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February 28 Why Do I Help the LAF? Because I Owe.
"Two Countries, One Shared Passion"
Greetings from Texas, Lance has come out of retirement this year, racing professionally again to spread the mission of the Lance Armstrong Foundation and to share the vision of hope that a cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. This year the LAF is going global, joining with governments and agencies around the world, as we must unite together to take the global issue of cancer head on. Like Lance, I’m “coming out of retirement” to participate in this year’s LIVESTRONG Challenge in Austin, Texas on October 25 to benefit the LAF. Having ridden the Ride for the Roses four years from 2002-2005, I took a break from this event. This year my cousin has been fighting the fight of her life…fighting for her life…so I’m hittin’ the road again, sights set on receiving my yellow survivor rose after pedaling with thousands of other cyclists on that Sunday in October. In February 2009, on the eighth anniversary of my surgery date for breast cancer, my dearest cousin Karen told me that her oncologist now recommends hospice for her Stage IV stomach cancer. She intends to LiveSTRONG for her remaining days, filling them with the people and activities that bring her peace and joy. It’s been eight years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It is true that cancer may leave your body, but it never leaves your life. Please help me honor my own personal battle with cancer, as well as the millions of others whom this disease affects, as I ride my bike 45 miles in the 2009 Austin LIVESTRONG Challenge. Your tax deductible contribution in any amount will be one more vital tool in this fight and will go a long way to help meet the needs of millions of Americans. Dave and I have formed Team Barnestormers for the event. You can donate to me by clicking on "Follow This Link" below (http://austin09.livestrong.org/bettybarnes) and/or to Dave at http://austin09.livestrong.org/davebarnes. Want to donate $10? Why not split it between the two of us? You may also make a contribution via check. Please visit my site and print a copy of the Offline Donation Form (a link to the form is located directly under the thermometer on my page) and mail your check and donation form to the address on the form. You can also split your donation between the two of us by indicating the split on a single form and writing one check. If you would like to participate in the Austin LIVESTRONG Challenge, you can join Team Barnestormers by clicking on the “My Team” link on my personal page and then “Join Team” on the team page. Even if you are unable to donate, please visit our pages at the LiveSTRONG site. You can read about us, read the inspirational stories of other survivors, and educate yourself about cancer and the variety of resources available through the LAF. Thank you in advance for your time and generosity. I look forward to hearing from you and will be sure to keep you updated on my fundraising and training progress as I prepare for the event. Peace, strength, love and light, Betty Barnes Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Lance Armstrong Foundation ****************************************************************************** Some email systems do not support the use of links and therefore this link may not appear to work. If so, copy and paste the following into your browser: http://austin09.livestrong.org/bettybarnes?faf=1&e=2268480296 ****************************************************************************** Betty Barnes February 26 The Circle of LifeEight years ago today I had an extensive lumpectomy for DCIS. Pretty much a mastectomy 'cause my artist of surgeon took a lot of tissue and I wasn't overly endowed to begin with!
Today my dear relative told me doctors now recommend hospice. She is determined to LiveSTRONG and fill her remaining days with as much joy and peace as she can pack into what time there is left to her. Today a few hours after her news, one of my stepsons in Scotland called with the joyous announcement that they are expecting a new little life...a wee girl...to be brought into the world in June. Two years ago we had much the same scenario...my mother was dying, we had a trip to Scotland planned, and little grandson Fionn was soon to make his arrival. I am feeling so blessed and filled with wonder at the affirmation of life...the Circle of Life...that has been presented to me today. As one life prepares to leave, another is preparing to arrive. As my family here in the States is dwindling, my family in Scotland is flourishing. Dave and I will be celebrating our third wedding anniversay next Wednesday. I have so much to be thankful for tonight. My heart is full. Peace all.... February 21 Here and NowSo all we have is right here...right now. Brown this evening...feeling a bit grounded?
Listening to "Metal and Steel" from the Driven CD I got at the 2004 Ride for the Roses. I remember that morning driving out to the ride staging area. In the dark, feeling so strong, so alive, cruising down the road with the truck windows open feeling the cool morning air. This CD blasting away. Feeling my power...again, such JOY in being alive, being in the moment.
Took a solo trip with our trailer to Waco to visit my cousin earlier this month. Easy as pie, hooking up the rig and towing down the highway. A mini slice of my dream back when I was single. I was on a mission, too, going to see the cuz. It was a good trip on several levels. Nice to know the Sarah Connor in me is alive and well...just hangin' until called upon to go into action. I sure slept well in the trailer. Very cozy.
So there are pics of that taken with my old digital camera and then some misc/silly ones trying out the new camera, a Canon PowerShot. Really like it. Upgraded in prep (had to stop and pet the dog) for our upcoming trip to Scotland. Don't want to miss snaps of the grandson! Getting over there every other year...well, who knows what might happen in the next two years. So we're going with the frame of mind to have a rippin' time! Everything's booked, now it's just count down the 60+ days until we board the big bird and wing across The Pond.
I get three nights/four days in my beloved Highlands and Glen Coe this time. Heaven on Earth; the home of my soul.
So much happening right now that I won't get into here...just treasuring each day, each moment. Right here, right now.
Taught a Reiki I class last week; students coming back this week for Reiki II. I have missed teaching. It's the first class I've had here but so far so good. This place has good energy so, who knows...maybe there will be more. It just reaffirmed to me what I'm supposed to be doing...that I can still do it...again, that part of me is still there...peeking out now and then...still very much who I am.
So I suppose the Muse is still with me, just hanging out with the mystic and Sarah C, emerging now and then.
It's so easy to get caught up in the everyday process we call life. Work. Laundry. Dishes. Housekeeping. Paying bills. Sometimes one just has to stop and step off into the real world...not the tangible, manufactured world we call life, but what is really important. Our spouse/partner. Our spirituality. The voice of someone you treasure, even for two or three minutes...soaking in that voice. Watching an uplifting movie with your best friend, who just happens to be the one you share your life and bed with. Stopping typing of a blog to pet your devoted dog, who is getting up in years.
Right here, right now.
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