Turning Up the Volume with Zeal for Teal

Get ready for a blast from the past! Zeal for Teal 2011 - our third annual Ovarian Cancer Canada fundraiser is coming to town April 30th, 2011 and our theme is "The 50's"

We are looking forward to a great crowd and I know we will have a 'rockin' good time!'

The Drayton Arena will be alive with scrapbookers and cardmakers as we gather together to help raise awareness about ovarian cancer and to do our part to help raise funds for Ovarian Cancer Canada.

I am a speaker for Ovarian Cancer Canada and when I get talking to women of all ages, I am always amazed to discover how little is known about this disease that is often dubbed the silent killer (I was one of those women who knew little!) I am still considered to be in remission and am being a good girl attending the cancer clinic appointments and following protocol. I make my next appearance at the London Cancer Clinic in March.

I am thankful for every sunrise and every breath these days and am immeasurably thankful for those who have supported me in a million ways over the past two and a half years since my diagnosis.

 Zeal for Teal is the highlight of my year and Amanda - the original founder and incredibly talented and organized big cheese - and I, along with our trusty team (Rosemary, Darlene and Amber) are really excited this year about what is going to take place. We had an early bird registration and 50 people took advantage of it. We are head over heels happy with this initial response.

We do have to put a limit on registrations this year because of how we want to set up the hall. We need a spot for our soda shop, after all! So the first 100 people to register get to spend a fantastic day in their bobby socks and poodle skirts...okay whatever is comfy...scrapping away to their heart's content and being entertained with everything from endless door prizes to hula hoop & bubble gum blowing contests, a silent auction, a delicious diner dinner, snacks, games, goody bags and much more.

Again we are inviting anyone who wants to visit and browse our Vendor's Alley, to pop in anytime during the day. For $5 visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and a muffin and fruit. They are welcome to join in on our silent auction and check out the Ovarian Cancer Canada [OCC] table, too. The whole $5 will go to OCC.

In Vendor's Alley, so far this year our companies include Stampin Up; Close To My Heart; First Choice Trophies and Scrapbooking; In A Scrap Creations and my book table.

Zeal for Teal 2011 actually coincides [wonderfully] with the release of Hot Apple Cider 2 - a book that contains a story about my cancer journey - along with some other incredibly stirring stories written by other Canadian authors. I will be selling copies of HAC2 and $5 from the sale of every book will go directly to Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC).

There is so much to do and the planning keeps us busy. But what a privilege to be able to be here and to partake of the excitement. I pray for my OC sisters. I pray that the volume can be turned up and that early detection will be the name of the game for more and more women. I am honoured to be part of Zeal for Teal 2011. Would you care to join us?

To check out the details of the day and to keep up with the latest news, check out the Sunflower Seeds blog at http://www.zealforteal.blogspot.com/ .

Sleepy Town Express (Soon, please)

Maybe if I try singing myself to sleep... How about TV - What not to Wear reruns, maybe? Reading? Hot chocolate? Nothing seems to be working tonight. It's getting on for 1am and I am wide awake. I am convinced that chemotherapy did away with some sleep receptors in my noggin'. Pre-cancer, I used to require at least 8 hours sleep and nodding off on cue was an easy thing to do. It's been two years and a few months since the bittersweet poison coursed through my veins. One would think that by now the body would have returned to normal. But I am convinced that my body has a new state of normal. My new normal now consists of interrupted sleep (or total lack of...) periods of unexplained dementia, fatigue at the most inappropriate times, achy breaky body parts - fractured wrist included.

So what's a gal to do? I can't go into the bedroom again and disturb my dearly beloved, peacefully snoring/sleeping hubby again. I did that once when I crept in to get my pjs. The recliner chair doesn't look as inviting as our cozy bed, but at least I won't wake him. Why should both of us have a 'bad' night?

I've dug the pillow and covers out from the blanket box.

So bring on the sheep...1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...5,648...5,649...5650...Sigh...Night, night...trying again...5,651...5652...5653...

