Spirited and Lively Older Women Thread

mostlymom

BarbarA - you have a nice soft touch with your painting - I prefer it to the original!

Martha

BarbaraA

Thanks, Martha, it turned out way better than the last one I did. I am going to give it to my mother because she will actually hang it up. I have real art in my house and it would look painfully amateurish hanging here.

SoCalLisa

What is real art?? Hang it in your house...

BarbaraA

My artist friends would be appalled.

Eph3_12

I'm with Lisa-hang it in your house!

BarbaraA

Joni, my mother will really love it so she gets it. Whew.

Eph3_12

Moms-gotta love them.  I am NOT an artist whatsoever, but about 6 years ago, DD, who was 10 & I had a contest on who could copy a turtle out of this how to draw book.  My mom was so impressed with mine (knowing I don't draw) that she HUNG IT ON HER WALL! No way it would be on mine, so I guess I relate to your situation.    

Elisimo

Barb - I also love your painting and would hang it in my house in a heartbeat and I am not your Mom, but I understand that Moms always should get first dibs. If your artist friends would be appalled then they do not know what art is all about.  Love you my friend.  Excited about Sept.

SoCalLisa

these trees are on the edge of one of the beaches here...

crazy shapes..

mostlymom

Oh my!  What fantastic trees!  What are they?

Martha

SoCalLisa

I have no idea what they are, Martha, I just saw them this evening by the beach

3jaysmom

i'd hang your painting, too, Barbara... and although i FEEL old enough; im not your mom.............3jays

Susanhf

HI Ladies,

I have been enjoying the posts on this Lively Thread. I am going for 2nd opinion to Philadelphia next week..8 hr drive, but not sure how many days we'll be there. That's why we're not flying. Anyway, I had an "inflammatory recurrence," so I am seeing a doc who is supposed to be an expert in IBC. Right now I am taking Xeloda, and am seeing good signs of reduction in the rashy appearence of my skin. Anyone on here stage 4? I think I have a good attitude, but being tired and not able to do many of the things I used to do still is difficult.

On the brigtht side, my husband and I just celebrated anniversary #40, and he has been so wonderful throughout this whole ordeal. I am lucky, and I know it.

Hope to post on here and make friends with you spirited Older Women!! Cuz I am one, too.

Susan

3jaysmom

Hi Susan: Marybe has had exp with many chemos' she's on Halven now, and is stage IV... try her; she knows alot about the many different chemos they use....        3jays

BarbaraA

Susand, welcome. Dr C is world-renowned and using him for a second opinion is great! Yes, Marybe is who you should talk to. She has been stage IV for 13 years and is alive and kicking!

Elisimo

Susanhf - Welcome to our lively group.  I am stage IV.  I was dx in July 2010 and currently on Femars, daily pill, and Aredia, once every 4 week IV. You are right the tiredness and not being able to what you used to do is hard, but there are always those good days when you have a little more energy and can do things that are important that you enjoy doing.  Keep up the good attitude, but remember that sometime attitudes change for a moment and it is okay to sort of fall apart here.  These are amazing ladies and are always for supportive and and very caring listeners. So jump right in and let us know how you are doing.

BarbaraA

AJ, how are you gal pal??

marlegal

Brig, oh my God, how deeply your prose touched me. Aside from the comments others already made about how we worry about our looks, I add that regardless of that, I just don't feel like the sexy woman I once was. A combo of the changes from the lumpec and rads which shrunk that breast, and the chemo which threw me into chemopause, leaving me with little to no desire for sex physically, but mentally I still crave it. A dilemma I deal with constantly. Your writing really touched me, thank you.

Barb, that painting was awesome and should definitely get a place of honor in your home ... truly!

Amy, another grand? How lucky and blessed you are. I'm still waiting, and don't know if I'll ever experience that joy. I heard someone say recently that they didn't want any more grandchildren, that it was too tiring for them. I would trade places with that woman in a heartbeat, to know that joy even once.

Susan, where in Phila are you going next week? I work at 6th/7th and Walnut/Sansom. If you're going to Jeff or Penna Hosp, I'd love to meet up for lunch if that worked in your schedule; let me know.

Elisimo

Marlegal - Yes grandchildren are a blessing and I have definately been blessed as we will have 7 if everything goes as planned.  I can understand the lady saying the grandchildren are too tiring, but who says that you have to take them all at once.  My doughters and their DHs know that I get tired easily and so they are usually close at hand to help with the children.  The older grandchildern are actually a pleasure as they want to protect their Grammie and they walk a little slower when they are with me.  True I could not take more than 2 of them at a time by myself, but they all know I love them and I make it a point to have some one on one time with each one of them.  We always have a grand time together full of love and laughter. I could not imagine not wanting more should they come along.  I am sure you will get your chance at being a grandparent one of these days.  Until then I can share some of the times I have with mine with you. If you want me to. 

brigadoonbenson

Marlegal,  I sent this to another member,

Today I sat across the desk from a man in his 60's who has had a mastectomy with radiation and chemo.  He unzipped his shirt and showed me the area that was affected.  I was struck by how beautiful this man was with his white hair, wonderful, sparkling eyes and his buddha belly.  He was made even more attractive by his willingness to tell his story and to make a connection with me that was oh, so human.  This is a man who would laugh in bed, kiss the stretchmarks and honor them over a taught belly and slim waist.  That is the kind of man we all deserve.  Put your arms around yourself and know that you are worth so much more than superficial beauty.  You and your body have a prize winning story to tell about how to live with courage.

marlegal

Brig, I used to think I could write ... you humble me.

Amy I wrote to you earlier..yes...pleas share the grands   I've lived through Faith's for yrs now and enjoyed every single second...thanks for sharing

Eph3_12

Brig-ditto marlegal's 1st sentence!

momoftwo526

Brigadoon -- Wow, what touching sentiments and beautifully written.  I have been single for over 30 years now.  I have had relationships in that time, but have never been able to feel close since the betrayal of my ex. And quite frankly, one bad relationship after another.  I have always felt self conscious about my body whether I was thin, or as I am now.  Since going through this and in anticipation of the BMX, I have tried to imagine how any man would ever want to be with me now.  I sometimes laugh if off and say I don't care, but deep down, I wish for something more.  Thank you for your words.

Phyllis

momoftwo526

Barbara:

Your painting is lovely.  And, so what if it doesn't look like the original -- it should be your interpretation!  You appear to be quite an artist.

Phyllis

3jaysmom

brig...the man was wonderful!! ive chsanged my idea of what makes men special before; with my ms; but the BMX has chsnged that even further..your words bring us all such familiar feelings...3jays

BarbaraA

Brig, you aced creative writing didn't you?

Phyllis, sending gentle hugs for you and propping you up for your BMX. Thanks for ther compliment on the painting but I am a really terrible artist, more like a trained monkey.

Elisimo

Brig - your writing is beautiful.  I am so touched by your words.

BarbA - Don't ever fail to recognize or acknowledge your talent.  You are a very talented, vibrant, and caring lady and I am so very fortunate I can call you my dear friend. 

brigadoonbenson

BarbA.  Where is your painting?  I would like to see it.

BarbaraA

Page back a few pages. I posted it.

BarbaraA

OK gals. I need a recipe for a cool dessert. BY cool, I mean refrigerated. Need this for a party later this week. Ideas?