I think I'm going to stop typing "It's Day....whatever"...I think we can all look at the calender and see it's October 11th, it's the 11th day in my series. :) It just seems a little redundant...But I will still welcome you and thank you for being here...now that is worth typing.
I've been working in my studio a little this week, mainly packing away what little fall I have left and getting Christmas out....and doing a lot cleaning in there, designing can be, no, it is messy work. I completed a few wreaths for Christmas that are now available in my Shop.
This first wreath is featuring some of the prettiest ribbon I've ever found. Kind of a linen background with velvety red and green stripes, I love it so.
A small one, with plaid.
This is one of my most favorite I've ever done, Justin tells me I say that nearly every time, but really, I might be making myself one of these. I used burlap ribbon and rusty jingle bells and the special part is the metal ribbon, it really sets it off. This is a big one too at about 30". Au Naturel.
Another little baby one. I really like doing Christmas on grapevine wreaths, although I do all pine wreaths too....but the grapevine just looks so natural with pine added. And one word people: burlap. An all-season ribbon if you ask me.
***
I had my Chemo Ed class yesterday, for the second time. I guess when they change the regimen, you have it again. This new drug has similar side effects as the other drugs from before (fatigue, vomiting, nausea, risk of infection etc.), but in addition, this one is hard on my kidneys and liver...but I will be having labs each week to keep an eye on that. So that's it, another 6 months of this chemo and maybe the tumors will go away this time. They also slipped in a 'sit down' with a social worker on me too, she had a series of questions pertaining to depression and how I'm 'dealing' mentally with my situation...I wasn't prepared for that and ended up balling like a two year old, not an ugly cry, just some tears that I really can't help but shed when asked a direct question, like: "Do you think about death or have thoughts about suicide?". Pass the tissues please. Of course I think about death and that other S word who wouldn't??? But no, I don't lay in bed and thinking about those things, but I'd be lying if I said they didn't cross my mind. Most of the time I don't even know what I'm thinking or what I'm doing...usually why is my big question....not the "Why Me God?" question, why not me? More of the why did I just buy that pair of shoes? I've got cancer. Why do I keep my booth space? I've got cancer. Why did I make those wreaths above? I've got cancer. I've got cancer. I've got cancer. I know! I know! But I've got to do something, anything. I'm not going down without a fight.
via the silver pen
Michelle, I love the new wreaths! Simply gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteI can understand how you might question why you are doing something, knowing that you have cancer. But your only choice is to look forward to a bright future, and I think you are doing a fabulous job of that. The fact that you are still decorating, crafting, and enjoying life is a true testament to your strength through this ordeal. Don't let cancer steal the things you love. You will make it through this, I just know it. Praying that the new chemo regimen works like a charm! Big (((HUGS)))
Keep up your positive attitude! It works wonders. My husband is a radiation oncologist and is often times speaking of his patients with the best attitudes. You are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the wreaths. That burlap one with the metal ribbon is so beautiful!
Your strength and perseverance is an inspiration. Wishing you the best. You are inspiring. Hang in and fight on. And make the journey beautiful as you go. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWe're all on this earth to bring glory to God and to make a difference in the lives of others - you've absolutely done both and done them well. I'll continue to pray for your strength, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You are a wonderful example of finding joy through trials.
ReplyDeleteYour wreaths are simply gorgeous! Love the one with the rusty jingles bells...so natural yet festive. You hang in there and keep that postive attitude Michelle, no reason for you to stop doing (or buying) the things you love. You have been blessed with such wonderful talent, and that talent is a gift which is meant to be shared with others, it makes people happy...and that is what will keep you going. I too know in my heart that you will get through all this.
ReplyDeleteAs always, keeping you in my prayers and God bless.
love your wreaths!
ReplyDeleteReading your post takes my breath away-I am left wondering if I would be so strong; I hope so.
We (my family and I)are praying for you every day. And I am sending all the positive thoughts and energy I have to you.
You are grace personified.
Wreaths are gorgeous!!
ReplyDeletePraying this round of chemo does the trick...stay strong and fight fight fight...((hugs))
I haven't been following your blog very long, but when I stumbled upon it I enjoyed it so much I have continued to come back. You are an inspiration. Your wreaths are beautiful. I will pray for you and hope that this round of chemo does what you need it to.
ReplyDeleteYou are stronger then you know! Thanks for sharing today! I said a prayer for you and just know Jesus has a plan for you!
ReplyDeleteCarrie
EVERY wreath is beautiful. Don't you dare stop DOING THINGS!!! Keep up the fight. I am praying for you right now. XO, Pinky
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle - I, too, am in treatment for cancer and just started my new chemo regimen yesterday. This is my 3rd fight against aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 5 years. I am doing the chemo now to keep the disease in check while we search for a donor for a second stem cell transplant. A little scary, and I too sometimes wonder if I should be doing "future" types of things. I would love to chat with you sometime. You are a strong woman, and I think doing anything that focuses on beauty and keeps you positive is the right thing!
ReplyDeleteYou have out done yourself on these wreaths. You are so talented and creative. You are also my hero, Michelle. Your attitude is amazing, it's clear how hard you are fighting, and you are helping people by sharing your story. I will be right here when you finally beat this dreaded disease and we can all celebrate together. You are in my prayers every day.
ReplyDeleteSending love and hugs.
Michelle, I was a florist for many, many years, so the "designing is messy" comment made me chuckle. I have enjoyed your blog from the beginning, it is at the top of my reader. I get excited when I see you have a new post!