Drama Queen Debut 2011

  So I took my first step into 2011 and lo and behold yours truly ended up on her derriere! It wasn't supposed to be like that. My new year was supposed to be a fresh start and one filled with getting things done.'  Instead of starting off in high speed, my 2011 debut has now begun with two speeds - dead slow and stop!

 I had chosen to go the so-called healthier route and had decided to walk to church this morning. Happy Hubby has some not so nice issues with sciatica so I did not make a fuss when he opted for the truck. I beamed a little thinking about one of my secret resolutions. Yep my plan was to walk a little more and eat a little less. Such are the best laid plans of cats and women, huh?

There I lay. My first concern was who was looking out their window as I did my triple lutz (klutz) and fell on my tush. Funny how the vanity thing hits me first.

My dearly beloved had spotted my dramatic performance in his rear view mirror, so I waited all fours in the air, until he reversed and ventured forth to rescue me.

In a nutshell, I told my rescuer that he should go to church
because I was fine. No sooner had he departed, albeit a little reluctantly, my wrist ballooned and the pain was a nine on the richter scale.

'Twas then I decided to head to the local emergency department for a makeover. I drove my trusty steed one-handed.
 Since it was Sunday, they had to call in the X-ray tech from church. She came. She saw. She took some less than flattering shots. If it is remotely possible for me to keep a long tale short, I needed an elbow to finger cast. Sigh. Hopefully this no indication of how the rest of 2011 will transpire.

I suppose I could moan and groan about the present state of affairs but, instead, I have decided to think positively and look on the bright side even though we got off to a bit of a crazy ride:

1. I am right handed. It's my left hand that bore the brunt of my less than graceful antics

2. It was my wrist and not my noggin' that I injured

3. No one seemed to see my gymnastic attempt at recovery

4. My neighbour who happened to be backing out of his garage didn't run over me

5. I couldn't make lunch or supper

6. I couldn't make the bed

7. I couldn't do the dishes

8. I realized how important appendages and digits are!
Sigh...

Fairness and God?

Today I read an article and had trouble even getting my mind around the title, let alone the content.

"Girl, 4, battles rare ovarian cancer"

A combination of sadness and encouragement filled my heart as I gazed upon the impish grin of this precious little angel. Check out her story, here, if you like:

www.heraldsun.com.au/.../story-e6frf7kx-1225978302989

 As I read through the story, I wondered about the fairness of it all. I thought upon the perfect world that God created then I remembered how it is no longer perfect and we have no one else to blame but ourselves. Instead of the harmony and the peace that God intended when He said 'it was good,' humankind has opted for greed and discontentment. How foolish we are. Thank goodness God loves us anyway, and wants us to love Him back. When I look into the eyes of this little angel, I am encouraged and I see Jesus.

 I am 54 so for me to get Ovarian Cancer is one thing. But a mere whisp of a child at 4 years of age, just doesn't seem right. But, the control is in His hands and I believe things happen for a reason. I don't have answers but I do have faith. My faith is resting in Him and hoping and praying that God will heal this little girl and through it all He will be glorified.

Jesus loves the little children; all the children of the world!

Storytelling at it's Finest

Isn't this the sweetest rendition of the story of Jonah ever? What a story teller.

We were a bit of a motley crew, but we worked together like a well-oiled machine. The boys (and Lisa) hit the trails and the mountain pathways and helped make more than one person happy last week.

There were foundations to be laid and cupboards to be made. A deck was needed and a fence had to be replaced. By the end of the week, more than a few mountain boys and girls were grinning from ear to ear thanks to the grit and dogged determination of our strong and willing men (and Lisa!)

Meanwhile, I had the privilege of accompanying the other four gals to the distribution centre in town. What an eye opener. We worked at the foodbank distributing food and performing a myriad of tasks - the greatest benefit being our interaction with the locals. What an experience. What an amazing and hugely necessary ministry. After experiencing the many stories and witnessing the abject poverty that still prevails in the belly of the oft-termed affluent USA, I vowed to never complain about being hungry again. Nor would I moan and groan about having nothing to wear. I am also slightly guilt-ridden as I returned home to a new dwelling. Folks in Neon, Kentucky were over the hill grateful to have a trailer home or a simple roof over their heads. There was such a contrast in lifestyle, culture and the socio-economic deprivation was obvious.

