Celebrations now and to come

Momma went for her 3 month check up at the oncologist yesterday. Life is a 3 month cycle for her now. The first 2 months are fairly worry free, and then it is time to go back for blood work and scans. And possibly she feels some twinges in her abdomen. Or her energy level is waning. Or she just feels off.

The week or two leading up to that oncologist visit are not fun. We just want to go ahead and get answers. What is her ca125? What do her scans look like? But she has to wait for that appointment, which is typically about 10 days to 2 weeks after all the lab work.

Seeing as how my brother answered his phone yesterday by skipping the traditional "hello" and just telling me that they were in Shoney's listening to the love song of me and my high school boyfriend ("The Flame" by Cheap Trick, of course), I figured there was probably good news.

Her ca125 is 15. Her scans are clear as a bell. They were celebrating at the best restaurant they could in that tiny town.

Hang in there, Whymommy. These are the visits you have to look forward to. Good news followed by hot fudge brownie sundaes.

Inn on Main

I am grateful for time spent with my husband.

The mountains are where we can reconnect. Our first trip together was to Asheville, we were married in Montreat. We honeymooned in Weaverville.

This weekend, we are back in Weaverville at the Inn on Main. There will be guitar shopping and massages. Dinner out at the Sunny Side Cafe. Walking. Sitting. Talking.

Reconnect.

I am grateful that I have a person I want to be connected to.

Lovely Baking

Tonight, I am grateful for baking with my stepdaughter. She often comes in the kitchen, hovering over what I might be making.

I never know whether to ask for help, so that she might learn, or to let her just watch. Tonight, I put her to work.


Easy Berry Cobbler

Melt one stick of butter in an 8x8 pan. The oven should be preheating to 350. Stir together 1 cup each of Bisquick, sugar, and milk. Pour mixture over melted butter. Spread 1 quart of fruit (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cut up strawberries, peaches, or plums) over mixture. Bake for 35-45 minutes.


My stepdaughter, who is 11, did this recipe mostly by herself. I helped with the melting of the butter in the oven, and handled anything hot. Other than that though, she made the cobbler.

After we ate the entire thing, she said, "I didn't think it would be good. I don't know how to bake."

A clean pan and her daddy letting loose a highly inappropriate, yet admiring, belch, let her know that in fact, she is a very good baker.

I'm grateful for affirmations of self esteem. I'm grateful for moments in the kitchen that bring me and Lovely closer together.

Sweet Tooth

I am giving thanks tonight for Ben & Jerry's Creme Brulee ice cream. If anyone else has a flavor worthy of gratitude, me and my tastebuds would love to hear about it.

Perspective

I am grateful for being comforted by other people's words and photos. That is one of the best things about blogging.

Today, I'm thankful for Bon.

Simple Things

Today I am grateful for some really simple things.

• An arugula salad with local goat cheese, grilled chicken, and strawberries.
• A former student who has returned to my studio. She still trusts me and I am so glad.
• No need for slippers tonight because my little Pupstar is being the perfect foot warmer.
• New sheets that aren't cotton sateen.

I am also grateful that several talented writers and inspiring women are signing up as contributors. I'll make a roll call soon. Thank you for embracing the idea.