One of the joys of my work as a journalist is meeting truly inspirational people like Susan Evans. She took her cancer journey and turned it into a fundraiser to help cancer research. With her book - "Don't Write the Obituary" she also helps to inspire others. Very cool!

Want to read about her? Check out:
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2014/08/05/In-remission-for-ovarian-cancer-woman-writes-book-with-her-doctor/stories/201408050004

Take What You Need

I take yoga at a wonderful, little independently owned yoga studio called "Totally Yoga."

When I was there the other day, I noticed a sign like the above and some of the slips were already missing. I looked at it and fell in love with the idea. Then, as I looked at the remaining selections, I thought, "Well, I have lots of love, I have passion, I am healthy, my family is healthy.....I have an amazing life." 

That sign did two things- struck me as a great idea to put up in places I know others will be that may need a little something and made me focus on the positive instead of a few things in my life that kind of had me down. What do you need? Or do you have enough and give to someone else? 

Saying good-bye to a good woman

Myself, Sloop (Terry) and the beautiful Barbara

I haven't blogged in a while because life gets in the way -which it should never do when it comes to celebrating good things in life. Today, I am compelled to write about a beautiful lady who left us way too soon. Barbara was the wife and long-time love of a wonderful artist, Terry McCoy, aka Sloop Jones. We didn't have a lot of time with Barbara, but she was just someone you instantly loved and she served as the "woman behind the man" for Sloop's business. (I have written about Sloop in the past and encourage you to check out his amazing clothes www.sloopjones.com)
Barbara passed in July and today is her memorial service at one of the places that Paul and I love - the east end of St. John USVI. We are so sad we can't be there, but are there in spirit and wearing our Sloop today. I raise a glass of champagne to a woman that brightened the lives of many in so many different ways. Thank you, dear Barbara.

 

http://www.post-gazette.com/life/food/2014/05/22/Forget-the-cookie-table-This-Pittsburgh-couple-is-having-a-bacon-table/stories/201405150444

Such a fun couple and what a fun idea. Even a vegetarian like me thinks it is awesome.

Our daughter, Eliza, has been dating a wonderful, young man for well over a year now and we love Pat. Yesterday, on Mother's Day, my husband and I walked with Eliza and Pat and his family in the Race for the Cure. We honored Pat's mom, Mary, a survivor and every other survivor. We also honored those who have lost their lives to cancer.

The weather cooperated and it was an amazing event. To see over 20,000 people walking in one long line, all for a common cause was wonderful. There were children of all ages, folks of all sizes and even dogs including two white standard poodles died pink. What great fun, but for a serious cause.

It was the first time that we met Pat's family and it was instant love. No suprise since Pat is such a fantastic young man.

What a spectacular Mother's Day - being with people we love, celebrating wonderful survivors and fighting for a cure for cancer.

Sometimes you just want to Do Something....do something good, do something that makes a difference, do....well, something. But you may not have a lot of time or money to do it.

That doesn't mean you can't still Do Something!

I recently saw the Facebook page for an organization called just that - Do Something. It offers suggestions for simple acts that can brighten others' day. While it is geared for youth (of which I am clearly not), the ideas and suggestions can be used by anyone.

When I saw their suggestion to make Valentine's Day cards for seniors then have them delivered through Meals on Wheels volunteers, I contacted a friend who makes lunches for Meals on Wheels and she agreed to put them in the bags. Then my 24-year-old daughter, Eliza, and I made some Valentines! It was great fun and for a great cause.

My niece, a grade school teacher, decided to get her students involved and they made more for another Meals on Wheels site.

It doesn't always have to be a lot - a little can even turn into a lot! Do Something!