Breast Cancer – Page 6 – SeasonedSistah

The Traveling Swing Play Set

In 1998, the eldest daughter purchased and had this swing play set erected in her backyard. I said, “Oh, this is great for the grands. Little did I know how much happiness and joy this swing play set would open my life up to.

Location #1

During the summer months, the swing play set area was where I spent quality one-on-one time with my grandchildren.

Their play set activities quickly expanded beyond swinging, climbing, and sliding.

And the creative, spontaneous and impromptu activities took over. I began to wonder whether, “Did my children lack imagination as kids? Or, are these grandkids little creative geniuses?”

The two partially closed-off areas of the play set was their stage; and, they gifted me with self-directed, memorable, and creative performances in many:

Talent Shows
Dance Contests
Musicals
Plays

Eventually, the older two grandchildren lost interest. And the swing play set stayed childless in the eldest daughter’s backyard for several years.

Location #2

The eldest daughter decided to gift the swing play set to her sister; and, it moved to a new backyard.

Happy summer days again, sitting in youngest daughter’s backyard sharing new swing play set experiences with my youngest grandson, CJ. This neighborhood was more child friendly and the swing play set was a magnet to attract other boys in CJs age range.

They competed; and, I acted as the judge to select the:

Highest Swinger
Strongest Monkey Bar Hanger
Best Backward Slider

Now, a 14-year-old, CJ backyard activities revolve around soccer and basketball. So, several weeks ago, youngest daughter gifted the swing play set to her brother.

Location #3

The play set is now in the backyard of the home we own in Wisconsin. After we retired and relocated to Florida, our son moved into the house with his five-year-old daughter.

Though, I will not spend the same amount of time with Cupcake, as she explores and discovers different swing play set activities; I will patiently wait until next summer to have this special experience with her.

Why the Traveling Swing Play Set Is Important

This swing set has been a part of my life for more than sixteen years; and, I am happy that it now sits in the backyard of our Wisconsin home for our youngest granddaughter.

Ultimately, Cupcake will outgrow the swing play set, When this happens, I hope it moves to a new place, that will bring happiness and joy to other children and their families

I am grateful to my four grandchildren for my past, present and future memories of spending time with them on The Traveling Swing Play Set.

My Healing Container Garden

A gardener, I am not. But, when I retired to Florida more than four years ago, I decided our lanai was too cold and sterile. So to add life, I purchased a few plants to bring color and life into this space.

Since that time, the container garden has gotten bigger and bigger. Daily, I retreat to My Healing Garden to meditate, pray, and be still.

My Healing Garden Photos

Writing 101, Day Nineteen: Don’t Stop The Rockin

“Today is a free writing day. Write at least four-hundred words, and once you start typing, don’t stop No self-editing, no trash-talking and no second guessing: just go.”

Fond Memories: Chicago’s South Side

Following the July 4th weekend, the news out of Chicago reported over 60 shootings, leaving sixteen dead, including a 60-year-old woman walking up the stairs to enter her home.

Most of this gun violence is coming out of the South Side of Chicago. I grew up on the South Side in the 1950s. There were gangs but they fought with their fist, with a rare, rare shooting or knifing targeted at a rival gang member.

Unlike today, where the gun violence in Chicago is rampant, the neighborhood I grew up in was a safe haven for the people who lived there.

Summer Memories

I have fond memories of my childhood on the South Side of Chicago.

In the summer months, days were filled with outdoor games that kept us children involved in some type of activity from morning til night. Some of my favorites were:

Hopscotch
Double Dutch Rope
Red Light/Green Light
Hide and Seek
Little Sally Walker
Lightning Bug Searches

We slowed down around 8:00 pm and would sit talking on one of our front porches until our parents called us in.

Best Girlfriend

I was three years older than my best girlfriend, Jackie. For some reason, the difference in our age was never a reason. We were in and out of each other’s homes daily. I was an only child. But, Jackie had seven sisters and two brothers.

On Fridays I always managed to end up at Jackie’s house for dinner. Each week, the menu was either Spaghetti and Meatballs, Hamburger and French Fries, or Chili-Mac.

