A Portrait for Life

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here and with it comes “Think Pink Photography” which “celebrates life and the cause” by offering complimentary portrait sessions for cancer survivors. Think Pink Photographers donate their time, their resources, and valuable expertise to support those going through the breast cancer journey.

I recently spoke with one of the Think Pink Photographers, Beth Cardwell, who donates a portion of the “would-be-session” fee to Think Pink’s partner, The Eric R. Beverly Family Foundation, "dedicated to providing programs and activities that unite both men and women in promoting education, increasing awareness, and providing support and resources for families who have been touched by breast cancer."

Beth Cardwell has not personally been touched by breast cancer, but she recently did a portrait for a woman who was diagnosed as terminal. As she spoke about this woman with young children, she was moved to tears. Breast cancer became “personal” to Beth that day.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Think Pink Photography, Beth Cardwell is offering breast cancer survivors a photo session and ten free prints. Cancer survivors must be within the first year of being diagnosed, which includes: those who are newly diagnosed, going through treatment, before mastectomy, those who are currently going through treatment, and those who have just finished treatment and have received a “clean bill of health.”

As a 13-year breast cancer survivor, I have to admit, the first year is the most difficult— filled with ups and downs, fears, frustrations, and wondering what the future holds. The closest I have come to describing that first year is like the poster of the kitten hanging by its claws on a tree limb. It’s a tenuous time. But time is the great healer and with each new day, you are one step closer to peace and healing.

Thankfully, Think Pink Photographers like Beth Cardwell are helping survivors heal by capturing that moment in a portrait for life!

Living Life Passionately,

Everything is Coming up "Pink"!

Everything is coming up pink? Have you noticed? It started last month with pink showing up in the form of soaps, brooms, shopping bags, combs, brushes, hairdryers, Kitchen Aid Appliances, candy, cereal, and -- of course -- roses!

Today is the official kick-off to Breast Cancer Awareness Month and my neighbor, Kim, did not forget. She e-mailed me and said, "I have something to bring over -- be sure you're home."

Ten minutes later, there she was standing in the doorway with a pink rose in her hand. Kim is like a daughter to me; in fact, she calls me her other "mama." It was just like her to remember the first day of PINK as well!

I have to admit, when I was diagnosed 13 years ago, I dreaded the month of October (the month of pink) because it was a painful reminder of the past. Today, it's a delightful reminder of the future...

Everything is coming up "pink"!

Living Life Passionately,






P.S. Anyone who leaves a comment to this post during the month of October, will be entered into a drawing to receive the book, Trading Ashes for Roses, Pink Ribbon Devotions to Go, and a pink rhinestone keychain!

Flying

Flying over the San Francisco Bay Area is one of my favorite treats -- especially from an aisle seat. The poor man sitting next to me -- by the window -- didn't stand a chance; in fact, I was waiting for him to switch seats with me because I kept leaning over to snap pictures while he was trying to sleep. The fog had rolled back revealing a panoramic view of the city; I even got a fuzzy picture of the Golden Gate Bridge (not pictured).

But as I eased back in my seat, I felt closer to the land than I did the sky...it blended into one until we were at a cruising altitude of 37,000 feet.

What is it about flying that makes me feel close to God? It certainly isn't the inattentive flight attendants or the sometimes rude passengers; it's that feeling that I'm so small compared to God's greatness. Climbing to that high altitude doesn't come without some rough spots -- turbulence! You see, when you're flying at lower altitudes you experience it a lot more than at higher altitudes. But once above the clouds, it's smooth "sailing" -- most of the time.

I had to laugh when the captain announced, "We're heading into some 'weather'!" What he really meant to say was, "We have scattered thunderstorms and it's going to be a rough flight." Thankfully, most passengers missed that part and went on reading the New York Times, USA today or books on Kindle. But I was keenly aware of what the captain meant. It was going to be a rough flight for the next five hours.

Yes, I spilled coffee all over me (twice); dropped my laptop on the floor, and have sinus congestion and popping ears today, but we landed safely and the flying incident is a faint memory.

Turbulent "flying" doesn't just happen on airplanes; it happens on the ground as well. It's our eternal perspective that keeps us focused.

A friend reminded me of that today -- each day has enough trouble of its own, so keep "flying" -- don't look back and keep focused on the prize that lays before all of us!

Living Life Passionately,

Less is More !

It's official... fall is here!

I placed the wreath on the door this morning, but it's only one of the "less is more" essentials I have instituted in my life. My thinking is if I have a beautiful door wreath, I have to do less gardening because the focus is on the door, not the weeds in my garden.

Yesterday I cleaned and cleaned...mainly my walk-in closet, so it can live up to its name! I found things I had held onto for years and realized, I could sell them on eBay, which I have done. I didn't realize it was so easy.

