv_UYfbE/s1600/fantasyaceosspringwm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M6pMzDRfcDA/UbSsrgybFmI/AAAAAAAAJW8/bFGcv_UYfbE/s320/fantasyaceosspringwm2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Of course I will be doing more of this..always am doing this. Calms my soul and feeds my spirit. </div>
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So...now your turn...what is on your plate for summer?? I would love to hear:)</div>
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Namaste all! </div>
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Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-86691325410860925172013-06-08T08:59:00.000-07:002013-06-08T08:59:07.060-07:00Didn't Think I Would Get Here...ahhh Summer! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5Vv4BfDpAA/UbNQDuXlDhI/AAAAAAAAJVI/7S5CTHkoHIw/s1600/bigsky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5Vv4BfDpAA/UbNQDuXlDhI/AAAAAAAAJVI/7S5CTHkoHIw/s400/bigsky.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ahhhh Summer! It has been a VERY long year! The last two semesters have been rough. I think my brain still hurts! But I did it..and I am proud! I don't think my head is out of the daily grind of classwork though..that may take a few more weeks! </div>
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WHOOT to summer!! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QVJKyB94_Ks/UbNP_bRYtuI/AAAAAAAAJVA/DPUea_ZMdqI/s1600/capandtassle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QVJKyB94_Ks/UbNP_bRYtuI/AAAAAAAAJVA/DPUea_ZMdqI/s320/capandtassle.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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But over all it has been a really wonderful year.. despite working my tail off LOL! </div>
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What new you ask?</div>
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Well...I have a book cover on Amazon..which I am STILL Happy Dancing about! It graces the cover of W.H. Carr's wonderful new romance novel! Fun summer e-book for your tablet! You can find it <em><span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Right-Dress-Wrong-Man-ebook/dp/B00D3T0CDA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1370706562&sr=1-1&keywords=right+dress+wrong+man">here</a></span></em>!!! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zslHxolJn2M/UbNQb3Rav6I/AAAAAAAAJVg/t9OKdMx55jQ/s1600/genecoverrework2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zslHxolJn2M/UbNQb3Rav6I/AAAAAAAAJVg/t9OKdMx55jQ/s400/genecoverrework2b.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
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I will be doing a couple fun trainings this summer...this one is first up on the block! A fun 4 hour intro to child development. Coffee and muffins..of course! :) </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xF3cwdyEyiA/UbNQHfTzCSI/AAAAAAAAJVQ/ISGj7fxZKB8/s1600/childdevelopheader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xF3cwdyEyiA/UbNQHfTzCSI/AAAAAAAAJVQ/ISGj7fxZKB8/s320/childdevelopheader.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Remember this piece? About a year back Warner Brothers purchased this one and two other for set decoration. The sitcom kinda fell off the radar for a little bit. But..I am really excited to share that it is on the ABC fall line up! Which means...my art may be seen on national TV:) So kinda stoked about this one! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C213-TniT4M/UbNQi_ScW3I/AAAAAAAAJVo/l77rzDe6P2w/s1600/steampunkgreenwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C213-TniT4M/UbNQi_ScW3I/AAAAAAAAJVo/l77rzDe6P2w/s320/steampunkgreenwm.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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What show you ask?? <em>Super Fun Night</em> with Rebel Wilson<em>! </em></div>
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Happy dance..who me?? Uhmmm YES! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lr2eFFgPXKo/UbNQQYvLkGI/AAAAAAAAJVY/xtc_nvy9Mww/s1600/Showsheet-Pilot_SUPER-FUN-NIGHT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lr2eFFgPXKo/UbNQQYvLkGI/AAAAAAAAJVY/xtc_nvy9Mww/s320/Showsheet-Pilot_SUPER-FUN-NIGHT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But for now I am gonna play with my long neglected camera and create some art that I would like to see..cause my Muse is suffering from a serious caffeine high! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zOA7uZhbIg0/UbNUNlYsiwI/AAAAAAAAJV4/upnxV1a7Qcg/s1600/springbee1wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zOA7uZhbIg0/UbNUNlYsiwI/AAAAAAAAJV4/upnxV1a7Qcg/s320/springbee1wm.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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Happy June all!! </div>