In retrospect, the last thing this large family of eleven needed was another mouth to feed.

Jackie and I remained close until I left the neighborhood to enter a new phase of life as an army wife.

63rd & Halsted

I lived about three blocks from 63rd and Halsted — the major shopping area for the South Side of Chicago. There were large retail stores like Sears, Goldblatt’s and Wieboldt’s. Smaller clothing and shoe stores — both high-end and budget. The two places, I liked to browse were Kreske’s Five and Dime and Grants where I could always find something to buy with my small weekly allowance.

My Last Visit

Under the Chicago Urban Renewal Program, my old neighborhood was demolished back in the late 1960s. My last visit was probably around 1975. Driving through, I felt disconnected because what I remembered was no longer there.

My Wish

I wish the families now living in my old neighborhood are blessed with a new Chicago Urban Renewal Program that will address the issues they face on a daily basis — poverty, inadequate housing, inferior education, crime, and gun violence.

Staying True to My Purpose as a Blogger

Yesterday, I completed the assignment for my Writing 101 class, which was to “Go to a local cafe, park, or public place and report on what you see. Get detailed and leave no nuance behind.”

After spending an unbelievable amount of time writing, what I think, was an adverb-free post, I pushed the publish button. Then, I received this comment from a very loyal and supportive follower:

“These writing assignments are good, but I miss

the blogs that you post —

just because you just want to share

an experience with us that is

meaningful to you.”

I signed up for the Writing 101 Class to improve my writing skills. But, this follower’s comment stayed on my mind.

This class would improve my skills as a writer; but, was becoming a better writer high on the list of my blogging priorities? The answer was, no.

A statement in a post that I published on April 13, 2014 confirms this:

“I am neither a writer nor an author, but I wish to blog about my life.”

The class took time away from my true purpose as a blogger, which was to share my life experiences with those who might have an interest in the past, present, and future thoughts of an African-American female living in this season of her life.

Even before writing my first blogpost on January 13, 2013, I spent months looking for just the right words to express why I chose to create a blog. I came up with this:

“During this last season of my life, I am going on a journey to define ME. Opening up and going outside my comfort zone to redefine my life. Exploring and pursuing new interests that will lead to personal happiness, serenity, and tranquility,”

I plan to audit the on-line daily writing assignments as well as review the recommended readings; and, I may even write a post. But, I must stay true to my purpose for blogging.

Thank you to The Librarian, a loyal follower, supporter, and most of all, a close friend. You saw me heading down a path, which you knew was taking me away from my planned my journey.

Me and The Librarian - Cocoa Beach, May 2014 — Me and The Librarian – Cocoa Beach, May 2014

Writing 101, Day Two: A Room With a View

Whoopee!!! I just received notification that I can take advantage of an instant transport to wherever I want to go. I selected my favorite vacation spot, an island on the East Coast, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, and accessible only by air or ferry.

While this instant transport is faster, I requested a drop-off at the Ferry. For the ferry ride is the high point of my dream vacation.

Even though it is only a 15-20 minute ride, it’s the Atlantic Ocean.

And, so what if the ferry is old, dingy, and lacks the luxuries of a cruise ship, it’s the Atlantic Ocean and I am cruising.

What’s I like about the ferry ride is:

looking up at the bright sky filled with fluffy white clouds,
sitting on the deck with a soft gentle breeze lightly touching my skin,
viewing the vast blue ocean, and
communing quietly in the present moment.

So excited, I am going to my paradise, an island overflowing with:

Happy Vacationers
Friendly Residents
Mom and Pop Businesses
Brightly Painted Victorian Homes
Quaint Bed and Breakfast Dwellings
Cobblestone Streets
Fresh, Fresh Seafood
Beautiful Beaches

Yes, I am going to a serene and tranquil place reminiscent of the days before the large chain-like:

Hotels – Sheraton, Best Western, LaQuinta
Restaurants – McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Pizza Hut
Box Stores – Sam’s, Home Depot, Ikea
Drug Stores – Walgreen’s, CVS
Gas Stations – 7-Eleven, Wawa, BP
Department Stores – WalMart, Target, Macy’s
Supermarkets – Winn Dixie, Krogers, Whole Foods

Looking forward to slowing down, being still, and welcoming the peace, happiness and joy of an Island vacation.

