If I Only Had a Brain

I should be flogged for delinquency. Time sure has a way of marching on and leaving me behind lately. I miss a lot of things but mostly I miss my mind! I keep wondering if my memory cells post chemo will ever regenerate.

For the most part I am fine and my energy level is amazingly improved - for that I am grateful. Yet I keep on forgetting. Thank goodness, so far nothing has been life threatening and it's usually silly things like car key misplacement; pieces of paper with important information; bills; forgetting why I went downstairs and having to go through the painful ritual of retracing my steps. As far as my teaching, I still think I am on the ball, and so far, none of my students have said anything...except maybe poor Leanne, who was not impressed that I forgot to get her birthday present ready! Thank goodness she still loves me.

I really have not forgotten to write here, though. It is high on my list of things to do; yet the days whiz by and somehow, it has been shoved to the back burner. Determined to make amends and get back on track, I am going to challenge myself and get back into the routine of sharing and spouting.

I am going to force myself to write a blog a day starting...um...today. I have to be the world's worst procrastinator, so this is going to be tough. Okay...on your mark...get set...go!

Zeal for Teal Fever - Just Incase...

Just incase you are looking for a ripping good time on June 26th.

Just incase you love to scrapbook and make cards.

Just incase you want to have a day at the beach - but not really because you don't like the itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bathing suits.

Just incase you want to make a difference and are passionate about supporting a cause that is near and dear to my heart (and my former ovaries)

And just incase you want to enjoy a little 'me time' away from routine for a few hours.

Then...have we got a treat for you!

COME ON DOWN

to Drayton, and join us at the arena for our Second Annual

Zeal for Teal fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer Canada's Winner's Walk of Hope.

Get ready for an amazing day of scrapbooking, cardmaking, merry making and more. And all for a good cause!

Registrations are coming in fast and furious, so don't delay we can hardly wait for you to get in touch!

The early bird registration expires June 1st, which entitles eager scrappers to receive two extra door prize tickets. We have so many lovely prizes coming in from generous donors, you will be impressed.

This year we have a Vendor's Alley including Epicure, Tupperware, Pampered Chef, Mia Bella's Candles, Canadian Writers Book store, Close to My Heart, Stampin' Up, Steeped Tea, In A Scrap Creations, Club 177 purses and jewelry and there will be an extensive display for Ovarian Cancer Canada and the Winner's Walk of Hope.

Our trusty and talented photographer, Anja Noordam, will return to capture some of our precious Zeal for Teal moments, so we are thrilled about that. Check out one of Anja's photos from last year (below!)

The theme for this year's Zeal for Teal is 'A Day at the Beach.' Dig out those flip flops and sundresses and get comfy. We anticipate a wonderful, relaxing day.

We also have our very own esthetician, Janet Wilson returning to offer complimentary mini manicures throughout the day, along with an onsite personal trainer who will keep us on our toes with the occasional fit break. Who knows, maybe we'll even find a pool to paddle in! We have it all. You don't want to miss it.

And the best part, is that your participation in this special day will help women everywhere. After expenses, all profits go to the Ovarian Cancer Canada Winner's Walk of Hope to be held September 12th in Barrie.

The Sunflower Seeds team is revving up and looking forward to doing their part to help women get diagnosed earlier and to help conquer and one day eradicate this disease often dubbed the silent killer, ovarian cancer. There is a 90% survival rate for women with ovarian cancer who are caught in the early stages. The statistics are a little more grim for those who have late stage ovarian cancer. That is why early detection is crucial!

So come on out and know that not only are you going to experience a fantastic day away from routine, but you are doing YOUR part to help women everywhere! If you want to find out more, or learn how to register, then ask! The more the merrier at our 'beach!'

[Photo by Anja Noordam ©
2009]

Grandmothers' Necklace Launch Success!

A great day was had by all! Carolyn did most of the work. I was merely a happy helper and a ready reader! Carolyn Wilker is the little gal in the middle. Theodore Oisin, is the lovely blonde on the right and yours truly is pictured left, trying not to show too many teeth.

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Actually, being part of the book launch, yesterday, in Kitchener, was a super experience. I met some lovely people and learned much about the Stephen Lewis Foundation and the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign.

As I mentioned in a previous blog, all the proceeds raised from Grandmothers' Necklace will go to assist grandmothers in sub-Saharan Africa who are raising their own grandchildren. Funds from the Stephen Lewis Foundation [SLF] help these quietly courageous women while they try to come to terms with their own children who have died from HIV/AIDS. I cannot even dare imagine what that would be like.

But what an honour it is, though, to be a small part of helping the SLF and to be a contributing writer in Grandmothers' Necklace.

The Omas Siskona pictured here, nicely decked out in their colourful tee shirts, were amazing. They prepared and served delicious squares, cookies, fruit, tea, coffee and more for everyone who attended the launch. One of the Omas did a bit of a presentation about who they were and what their mandate was. I was even more impressed. So many quiet souls on the battlefield. Sometimes it seems a crazy world that we live in, and then the goodness flows and we get a sample of the heart of others as they give without return and work without fanfare. Such a life lesson.

And then as if I had not sampled enough icing on the cake, I had just been introduced and was giving a bit of an introduction or segue before reading my story, when I got a wonderful surprise. My big sister was sitting on the sidelines grinning back at me! I almost lost my words when I saw her. I had not seen her in a while and had certainly no idea she was going to make an appearance, but she did. And I was glad. I quickly greeted her from the podium then regrouped and carried on! Like I said, a good day was had by all - especially me! Blessings!