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<br />Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-27060889696547480592013-04-20T19:49:00.001-07:002013-04-20T19:49:13.836-07:00Musing on Going Gray...or Grey...or Silver....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N0e-T8s2KyU/UXNLnJ8QLFI/AAAAAAAAJRI/ZG8KRyACmXc/s1600/lichenbwwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N0e-T8s2KyU/UXNLnJ8QLFI/AAAAAAAAJRI/ZG8KRyACmXc/s400/lichenbwwm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A week or so back I was at the store and grabbed a box of hair dye out of habit. I brought it home and there it sits on top of my bathroom dresser! I keep looking at it and thinking..ok got to do that today. Hmmmm...</div>
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I have dyed my hair for quiet a few years now..blond streaks now and again, red which I love and brunette more often than not. I found my first gray hair on my 30th birthday LOL!! My mother did too..dye her hair. I remember my mother's hair..it was thin and so very soft. She hated her natural color. She had mousy brown with yellow-gray hair..she complained about it. Wished it had been a lovely silver. I spent many a wonderful afternoon doing her hair. I miss that! I miss her. </div>
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Seriously though..I really do not mind being older. Being in my 50s is kinda nice! Body changes have been a little tricky but over all a really wonderful thing! I have been blessed with a lack of nasty menopause symptoms. BLESSED! I am a pretty happy girl over all. So a few wrinkles really do not make me feel less attractive. I feel well like..good wine! Aged nicely with a good splash of wisdom and a dash of fruitiness. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RULHc9ZB28g/UXNLQ3Vz3KI/AAAAAAAAJRA/kHPQrXEYnf0/s1600/imagesCABEDTPF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RULHc9ZB28g/UXNLQ3Vz3KI/AAAAAAAAJRA/kHPQrXEYnf0/s200/imagesCABEDTPF.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>
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So what am I going on about here...well..pride really I guess. I have been blessed with something my Mother was not.. delightfully silver hair! Now that I have had it for a couple decades LOL..I kinda like it. Ok, well I like it a little bit..I think! I have been toying with the idea of letting it grow out for a couple months and seeing what I think. Maybe I will love it...maybe I will hate it and feel frumpy. But I just might feel, well.. freed! What do ya think...would you..do you..are you? What do you think? I would love to know! </div>
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Happy Saturday all :)</div>
<br />Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-78572867357833225492013-04-12T13:10:00.000-07:002013-04-12T13:10:03.279-07:00***Giveaway Alert!!!!!***<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OlHfYrCaANQ/UWhoopDF0VI/AAAAAAAAJQo/OBLM2U9PRTU/s1600/coloringbooklayout2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OlHfYrCaANQ/UWhoopDF0VI/AAAAAAAAJQo/OBLM2U9PRTU/s400/coloringbooklayout2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Giveaway alert!!!!!!!</div>
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I was thinking..I am all most to 500 "likes" on my Face book fan page! So I thought it was high time for a giveaway!! So I am going to send one luck winner a set of my new coloring book pages. They will come to you in a acid free sleeve and enclosed in a heavy duty folder! All ready for some fun coloring? </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--vbDJ6p5Gvw/UWhotpFB-hI/AAAAAAAAJQw/CMfzoDmzlqk/s1600/coloringpagefullset1wm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--vbDJ6p5Gvw/UWhotpFB-hI/AAAAAAAAJQw/CMfzoDmzlqk/s400/coloringpagefullset1wm2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So what do ya have to do? Well head on over to my Fan page.. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cottage-Garden-Studios/182998109745">click here</a>.. and please "like" me if you have not already:) Add a comment <strong>there</strong> for a second chance..you get another if you are already a fan:) If you share it on FB I will add another chance! More details on my page:) Ends Monday evening:)</div>
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Happy Friday all!! Hugs! </div>
