Stewart & Colbert

"This was not a rally to ridicule people of faith or people of activism, or look down our noses at the heartland or passionate argument, or to suggest that times are not difficult and we have nothing to fear. They are and we do.

The image of Americans that is reflected back to us by our political and media process is false. [Americans hear] how fragile our country is, on the brink of catastrophe, torn by polarizing hate, and how it's a shame that we can't work together to get things done. The truth is, we do. We work together to get things done every damn day. The only place we don't is here or on cable TV."

I love that a whole BUNCH of folks that had their hearts set on something used COMEDY to get their point across. It's certainly much harder to use comedy to make changes in society than it is to use rhetoric or violence. Kudos to those that aren't lazy and have the balls to fight ... whilst making us ALL laugh at ourselves.
Have a problem? Work your AZZ off to get it fixed. Don't harm others in your process. Don't throw others under the bus. You make me laugh? I might spend a bit of time listening to your politics. I might even agree ... If you're not a narcissist.
xoxo
Anna

What in the Hell is happening to us????

Let it be noted that I can, at times, be a total asshole. There are specific triggers to this "Assholedom."
Get me in traffic. You'll see it. I channel some sort of inbred Harpy. You cut me off in traffic when my kid's in the car ... I'll let the middle finger fly quicker than you can say "Boo!" Not only that ... if the kid's NOT in the car, I will use words that only sailors have dared to use.
However, I look at what is going on in our world right now: the wars, the terrorism, the genocide, the famine, the national disasters, the disease, the political bullshit, the ignorance, etc. And, I have to wonder one thing: WHAT IN THE FUCK ARE WE THINKING??????? Yes, I'm a CNN junkie. So, I sit and watch it on the TV or read it on the Interweb whenever I get a free moment, which is rare of late.
We all have our own personal issues. I get it. I've got PLENTY of my own, dear reader.
But, I have to wonder if we as a species ... speaking as the "Jane Goodall" of dipshits ... will EVER, EVER figure ourselves out? I mean, will we ever figure ourselves out enough that we can start to practice a modicum of compassion ... regardless of race, religion, sexuality, gender, age, financial standing, etc?
It's just become so astounding to me that human lives seem so expendable: to people, to governments, to insurance companies, to ALL of us.
This ultra-cheesy song, sort of, speaks to me. I use to listen to it when I was a young girl and would spend summers at Angi and Pam's farm house .... many moons ago in my beloved York, South Carolina. It makes sense to me now.

"Conviction of the Heart" (Kenny Loggins)

Where are the dreams that we once had?
This is the time to bring them back.
What were the promises caught on the tips of our tongues?
Do we forget or forgive?
There's a whole other life waiting to be lived when...
One day we're brave enough
To talk with Conviction of the Heart.
And down your streets I've walked alone,
As if my feet were not my own
Such is the path I chose, doors I have opened and closed
I'm tired of living this life,
Fooling myself, believing we're right, when...
I've never given love
With any Conviction of the Heart
One with the earth, with the sky
One with everything in life
I believe we'll survive
If we only try...
How long must we all wait to change
This world bound in chains that we live in
To know what it is to forgive,
And be forgiven?
It's been too many years of taking now.
Isn't it time to stop somehow?
Air that's too angry to breathe, water our children can't drink
You've heard it hundreds of times
You say your aware, believe, and you care, but...
Do you care enough
Where's your conviction of the Heart?

One with the earth,with the sky,one with everything in life.
I believe it will start with conviction of the heart.
With the earth,with the sky,one with everything in life.
I believe it will start with conviction of the heart.
One earth,one sky,only one world,only one chance for one life.
When will we live?
One child,one dream,only one life.
You've but one chance for one life.
When will we live?
Only one earth,and only one sky,and only one world.
We've only got one chance to live in one life.
I believe, it's only gonna start when we begin with some conviction of the heart.

xoxo
Anna
p.s. Don't knock the cheese! The cheese makes me nostalgic...

New KCPQ Link to our YSC Story...

This link, I believe, covers both segments One & Two. Apparently, they have added it again to the programming this evening on a producer's request.
As per my face: don't mind the lighting at Gilda's and my acne scars. I happen to look fabulous in dim light ... when you're drunk ... and it's 2 am ... and I have a bag over my head!!!!!
Jokes aside, it's just a wonderful piece. Angela has done such an amazing job with it. I couldn't be more proud of her. Oh, plus she's really easy on the eyes ... if you know what I mean!

http://www.q13fox.com/news/kcpq-young-breast-cancer-survivors-102910,0,3403554.story


xoxo
Anna
p.s. I just learned that it is the "most viewed" video on Q13. How's about them apples??!!!!!!!!!!

