Ah, Joseph Arthur ... What's up?????

Once upon a time, this song was a favorite of mine. It's beautiful. I had received a gorgeous "mixed CD" from a very special person in my life ... and this song was on it.
After seeing this performance ... of said gorgeous song ... I'm a bit sad.
Does he even know where he is????
It's a bit uncomfortable.
What happened to him?
Creative people face many beasts. I've been there ... as have many of pals.
I just don't recognize this version of that song that I fell in love with those many, many moons ago.
Thankfully, I still have the old CD of the original.
I think that that might be the key: The Original.
Food for thought.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d8SNwEBrs8

xoxo
Anna

Ding Dong ... UPS showed up today...

... and the snow was driving at the time. I was mopping our wood floors. Silas wanted to open the package that was addressed to me. I wasn't expecting anything. So, I figured it was some sort of gimmick. I told him he could have it......
Then, out of the corner of my eye, I see him pull out a sweet little blue box with a precious white ribbon wrapped around it.
Now, as most of you know, I'm not the little lady that hankers for the "Blue Box." But, I do know what it is.
I walked over and saw "Tiffany" on the box. At this point, I took the box from Silas as he was looking for the scissors and I knew what might happen after that.
I opened the box and saw this ... this card: "Dearest Anna ... Remembering THE NEW NORMAL ... Celebrating you. Love and blessings ... Jack."
Jack Sharkey has been a HUGE supporter of The New Normal. He's been the biggest cheerleader for the cast, crew, and audience. He's one of the sweetest souls I've ever known. As many of you might recall, his mother lost her battle with breast cancer many years ago.
Jack sent me the most gorgeous bracelet! Funny thing: He chose it because the gemstone is pink. However, he had no clue my birthstone was a sapphire. The gemstone in the bracelet is a pink sapphire.
It's dreamy ... ABSOLUTELY REFLECTIVE OF HIS KIND SOUL.
Thank you Jack. It's beautiful.
Silas, actually, helped me put it on for the first time.
As per usual, I'm not AT ALL deserving of such an amazing gift. But, I will cherish it. It will, forever, remind me that not all of my angels are in the Heavens. Many are right here on Earth.
I see it, daily ... I'm a lucky girl.
xoxo,
Anna

Mika ... revisited ...

This song is trapped in my head today. Don't know why????

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsO-V6bqiDE

xoxo,
Anna

New Cave Singers album out ...

Get thee to your local record store and buy their newest album, "No Witch."
You won't be disappointed!
xoxo
Anna

This same time in April ...

The reality will truly set in: I will no longer be able to PHYSICALLY have another baby. I've weighed my options and consulted with 2 amazing Gynecologists. Due to the increasing cancer diagnoses in my family, it's become pretty apparent that we have a gene that makes us pre-disposed to get female/male cancers. Ovarian cancer is highly linked to breast cancer if there is a gene in the family. Thus, I've chosen to "yank the plumbing" for preventative purposes. Both OBs agreed that taking only the ovaries might lead to future complications. So, I'm opting to be VERY aggressive and remove not only the ovaries, but also my uterus.
Ahhhhhh, that uterus. That little thing grew to carry and protect my baby boy for, nearly, 10 months. Thanks for the help, sister. But, you gotta GOOOOO ...
I'm just fine with my choice. It's been a long time coming. As much as it hurts my heart that I wasn't the one to make the choice of not baring another baby ... Cancer, that bitch, chose ... I am so, so blessed that the beautiful gift I have is here with me. MY AMAZING SON.
Soooooo ...
I have surgery at Swedish First Hill on April 13th. I'll be in the hospital for 3 days or so. After that, I'll be staying at one of my BFF's houses awaiting the ARRIVAL OF NONNIE!!!!! That's right. My Mama will be heading to Seattle help out with Silas and myself for a week or so. We'll settle back into my house and convalesce, catch up, and heal.
I look forward to ending this long string of surgeries and moving farther and farther from invasive reminders of my disease. But, I'm not afraid of any of them. At least I'm alive to be able to Cock Block that Bitch, Cancer, at EVERY corner.
Suck it!
xoxo
Anna

Happy Valentines Day, Sweet Mosey!!!!!

This is, and forever will be, my most fabulous Valentine! He's a bold little pooter with a kind, kind heart. He's smart as a whip and the funniest person I know. He's so, very, passionate about everything he does. His mind is ALWAYS on others and their well being. He's an old soul due to how much he's gone through in his, nearly, five years. But, boy, does he wear it well. In adjustment and in spirit ... and his sweet, sweet smile.
I love you more than you will EVER imagine, my Sweetest Boy ... positive infinity.
xoxo,
Mama

Happy Birthday Sweet Matt ...

The following is the link to my pal Judy's blog. She is, also, a fellow young survivor here in Seattle. The story is amazing and so, so touching. Do take the time to read Matt's story.

http://networkedblogs.com/edHJn

xoxo,
Anna

My Sweet Boy is Illin' ...

Little Mosey is a sick, sick boy. He's spewing snot ... fevering ... and, still, has the capacity to be the sweetest little man.
Every single time this little guy is sick, he breaks my heart with his stoicism. He is so strong and happy.
I told him tonight, when I was tucking him into bed, that I was so sorry he was sick.
He said to me "Mama, it's not your fault that I'm sick" ... as he gave me a big bear hug.
Dear Lord ... humbling, to say the least.
xoxo
Anna

Lost and found department ... how may I help you???

This is my sweet pal/co-worker Zoloooooooo. Bless her heart ... her jacket went missing yesterday. I've NOOOOOO idea how that might have happened. Some asshole probably stole it.
However, Anna ... ever the MOST STELLAR OF SUPER-SLUTHS ... "found" her buddy's jacket and it is waiting for a lovely reunion with its Mama. It may smell of lavender and remorse. But, it is safe and sound.
Not quite sure what that jacket went through. But, I imagine a therapist is in order....
xoxo
Anna

My Sweet Friend Abby ...

... is having a fabulous slumber party tonight. She and her girlies are celebrating her birthday.
They're painting nails, eating fabulous food, and watching movies.
Papa is chaperoning and holding the fort down ... AND, I know her Mama is there, in sweet spirit ... and so, very, proud of her Mini-Me.
xoxo
Anna

LONGGGGG .... week

It's weeks like this that tend to drive my ass absolutely nuts. Go, go, go ... work, work, work ... stress, stress, stress, head down, head down, head down...
I struggle on many different levels these days. Try quite hard to get all my ducks in a row ... daily.
But, honestly, I don't feel that I do my best. I'm not looking at the "Big Picture." I've lost track of that.
These two women remind me ... in moments like this ... that it CAN be done. And, that I'm blessed enough to be here to make it happen.
I WILL continue to work harder. I'm the lucky one to be able to make that choice for myself and my child.
And, quite frankly, today I have been blessed with insight into that and prospects that will help both my son and myself in that.
Thank you girls for being my sweet angels and touchstones ... and keeping my feet on the ground, though you're both in The Heavens.
Miss you both, infinitely ... and love you even more.
xoxo
Cooch