<br />Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-987159925853754292013-04-10T10:09:00.000-07:002013-04-10T10:09:00.384-07:00Wishcast Wednesday...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IyJ6geJMmNI/UWWcIWH8dVI/AAAAAAAAJQY/LwvqabEKl_8/s1600/herb-box-m-m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IyJ6geJMmNI/UWWcIWH8dVI/AAAAAAAAJQY/LwvqabEKl_8/s400/herb-box-m-m.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The amazing <a href="http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/wishcasting-wednesday-what-do-you-wish-to-tend-2">Jamie</a> has offered up this question today.. "What do you wish to tend?" Hmmm...that one came to me right away. Ok well sorta....<br />
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I have been away from Wishcasting for a while..school and art and home schooling and well life. I have missed it..I have miss all of you all! So today I will wish.<br />
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I wish to tend my emotional and financial wellbeing. The last year or so has been rough. emotionally and financially I have struggled. I am finishing up my BS in Psychology this spring. There have been many days that I wanted to quit. I have bulldogged my way through it and the end is in sight. Why at 52? Because I need a steady job that pays the bills, one that offers health insurance and will allow me to provide a stable lifestyle for my family. I have had enough of being poor, hand to mouth, no money for extras or fun things, broken down truck, the possible loss of our home and not a single vacation in 15 years. It is time. It has been emotionally crushing. So I have planted my financial garden with years of experience and I have added in the professional training and very soon will add the degree to back them up. <em>I wish to tend my financial garden and watch it bloom.</em> This is what I wish to tend. <br />
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My art will keep going..because it keeps me sane and I love it. That little plant has been tucked into this garden plot too..may they all grow happily together and compliment each other as they bloom! <br />
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Happy Wednesday all...what do you wish to tend? Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-14913907495259786822013-02-22T12:36:00.001-08:002013-02-22T12:36:59.761-08:00A few that pleased my eye....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-odTru6FfaBk/USfU1UgXjtI/AAAAAAAAJOU/aGDZY3XZcQA/s1600/gnocchibear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-odTru6FfaBk/USfU1UgXjtI/AAAAAAAAJOU/aGDZY3XZcQA/s400/gnocchibear.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have been soooo busy..but here I am ...again..I missed you all! Between art, sewing and school...yikes, where did the time go! So here are a few of the little things I have been working on. Gnocchi..so sweet! Sleepin' with a bear! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DVRZlMXC_jI/USfU9Ebd90I/AAAAAAAAJOc/cD48WOgovpA/s1600/riveroriginalcu2wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DVRZlMXC_jI/USfU9Ebd90I/AAAAAAAAJOc/cD48WOgovpA/s320/riveroriginalcu2wm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This sweet boy is a commission piece I finished recently..sweet River. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--uubT_KZo7E/USfVoYvnekI/AAAAAAAAJOk/vFNnZYiJ7mg/s1600/babybasket2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--uubT_KZo7E/USfVoYvnekI/AAAAAAAAJOk/vFNnZYiJ7mg/s320/babybasket2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kitty roll LOL..he is sooooo soft! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tlkgmUY4LUc/USfVsXiFRMI/AAAAAAAAJOs/raA3_fndEFo/s1600/eagle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tlkgmUY4LUc/USfVsXiFRMI/AAAAAAAAJOs/raA3_fndEFo/s400/eagle1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of my very favorite shots this last year..on the eagle cruise..they are so stunning! </div>
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So I am here..I hope you pop by and say hello!</div>
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Happy Friday all! </div>
<br />Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-55580038190216454912012-11-26T07:04:00.000-08:002012-11-26T07:04:23.559-08:00Musing on getting older...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbuFMpnpRnM/ULN_cRR91pI/AAAAAAAAJME/jbN6i0Wt-rY/s1600/HedgBGXH8UOsyM4kbCtaLw2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbuFMpnpRnM/ULN_cRR91pI/AAAAAAAAJME/jbN6i0Wt-rY/s400/HedgBGXH8UOsyM4kbCtaLw2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yes please..a good strong coffee! Now you ask??...yuppers....:)</div>