First segment of our YSC Q13 recap aired today...

http://www.q13fox.com/news/kcpq-young-breast-cancer-survivors-102910,0,3403554.story

The second, I will try to post here as well.
xoxo
Anna

BOO!

Meet my favorite male ladybug. ANNNDDDDD .... he will have you know that "many ladybugs are boys", by the way.
He chose this costume at a discount store while we were shopping for shoes last month. Good price. AND, he can work that stuff! We're gonna grab him some little combat boots and fishnet hose ... He will be a TRUE punk-rocker. He chose this one his own?!!!
My kid is brilliant.
Just saying ...
xoxo,
Anna

Way to GO!!!! The New Normal ROCKED IT!!!!!

Just received this fabulous message from my peeps at Coyote Rep!

"Hello friends,
Thank you so much for your attendance and support of "The New Normal"! Thanks to you, "The New Normal" was by far the most successful show in the history of Coyote REP!
As you heard at the show, we are registered with the NY Innovative Theatre Awards. While some of the nominations are a result of judges, a large percentage is based off of audience support, so please take a few moments and vote for "The New Normal!"
http://www.nyitawards.com/vote/
Thanks again for your continue support!
The Coyote REP family!"


I cannot believe how amazing the show was and how successful it has become.
This has been one of the HUGEST honors of my existence. Congrats to all at Coyote Rep. Amazing.
xoxo
Anna

"Akima" pics ...

Well, "most" folks refer to the city as "Yakima". However, Silas has his own pronunciation of it. "Akima" has a great ring to it.
Whilst I was in NYC, my Mosey was partying with Grammie and Grandaddy in Yakima. He had the time of his life. Pizza parties at Grandaddy's office, helping Grammie pick gourds out of the garden, playing with the puppies, and master-minding plans to move in with them ... I'm certain.
My in-laws have taken him twice this year. Both times being a full week. The child barely knew I was gone!
Darn you Grammie and Grandaddy ... and, THANK YOU!!!!! He had the most wonderful time.
We love you with all of our hearts ...
xoxo,
Anna & Silas

Tomorrow ...

Cheryl Sheburne will be celebrated.
Following is the link to her obituary. Another beautiful soul has left us too, too soon.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/obituary.aspx?n=cheryl-anne-sherburne-sommer&pid=146007719


Godspeed, dear friend.
xoxo
Anna

Meet Angela King of Fox Q13, Seattle ...

This woman is a force of nature. Angela has followed the stories of all of us YSC girls for years. Her first meeting with us was at Gasworks Park, here in Seattle, two years ago. Today, several of the original gals got together to meet up with Angela, as per her request, to do a little follow-up on her (nearly) Emmy nominated piece from those 2 years ago. It was quite surreal ... the "reunion."
It was fabulous to see Angela's sweet face and to have her sidled up on the floor with us at Gilda's Club talking about what has transpired these past few years.
We had some hard moments, as one of our former "cast members" wasn't there. Our K-Dawg is gone. That was hard.
But, we made sure to share her story ... including the joys and heartbreaks.
We've all grown in so many ways. We've all had so many phenomenal moments. So many moments that we hold dear. However, we've all, also, had so many moments that have brought us to our knees in despair. We're blessed to have such a great group of women with which to share those highs and lows.
I cannot thank Miss Angela King enough for spending so much time and heart and soul for covering our stories and lives. She has followed us down this path.
Angela is an amazing woman. An amazing journalist. An amazing advocate. And ... she's an honorary YSC girl!
Honestly, at this point, she's not "following" us down the "path". To me, she's walking it with us ...side by side.
Thank you, sweet girl.
xoxo
Anna
p.s. I highjacked this photo from the Q13 Website ... please don't sue me!

And ... more ... pics...

They just keep getting better and better!!!!!
xoxo
Anna

NYC pics ...

