Looking for Jewels

We're gathering our items, donations, and supplies...for our 2nd Annual Memorial Love for Blue 5K Run/Walk. I've been posting about it, all month. And will continue, until April. You may have also noticed, our new tab, on the top of the page. At anytime, click on it, to see what we're looking for. Maybe you can help us out.

Other than our walk, we are also planning to sell food, have a Car Show, a raffle, sell some homemade items, and sell donated items. We are also sticking to our plan, of having blue items. We want people to remember, our reasons, for our fundraiser. Ultimately, we want to be a part, of the cure of colon cancer.

There are many things, that my Mom and I create. We crochet, sew, and do other crafts. One thing neither of us do, is make jewelry. And I know, people are always looking at jewelry. I know I am! And we'd like to have a few handmade, blue pieces, to sell at our Love for Blue 5K Run/Walk.

If you are a jewelry maker, and would like to donate something, please let me know. Either on the blog, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. And please share this, with as many people as you can!

Here are a few pieces, that I came across on Etsy. And just adore! But honestly, we'll be happy, with any and all donations!

I like the simplicity of this necklace. And the color is stunning! I found it here, for $21. I'm serious when I say, this necklace, almost makes me want to learn, how to make jewelry!

This necklace is selling for $25. And honestly, it is so beautiful! It has just enough detail, with the lace. But it's simple. Something that can be worn daily.

I came across this bracelet, and it's perfect for so many reasons! This bracelet is $20.50. And I know, someone like my Mom would enjoy it. I'm actually thinking, of asking the seller, to make me one with "Love" or "Blue." For my Mom.

The second I laid eyes, on this bracelet, I was in love! I'm not lying. It's just a stunning piece. For $39.95, you honestly can't go wrong. The lapis is beautiful. The design is simple. It's a gorgeous piece!

These are also gorgeous. For $25.99, you can own these earrings. I like the design. The wrapped wire, reminds me of a bird's nest. And the beads, make these earrings, simple enough...to wear daily. That's my kind of earring!

For $10.50, these are some cute earrings! Something I like to wear every single day. Small, but with a little whimsy. They'd also be perfect, for the little lady in your life!

For $24.99, this would be the perfect box, to keep all your baubles. Actually, I've begun making, a few jewelry boxes. For our sale. This one, just speaks to me!

So if you are a jewelry maker, or know one, would you consider a small donation? We are continuing to raise funds, to support other cancer patients in New Mexico, to help find a cure for colon cancer, and to continue giving back to our community.

I hope you'll take a minute, to consider a donation. Nothing is too small. We're all working, towards making our world, a better place. If you would like to contact me...you can always leave a message on our blog, contact me via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. Happy Wednesday! ❤❤❤

Hats

This week, I've got a couple of items that I've finished. As always, you can contact me, at LoveforBlue2015@aol.com. Or on our Facebook page. Here we go!

I have 5 of these hats. For sizes 3-6 months, 9-12 months, and a toddler size...they are each $12. Plus shipping costs. The child and adult sizes are $14, plus shipping. I just have one of each size. But if you want something else, please feel free to let me know.

And I have one of these round ripple blankets. I actually had two, but one turned into a gift. This blanket is $50, plus shipping.

Again, if you are interested in purchasing anything, let me know. You can e-mail me at LoveForBlue2015@aol.com. Or you can contact me on Facebook. Also, you can follow me on Instagram. I'm trying to post projects on there. ❤❤❤

Sponsors Needed!

We are nearing our 2nd Annual Memorial 5K Run/Walk. And I know I am pretty excited! Much more, in the mindset, of making this, a great event! Last year, we were still in shock. To be 100% honest. And everything kind of came together, last minute.

But this year, we are planning ahead. And would like to make this event, something big. And successful. Very successful. So I'm going to be reaching out to you, our readers. Our friends, family, and community, as well.

We will be looking for sponsors for t-shirts, possibly bags, and the decorations needed. I think I bought 20 or so, balloons last year. Not too bad. But the cost of t-shirts and bags, is a little different. Probably a $500 cost. And we'd love to include your name, or business, on our t-shirts this year. We'd also like to have a banner made. That we can use every year.

We'd also like to ask people to make donations. Much like last year. Anything in the color blue. For the crafters out there...we'd love blue tutus, hair bows, jewelry, etc. If you sell Avon, Mary Kay, Tupperware...we'd welcome that as well. Anything, and everything really.

