Almost Heaven

We had such an amazing vacation at Mt Hood last week.  10 glorious days of cool Oregon weather.  Waking up early to catch the chair at 7 am - the lifts close at 1 pm because it gets so warm.  It is a ski racing meca.  They salt the slopes each morning and hope that the clouds (fog) doesn't settle in because it limits visibility so much you can't ski.  We were "fogged" out on Tuesday.  One day off to visit the wineries and waterfalls in the region on Monday.  This is the first of my sharing of my fave photos from our trip.  

The mountain in the distance you can see directly from the "Magnificent Mile" (the mile long chair ride to the top of Mt Hood) is Mt Jefferson.  My zoom allowed me to get these amazing shots all week!  

The name of this one is "Almost Heaven".  I entered it in the MoreBirthdays art contest with the inspiration  of guiding cancer patients through every step of their journey.  It was 1 year ago today that I was diagnosed with cancer.  It was the beginning of July and we had reservations to go and participate in the Peak Performance Ski Racing Camp at Mt Hood.  We had to cancel those plans because of the fast growing cancer inside of me.  It was quite the journey - as this blog has shared my steps along the way.  The programs and guidance of the American Cancer Society kept me informed, helped me to advocate for my care, educated me whenever I had questions and bottom line made for the best experience that I could have in treatment of my cancer.   This and the all the people that were there for me whenever I needed them, the gifts, the cards, the love that I felt from all my family, friends and colleagues.   

Almost heaven --- after making it through CAT scans, PET scans, blood tests (they all sound small but are all so stressful - not knowing what is in store).  4 months of chemotherapy, needles, drugs, nausea, exhaustion, weight loss, losing my hair, my eyebrows, and feeling like total crap.  Wigs and my favorite pirate cap are some of my fun memories.  Speaking on stage about my journey to inspire others.... running.... racing... kicking it in whenever I could ..... running 2 marathons (and pretty fast if I say so myself!) --- the second one sans my spleen.  It all seems like a crazy dream right now with my curly brown hair coming in (not gray - yay!) and running a 19:56 5K to win 3rd place and a pair of sneakers at a local race in Springfield, MA.  

Then to finally make it to the top of that mountain - Mt. Hood.  To race GS, to ski the glacier with my family, to get through those slalom gates without getting smacked in the face and actually look pretty good! :)  This is another step in my journey to share the sweet feeling of the view from where I stand.  The glorious mountains of Oregon.  I am so happy to share these photos with you.   More than you can imagine......

Live each day

Love 

Look to the horizon 
See it 

and Feel 

Almost Heaven

View of Mt Jefferson from the top of Mt Hood

Please leave a comment if you stop by!

Self Portrait: One Tough Chick

Although I am  not feeling well at all today -- I find such inspiration in the cards and notes that everyone has been sending me.  It is so nice to hear from everyone and when the mail comes --- I smile and feel such love and hope from all my friends and family.  I received today a really cool cap from Joyce (One tough chick) --- following my GI Jane theme....  and this awesome card from Amanda and her kids ----

It is the bald theme lately, as the "blonde hair" is hot and a little itchy and uncomfortable to wear all the time...  I got these really cool caps made from Halo from Road Runner Sports (made for runners to keep the sweat out of their eyes) and I think they are so awesome and comfortable and I don't have to look at myself bald in the mirror.  It is such an odd look to see yourself with NO hair -- with a tan face and a white skin bald head.  We did shave it down a little more despite warnings of infection, but it looks so much better.  

Experiencing a fever and "migrane" like headaches last night and this morning was completely debilitating.  First time I have felt that bad through this whole thing.  I try to sleep and rest and just can't relax to get rid of it completely -- hoping that with some rest tonight I will be better in the morning.  Hoping chocolate chip cookies will help!  :)  I really don't like going to the doctor -- hate admitting that I am at all weak.  So back to hydration and eating whatever food will hopefully give me some energy and get some extra needed rest.

Back to the NO hair theme --- loved the cards today!
"If people ask why you're wearing a SCARF on your head and you say it's because you're a pirate...  They'll have NO follow up question!"  :)  (From Eden, Maren LaKier)  :)

Advantages of Losing Your Hair:
1. Elimates Bed Head
2. Can be a "Shining" Example to others
3. No Need for expensive hair products
4. Takes off years, because you look more like your baby photo.
5. Gray hair?  What gray hair?  :)
And the number one advantage of losing your hair...   More places to be kissed.  :)
(From Joyce)

Love it!

Here is my self portrait photo below.  The photography challenges have me working on my photog skills and this is one of the exercises.

After 2 rounds of CHEMO and getting ready for the Mass General Trip next week -- 2 - 10 hour days in the hospital -- not looking forward to it, but I am sure we will get through it fine.

I am adding on to this with a few more of my self portrait pieces.  They all just look better in black & white (and not with a smile) --- must be my mood.  It was fun to play with the photo editing to add some extra affect to these photos.  :)

 Thanks for stopping by - please leave a comment! I love to hear from all of you!