Random Thoughts & Ideas

[Lesley]

Hi Ladies, Well I've just finished Bad Luck Wedding Dress. Although I liked it I have to say that it's not one of my favourite Emily books. I much prefer the Eternity Springs Series. Has anyone else had time to read it yet?

[Linda]

Lesley wrote: "Hi Ladies, Well I've just finished Bad Luck Wedding Dress. Although I liked it I have to say that it's not one of my favourite Emily books. I much prefer the Eternity Springs Series. Has anyone els..."

Hi Lesley.
No I have not had a chance to read it. What with Christmas, and our inventory at wark, I haven't had much time to read. I sit down and then feel guilty and get up because there is so much to do around the house, lol, I'm my own worst enemy.
Hope things are going well for you and your family.
We are doing well. I am off today and hope to get some laundry done and catch up on a few other things around the house.
Hope your day is filled with many blessings.
Love,Linda

[[deleted user]]

Hello everybody! I have to say that 2017 is off to an interesting start...first snowed in two extra days by a blizzard, then home to unprecedented flooding. They closed the highway that connects us to town; it was completely submerged by the Russian River. It took us 2.5 hours to take the long loop to south Hwy 101 and back up to the Safeway for groceries. I've never seen so much water, especially since we've been in a drought for 10 years!

I haven't read BLWD yet, but I'll be doing that this weekend. I read paperbacks on the plane home. It took us until 4:30 Tuesday morning to get here from SFO after barely making our connections. I'm looking forward to some quiet time to catch up after tackling a backlog of clinic work yesterday from home. Today is another work day, tomorrow is a writing day.

Still, in spite of all the crazy, it was worth it to see our wonderful family & friends. And the snow was an unusual treat. Frankly, I would have abandoned everything to stay there permanently. But I will have to settle for another trip later this year.

I'll be checking in later. Stay warm, dry, safe & healthy.
P

[Linda]

Hello Ladies,
I need to share the events of the past two days and I feel you are my safe place to so.
On Friday morning I went to work as usual. I was ringing up a customer when I noticed a transient man digging through the trash can outside the door. I walked over to the doors which open automatically and told him he needed to stop and leave the area. He started yelling and swearing at me. I told him to leave again and he started coming at me lunging with his arm cocked back in a fist and acting as if he would hit me. I got away form the doors and back behind the counters. My boss came up and watched as he walked away across the parking lot. I was shook up but managed to finish out my day. When I left work to get the bus home I found myself anxious but not overly so. When I got up yesterday morning to go to work I felt a bit down. As the time got closer to go to work the feeling grew more intense. I dropped Dave off at work and went to lunch. The sadness was there but not overwhelming. The closer I got to work the more intense the feelings became. I clocked in and began my day. My anxiety began to grow to the point I started shaking and then the tears came. I called for a relief cashier and took my supervisor to the back room to tell her I could not continue on and the tears came so intensely that I could not stop. The overwhelming sense of
fear for my safety came over me that I had no control of. I texted my husband and he came right away. My son showed up before he got there and helped me some. I wound up in the ER for about 2 hours. It was a delayed reaction to the incident of the day before. I have never experienced anything like this before. They gave me a shot of Ativan , I talked to a social worker, and then they sent me home with a prescription for the Ativan. I am off work until Thursday and they want me to see a councilor.
Dave got me some dinner and took me home. I went to bed and did' t wake up until 9am.. I'm still a little groggy but otherwise ok.
I have never been threatened before in my life. I guess my mind just couldn't process it.
Have any of you ever experienced this type of reaction? I just feel numb.

[[deleted user]]

Oh, Linda, I'm sure that was terrifying. I had a similar reaction after a serious car accident. All of us had minor injuries, but we were a fraction of a second of being burned alive. At first I was okay..,thankful and relieved...but then I started having flashbacks every time we got on the highway. It took a little bit of counseling and medication at first, but most of all it took time. It will make you feel more in control to have a plan for how you will handle a similar situation if it happens again, like calling your supervisor to intervene, or to call the police to handle it. Be aware of your surroundings, and get some pepper spray or a loud whistle. Tell yourself you're not powerless, because you're not. Take care of yourself and do something that relaxes you this weekend.