The wreath and closet are all part of my new attitude. Ask yourself, "Is this necessary, or is it clutter that hinders and hampers me?"

Having less of what you don't want frees you to concentrate more of what you do want.

Clear time in your calendar for planning, putting in lots of white space (another new attitude), and create space in your surroundings -- declutter your desk, office space, and make your bedroom a retreat area -- not grand central.

Let fall be a time of new beginnings of "less is more" by evaluating your possessions and activities.

To help in my efforts, I bought an essential tool of the trade -- a beautiful pink leather calendar (pink is my favorite color). It wasn't a want, it was a need. When I open up its clean white pages with leather binding, I'm very careful what I put in there (that's the purpose!).

Enjoy this new "less is more" season in your life!

Living Life Passionately,

Simplicity

Simplicity is the glory of expression. ~ Walt Whitman

Enjoy a Frugal Extravagance

It doesn't take much to make me happy -- tickled actually. So this morning, my hubby who is feeling so much better after hip surgery decided to take me to my favorite place: Bath and Body Works. I had a coupon, plus it was their Grand Labor Day Sale, so I treated myself to a frugal extravagance...Fresh Balsam candles, lotion, and liquid hand soap. It's such a yummy fragrance and makes me feel like I'm walking through a forest of pine trees.

When we arrived home, I lit the candles all over the house, set the decanter of hand lotion and liquid soap in the upstairs bathroom, and let the fragrance carry me to Whitworth College where my hubby and I first met (the college is nestled in a forest!). Today was such a frugal indulgence...$75 worth of products for only $20, yet it made me feel like a million bucks.

It was time for a nap. As I drifted off to sleep, there was a knock at the door. Kim, our neighbor, held a plastic container in her hands and said, "These are homemade potato chips from one of my Amish farms."

Can you believe it? These Amish folks make their own potato chips in all the varieties: BBQ, plain, and my personal favorite -- Ranch style. If you've never had a homemade potato chip, you have missed one of life's simple pleasures. I couldn't stop with just one (or two or three!).

It doesn't take much to make life feel abundant and rich. Simple things: a candle, homemade potato chips, fresh flowers from the garden, and an afternoon nap. Small but simple pleasures make you feel cared for and less deprived. When that happens, you'll be less likely to exceed your monthly budget and "binge" on expensive or wasteful extravagances.

So go ahead...enjoy one of life's "frugal" pleasures.

Living Life Passionately,

What I Will Miss About Summer

I woke up this morning and there was a crispness in the air instead of the hot and steamy mugginess that has plagued the East Coast for the last couple of weeks. As I glanced at the calendar a wave of nostalgia swept over me, summer is over! And then like a hiccup, I broke into song…”See you in September” – the classic by The Tempos (1959).

The truth is: I will miss summer. Here are a few reasons why:

Fruit stands. One on every corner. They bedazzle me with their colorful umbrellas that shade the fresh picked corn, tomatoes, green beans, and “yes” even hand-picked flowers from the garden. The sunflowers and bright zinnias beckon me to buy a bunch for $5.00 that last for weeks on the kitchen table.

Fireflies. The walks in the park at dusk mesmerize me. I conducted several symphonies with the help of my lightning bug friends. With my iPod blaring (do you think they could actually hear it?), “we” orchestrated a new version of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.

Long Days. The evenings are shorter now and gone are the jogging runs at 9:00 p.m. The running shoes need to be put on at 7:30 p.m. in order to make it back home before all the street lights go on. Sigh.

Mt. Gretna. Although we only visited it once this year, it is a magical place of gnome-like cottages, the Jigger Shoppe with homemade ice cream (voted the best in Lancaster County), quaint gift shops, walking trails, the 1950’s big swing over the lake, and pine trees that wave back at you. Of course, it’s still there in the winter, but it's simply not the same.

Maggie Moos Ice Cream. I’m not really an ice cream fan, but this summer I discovered the “Better Batter” flavor. It’s America’s version of gelato and for a few extra cents, they will add any combination of “condiments” you prefer: toffee chips, Baby Ruth, Snickers, and “yes” even Swedish Fish (no thanks!). I always ask for the “Kiddie Kup” and indulge in one of life’s simple pleasures.

Writing Deadlines. What? Did I really say that? Yes, the summer is when I write uninterrupted. I stay up until 2:00 a.m. pounding out deadlines and get lost in the world of words. There’s nothing like a summer project that gets zipped up and put to “bed” before winter. I guess it’s like the summer “reading” list (writer’s version only!).

