My idea of a perfect afternoon is a cup of tea and the March issue of Vogue. March is my favorite issue because it is the spring fashion issue. Now that we live full-time in California, I am partial to spring collections. Plus, spring clothes feel happier and more feminine. And at the very least, less cumbersome.
Well, imagine my delight when exiting the plane today to find that someone left as in abandoned this very issue on the chair?!? Ohhhhhh, I did I ever squeal! An extra squeal came when I saw that Adele is on the cover. Double whammy Silver Lining!
Did you SEE her on the Grammy’s? Speaking of Silver Linings. Can you believe how many SL’s she’s had over the past year? I can’t stand how adorable AND talented she is. Beyond belief. Sweetly Six also loves her. So much so, in fact, that last week at a restaurant, she said, “Mommy! Mommy! Listen. It’s Adele.” Rock on, baby girl.
Hollye,
I very much appreciate your site, your journey and all the wonderful work you do for others. However, I generally find myself depressed more when I leave your sites on fashion and travels . So many, many women are not able to live the life you live. Don't get me wrong. I am very happy for you and you are a very beautiful person…..I am certain with a huge heart for others…The issue is with me.
I am turning 65 soon and very youthful thinking and being . After nine years of college as a single mother of three children, at times working 2 jobs, I received my Masters Degree in 1999. I then worked in a private practice serving veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder until 2004, when Congress and George Bush drastically cut veteran funding for mental health. I lost my job… as did many others.
I was subsequently rear ended by a car going 55 MPH on the freeway and struggled for 3 years with surgery on my arm and extensive soft tissue damage in neck and upper back. I was not able to work to make a good living then. I was released from treatment and just feeling good about getting my energy back. THEN, I was diagnosed in April of 2010 with stage 3 C breast cancer…. 22 lymph nodes involved. Went thru very hard third generation chemotherapy, and then 33 rounds of radiation. Now on Estrogen blocker. I am doing well now. I was unable to work while in treatment as I was so ill. This has left me living on my Social security of $914 per month, with no other money.
I am taking care of myself and very happy to spend healing time with my 3 adult children and 7 grandchildren. My loss ( I had to put my 19 year old loving cat to sleep on the day of my second chemo, 2 grandchildren born that I could not see while in treatment due to low cell count, etc , 2 very dear elders that I loved very much died too, had to move out and lost my home while in radiation treatment and lost my job due to being so ill) was so many and hit every part of my life. My grief so profound that for the first time in my life, I am now fighting depression and anxiety ( I used to treat others for this and now truly understand what they did deal with).
I am so happy for you but find, sadly, that your site depresses me more now. I am close to now being homeless, if not for a dear male friend of 21 years who took me in and I feel so fortunate for this. I have much to be thankful for and am blessed in many ways. I guess i just needed to say, I am a bit envious of you.
Blessings, love and light to you,
Cathy
Dear Cathy,
Thank you so much for your note. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. I would never, in a million years, mean to offend anyone – ever. I apologize profusely if I have done so with you. I'm so sorry to hear that things are so incredibly challenging for you now. I can only imagine the grief that you are feeling. Please know that I am sending light and positive energy to you with high hopes that you will be able to find some Silver Linings. Please accept my most sincere apology for hurting your feelings in any way.
All my very best,
Hollye
Dear Hollye,
Congratulations! YOU made it thru……….I am so happy for you. You were in my thoughts and prayers on the day you went for surgery.
I have many, many silver linings. I am tearfully grateful every single day for being alive. I did not write about them in my letter above. The nurse, when I went into surgery to have my mastectomy, said she saw angels all around me! I have a powerful story.
I have asked to share my story, with WWIN ( Washingnton Women in Need). They paid my health insurance for a whole year while in treatment, as well as a grant for co pays. You may even look them up on the net. I do not know what I would have done without them, a silver lining, indeed! One of the things I shared with WWIN was that my dream is to find a way to bring beauty to women in treatment that cannot afford the simple things in life. My dear friend planted pots of flowers outside my patio and a chipmunk came up and sat on them every day and looked in at me as if he knew I needed to be cheered up! I could not watch television due to the movement, so I listened to classical and peaceful music for hours. I would like to be able to purchase I Pods or Cd players for some ladies that have a similar problem. It goes on and on……….
I simply wrote to say that I cannot imagine how it must be to live the way you do. You have done nothing to offend me. It IS my issue. I just am amazed at how beautiful your life is. What opportunities you have, and the places you are able to travel are amazing to me.
Thanks for sharing the movie choices. My reality, as well as so many other women is so different from yours…….
Kindly,
Cathy
Dear Cathy,
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful note. I am deeply appreciative. Though our lives may be different, we share one really BIG thing in common: pain and survival. These are two incredibly binding and powerful circumstances! I continue to send all of my very best wishes to you!
Hollye