[Lesley]

Linda wrote: "Hello Ladies,
I need to share the events of the past two days and I feel you are my safe place to so.
On Friday morning I went to work as usual. I was ringing up a customer when I noticed a transi..."

Sorry to hear that you are going through this type of reaction but you will get through with time & help as you are a stromg lady. Luv & hugs x

[Melinda]

Linda,
Hope you are doing better. Know you are in my prayers.

[Jina]

Linda wrote: "Hello Ladies,
I need to share the events of the past two days and I feel you are my safe place to so.
On Friday morning I went to work as usual. I was ringing up a customer when I noticed a transi..."

Dear Linds,
I am so sorry you had to go through that. It sounds like you had a panic attack. You might be suffering from situational PTSD. I had that after Heathers heart attack/my doing CPR, and seeing my girl get shocked by the AED 4 times to bring her back. Most of the time in the first few days I couldn't sleep, I watched the monitors, stared at them if I am really honest about it and when an alarm went off I ran to the hall for a nurse. When I did sleep I had nightmares, but worse was when I closed my eyes I seen my daughter getting her clothes cut off and her body jerking from the shock. I wouldn't be surprised if you need to see a counselor. She might say its situational anxiety. My counselor assigned to me by my doctor prescribed xanax and wellbutrin. That helped immensely. Then after 3 months of that they weined me off that and prescribed Ambien CR. I took that for a year. Meanwhile when I got overwhelmed I would talk to the hospitals chaplain or the counselor assigned to our family at the hospital. It was great because if they took Heather down to xray cnn or something, I could go have a chat and I didnt have to leave the hospital. Take care and be kind to yourself. Another thing you can do for your own peace of mind is to take a defensive training class. It will empower you and give you the confidence in yourself that #1 you wont feel like a victim and #2 you will have the tools to protect yourself. Sorry I haven't messaged you before now. I meant to but kept getting side tracked. Heather is back in bed and resting comfortably as she can so I can catch up on messages and housework. I have been praying for you though and you and members of this group are always in my prayers.
We love you,
Jina and the girls

[Linda]

Jina wrote: "Linda wrote: "Hello Ladies,
I need to share the events of the past two days and I feel you are my safe place to so.
On Friday morning I went to work as usual. I was ringing up a customer when I no..."
Thank you Jina.
I am still shakey and I have emotional moments. When I think about it too much or repeat the story I start to shake and want to cry. I am afraid to go back to work. I can't see my doctor until monday and the ER doctor only gave me time off till thursday. I emailed my doctor to see if she will extend my time off until Monday so I can get through this without episode. I am not myself.. I have always been such a strong woman, this is really hard for me. Thank you for your prayers. I am praying for you as well.
Love Linda

[Jina]

Lesley wrote: "Hi Ladies, Well I've just finished Bad Luck Wedding Dress. Although I liked it I have to say that it's not one of my favourite Emily books. I much prefer the Eternity Springs Series. Has anyone els..."

