65 Red Roses

I love reading all different types of blogs.  I like stories, and it interests me to read about different people and the stories that they have to tell.  This is why blogs are good.  You can read about different people around the world and get a glace into what their lives are like. 

I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis, and most of them are great.  Every once in a while though, a blog comes along that knocks me off my feet.  Eva's blog is one of them. 

I found her blog about a year ago, and have been combing through her archives ever since.  I have now read all of her posts, and feel like I have known her all my life.  She died last march, shortly before I found her blog. She was a beautiful woman, both outside and in, and she was my age.

Eva spent her whole life in the fight against Cystic Fibrosis.  She went through a double lung transplant, and things were looking up for her, then about a year later she suffered chronic rejection.  Her blog documents the high points and low points of her life and she is very open about what it is like to live with CF.  They also filmed a documentary about her transplant that will be showing on the OWN network this spring.  I cannot wait to see it.

If you are looking for an inspiring and amazing story to read, Eva's is the one. 

Here is the trailer for 65 Red Roses:

65 Red Roses Trailer from 65redroses on Vimeo.

She Loves Us

Most dogs wouldn't sit still long enough to let you put a hat on their head, let alone sit there with it on while you run and grab your camera and then let you snap a picture.  Belle is a dog that will do whatever she's told, and we take full advantage of her patience.  She may not always look like she's happy about it, but deep down I'm sure that this is one of her favorite things about having us as her humans.  

I love her.

{Halloween}

{Hannah Montana}

{Bellerina}

{Amy Winehouse}

{Karate Kid}

{Bret Michaels}

{Tupac}

Day Dreaming

Have I mentioned that I hate the winter?  Because I do.

There are so many things that I am looking forward to this summer.  So many.  It just won't come fast enough.

I can't wait to go to Jackson with Chaz and Shay again.  Just thinking about the way that the sun reflects off of the water makes me smile. Even though the water is icy cold, the beating sun warms you up quickly and dries out your wetsuit enough that it leaves you begging for the next big wave to come along and cool you off again.

It's amazing how loud the water is as it rushes over the rocks and throws the boat from side to side, yet it's so peaceful.

Just thinking about it warms my soul.

The Art of Compromise

After I decided that I wasn't willing to shell out all of the money that it would take to make my Guinea pig dreams come true, Brett and I decided on a compromise.

It wasn't a hard thing to sell him on at all, since it is a lot less alive than a Guinea pig and would not bother him with any noises or smells.  As soon as I suggested my alternative idea he agreed immediately.

We picked it up on Friday, and I am smitten. 

Yay For the Weekend

I am so happy for the weekend to finally be here.  It's been a draining week and I am ready to have some fun.  :)  We are going to be surrounded by good friends, and I'm sure plenty of good food as well.  My friends are just the medicine I need to cheer me up right now!!

I just wish that the weather would change for the better, it seems like it's only getting colder each day.  I'm so ready for spring. 

I hope that you all enjoy your weekend, and party hard for the super bowl!!  Go Steelers!!

A Bit of Old Poetry

I wrote this poem in 2006 shortly after my mom was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. 

It came as such a shock,
I never saw it coming.
When you called to tell me the news,
I could feel my heart beat drumming.
The first question I had for God,
was 'when will it be enough?'
She's been to hell and back before,
but I guess he knows that she'll stay tough!
The trials never get her down,
she always fights it through.
I think that I'm the one who's scared,
and I don't know what to do.
The tears that hit my cheeks,
were letting out all the pain.
But staying strong for her,
is something I have to do again.
I want to understand it all,
how, when, where and why?
But then I think about it again,
and I just can't help but cry.
It hurts to know there's nothing I can do,
but sit back and hold her hand.
Maybe that will help, I guess,
but I just don't understand.
I slowly start to realize,
the word is the scariest part.
When you hear someone say Cancer,
there's a sinking feeling in your heart.
Then you come to see the light,
that she'll make it through each day.
A sense of strength comes over you,
and you know everything will be okay.

Harold Boyd Hughes

A week ago today, the world lost an amazing man. My grandpa. Harold Boyd Hughes.

I am so lucky to be able to say that I have had him as my grandpa.  He was the most loving, understanding, funny, talented, and kind man.  My heart hurts so much because I will never be able to hear that infectious laugh, taste his homemade candy or listen as he tells me one of his entertaining stories again, but my grief is just me being selfish.  He is in a far better place now, and he is in the company of his beloved wife as well as my mom.  He is where he has wanted to be for the past few years, and I know that they will take care of him for me. 

I will think of him often and smile. 

I love you grandpa, and I will miss you everyday.