This is my representation of A Room with a View – Martha’s Vineyard.

Writing 101, Day One: Unlock the Mind

Okay, timer is on. I am ready to start this first writing assignment. Feeling in panic-mode, I have to use Hubby’s Dell Laptop and the keyboard is configured entirely different from my MAC laptop. My MAC died. After spending two hours on the phone with two different Apple Support representatives, the MAC is still not operational. The only resolution they came up with was to schedule an appointment for me at the local Apple Store tomorrow.

But, I am determined not to let anything deter me from completing this first day assignment.

I can’t believe this day has gone so badly.

In addition to the dead MAC laptop, the Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis kicked in. Whenever, I over-exert, fail to pace my activities, and venture away from my normal sleeping habits, the body crashes. Pain level, as I write, is an 8 out of 10.

The increased pain levels are related to spending a fabulous long weekend in Wisconsin with family and friends. Our youngest grandson graduated from middle school and the family came together, as we always do, to celebrate the milestones in our lives.

This twenty minute writing, without stopping, to review what I have written is one of the most difficult things I have done. In my early years, I worked as a secretary. My job performance was measured by producing a neat, properly aligned document, absent spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. Added to this, I had to type the perfect document on a manual typewriter and many times produce five clean carbon copies. Does anyone remember carbon paper? So, typing a line and going back to ensure there are no errors has remained with me over the years. I would not have survived as a secretary without immediately proofreading to ensure accuracy. Correcting with an eraser the original document and 4-5 carbons could ruin the entire day.

OK my 20 minutes are up. I spent too much time writing, correcting, and re-writing the first assignment. This is a problem. Why can’t I randomly write without worry of creating the perfect final document. At least, as perfect as I feel I am capable of producing.

Day Three: Happy Time with The Librarian at Cocoa Beach

In the post last week, I shared Day One and Day Two of Happy Time with The Librarian who came for a four-day visit.

Though, exhausted after a full day of activities on Day Two; I woke up at 5:00 a.m. ready to start Day Three of Happy Time. The Librarian and I were going to Cocoa Beach, despite the rain, forecasted to last the entire day. However, unlike the second day with the two broken umbrellas; we, were prepared with four newly purchased umbrellas — two golf sized and two minis. Pre-Beach Happy Time

Take a look at Hubby’s Photo, one would think he was going to Cocoa Beach. But, Hubby dislikes sand, being in the rain, and should the rain stop — he really, really does not enjoy being in the sun. So, he only agreed to join us breakfast.

I am going to breakfast and afterwards Cocoa Beach. Hubby chose the right attire, but he is just joining us for breakfast. — **Seasoned Sistah2 and Hubby**

Hubby and The Librarian — **Hubby** and **The Librarian**

We had breakfast at one of my favorite restaurants located in Winter Park, Florida a short drive from where we live.

This beautiful sculpture was on display in the park across the street from the restaurant. Since this was the first time I had seen an alphabet sculpture, I wanted to know more. So, I went to GOOGLE IMAGES and keyed-in “alphabet sculptures around the world.” I did not count the number of sculptures created in different sizes, shapes, and materials.

**Alphabet Sculpture – Winter Park, Florida**

Cocoa-Beach Happy Time

Breakfast over. Hubby back home. We are off to Cocoa Beach which is about 60 miles from my home. We arrived. It was still raining. But we, along with a few other brave hearts, were at the beach. Let the day begin.

**Our First Stop – Passerby Offered to Take a Photo**

**A Quick Few Steps in the Water Enough for Me**

**The Librarian Looking Out Over the Ocean Ready to Dip Her Feet In**

**The Librarian wondering, “Where’s the lifeguard?”**

**Heading for the Mai Tiki Bar at End of Pier**

But one, last stop before we go.