Hi Lesley,
I finished it too. Its very different from Eternity Springs but I enjoyed it. The "Menaces" added a humorous element that was fun and reminded me of my 3 girls. Katie-Cat reminds me of Sarah Faith and her mischievous personality. The oldest Emma reminds me of my Sam, growing up too fast and at times having to fill a "mom" role when I was busy working or whatever Moms have to do. The oldest child is always running herd on the younger ones. I think its always been that way. I have guilt that because of my nasty divorce and our fleeing (with permission from the court) halfway across the country to try to keep the girls and I safe from the girls' biological father and his family, it made Sam grow up too fast. We lived in 3 different womens shelters along the way (guilt there too). But I relied on Sam at age 10 to help look after the two little ones who were 1 and 3 years old at the time. I had a rule when we left all of our family and belongings behind in Nebraska while we headed East, the rule was "Us girls stick together" They knew not to be out of my eyesight and I even went so far as to dye my hair bleach blonde to match my girls so if we got separated anyone could look at my toe headed girls and me and make the connection that they were mine. The middle child in the book reminds me of my Heather Brooke. Smart, quiet but also trying to stay near Mom and acting nearly like Sarah's twin. (Heather had developmental delays in speech, she made noises had very few words she said but she and Sarah had made their own language to understand each other. It involved short word noises and hand signals. I understood what they wete saying or wanting from being around them so much but my Mom when she would babysit, had no idea what they wanted. Heather had a heart murmur that we got checked out when we got here in NC. She had an Atrial Septal Defect its more commonly known as " hole in her heart". So they scheduled emergency heart surgery and the shelter flew my parents out to watch the other two kids so I could be at the hospital with Heather. Sufficient oxygenated blood wasnt getting to Heathers brain before her surgery. When she woke up from surgery she had pink cheeks! And could talk! She had a terrible lisp and speech impediment but she could run and talk and was a whole different little girl. Strong as an ox that one. The saying that you gotta watch out for the quiet ones holds true. She may be shy but she observes and sees everything. Putting it in some mental rolladex for later. So the girls in the book took me back to when they were younger and some of their hijinx. Time moves too fast. I wish I could go back and know what I know now. There are things I wouldve done differently but mostly, I wish I had read that "one more book please" when they asked or instead of picking up their toys as I went through the room, I should've got on the floor and played with them longer. (Forgive my rambling, Im sentimental this week since Heather turns 20 on Saturday. Not sure how many birthdays my girl is going to have, so we take care to make them special.
Heather is so swollen BUT the good news is, Heather is talking the clearest shes talked in 4 years and yesterday she didnt drool AT ALL!!! She even ate a whole popsicle to sooth her throat. I had mushed it up with a rolling pin into slush like consistency but she ate it all, swallowed everything. I was in happy tears and when her Dad came home and went to see her and she said" Hi Daddy Did you have a good day? " He was amazed andhugged her fiercely with tears in his eyes. When he got his composure he told her that she is really talking good even with chipmunk cheeks. That got a laugh out of her. We are hoping that when the dentists opened her mouth so wide maybe it put her jaw back where it belongs.
I know I am rambling (blaming it on 2 hours sleep since Sunday morning) so please forgive me. Please know I love all of you and appreciate your support and prayers and the laughs we have. I am going to get off here and get some work done then a much needed nap is on my schedule for this afternoon.
Love you,
Jina

[Lola]

Linda wrote: "Jina wrote: "Linda wrote: "Hello Ladies,
I need to share the events of the past two days and I feel you are my safe place to so.
On Friday morning I went to work as usual. I was ringing up a custo..."

Dear Linda,

As I was rereading the Daily Word I sent you this morning a thought came to me ,maybe this was the push you needed to find your new job. Just a thought. Love Lola

Dear Jina,
You just go ahead and ramble all you want ,rambling and Emily's books are why we are here ;D I am so happy Heather is doing so good. I have a problem with my jaw , one side is long than the other, when I was a kid they were going to operate . The Dentist pulled a lot of my back teeth and was setting up the operation. Then one night I over heard my parents talking , my Mom was crying ,they just didn't know where they were going to get the money for it (3,000.00) ,you have to remember this was over 50 years ago and that was a fortune for our family. I never told anyone I heard this ,so the next morning I threw a" fit" saying I didn't want the operation, I gave the excuse that the tooth pulling had made me so afraid of the Dentist I couldn't go thru with it. Now it is the thing I regret most because it is now causing problems . I may have to have a couple of implants to keep my mouth from shifting too much. Mine is no where near what Heather is going thru but we are kindred spirts ! Love Lola

[Lesley]

Jina, I agree with Lola, 'you ramble as much as you want'.
Lola sorry to hear about your jaw problem.
Love & hugs to all

[Linda]

Lola wrote: "Linda wrote: "Jina wrote: "Linda wrote: "Hello Ladies,
I need to share the events of the past two days and I feel you are my safe place to so.
On Friday morning I went to work as usual. I was ring..."