As I took photographs of the East Letcher Ministry I made special note of the table outside the former grocery store. Piles of faded, thrice-worn clothing adorned two long tables on the sidewalk. Apparently these articles of clothing are available 24/7 to anyone in need. There is a sign asking people to be careful that items are not tossed haphazardly on the ground. I was informed that people who are too shy or embarassed to come during the day will come at all hours to sort through and take needed items of clothing.

I am ashamed to say that I have laughed at jokes about mountain people and their hillbillly ways, but to experience it first hand last week caused me to think. I also saw first hand the dirty little secret that remains virtually hidden, tucked away in this little mining community in the Appalacians - that wretched and seemingly never ending cycle of poverty.

But I was also so blessed to encounter some beautiful, faith-filled people on their own territory. Many just seemed to need someone to listen to their stories and to care about them, even if for a fleeting moment.

One girl, in particular, who came to the foodbank broke my heart. She was twenty years old. I asked her how she was. That was to be the segue to her story. Her divorce was just being finalized and she had a toddler at home who was not bearing up too well. She was on kidney dialysis and she was also just recently diagnosed with cervical cancer and possibly ovarian cancer. Because she has limited income and no benefits, she was unable to pay for her dialysis or chemotherapy which was scheduled to begin in a short while. She did say she might get a little help from Medicare but it was limited. I didn't know what to do for her. So I let her talk.

We cried together. Another gal who was with me shared in the conversation and the tears. I was wearing my survivor pin under my sweater (I wondered that morning why I felt led to wear it) so I gave it to the young mom. I told her I would pray and hope. She said her faith was strong and she relied on God each day. Then then this brave, young soul thanked us for listening and disappeared with her few bags of groceries as quickly as she appeared.

I can't get her out of my mind...

Kentucky Bound!

I'm off to Neon, Kentucky with our church this week to help at the missions!

I'm sure I'll be back with many stories to share, many tears to shed and many thankful prayers to be said!

Blessings, Glynis

Why (Canadian Authored) Books Make Great Christmas Gifts

There's a few practical reasons why a book makes the perfect present.

1. It is easy to wrap

2. If you buy more than one, they stack nicely under the tree.

3. You don't have to buy batteries for a book

4. You don't have to plug a book in.

5. For under $25 you can travel around the world - or anywhere else you choose

Neil Gaiman, comic writer and novelist, when asked why books make great gifts said, " Books make great gifts because they have whole worlds inside them, and it's much cheaper to buy somebody a book than it is to buy them the whole world!"

That is so true. Walk into a bookstore - Christian or otherwise - and look around. Spell-binding journeys and exhilarating adventures abound. Prepare to be whisked off with reckless abandon to faraway lands and exotic locations. Journey back in time to the days of Jesus or travel to the future and experience life in a different galaxy, planet or realm. Tread on pathways where the noble and valiant stood sword to sword or step inside the palace and mingle with the courtiers and vie for the favour of the king.

A book can take a person to a place of hope, unveil the unknown and offer comfort and direction, love and support. What better way to escape the tyranny of the urgent than to tuck yourself in your favourite chair and nestle in with a novel? Sign me up!

Probably one of my favourite parts of the book store is the children's section. I love children's books. And I love reading to children. To me, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a child rapt as I relay the perils of the porcupine or the emotional roller coaster of Wilbur and Charlotte. Books for children make great gifts that last. I had a poster on my wall once that said, "Reading is like a young pup - it grows with you." Give a child a book and you give them an opportunity to grow in wisdom and imagination.