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I recently listened to an audio book about making the most of your mornings..before 7am. Being a morning kinda gal...sorry I am an early riser, I thought, well this sounds good!! I read it and it seemed to make great sense..use the early hours to get creative stuff done. Not answering emails and FB responses etc etc...the creative stuff. Like blog posting, brainstorming, drawing, creating new ideas for artwork! Creative stuff. So ever the enthusiastic girl..I did it! For a week and a half ...Monday through Friday I popped out of bed at 5am and got down to being creative. I loved it..enjoyed the time doing creative things..blogging (finally), organizing my thoughts for the day, creating! No interuptions..everyone was sleeping..me time!! Whoot!</div>
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It was great...until I realized one little thing....by two o'clock in the afternoon I was suffering from some serious brain fade and that was about the time that I was studying. Coffee was applied..to no avail..I was not retaining information like normal. System overload! So although I really liked that getting up early thing for creative purposes...it occurred to me that that bright shiny brain energy needed to be applied to school. I can knit in the afternoon instead! It all left me feeling a little bit old. Sigh:/</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7OKQyiDJgEk/ULN_lMuqbWI/AAAAAAAAJMM/QdPmP_l1DFw/s1600/lavenderblend1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7OKQyiDJgEk/ULN_lMuqbWI/AAAAAAAAJMM/QdPmP_l1DFw/s320/lavenderblend1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some other news from this week..that just proves that I am getting older...my last little chickie, Mhanon turned 9 last week!! HOW did that happen?? But chip off the ole block..she requested a TARDIS (time and relative dimension in space) cake. If you are a Doctor Who fan you will get it. She made me proud:) She wanted to be a weeping angel for Halloween..YIKES!!</div>
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I did my best to create a TARDIS cake and a couple of Daleks for her without real tools. She was happy and it tasted great..so I guess I did ok:) </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGHV1q0BhHk/ULN_nusxD7I/AAAAAAAAJMU/o4IXGHvl0xk/s1600/tardiscake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGHV1q0BhHk/ULN_nusxD7I/AAAAAAAAJMU/o4IXGHvl0xk/s320/tardiscake1.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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Just a quick reminder...I am having a Cyber sale in <strong><em><u><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://cottagegarden.etsy.com/">my shop</a></span></u></em></strong> today... 25% off any item with the code "holidayjoy". </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GfvhnRekchU/ULN_10PC8_I/AAAAAAAAJMc/ep3rqiKiQJQ/s1600/pocketcookiesheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GfvhnRekchU/ULN_10PC8_I/AAAAAAAAJMc/ep3rqiKiQJQ/s320/pocketcookiesheart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy Monday all! </div>
<br />Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7245705742183322956.post-25834130682193141482012-11-24T10:28:00.000-08:002012-11-24T10:28:28.590-08:00Cyber Weekend Sale!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HMrlQ30HlDw/ULEQML5PPEI/AAAAAAAAJKw/TXKi7madZB8/s1600/sale_000008415614XSmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HMrlQ30HlDw/ULEQML5PPEI/AAAAAAAAJKw/TXKi7madZB8/s400/sale_000008415614XSmall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ok all..here we go...holiday shopping! So for this weekend..cyber weekend through cyber Monday..use this code for 25% off in my <a href="http://cottagegarden.etsy.com/"><strong><em>Etsy shop</em></strong></a> ... "<em><span style="color: red;">holidayjoy</span></em>". If you are shopping local..feel free to email me if you would like a custom order or local pickup! <a href="mailto:cottagegardenstudio@gmail.com">cottagegardenstudio@gmail.com</a> !! The code applies for local shoppers too:) Just mention it in your email:) </div>
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Off to cut and sew and wrap and package! Happy Thursday all!!</div>
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Hugs, Sarah</div>
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Sarah Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835112406617937224noreply@blogger.com0