As far as food is concerned, we'd appreciate any and all donations. We're "cooking up," the idea of selling baked goods, coffee, cokes, bottled water, burritos, hamburgers, hotdogs, and nachos. Please let me know, if you can help with any of this. It's a HUGE cost! And we'd greatly appreciate your help!

Lastly, we'd like to have some gift cards donated. Or other items. We are hoping to have a raffle. Which I'm making a blanket for. But would like to raffle other items as well. I'd also like to be able to give some sort of "prize" to our first place winner. In both the 5K, and our Car Show.

If you think you can help out, or know someone who can, please contact me. You can leave a message here, e-mail me (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. Again, Thank You from the bottom of my heart! ❤❤❤

She Encouraged Our Journey

When I think about physical therapy, and my Dad, I almost want to laugh. He wanted nothing to do, with physical therapy. But in the Spring of 2014, we were put on PT at home. And he'd continue it, until February 2015.

It would be one of those things, that would really bother my Dad. Physical Therapy. But honestly, it was so necessary for him. It was something he needed, much more than he thought, he did. The night before, our first at home session, my Dad would devise a plan. He thought, he could outsmart the physical therapist.

That is, until he met Lucy. She was this petite lady. That had the warmest spirit. The sweetest voice. And the most gentle way, of doing things. During that first session, my Dad would try hard. To prove to her, that he didn't need any help. But it quickly became apparent, to all of us, he need the help.

 

I'll ALWAYS regret, not getting a picture of the two of them.  After that first session, there would be a definite bond. A sense of friendship. And for my Dad, lots of trust. You see, Lucy became more than a physical therapist. She was my Dad's cheerleader. And encourager.

 

When my Dad didn't feel like doing his exercises, I'd remind him of Lucy's next visit. We usually had two a week. But we were supposed to do his exercises, every single day. My Dad would give me this look, every single time, he saw me coming with Lucy's notes. But quickly, he realized, those exercises were helping. He was getting a little stronger. With each visit. And we would begin, doing his exercises, two and three times a day.

 



 

 Lucy was never pushy. She was never rude. Or in a rush. She only had kind words. Encouragement. And my Dad's well being, on her mind. She encouraged me, to do the exercises with my Dad. She taught me things, that would benefit both my Dad and I. How to help him, to get around. How to strengthen his muscles. And keep his spirit up.

You see, Lucy always knew about our battle. She knew about the cancer. I know, she understood the situation. And my Dad's pride. She understood, that life was difficult for us. But she encouraged us. All of us. And helped us, to see the best in life.

It was not always easy. There were many set backs. In my Dad's recovery. In his strength. In the things he was dealing with. But Lucy was a cheerleader. She helped us all, to see the good, that was in our life.

And when we'd need help, getting safety equipment, it was Lucy who would help out. She'd make calls to people. She would write referrals. And she'd also give us options. For places, we might look, for supplies. Lucy became someone, I could trust.

My Dad would stay true to Lucy. You see, every time we would go to the hospital and return home, we'd get a different physical therapist. The first time it happened, he got in a fight with our new PT person. Then he'd tell me, to call and get Lucy. The second time it happened, he told them to leave his property. And again, we'd call Lucy. The third time it happened, he told the HomeCare people, he didn't need PT. Then they sent Lucy.

It wasn't that my Dad, didn't want help. It was the trust, that Lucy and he, had developed. It was a bit of history. And lots of understanding. He knew, she didn't judge him. And that she had his best interest, in mind. All of the time!

It was that encouragement, that kept my Dad going. I'll forever be grateful, to Lucy. The lady that walked us through bed exercises. Then sitting exercises. And eventually, standing exercises. She was the lady, that made sure my Dad was safe at home. And who would take walks with us, through our neighborhood.

And honestly, it was the patience she had. The understanding. And the trust, that we all developed. Lucy shared our religious beliefs. And would often times, pray for us. I can't tell you, how much that meant. But she also understood our values. And our sense of community. Lucy shared many things with us. And it meant, that our bond was incredibly strong.

I will forever be grateful, to Lucy. For her professionalism, her kindness, her care, her compassion,  and all of her encouragement. It really did help, my Dad. In so many ways. To extend, the "good days," that he had. It added to his overall health. And allowed us, more time together. In the end, my Dad looked forward to PT. And his visits from Lucy. He really enjoyed the challenges, that she would present him with. ❤❤❤

T-Shirt Sponsor

Hey guys! It's that time again. To get prepared for our 2nd Annual Memorial 5K Run/Walk. I'm getting pretty excited. And I'm ready to raise some money! I just know, that we can make a difference in cancer research.