County Fairs: Big, big, big on the East Coast. Every town, municipality, and borough has its own. The E-Town fair starts this week and we will be going. Cotton candy. Ferris Wheels. Pie-Eating Contests. Tractor Pulls. Fireworks. And not to be missed, The York Fair, the oldest fair in the country is right in my backyard.

Lazy Days. There’s something about ice cold lemonade and the lazy days of summer that spell relief. Sipping lemonade on the back porch simply doesn’t feel the same in winter (try it!). Soon the hot chocolate and marshmallows will fill my cup and Jack Frost will be nipping at my toes! Ouch.

Back-to-School Shopping. Although the “boys” are all grown up, I still gaze at the store windows with bittersweetness. The fake fall leaves donning the store displays with bright orange, yellow, and red with back-to-school paraphernalia signals the end of one season and the beginning of another.

Flowers, flowers, flowers. This year, my calla lilies were not eaten up by the beetles for the first time in several years. Their simple elegance is a tribute to our Creator. I marvel at the way they open up gracefully and then close back up when they are ready to kiss the summer goodbye.

Vacations. We took one with some dear friends who let us enjoy a respite at their lake home at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. It was a much-needed getaway from a July meltdown. Memories of s’mores, Christmas Tree Island, boating, lounging on the deck, long walks, spotted fawns at dusk, drifting on an inner tube—soaking in the summer rays, and hot dogs on the grill are pleasures that will endure through the cold days of winter.

Goodbye summer…hello fall!


Living Life Passionately,









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The Winner is...

Thank you all for entering the "birthday surprise" drawing for Chicken Soup for the Coffee Lover's Soul and a ten-dollar gift card for Starbucks. I actually had to put the names in the bowl twice because my cat, Bianca, sat on one of the names! To make things fair, I had my hubby pull the name again after I mixed them up with a spaghetti tosser. And guess what? The same name was pulled. What is the likelihood of that?

Drum roll please...

The winner is Cheryl Barker!

Many thanks to Flea who passed on my link to her bloggy buddies which lessened her chance of winning. Because of Flea's servant heart, she receives a lifetime membership to my book club -- meaning anything I write that gets published, she gets a copy!

Okay, I must finish packing, I'm off to Camp Epachiseca.

Living Life Passionately,







P.S. Cheryl, please send me your mailing address to conniepombo@hotmail.com and I will mail your gift ASAP!

I almost forgot...Cheryl also wins a copy of Coffee Lover Devotions to Go! (It will be out in 2010!). Umm...that means Flea does too!

Coffee Anyone?

Since today is my birthday, I'm giving away a copy of Chicken Soup for the Coffee-Lover's Soul to some fortunate person along with a ten-dollar gift card from Starbucks!

It's my way of saying thank you for tuning in and being as passionate about life as I am. Oh, and stay tuned for my next book due out in 2010: Coffee-Lover's Devotions to Go! So add a comment and you will also receive that book as well.

Enjoy a cup of java on me!

Living Life Passionately,








P.S. The winner will be pulled next Friday, August 21!

Copyrighted photo: Cards by Connie

Sister-to-Sister Conference

Join me for the Sister-to-Sister Conference with Julie Nevel at Camp Epachiseca in Stillwater, Pennsylvania on August 21-22.

This is my second Sister-to-Sister Conference working with Julie. Her voice is amazing and the lyrics to her songs stay with you long after you've gone home.

For more information feel free to contact Julie Nevel or myself.

I have been in a serious writing mode; four more stories to edit and my book Moms of Sons is on its way (about two weeks before the deadline!).

This summer has rushed by and I feel like I've been behind the keyboard way too much!

Enjoy the blessings of summer...it will soon be gone.

Living Life Passionately,

The Simple Life

I often wonder why I'm not writing Amish fiction because after all I live in Lancaster County! I guess the rest of the world is intrigued by their "simple" life, which may be the reason why Amish novels are such big sellers.

The other day I had my camera along and took some photos (yes, you can take them as long as they don't see you!). Although when my sister came to visit, she ran down the street yelling, "There's another one..." Please, if you visit Lancaster County, do not do that! These are my neighbors.





Enjoy the simple life!



P.S. I'm taking a break from blogging so I can finish editing Moms of Sons! But I'll be back in action soon. In the meantime, enjoy the photos.

Mountain Climbing

"Sometimes you have to climb a mountain to see the beauty at the top!"

Living Life Passionately,

My Writing Place

My secret writing place (although it's not much of a secret now -- is it?). Enjoy!

Living Life Passionately,







P.S. Drum roll...I almost forgot! The winner for the Cup of Comfort Christmas Prayer is Flea Christiansen. It's Christmas in JULY! Flea, just send me your address to conniepombo@hotmail.com. Thanks everyone for leaving comments.

Put Mr Diva to Work