Art doesn't fall far from the tree

My mom taught her well.  My sister is showing her works on Poppytalk Hand Made, as well as on her blog.  I always enjoy her work.  It makes me smile and brings me joy.

Those of us with chronic illnesses, no matter the name of it, deal with many of the same issues. Pain, disruption of life, lingering thoughts about how we have used our time up until now.  "Could I have done better?"  "If only I would have done this or not done that."  We have no answers, only God knows these things.

What I do know is that we need art and music and play and laughter to be part of our lives, in a big way.  It's healing to see beautiful art.  We go to distant lands or other places and either imagine wonderful things or remember experiences that made an impact.  Granted, we may not always feel "good" but art is about truth.  Truth is cleansing, and cleansing brings about peace with our selves, which can bring about peace with others.

I love you sis!  Good work!

Poppytalk: Affordable Art: weathered silo: One of our participants this month at Poppytalk Handmade is Mandy of weathered silo . As we feature affordable art this coming week, I'm ...

A song for mom. "Strong Like You", by Kathie Lee Gifford and David Friedman

http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/47372225#47372225

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My mom and I had the most amazing experience on the Today Show.

She is such an inspiration to me.  I know she can be an inspiration to others.  We all have our challenges.

Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb are so incredibly sweet, so thoughtful, so kind, so sincerely interested.  What an honor for mom and I to have had this chance. I watch the show all the time, it always makes me smile.  Being on the set gave me a permanent smile.  Love and hugs to Kathie Lee and Hoda, I sincerely care about you.  My mom told me she really felt that your sweetness, care and love.  I wish my mom was writing this in her words, but you know what I mean.

All the people on the set, hair, makeup were so courteous and happy and you can tell that the people at NBC love what they do. Bobby, thanks for the joy and for doing my hair.

On the set, you can feel the positive energy in the air.  You need something, all you have to do is ask.

For my essay to have been selected from the hundreds or however many are submitted is just a miracle.  Kathie Lee was so genuine in providing prayers to us and I could feel her spirit.  I just can't believe I was in Hoda and Kathie's presence, wow.

I wish I could write out all the laughter and joy that my mom is feeling right now.  The trip was a real challenge, because we both have some limitations and mom just pushed through everything like the trooper that she is.  I love the look on my mom's face right now, she is BEAMING!

Thank you Kathie Lee and David Friedman for creating such an incredibly beautiful and inspiring musical piece for my mom. WOW, that is truly amazing.  I posted on my FB page that I am truly humbled.  I feel like God has lifted us with this truly beautiful gift.  Chandra Lee Schwartz, your voice is so beautiful. Davy Wild, thank you for your keyboard talent.

Katherine Cook, you are incredible, thank you so much.  You are so responsive and talented, please give everyone a huge hug from me and mom.  Superhug to you!

I hope to find my cell phone because it has all our precious photos from the trip.  I was crying my eyes out on the way home.  I lost it somewhere between the security checkpoint and the gate at JFK.  I wish I had worn a camcorder on my head the whole time.  New York City is just indescribable, and we were overwhelmed.  I mean, what can I say.  You have to be there I guess to understand.  It's huge.....you almost fall over backwards looking up to the top of the skyline.

To my sister and aunt who helped with getting the photos and helping get us ready to go, a major huge hug and love to you.........what a whirlwind.

I pray I did not forget anyone.  There is so much more to tell..

This was a once in a life-time opportunity.   I love you mom!

Denise

Mom and I will be on KLG and Hoda this Thursday

I am extremely proud of my mom and can't wait to see the glow on her face when she gets a chance to share her life with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb.  I had written into the show about how inspiring my mom was to me in helping me cope with ovarian cancer and how much strength she demonstrates in her constant battle with Type I diabetes.  It is a miracle that she is not on dialysis at this time, and her having her heart attack on Valentine's Day may have played  a role in her healing, of all things.  I call it a miracle.

I had asked God for just a little more freedom for her, and here we are.  You will get to know her as a person, a real human being, and know why I love mom so much.

I am so so so so so so so so so so so so so happy that my essay has touched my favorite producer in the whole world.  I'll call her "K" for now.  She has been so generous and I can't wait to meet her and Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb, and Sara Haines and the rest of the Today family.

I owe a million thanks also to my sister Mandy, brother Arnie, aunt "D" for really digging in and physically helping me through my transition from California to Seattle.  My sister especially, because she had sacrificed so much precious time with her young children and husband, and their lives are so busy.

Caregivers are so important, whether they are literally caring for you or being that angel in waiting, as a shoulder to cry on.  I love my entire family so much, I just can't say it loud enough.

I know that most of all, we are so proud of mom.  Mom I love you with all my heart and want to thank you for all that you have given me.

I can't wait to write about our experience.

Peace, Love and Blessings to you all.

Denise