But the thing is, the costs are a little tough. I was able to cover all of it, last year. We had a few donations, before the event. In terms of food and drinks. But really, the only way to make an event like this successful, is to get some sponsors.

Here's our t-shirt from last year. We're thinking, something pretty similar for this year. My friend, works at a company, that does orders like this. And was able to give us, a good deal last year. Making the sale of our shirts, a good deal for us.

But this year, I'm hoping to get a sponsor. To help us cover some of the costs. We'll still be turning to Amber for help. The t-shirts costs about $400. And I'm assuming that they will be around that price point, this year. I'd like to find a business, or person, that is willing to sponsor our t-shirts. So that more of the money, can directly go to supporting colon cancer. And our efforts here.

If you know of anyone, please pass this along. I'm even thinking, a couple of businesses, might want to help. The cost could be covered. And we can always add the companies, to the back of the t-shirt. My Dad did this, numerous times, for other organizations. It's a cool way to get involved, in the community.

Please let me know, if you are interested. You can contact me here on the blog, by e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. Have a wonderful day! ❤❤❤

The Gentle Spirit

As tough as this journey has been, we've had some amazing people behind us. People that have just been our safety net. It's like they know exactly when, we need someone at our sides.

My Auntie Bug, has been that person. For both my Mom and I. There is just something, that is gentle, when you talk about her character. She is easy going. Has a way, of talking, that just calms a person. And honestly, there have been many days, when that is what we've needed.

It's crazy, to know that for so long, we had just lost touch with our family. We were just trying to survive. And most days, it was just a success to be home. Getting together with family and friends, seemed so overwhelming. Something we just couldn't figure out, how to do.

But through it all, our family still loved us. And since my Dad's passing, it's this sort of family, that has held us up. On our darkest of days, they are the ones, that get us through it all. The kind words. The prayers. The little outings.

My Auntie Bug, quickly became that person. For both my Mom and I. In different, but very important ways. She was the one person, I could talk to. Openly. About what was going on. She was the one person, my Mom seemed to open up to.

During the summer, when we wanted to do nothing more than lock ourselves up at home, my Auntie would somehow get us out. We'd go on little adventures. Day trips. Shopping trips. Out to eat. Always including, lots of laughter. And plenty of compassion.

It's what we needed. And my Auntie Bug, always seemed to show up, on the days we needed her most. It was like she knew, when our hearts were hurting most. She'd come. And bring that little bit of sunshine, that we needed.

Over the last 10 months, my Auntie Bug has gotten my Mom and I, to go on little trips. Camping and pinon picking. She's been a "sounding board," for my Mom. My Auntie and Uncle, have been the only people, that could get my Mom out and about.

But it didn't start, when my Dad past away. It started before then. When they'd come to visit in the hospital. Bring my Dad a little something. Their visits, would brighten his day. And mine. It was the text messages. And the prayers. The positive thoughts, that they brought with them.

Funny how that works. How the gentlest of spirits, has a way of working in your life. They move you in ways, that you never thought about before. They bring calm, in the middle of a storm. And provide an escape, from the life you are struggling in. They also bring that security, that you are craving most, in your life.

I'm very grateful to my Auntie Bug. And all that she has done for my Mom. And for me. And everything she did for my Dad. In ways that I can't find words for, she gave him hope. And a sense of calm. And of security. That we'd be OK. We'd have family to surround us. And love us. And watch over us.

We are very lucky. To have the family and friends, that we have. We're also very lucky, to have my Auntie Bug. I know, I can call her, at anytime of day. And she's there for me. I know, as tough as it is, she'll love my Mom through this difficult chapter. And I know, we'll never be alone. ❤❤❤

Scarves

It's been really cold around here. And I've been working hard, on projects, for our Love for Blue Foundation! And trying to keep warm.

This is a side view, of a crochet cowl. I used self striping yarn. So the stripes are pretty even. And it made for a really fun project. I have 2 of these. And 2 traditional scarves. All made with the same yarn. Each item is $18. Plus shipping costs. I you are interested, please contact me at LoveForBlue2015@aol.com, or on Facebook. ❤❤❤

Sponsors For Fun Mail Friday

I'm still enjoying our "Fun Mail Fridays." It truly is, the highlight of my week. And I wanted to just ask, for a little bit of help. I know, that we've been blessed, to touch so many lives already. But I want to continue this, in 2016.