And why buy Canadian, you ask? Why wouldn't you? There are so many talented Canadian Authors. It is always a good idea to discover and support our own! From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Making Sense

When I was going through my chemotherapy I remember feeling so alone sometimes. Oh people were kind and sweet of tongue. Many of my friends and family found ways to cheer me and help out and for that I was so grateful and humbled. Accepting help was a biggie for this independent soul. So I learned much over the year.


But there were always moments of isolation and confusion. I suppose I was still trying to make sense of what was happening and why. I was not angry with God but my soul stirred with a million questions.



One of the best ways that I found solace, next to prayer, was when I went online and found my OC and other cancer friends. When I started blogging about my journey, it became apparent that I was not alone. Soon I had found sisters in Australia, US and in England as well as getting linked up with gals all over Canada. It's true about there being comfort in numbers. In my distraction I soon found myself grateful.


In the beginning when a body receives that hideous diagnosis of cancer, there is always that feeling of impending doom and life is cruel. But the more I spoke to others and the more I realized the fragility of life and how cancer shows no boundaries, the more thankful I became for every breath I took.


As I look back in my journal and read some of my sporadic poetry, I recall some of my emotion and then I look heavenward and give thanks for where I am today. My cancer may return, althought the powers that be tell me there is only a 20% chance. I never was much of a gambler, but I am leaning toward the 80% odds.


The following poem was written on June 30th, 2008, eleven days after my first chemotherapy treatment. In the prelude to the piece, I wrote about how I was waiting for my hair to fall out and how I had just joined an ovarian cancer support group online.


Embraceable me, reaching out
Sisters in the same canoe
Wishing we didn't have to meet
But - a necessary evil
Guilded in teal;
"A badge of honour," she said.
Wear it with dignity...
Holding chin in direct proportion to attitude
Defying the odds.

Hot Flashes and the Holy Spirit

When I first started going through chemo I wasn't sure if I was flushing or flashing. My surgery had very cruelly shoved me into early menopause so I was warned that my body would be in a state of flux.
Anyone who might be a little iffy with an accurate definition of flux - be it known that it includes various stages of mental instability, uncontrollable _________ (pick an emotion and fill in the blank) and horrible weight gain.

I was told that some of the carboplatin/taxol [bittersweet] poison that dripped into my body for six months had some interesting side effects, too - one of them being flushing.

My saint of a husband very wisely bought me a robotic like fan complete with a remote control and situated the blessed piece of whirling gadgetry next to my side of the bed. He dared not touch the remote but did get himself an extra quilt for his side.

Some days were agony. Most nights were. Between bedding being tossed and the fan running full blast throughout the wee hours of the morning, I started to feel grateful that all my hair had fallen out.

Two years later, here I am. My hair is back. Chemotherapy is over and the flushing has ceased. However, the hot flashes remain. Thanks be to the good Lord, that they are not as barbarically unbearable as they used to be and mostly they happen when the sun goes down. My fan is still strategically placed at my bedside, however, and in the two years we have owned it, there are no male fingerprints on my remote. It stays at the ready on my bedside table.

Oddly, today, I was sitting in church contemplating my life and rejoicing in all that was good. As I did so, I felt a surge. I was a little confused. Then it hit. Usually reserved for the nocturnal moments, the hot flash began to flow through my body. It somehow did not seem fair. Here I was praying, rejoicing, giving thanks and appreciating God and what He has done in my life.

As beads of sweat formed on my hairy noggin' it hit me. I wasn't having a hot flash. I was being washed; cleansed and moved. The Holy Spirit was getting my attention. That was it. At least that's what I'm saying from now on.

So here's my story (and I'm sticking to it.) I've decided that instead of dreading and whining and complaining about spontaneous hot waves wreaking havoc on my unsuspecting body, I’m going to use them as a reminder. No more will I waste a hot flash. I pledge to remember that I have a Comforter, a Source of hope, and a Reason to be happy.

In the future, as I experience my hot moments, I will (try my best) to see these as a (gulp) gift from God. Hey…some people need a wake up call with a two by four. If a hot flash works for me…(but I’m not giving up my remote.)