ReplyDeleteThere is something soothing about the routine of everyday activities...and there is healing in the creative process for those of us that love it. Keep living your life...count me among those that lift you up in prayer every day. Thanks for all the great inspiration!
Your wreaths are gor-geous!!!! Some of the prettiest I've seen! You keep buying those shoes, you keep making your wreaths. Do it for your family, and most importantly do it for yourself. You are such a brave woman, and I think of you often.
ReplyDeleteYour wreaths are beautiful! You have such a talent. Keep doing those things that make you the happiest. That's what helps you get through the days. You have many who follow your blog and who are praying for you. I will say an extra prayer for you, too.
ReplyDeletePlease don't stop doing what you love doing! Your work is lovely and you are so inspirational. Keep fighting and we will keep fighting with you. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteMichelle....I just love the last words you wrote today...."I'm not going down without a fight!" I just love that attitude. YOU GO GIRL! Remember, there are a lot of us "out here" cheering and praying you on. Don't you ever give up!
ReplyDeleteYour Missouri friend,
Barbara
PS Love your beautiful wreaths. You have such talent!
Michelle, You've created some beautiful wreaths. I adore the burlap with metal bells! They are all so pretty. Not ready for Christmas yet though. It's good that we can look forward to things that aren't here yet. Like chemo successful knocking out the tumors. I'm praying for that success. Thank you for sharing what you are going through. Keep fighting, girl!
ReplyDeleteLove your attitude girl!! Keep up the fight--I love checking in on you every day or two!!:)
ReplyDeleteKeep up the fight Michelle! You are an inspiration....
ReplyDeleteYour wreaths are lovely! Of course you buy shoes, girl! I love hearing your heart and saying you aren't going down without a fight. You GO, girl! My brother is fighting cancer right now and my sister had surgery and a biopsy yesterday to see if SHE has cancer. But she will fight just as my brother is doing.
ReplyDeleteFighting is just a part of living. We start fighting pretty much from the moment we're born to learn and grow and better ourselves. And a girl just needs a new pair of shoes now and then! Praying for healing and for good health for you, my friend!
Sending prays and hugs! Keep fighting, keep doing!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I love your work & posts! I appreciate you for sharing your story. Keep on posting even if its just one photo with no caption. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI just happened to see this post and just wanted to join in wishing you healing and good wishes. I think it is normal to have scary thoughts but you are right to continue on as normally as possible. Your wreaths are very pretty and must bring joy to you to have the talent to create things that bring joy to someone who buys one. God bless you and give you healing and strength to beat this awful disease.---------- Shannon
ReplyDeleteMichelle, YOU are an such an inspiration. Keep up the fight, keep the positive thoughts, keep creating, keep buying shoes. I check on you every day and keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteDitto on shoes and doing everything else business as usual because you are valuable and important no matter what the situation. Your creativitiy is important to all of us that look to you for inspiration on your blog and to the people that bring beauty to their homes with your creations from your shop. I loved the poem. Prayed for healing, peace and comfort for you today.
ReplyDeleteMichelle...with every post you bring creative joy and inspiration to others. Thank you for that! Stay strong in your fight and in your faith! I am praying for you...Deb (cancer survivor).
ReplyDeleteBeautiful wreaths and thanks for sharing your thoughts. It's just as important to recognize those not-so-positive feelings as it is to tap into the positive. Keeping you in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteYou know what? We all love your wreaths too. Thank you for keeping them in style for I love them year round too. You know what I read today? Not even sure where. God does not expect you to fight nor stay strong for He says in His Word Come to Me and Rest when your burden is heavy and you know what else? He says He will FIGHT for you!!! And you know what else? He says He'll use His Joy to hold you up. And that's not all. He loves you so much that when you pray (see the book of Daniel) immediately a command is given in heaven. God says Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path Prov 3:5,6. You see I'm alive for a purpose...Jesus had called me home...I asked Him if there was not something else I could do for Him... Maybe one of the things is to plead for your cure....God takes our praying very seriously. Your job? No fighting. Just resting in Jesus. Let Him hold you. We will uphold you in prayer when even you cannot. Do not worry. God knows. That is why He gave you the gift of writing and creativity and humor. I believe we all feel like that one lady. We get happy seeing your posts. And buy new Soma pjs. They are sooo comfy. And yes we all love you dearly. Love, Gwen who has a traumatic brain injury so I have already forgotten what I have written. I just write as I feel God leads. Blessings
ReplyDeleteSister, I have so much racing through my mind from this post.... It's just like you to be thinking of Christmas in Oct, It's just like you to be buying another pair of shoes, pillow, or lamp. It's just like you to be creating something beautiful . So don't let the cancer stop YOU from living life to the fullest! This is what I think you share with us; don't wait till you are sick to appreciate our life now . Through God all things are possible, and through the storm his anchor will hold. May God gently hug you in the dark hours and lift you up with the strength to keep the fight. You amaze me In so many ways. Love you always Klair
ReplyDeleteIt is the second time, I visited your blog, the first when I looked for something about design that pleases God, and today I learnt about your case (cancer). Please, I know it is hard, but be courageous my dear. You are not alone, many are Christians women with cancer, praise the Lord if you can follow the chemo, as for us (in my country) in the difficult financial situation, many could not have it.One thing is true, you are in the process to be healed not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually.We love you.You are so precious for us and in God's eyes.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the fight, you do not walk alone!
ReplyDeleteMay God Bless & Heal your body and your mind