Welcome!

• I blog purely for fun (and in order to have a creative way to journal my thoughts and images!) …
• The Author of the “good stuff” is not me as I am merely a scribe … Abiding in the True Vine is my inspiration (John 15).
• My writing style is basically stream of conscientiousness … And I write as much to myself as for anyone else. Meaning, what I write here is directed at myself more than anything. I don’t have all the answers — but I am relatively certain that I have asked all the questions!
• It is humbling for me to receive affirmation from folks I do not know. I merely write what is on my heart for a particular day … So, I am thrilled to learn it resonates with those I have not met yet. (And, I am blessed with dear, dear friends who also inspire me to blog … Ya’ll rock, sistas! )

Contacting me by leaving a comment:

Every blogger dreams of receiving comments … Please feel free to add yours! I do opt to keep comments private (something my commenters have requested).

What is the story behind selecting your screen name?

That is simple: Let me shine like a brilliant star ★ in the night skies of Your universe, as I hold out words of life (Philippians 2:14-18). And the fact that I adore the night (and day!) skies … and I am avid gardener!

What does a day-in-the-life include for you?

Hmm, a down-to-earth, artistic woman who — when not sharing time with my family (the humans and the canines and the kitty) — delights in getting my hands dirty in the rich, organic soil of my country gardens; enjoys creating beaded jewelry designs; captures nature’s beauty and inspiration via my digital camera; and dabbles in fiber arts (hand-quilting, embroidery and sewing).

I also practice the art of compiling words on a page, as I am an editor, writer and creative writing tutor. In addition, I am a student-researcher of social entrepreneurism and a part-time consultant with experience in small business and career development and non-profit management.

I am currently enjoying time in my gardens as the seasonal changes usher in perfect conditions for planting seeds and new growth! I am also savoring the moments of wearing the proverbial crystal-beaded (almost antique!) veil of being my DH’s “bride” — and both the red polka-dot ball-cap and wizard’s ponder-hat as both Mom and academic adviser to my youngest son.

And — I also delight in the creative art of collage- journaling and planning (experimenting with different papers, collage-work and techniques); crafting various doo-dads and reading some of the countless books stacked throughout my eclectic, country home!

The Dessert Years?

Those years when the so-called “essentials” are finished and only the melt-in-your-mouth delectable and fanciful choices matter! Said morsels are served on various and wildly-colorful trays and oh-so well-deserved (earned—the old-fashioned way!). Be-cause these delicious bites follow the tough, chewy steaks of reality; the good-for-you bites of healthy changes and the bitter wine of acceptance for those situations involving the “it-is-what-it-is/what-it-is-not” moments.

Dessert doesn’t always have to come last. I venture to say I am only about half-way through my life, and I am ready for some sugar-sweet, pieces of dark-chocolate humor! I am on another new leg of my journey … Twirling around on the gently winding and grassy path of Grace (God’s a-m-a-zing Grace!).

So, here it is: Blog Therapy and Dessert growin’ via my online Star Gardens! ♥

How did cancer change you?

In August of 2002, I discovered a cord of inner strength and came to better understand the reality of my support system (the good, the bad and the ugly ). I also learned about this invisible line between cancer victim and cancer survivor (thriver!).

That line marks the moment when you look back and realize you have crossed over. You know in your gut that you have survived a life-and-death circumstance — and thus you have indeed “died-to,” in order to overcome, one of life’s most menacing fears: Cancer.

Once you are bald (ah, no bad hair days!!) and face each day in the midst of being physically and emotionally fragile from surgery, your recovery, the persistent pain that follows, and of course, the proverbial “cherry-on-top” experience — chemotherapy and the pharmaceutical cocktails that accompany it — you are either permanently damaged and live in a perpetual state of sheer terror — or you become permanently convinced that life is “The Now” and you are not going to miss even one moment of it!

Click here and here for more information pertaining to ovarian cancer. Take charge of your health and succeed in doing what is necessary! ‘Cause we only have one body … And it will wear out!

© © ©

May I repost your writings?

This site is a collection of my original essays. Please do not download, print, publish or other distribute what you read here without my written permission. (And, I will likely say, “Yay!” So just ask. Tay?) I like what French Toast Girl says here regarding: “why copyright is so important”

Oh! I love your photographs! Are they all yours?

Yes — unless otherwise indicated — all the photographs on my blog were captured by yours truly. I am somewhat of an addict when it comes to photography. As I rarely go anywhere without my camera. My youngest son has often laughed and commented that he can just see the headline: Family mourns mother discovered by passing motorist on roadside (still clutching her camera …).

Update: As of July 11th, I have been scheduling 15-minute “appointments” to sort through my photographs and to begin uploading files to my flickr account. I decided to jump in with one of my favorite sets as well as a set of images from a recent {fabulous} session of making artist trading cards. Regarding the latter, I detailed the afternoon — media, techniques and miscellany details — but there was a snafu with flickr and my descriptions didn’t save properly. More to come through!