Reflections of 2010!

This year I tried to wait to write my reflections of the year for the very last moment as I believe that there is still time for something else to happen. However, I know that I need to get it done NOW!!! When I welcomed 2010, I had no idea what was in store, I had my dreams,wishes, hopes and prayers on the line but as always, I kept myself open to allow things to happen and boy did they.

Where should I begin? 2010 has proven to be a year of empowerment. It was the year that my professional life took on a completely different turn. I was appointed to serve in a position that allows me to make a huge difference in healthcare. A dream position only I didn't even dream or think about it. However, once the opportunity was presented, I accepted it without blinking. It was the answer to my other dreams, the ones I actually had.

By May not only was I appointed to a five year term, I had the nerve to proclaim that we're going to do an Off Broadway Show based on the audio book series, The Day That Changed My Life Cancer an uncertain journey. I know, sounds ridiculous doesn't it border line insane. I'm sure that's what my family thought as well. However, I knew we could do it. I spoke to my husband about it and he thought it was a big stretch, but knowing me, he knew I would have to do it first and see how impossible or difficult it would be for me to be convinced not to go through with it. So he went along with me just for peace sakes.

Next up my daughter, a singer/songwriter. I told her that I needed a theme song for the play. Of course there was no script but the concept was there and that's all I needed. Being my daughter, she fell for it and in no time contacted a Grammy winning producer whom she is currently working with and the song was on it's way to being written and produced.


My other daughter, who bless her heart did not see me coming, was in for the awakening of her life - one that I recently invaded. Word on the home front was that she was interested in becoming a screenwriter and had recently taken a course and that was it for me. I found my playwright. We had a meeting, I threw out my ideas, discussed the premise and other details and by the end of our meeting, she agreed to write the play.

Next up, my brother in-law. A professional at marketing & promotions on a large scale - we're talking major in entertainment/corporate. He directed the photo shoot for the poster, worked on ideas for the web site and other areas to make it happen.


My adopted daughter worked as the assistant from placing the ads for the auditions, working on the auditions, creating flyers, doing the foot work, making calls and filling in where needed. By the time we hit the stage for opening night, it was all hands on deck. Whether it was making the audience gift bags, loading the van, setting up and working behind the scenes, everyone, all of my children and their friends were on board.



After literally pulling together the in house resources we were on board to see it through from auditions, meetings, rehearsals, photo sessions, auditions, finding a venue, auditions, costumes, props, stage manager, tickets, on air interviews, blogging, show programs,poster, make up artist, video-documentary and more. All this to say, it was in no way easy. From May to October, we pulled it off and to rave reviews -- from strangers!



During this exciting period, I traveled for meetings and conferences as a speaker and consultant. I was also the keynote speaker for a High School graduation. I worked more than I ever did and enjoyed every moment of it even through the most challenging situations. The challenges were really motivators for me. They kept me on my toes, never thinking it cannot be done but instead we're on a roll here - no time to stop. Perhaps we slowed down a bit then roll over or around it. In the end, it always worked in our favor.

The end of 2010 and my husband directed an Off Broadway Play in New York City in the Lincoln Center area, produced by me, my daughters playwright and theme song composer - my entire family can say that they had an experience they never imagined to be a part in - I sure didn't. I can tell you that there were those who wondered if anyone would be interested in seeing a play about cancer, well let me share with you, we had an audience of survivors, folks who heard about the play and flew in to see it, repeaters to see the other nights performances, etc. In fact, we have people asking for us to return so others can see.

I had planned to complete my book this year but unless I can write a book in the next 24 hours, it will have to go on the list for the upcoming year. So as usual, I have my dreams, wishes, hopes and prayers for the things I would love to accomplish in 2011. Who knows what else is in store for me? I have no idea but you guessed it, I can't wait to find out.

Reflections of 2009
Reflections of 2008

Reflections of 2009!

2009 is rapidly coming to an end and I am reviewing the year for all that I have encountered. What a year this was for me! There were exciting moments and of course the ever consistent challenging moments. My year began with the completion of my first audio book The Day That Changed My Life Cancer an uncertain journey which was completed in January and by April it was available worldwide on line. In June, the audio book was translated in French and German and was also being picked up by other on line audio book stores. I traveled quite a bit for professional and personal reasons. I spoke at symposiums and conferences. I became a mentor and I am actively engaged in mentoring which by the way is quite rewarding.

By August, the second audio book The Day That Changed My Life Cancer an uncertain journey (Parents Edition) was released. It was also translated in French and German and available world wide all on the same day. While celebrating the accomplishments of the audio books, I began working on the book that will feature many more stories submitted by survivors. As I have worked on my assignments, more ideas were added and now I have three big projects that are currently in progress.

With all of the exciting achievements, there were also those family moments of celebration, health related concerns, graduations, deaths and births. My nephew who is more like a son, joined the army and left for Korea. I became a guardian of a wonderful 2 year old boy. My mother and I shared some great conversations that gave a deeper insight to her life as a little girl all the way to her present day. My husbands' grandmother celebrated her 100th birthday! My daughter gave birth to her daughter and I became a grandmother!!

And for all the years that have passed, I have noticed that they have all had the same things in common - unfinished goals. I will continue to set my goals but I am so pleased that there are things that are not even thought of but will somehow become a part of a great achievement as I am open and I look forward to it!

2010 I say -- Bring It On!!!!!!!

Refelctions of 2008

Here's to Your Health - Happy New Year!

Each year we all make our resolutions or set our goals or just opt out of making any arrangements. We may just go along with the day to day living and hope for the best. However, most of us seem to think that we can't wait for the New Year to come and make the past a distant memory - expecting nothing but the best. It is important that we realize that as long as we live, the path for us will have some turbulence as well as some smooth and joyful moments.

Brace yourselves for challenges - it's a part of life. However, do not allow the challenges to overwhelm you.

Celebrate the simple things - it makes everything else much better.

Be thankful - it is always good to give thanks - it shows your appreciation

Be kind - treat others the way you would want to be treated

Be supportive - it's always good to give support to others it builds you up

Be thoughtful - think before you act and let your actions demonstrate your thoughtfulness

Nurture yourself - take the time to take good care of yourself.

Watch your daily intake - watch your portion sizes.

Treat yourself to some quiet time, some relaxed time, some ME time. Enjoy the company of others - go out and socialize. Spend time with your family and friends - all in an effort to share joyous moments. If you do not have this relationship with your family and friends, then begin to look into groups/organizations that share common interests - that usually works. Pace yourself - know when to exit politely without allowing yourself to become overwhelmed in an uncomfortable situation - just say as calmly as possible - "I have to go now"

You can take control of your life by choosing the people, places and things that you want in your life. You also have the power to control how you take care of yourself - your health is vital and you can make small changes each day to improve your health.

Each day is your day - make it great!