**Guess which drink belongs to? (a) The Librarian (b) Seasoned Sistah2** Will let you know in next week’s post

Happy Time: A Friend Visits

Since moving to Florida, our two daughters and grandchildren visit for a week during their spring break in May every year. For the first time in four years, they couldn’t come. My youngest daughter had just been released from the hospital. And, her doctor didn’t want her to travel for a while. Though disappointed, I was happy my eldest daughter decided to stay in Wisconsin to support and spend the spring break with her sister and the grands.

The daughters didn’t come, as planned. Yet, I had a great spring break, filled with an abundance of happiness and joy.

Thanks to The Librarian who has been a great friend for more than fifteen years. Needing a break from Wisconsin’s cold weather, she accepted my invitation to visit. And, I needed someone other than Hubby to spend quality time with. Now, I love the time spent with Hubby. However, I enjoy doing some things that he dislikes and prefers not to do. Although, I did give him the option to join us on any of our planned outings over the next three days. He chose not to commit.

The First Day – Happy Time on the Lanai

The Librarian and I spent the evening on the lanai relaxing, catching up, and enjoying the stillness of a quiet space.

The Second Day – Happy Time at Harry P. Leu Gardens

Though it was raining, we decided to follow the planned agenda — a visit to the Harry P. Leu Gardens. First, I had to pick up the rental car. I showed up promptly at 9:00 a.m., the rental car company’s opening time, with my driver’s license and credit card. I couldn’t rent the car. Because, I didn’t bring a lease, utility bill, or cable bill to show proof of residency. Yet, The Librarian, who lives in Wisconsin could rent the car using only her credit card and driver’s license. She lives two thousand miles away, I live twenty minutes away. It didn’t make sense then. It doesn’t make sense now. But, she rented the car, that I could neither rent nor drive, and we were off to start our day.

Before heading out to Harry P. Leu Gardens, we stopped to pick up a few groceries. Of course, we added several bottles of wine for the evening serenity times on the lanai. Shopping went quickly. Found all the groceries, but we couldn’t find the rental car. We searched aisle after aisle of the parking lot, with no luck. Finally, a man approached us saying he had noticed when we arrived. He took us to the car and we took a photo of the license plate so we wouldn’t lose it again. This was a laughable moment.

Unloaded the groceries at the house and set the GPS to take us where we needed to go. I have lived in this city for more than four years. However, if I venture outside of my very limited driving range, I needed a GPS. The Librarian had never used one; and, I only knew how to use the one in our car. So, the setup wasn’t that easy for us. But, we did it.

At last, we were off to Harry P. Leu Gardens in pouring rain. After driving for more than a half hour, we noticed we were getting farther away from the city. Having visited the Leu Gardens’ website, we knew it was close to the downtown area. So, we pulled over at a gas station and reset the GPS. There was a lot of laughter after discovering, we were going in the wrong direction.

About forty-five minutes later, we arrived at Happy P. Leu Gardens and it was still raining heavily. We had been smart enough to bring two umbrellas from home. When we opened them, they were both broken and virtually useless. But, that didn’t stop us.

At s soon as we entered the Hospitality Building, a very nice receptionist told us the Gardens were closed due to rain. And, to our surprise, there wasn’t an indoor garden as we had expected.

We did spend time browsing around in the Gift Shop; and, I bought two flags for the front yard. I have to decide which to hang first.

We, also, toured the Art Gallery and took photos of the art on display.

The tour, for us, ended on the rear screened-in porch, which overlooks a beautiful lake surrounded by trees. We relaxed in rocking chairs and enjoyed the scenic view.

We didn’t get to tour the Harry P. Leu Gardens, but it was wonderful to spend quality, face-to-face time with a kind and loving friend. I am Grateful to The Librarian for this happy and fun-filled day — mishaps and all.

In the next post, I will write about and share photos on our Third Day – Happy Time at Cocoa Beach.

Mother’s Day – Expressing Gratitude and Thankfulness

I received this floral arrangement yesterday, a Mother’s Day Gift from our three children. One of the downsides of retirement in Florida is not enjoying this special day with them. Four years ago, we moved 2,000 miles away from our offsprings. While we miss them, each year the “separation anxiety” lessens.

This Mother’s Day, I express gratitude and thankfulness to God for blessing me with three wonderful children, five grandchildren and, of course, the greatest Hubby.

