Monday's Memory: the one with the pink bracelet

i look at this picture and see details

the pink bracelet on my wrist was worn in support of one of the ladies on our retreat that weekend who was fighting breast cancer

(she passed them out.  and she actually took this picture)

3 years later, she’s cancer free

though her life, i'm certain, is forever changed

i am standing next to one of my best friends

lajuana

and we’re in front of gorgeous tennessee fall splendor

she’s in another state now

and while we are still close

things are forever changed

and i remember our conversation that day

when i told her that on one hand, i never wanted to date

never wanted to get married

and on the other i was terrified that i wasn’t “good enough” for anyone

and that i would always be alone

(the first being a direct result and coping mechanism of the second, of course)

and 3 years later

i have the most amazing and Godly man in my life

and of course i want to get married, and be with him for the rest of my life

things are forever changed

i could write about a lot of things that have “forever changed” in the last 3 years

or the last 3 months

or the last 3 weeks

or the last 3 days

you get the picture

that’s something we’re all aware of, isn’t it? 

change.

the only thing that’s constant in our world.
(it's cliche...but it's cliche for a reason)

i've learned to embrace it

to enjoy it

to learn and grow through it

one of my favorite pieces of décor

(which i need to find: note to self)

is a little pillow i hung from the stairs at my condo

and now will hang on the stairs of my “right now” residence

it says “delight in the unexpected”

and i delight to tell you

that i do.

no, it’s not all easy

i mean, come on.

 

but learning that i'm not in control -- He is

it’s been the most freeing knowledge of my life.

Thursday's Ten: the pink things i want to buy

it's hard to believe that september is nearly over and october is right around the corner

but it is

and october, as most of us know, is breast cancer awareness month
which has always been near and dear to my heart
but even more so this year, since my friend has a diagnosis and goes in for surgery next week

so today's thursday's ten are ten things that are fun, fashionable...and proceeds go to breast cancer research.

enjoy!

1. first up, from the simply vera collection by vera wang (at kohls -- ALL of the items in the collection are priced at $5 or $10!)

2. also from the simply vera collection

3. and another (i could have seriously filled up this list with JUST the items i want from this collection!)
4. an aromatherapy candle from pink ribbon marketplace

5. also from pink ribbon marketplace, a coffee cup with a courage scripture inside, and scripture cards included

6. from target.com, a fun little cosmetic set

7. brita pitcher (also from target although i'm sure they're sold elsewhere)

8. water bottle (target)

9. i'm salivating over this laptop messenger bag from ebags
but this one is more affordable
10. and if you're into the REALLY designer stuff, here's a coat from tommy hilfiger. no word on price yet, but it should be available on the website soon.