Back from NYC with the most amazing memories ...

alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529519675441898562" />
Dear Lord, where to begin????
I believe our trip to NYC may have very well been on my top 5 of my entire life. To start off ... these photos are from The Hotel Chelsea, where we stayed during our visit. It is, hands down, one of the most amazing and quirky hotels EVER! I was well aware of its history: Sid killing Nancy there, Andy W. spending so much time there, and so many artists that used it as a refuged. Some still do. So, there are still residents mingling along-side of us tourist types.
So, the pics that I've shared, thus far, are of some of the gorgeous artwork that splashes every wall and hallway on EVERY floor of the building. A pic of our K-Dawg is hiding behind a particularly interesting piece of artwork there.
The family and friends arrived with a bang and we had THE MOST FUN AND HYSTERICAL TIME. It was a one for The Bucket List, I can assure you.
The New Normal proved to be one of The most fabulous/funny/tear-jerking/real/well written shows that I've seen in my 36 years. It was phenomenal. The audience ate it up. The cast was brilliant. The crew, likewise. Isaac and Donnetta have done such an amazing job getting this show up. I'm honored, beyond words and heart, to be a part of this amazing piece.
We were able to hang out with quite a few of the YSC gals, as some live in NYC and some were there to be a part of the opening of the SCAR PROJECT. So, E-Beth and I took it in on Friday ... we spent the evening with some of our sweet gals that posed, as they went to the play with us.
So, so much more to write. I await pics from friends and family. I'll highjack those and put them up on the blog and get into specifics about this most beautiful trip.
Until then ...
xoxo
Anna

Sweet Cheryl ... our latest angel...

It's with heavy heart that I share with you that my dear "Chemo Buddy" from Dr. Fer's office passed away Saturday evening at 7:00pm.
Cheryl had been battling cancer for 10 years and raising 2 boys all the while. The boys are, now, teenagers. I'm so glad that she had the time to spend with them. I an LIVID that she didn't have more time to make more memories.
Cheryl was one of those rare women that laughed as loud as me. It's a feat unto itself. We would buckle into our Lazy Boys and spend several hours in stitches. She was an inspiration to me when I was clueless and afraid. Always there to give hugs and advise, as she'd been through IT ALL.
Recently, Cheryl made the choice to stop treatment as her body could take no more. She was placed at Bailley Bouchey, a wonderful hospice on Capital Hill.
I spent the night with her this past Thursday night. Wanted her to have someone close. The head nurse that she hadn't seen her that calm in weeks. So, I imagine, she had been feeling lonely at night. And who wouldn't.
It was a bitter-sweet visit. I knew that was probably the last time I'd see her. That just broke me up in side. Thinking about those two beautiful boys losing their Mama. Too, too much.
But, her legacy is that SHE RAISED THOSE TWO AMAZING BOYS. She was such a kind soul and loving mother. She will live on through them both.
Sweet, sweet dreams my dear friend. Hold the fort down until I make my way there. OH ... and stay away from Allen or you'll both get kicked out for riling things up!
Love you.
xoxo
Anna

Today marks Cancerversary #4 ... and counting!!!!

Yes, indeed, people. Today marks my 4-year Cancerversary!!!!! The bone scan that I had on Monday showed that I had no notable metastasis to the bones and that they are holding up pretty darned well ... considering my menopausal "state."
What a long four years. And, what an AMAZING four years. My life's experience in these past years has been something that I, certainly, never expected. I had no clue, even shortly after diagnosis, that I'd have met so many amazing people. Not only that, but, have welcomed them into my heart's-fold.
It's amazing to me that I can sit here and chat (type) about the experience through which I've gone. I'm a lucky lady to be able to do so. Many young women have lost that opportunity to cancer. And, for that, I still harbor much anger. As much as I've filed that into the "useless" category of my mind's "to do" list, it doesn't seem to find its way there. And, I know that's on ME.
However, I'm trying to look at this process in a more positive manner. NO ... that does not mean that I won't continue to curse it, hate it, and want to scalp those that take advantage of generous folks during "Breast Cancer Awareness Month."
But, I'm continuing to try to reach out to new survivors and give them a "high five" and a "Guess what??? You're getting new tits ... and you're not gonna have to pay for them!" pep talk. Not that that's the point. But, humor is divine to me. I don't believe boobs are really even relevant, other than their intended function. But, making light of the situation sometimes makes the journey a bit better to navigate.
So, tonight, I thank every single person in my world that has helped my family, friends, and myself in this journey.
Here's to 400 more cancerversaries ... for all of us!!!!
And .... I'd like to give a HUGE shout-out to my sister Sarah T. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA ST!!!!!! I love you ... and your sweet knee caps!
xoxo
Coochie

Right and Wrong ...