When you head out to the store next time, consider buying a couple of extra cards. I've been getting all sorts of requests lately. And would enjoy, continuing to support the many people, battling cancer. I would gladly accept any cards, or even a little financial assistance here. Honestly, most of the cards I purchase are from, the Dollar Tree. So even a little gift card, would be appreciated!

And stamps, probably the thing I could use the very most. At this moment. Consider buying a couple of extra. I'd be happy to share my address with you. I would greatly appreciate all the help, in this department!

And of course, names. I continue to get names, from local people. Through the hospital, where my Dad was treated. From our church. And just other people in the community. I'd ask that you would continue to send your names to me.

A little bit more about that. If you can send me, your loved ones name, and address. And perhaps something they are interested in. I try to send a little something, in each card. Something to bring them a smile. And if they have children, let me know. I can add them, to another list. I try and send out a couple of things, to the littles. Maybe some stickers, a small box of candy, or a small toy. Please let me know.

And if your loved on, is celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion. I'd LOVE to know! I want their mail to have some meaning behind it. Not just some random card that shows up. But if that is what they need, I'm also ready for that too!

This truly, has been one of the things, I enjoy most about my week. Sitting down, to write some encouraging words, to someone battling cancer. I want to keep letting people know, they are not alone. And if nothing else, I'm here, praying for them. Please help me, to continue this. You can contact me here on the blog, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. Happy Wednesday! ❤❤❤

Brown Rice Protein Shakes

Of all the advice, that my Dad received, the advice he took to heart...always came from our cousin. Jean, also battled cancer. She had a long battle with ovarian cancer. And in November 2014, she went to be with our Lord.

But Jean, was definitely the person, my Dad looked to most...when battling cancer. Very early on, she gave us lots of tips. And tricks. And advice. All of which, we took to heart. The one thing, that she was very passionate about, was her brown rice protein shakes.

I'm not sure, how she first heard about it. But Jean swore by it. And it became one of my Dad's favorites too. Right before my Dad started chemo, I searched high and low, for this. And I finally found it, at Whole Foods. A can, was somewhere around $20. And between June and March, we went through 2 of these cans.

The way that both my cousin, and my Dad took it, was by a shake. For my Dad, I'd mix 1-1 1/2 scoops of strawberry ice cream, a splash of milk, and 2 scoops of the brown rice protein together. I actually bought, one of those "shakers," at Whole Foods as well. And that's how I'd mix it up. Throw everything in there, and shake it up.

My Dad had one of these shakes, once a day. Especially during chemo weeks. Sometimes, during those weeks, he'd have 2 a day. Or we'd add, the brown rice protein powder, to his oatmeal. Maybe even, his favorite Sonic milkshakes. But we made sure, he'd get it, twice a day.

The two weeks, prior to beginning radiation, it was advised, that we increase my Dad's protein intake. But not through animal sources. So we made sure, for those two weeks, that we included brown rice protein powder. It went in my Dad's snacks...cottage cheese and fruit, pudding, or his shakes. We added it to his oatmeal. And to anything else, we could think of.

I never tried it. Unfortunately, we don't have any, that was leftover. But my Dad told me, he never tasted it in his food. It never changed the flavor, of his food. And that was a good thing. Because I don't think, he would have used it, if it changed how his food tasted.

Protein is one of those things, that helps a lot during treatments. With recovery and healing. It also helps, to keep weight on. We found, that this, along with some other snacks...were our best bets. As the cancer took over, and my Dad struggled to eat, we tried things like Ensure. But he wasn't a big fan. He still wanted his protein shakes.

Towards the end of his life, I was encouraged, to mix this powder with applesauce. And his oatmeal. Those were the things he was eating. And it helped. A lot! Especially, since he wasn't eating much. His food, along with the protein powder, added a lot to him. In terms of, giving him strength.

I'd definitely, recommend trying this. But don't forget to ask your doctor. Before you try it. For us, this became a lifeline. Because in the Fall of 2014, my Dad started to have issues with gallstones. And his diet, started to have some limitations. Regarding animal proteins. Meat, in particular.

The brown rice protein, definitely became a staple in our home. It was a little difficult to find, at first. But it wasn't impossible, to find. And when our container was about halfway, I called our local Whole Foods. And I ordered two. I've shared this tip with many people. And everyone, has picked their favorite ice cream flavors. Given it, a try. And told me, it worked great. I hope that you, find the same results. ❤❤❤