You know Lola,
I have been thinking along the same lines. My husband insisted on filing an L&I claim so I may get some time off to research and recover from this trauma. My mind is just a jumble. We need my salary to survive but I don't know how I can make myself go back there yet. I keep telling myself to buck up and get over it, but aparently I don't listen to myself very well because the feelings have not changed. I am numb and feeling depressed. This is so much NOT me. I see my doctor on Monday. Hopefully she can help me with a plan for treatment. I hate feeling this way.
I have had a problem with my jaw since I was a child. The dentist called it TMJ. It is not so bad now I have lost most of my back teeth so maybe that is why. It just pops sometimes and it doesn't lock up as much as it used to.
Thanks for your encouragement. I really appreciate all of you ladies more than you will ever know.
Love Linda

[Jina]

Linda wrote: "Lola wrote: "Linda wrote: "Jina wrote: "Linda wrote: "Hello Ladies,
I need to share the events of the past two days and I feel you are my safe place to so.
On Friday morning I went to work as usua..."

Dear Linda,
Have you tried putting an ice pack on your jaw? I had TMJ too and the orthdonists would spray this freezing cold spray right in front of my ear on both sides. Which kinda flash numbed it, then he had me yawn two or three times then waited a few minutes and repeated it again. I felt much better after that. Just something to try. You can also look up on pinterest for remedies. Hope this helps.
Love you,
Jina

[Jina]

Linda wrote: "Lola wrote: "Linda wrote: "Jina wrote: "Linda wrote: "Hello Ladies,
I need to share the events of the past two days and I feel you are my safe place to so.
On Friday morning I went to work as usua..."

Dear Linda,
I think I brought this up before but I will repeat it in case I didnt. Have you looked into Teletech. Its work from home. My best friend Angelia in Mississippi does it for the last couple years. She is doing rather well from home.
I was thinking about what Lola said a couple posts up. Maybe this is Gods way of pointing you in another direction. Mom always told me that God doesn't close a door without opening a window. Plus I have been thinking on this partly because I need an income to help with the bills. I have been saving some things from pinterest about work from home and side incomes etc... Do you mind if I send you emails of ones that might be promising. There was one yesterday from a company looking for proofreaders. I pinned it to my "book group" board if you want to take a look. Of course there is Avon and Mary Kay but a friend of mine named Dale (girl) makes an income working for Hallmark delivering cards etc to all the stores. She uses her own car of course but she also gets help with gas. You mentioned doing a blanket for Emilys grandbaby. I dont know how it is in your area but quilts and afghans sell for big bucks at the Sunday Flea Market here. You are smart, caring beautiful person and I think you have outgrown that job and its time to move on (maybe, I hope I am not sounding pushy because thats the last thing you need right now is to be pushed or pressured) I just love you and want you happy and I dont think you were even before the incident. Regardless what you do, be kind to yourself. Cut yourself a break and the answer will come. Maybe you could talk to your pastor. And remember we are here for you 24/7/365.
Hugs
Jina (your pushy sister who means well and loves you oodles)

[Melinda]

Linda,
We all need a place to ramble so just use us as a safe place to ramble.

[Jina]

Dear Group,
I have a question. Y'all know I love my books. But am I the only one that thinks some books shouldnt be written or published?? For instance, I was in the book store Barnes and noble and just browsing but I ran across a book on one of the tables on the middle isle that are "featured" books. The book, cant remember the name exactly but in it explains Americas secrets. For instance where the emergency bunkers are, where the president goes with the cabinet members in a threat. It had information on "America's bank" and so many things that the people who want to do us harm shouldnt know. There was one on ammunition and making bombs etc... That shouldnt be a book that is written or accessible to teenagers or anyone. I was so confused after looking at that table. How can a publishing company read these manuscripts and publish them? Dont they know that in the wrong hands its a recipe for disaster? I agree wholeheartedly with free speech and teaching people through the written word but to me there are somethings that shouldn't be dasily accessible.
What do yall think? Have you ever ran across a book that you thought shouldn't be published?
Jina

[[deleted user]]

That's an interesting and thought-provoking question, Jina. It's a slippery slope, too. I'm probably especially hyped about civil liberties at the moment, so I'm reluctant to put constraints on what gets published. I also believe that those determined to do us harm will find a way. But that being said, I find myself at a loss to understand what people are thinking when they promote violence, hatred, bigotry, or anarchy. Or when they leak information that could put our soldiers in harm's way. Print books are only the tip of the iceberg in this day and age. But these are discussions well worth having at such an unstable moment in out history.