Given my recent posts, believe it or not, this one isn’t about me. This is about three mothers; and, each played different roles in different seasons of my life.

Unconditional Love – Happy Mother’s Day MAMA

Mama you blessed me with unconditional love from the day I was born until your death in 1967. Though, I wish you had stayed with me longer, I am grateful for our years together. You left, but I kept the memories and these memories will always keep me connected to you. “As is the mother, so is her daughter.” (Ezekiel 16:4)

Maternal Tenderness – Happy Mother’s Day CARRIE

I was only 25-years-old when MAMA died. While no one will ever replace her, I will be forever grateful for the gift of Maternal Tenderness from my mother-in-law . She helped to fill the “mother void” in my life until her death in 1980. She will always have a special place in my heart. And, I cherish the many memories of our times together.

Led By Examples – Happy Mothers Day Shirley

This is a photo taken on June 25, 1988, at my eldest daughter’s wedding ceremony. Realizing, my sister-in-law would not live to attend her own daughter’s wedding, we invited her to share the mother’s role with me. Having survived breast cancer for more than five years, she was undergoing treatment due to a recurrence two years earlier. Six months after the wedding, she died in our spare bedroom. So grateful God gifted us with the opportunity to serve as caregivers during the last months of her life.

I was “Led by Examples” of this beautiful woman from the age of 17 when I married her brother through middle-aged. Though only four years my senior, she was my mentor, advisor and counselor.

On March 8, 2008, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I relied upon examples of her strength and courage as she battled this condition to carry me through a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and life after breast cancer.

My ability to deal with a health condition for which there is no cure is because I was “Led by Examples” of a brave Breast Cancer Warrior, a sister-in-law, who fought to survive, but lost the battle.

I honor these three mothers who are no longer with me on this Mother’s Day.

************************

I also honor my two daughters for being outstanding mothers to three of my grandchildren. I am ever so grateful for their unconditional love, nurturing, and support.

Pamela Thomas-King, M.D.

Kimberly Eccleston, Attorney-at-Law

Showing Off: DIY Project and Container Gardening

I am showing off in this week’s post and sharing photos of my DIY Project and Container Garden.

DIY Project

After many years of trying, I finally completed a DIY Project that makes me proud. As you can see from the photos below the furniture on our front porch needed either a makeover or removal.

Since, the pieces were only three years old, I chose the makeover option. Even though I was treading into unknown territory, I was confident.

First, I needed to find out what to do. I didn’t know anyone to ask. So, I went to Google for an answer and asked, “how to refinish metal furniture pieces”. Google directed me to detailed written instructions as well as video step-by-step demonstrations via You Tube. The only supplies I needed were sandpaper and spray paint. Sanding was the most difficult. Spray painting was the messiest. I must have overlooked the directions to wear rubber gloves and my hands sported green paint for almost a week.

What do you think of my first DIY Project?

Container Garden

We retired and purchased our home in Florida a little over four years ago. During our fifty-four years of marriage, we lived in many homes. Some were rentals and others we owned; but they were all viewed as our sanctuary for peace, joy and happiness.

This home, for the first time, had an outdoor space that was livable year-round. I wanted to make the lanai, my special haven to retreat, relax, and rejuvenate. I took the photos below on our first walk-through before purchasing the house. The lanai area was spacious, but barren. And, it remained that way for the first year while I was in recovery from a very serious and life-threatening illness.

During this recovery, I learned to appreciate and value the beauty of nature; and, I decided to fill my haven with flowers and plants. And, I spent many hours picturing how it was going to look. These are photos of my dream Container Garden which has grown bigger and bigger each year.

This year, Hubby invaded my haven and convinced me to add two tomato plants.

And, I added the small herb garden.

We are contemplating expanding the Container Garden, herbs and vegetables only, to the backyard. Gardening is a new venture; and, I love it. To become a better gardener, I seek the advice of other experienced gardeners and self-educate via books and the Internet.

What do you think of my Container Gardening efforts?

***********

Post Script: Photography is a work-in progress, too. But, I am not ready to show off yet. Still taking photos on my IPad or telephone. New digital camera purchased months ago is on the learn-to-do list.