I have a dear pal from college who posted on his Facebook page about his political views. Of course, that can get heated at times. Alas, the feedback from one individual was pretty strong ... and, of course, countered his philosophy. The strange thing ... the woman was so very vehement and judgmental that I popped into the conversation. She said that people that are gay are "sick in the head." Well, I can assure you that those gay friends/family/clients/neighbors of mine are less "sick in the head" than some 60 year old woman that professes herself a "Christian." By saying that it is "not natural" and that they are "sick in the head" made me want to jump through my fucking computer screen and ....
I posted back on the facebook page that if she was such a fabulous "Christian", I hope that she never slept in the same bed/house with her husband when she was menstruating. I, also, noted that she would be a "bad" Christian if she didn't wash the feet of every guest that came into her home. The Bible says so...
Low and behold, the conversation got more heated between my pal and this woman. And, suddenly, the last post my pal wrote referred to her as "Mom."
OH, HOLY FUCKING CRAB CAKES WITH A SIDE OF SLAW!!!!!!!!!!
I did respond to her. Stood my ground. At that point, I wasn't snarky , as her son jacked her ass up higher than a damned telephone pole prior to my post (that's my dad's line, by the way). He did this after, yet, another horrible post ... to her OWN SON. It was bizarre.
Seriously woman? You are telling the rest of us what is "natural?" That my beloved friends are "sick in the head?" Well, you know what? Those "sick in the head" people have been carrying my son and myself through a hard transition. My son has had so, so much support and love from those crazy bastards. It might be best if I make straight jackets this Christmas for all of my gay friends that are holding down great jobs, and own homes, and love life, and support their friends, and go to church, and are loyal to their partners
Apparently, they are Satan's spawn.
If that's the case, I DON'T want to know what I may be...
xoxo
Anna

Most fabulous birthday card EVER!!!!

Just received a belated birthday card from my sweet brother. I should add that I opened it in the yard, read it, began to ball, and then noticed that Tootsie was humping Otis as I sat there in tears. My poor, poor neighbors must think that we run a "Mad House." But, I could care less.
The picture on the card is of a young girl in a white dress spinning in circles. The front of the card is read "Remember when you were a kid ... and wanted to grow up and become something special?"
The inside reads: "You did!!!!!"
The personal message he wrote me will not be shared here, as it's ours ... and ours alone.
But, it was such an amazing gift to have those words sent to me from afar. His love and support, especially this past year or so, has been phenomenal. Of course, that goes for all of my family and friends.
Thank you Joshy.
I love and cherish you more than you'll EVER know.
xoxo,
Anna

12 Days and counting ...

Anddddd .... it's upon us. NYC baby!!! E-Beth and I will be "setting sail" on the 14th. This trip is going to be "off the hook" as the kids say. We'll be having a date night the evening we arrive in NYC ... at Sardi's. A nice, quiet, dinner with just the two of us reflecting and such. E-Beth has never been there. I had the honor of being hosted there by a playwright professor of mine in '97 when I was a Senior in college. It's such a fabulous and historical restaurant. So, we will toast NYC and our adventures that evening.
Friday night, we'll be attending "The New Normal." From what I've gleaned, the show has started to sell out. So, it'll be interesting to see that energy. This show sounds amazing.
My family and friends (13 or so) from South Carolina arrive on Friday. We've all ended up at The Chelsea. Again, that hotel will NEVER be the same.
I've planned on attending the show, again, on Saturday.
It's still so, so surreal to me ... this experience. It's one of those "once in a lifetime" deals.
I cannot tell you how much my friends mean to me ... these women (My Hoodies) that are sending me to New York. I cannot tell you how much my family and friends from SC mean to me, as well. Those "13 or so" have all bought plane fare, hotel rooms, are missing work at various elementary schools and hospitals in the greater Charleston and York areas.
I'm so BLESSED and THANKFUL to share this moment with them.
Don't know what I did to deserve this ... But, I'm so thankful for those in my life that have made this "sinking ship" rise up, once again. It's pretty, damned, dreamy!!!!!!!
Baby steps.
xoxo,
Anna
p.s. ANDDDD ... none of this would have come to fruition had Donnetta not taken on this MEATY BEAST! For that: I owe you "one" sister.