Just put on a little lipstick...

 "I may not have control over what happens in my life, but I do have control over my attitude."                                                                                                                    ~Christine N. This quote spoke to me today. Some days I want to jump up and down and say No, No, No ! I want all of my family and friends to be healthy, happy and have no stress in their lives and I want the sa...

Nashville is a great city. Sometimes I take for granted what a wonderful city we live in, until I am talking to someone who is newer to our area. The cost of living is decent, traffic isn't too bad, people are kind and generous and you can see all types of live music pretty much any night of the week. My friend Katherine  and her daughter Macie enjoy going to the Opry. The other night they saw Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift for $40. Where else can you do that?! I think one of the reasons many celebrities like to live here is because no one really bothers them. They can shop, dine and head to the movies without being hounded by the paparazzi. Not that we don't notice when we see Nicole and Keith at the coffee shop, or Sheryl Crow at the store but we southerners are polite and leave them alone.   I was working on my box for our city swap and decided to head downtown to get some official music city souvenirs. I had a great day playing tourist while ...

The fall season in the south is a beautiful time. Temperatures are pleasant, humidity is low and breezes are plentiful. Today we headed to Radnor lake, to hike and enjoy nature. This time of year the leaves are beginning to change from green to brilliant reds, yellows and oranges. I find it so peaceful to walk along under the canopy of blended colors, breathe the fresh air and enjoy God's handiwork. Some days it feels right to be in a building surrounded by other believers worshipping our creator as a group. Other days it just feels right to be immersed in nature where you can breathe deep, meditate and pray. I am a firm believer that God meets us wherever we are.

I had an appointment with Dr. Whitworth (oncology surgeon) this past week. I usually see his nurse practioner Norma or Bea for follow ups, and then he pops in for a minute. I am on the every 6 month rotation for follow ups with his office.  On this visit Norma did my examination which includes a little poking, prodding and listening. Then we talked about how I've been feeling. I told her about the pains I still occasionally have in my chest area, and also some strange feelings like liquid is running under my skin. The only thing I can compare it to is lactation. Evidently this is all part of the healing process and is perfectly normal. As long as I know it is normal, then I'll try not to worry about it. My next appointment is with Dr. Wagstrom (my plastic surgeon) next month.

The stores are full of Halloween candy and costumes, the leaves are changing, the air is brisk and Boo Berry is back! I used to love this cereal as a kid. When I was a kid they only sold it during October and I always convinced my mom to buy me a box. The grand-girls are staying with us this weekend and I couldn't resist but to purchase some Boo Berry. It seems they have added marshmallows to the original formula. Did they think it wasn't sweet enough? Anna Belle said "hey La La look my milk is turning blue!" and I thought, oh no   that can't be good . I must really be getting old, because I no longer see it as blueberry deliciousness, now I see it as full of sugar, preservatives and blue dye  #1. I think I'll stick to my low fat yogurt with granola and actual blueberries.

I was able to go spend a few days with Amber, and Kim came and joined us too. We sometimes go months without seeing each other, but when we are together it is like no time has passed. When I was on my cancer journey, Kim and Amber were there for me - now it's our turn to be there for Amber.

I try to take one day at a time -- but sometimes several days attack me at once. -Jennifer Unlimited-

Drum roll please....here is the list of participants in the Great International City Swap for this year! Amy in Tennessee will give to Hexe in Florida Mindy in Texas will give to Katherine in Tennessee Anna in Ohio gives to Amy in Tennessee Katherine  in Tennessee gives to Anelle in Florida Laura in Tennessee gives to Nell  in Canada Amy in Colorado gives to Zhu in Canada Savannah in Tennessee gives to Elle in Canada Ulrike  in Georgia gives to Mindy in Texas Jen in Canada gives to Savannah in Tennessee Elle in Canada gives to Amy in Colorado Anelle in Florida gives to Anna in Ohio Hexe  in Florida gives to Chelsea in Missouri Adrian in Tennessee gives to Samara in New York Zhu in Canada gives to Jana in South Carolina Jana in South Carolina gives to Jen in Canada Chelsea in Missouri gives to Ulrike in Georgia Nell in Canada gives to Laura in Tennessee Samara in New York gives to Adria...

Anne Taintor

I had two precious cousins getting married on Saturday. We decided the only fair way to do this was to divide so we would have family representation at each wedding. Linda and Dad planned to go to Kentucky to Glenda's wedding, and Lisa and I would attend Hayley's wedding in Lebanon. Dad and Sherry ended up going home due to Sherry's injuries, but Linda and her boys were able to be in Kentucky. Both weddings were beautiful and unique - just like the couples. Congratulations Hayley and Jonathan, and Glenda and Gary!

Do you ever have those weeks when everything seems to be happening at once? Last week was one of those for me. My office relocated, my friend had extensive surgery with scary results, Dad and Sherry returned from Russia with Sherry injured and needing medical attention, it was Race for the cure week, and I had two cousins getting married on Saturday. So, I unpacked a few boxes at my new desk on Monday, Lisa rode with me to Birmingham to spend the day with Amber on Tuesday. Dad and Sherry arrived and Kim (Sherry's daughter) took her on to Vandy for x-rays. (Sherry has a tibial plateau fracture and injured rotator cuff.) On Thursday, I picked up race packets and took dinner to my other friend who had surgery. I attended a bridesmaid brunch (on my lunch break) on Friday. By Friday afternoon, when I had burst into tears for the fourth time at work, one of my friends said "Laura, I just need to tell you - I think you have passed your limit and you need a break." I ...

Saturday was the Komen Race for the Cure here in Nashville. This is the third year for team "Fight like a girl". We had about 20 people walking with our team and lots more who gave generous donations to breast cancer research. Our team this year was dedicated to my friend Denise, who had surgery for her own breast cancer last week. Denise has been on our team for the past two years and was one of my biggest supporters.

I saw them standing there pretending to be just friends, when all the time in the world could not pry them apart.   ~ Brian Andreas My friend Amber is three weeks older than me, and we have always been the best of friends. I could write a novel about all the fun, crazy and strange things we have experienced together these last uh...45 years. Through the years Amber and I have been in lots of clubs together; Brownies, Girl Scouts, Beta club, FHA, Drama club, Pep club, etc... Two years ago I joined the cancer club and it was NOT one I wanted her to join me in, but last week she did. Amber has been diagnosed with colon cancer and now has her own battle to wage against this horrible disease. Amber - I am here for you, and I love you!

I guess it doesn't matter how old you are, sometimes you still bow to peer pressure. Last week was our first official week at our new location at work so we celebrated with the " week of fun ".  There were days of smoothies, scavenger hunts, fruit bouquets, a jousting ring and yes...even Sumo wrestling. I headed down to watch a few of my coworkers battle it out and lend my support and praise. I had no intention of participating, but before I knew it I was wearing a Sumo suit and taking on Carmen in the ring! I guess that's one more thing I can mark off my bucket list and not have to do again!