[Jina]

Hi guys,
Here is a random thought... I was reading and in the book was quite a few characters and I was thinking to myself "How do authors choose the names of the people and places and keep them straight?" Then I thought of a character name that gave me a chuckle. I have no idea if anyone has ever used this name but what do you think of "Paige Turner" get it??? Lol or "Justin Thyme"? Do you guys know anymore of these type of names?
Hugs and chuckles,
Jina

[Linda]

I was just checking out Emily's website and discovered "A Stardance Summer" will be released on my 30th wedding anniversary. lol. How fun is that. I am really looking forward to reading it. I am missing Eternity Springs.

I am making some progress recovery wise. I went to the grocery store by myself yesterday. I could not stay long because I would start shaking and become anxious, but it is a start. I can't seem to shut my brain up. I wake up early and have to get up because my thoughts begin to focus on going back to work and then my imagination takes over and before I know it I am agitated and shaking. I know this will take time but I just want to be normal again. I don't want to take the medication for calming my nerves because I worry about dependency. I guess I should trust the doctors and comply with their directions. She said they are ok short term and she lowered the dosage so they don't make me feel stupid. I am still waiting to hear from the office about the referral to see a psychiatrist. Not thrilled about that one but I want to get my medication properly balanced so I can function on an even keel.

Ok, enough of my drama. I hope you all are doing well. I have been concerned about Paula with news of all the flooding going on in Northern California. Praying for the people of that area of the country.

I need to keep busy so my thoughts don't wander so I am sewing. Makes me concentrate on details.

Love and hugs to you all.
Linda

[Melinda]

Linda,
Every single step is important and you have to take tiny ones before you get to take big steps. What are you sewing? I needlepoint and make loop potholders. Know that you are in my prayers. It takes time and you are working on it so be gentle with your self.

[Melinda]

Paula,
How are you doing with the rain?

[Melinda]

Jina,
There are some books that should only be printed in limited copies for a certain audience or because of security. Mostly I know what I like to read but will try different subjects and authors just to see if it is different than I thought. I have wondered d how you choose a name for a character but decided it must be like choosing a a name for a child.

[[deleted user]]

Linda wrote: "I was just checking out Emily's website and discovered "A Stardance Summer" will be released on my 30th wedding anniversary. lol. How fun is that. I am really looking forward to reading it. I am mi..."

Hi, Linda -- Sewing is a great idea. I used to sew but haven't had a machine in years and now they're so complicated I'm pretty sure I'd need a degree to use one. When I was dealing with the worst of my PTSD, coloring was my go-to activity. Everything else felt like too much some days; I couldn't read, couldn't watch TV, couldn't write.

Now that my foot is functional again, I've found that doing short run/walk "intervals" - 1-minute sprints, 2-minute walks - with upbeat music - helps me expend the frenetic energy that needs an outlet - and I sleep better, too. Just being outdoors, in a safe place, helps too, especially when it's sunny (that hasn't happened very often here lately!). I also set an app on my phone that reminds me to "breathe" every few hours - it forces me to stop and clear my mind.

There are lots of solutions for panic attacks, and while you recover from this trauma, you'll figure out what works best for you. And when one thing doesn't appeal to you on a particular day, there are other tools in your mental health toolbox that will. You will learn a lot about yourself as you take this journey, so take comfort in the fact that you will emerge stronger, and more centered, on the other side.

xo
P

[[deleted user]]

Melinda wrote: "Paula,
How are you doing with the rain?"

Thanks for asking Melinda -- it's unprecedented out here, honestly. We've lived here for 10 years now and never seen anything that compares with it. We've been fortunate, in the sense that we've only experienced minor short-term flooding with street closures, but we've had some mud slides on the winding road that leads up to our house, and one major tree came down. Our yard is a virtual swamp in some places, and we've found a few areas in our home that are not water-tight. (Sigh.)
Still, I have to say we've been blessed. Those who live in the Santa Cruz mountains, and others near San Jose have been forced to evacuate due to flash floods, reservoirs overflowing, and levees near the breaking point. Roads have been completely destroyed.

We have two days of sun heading our way, so I'll be taking the dog out for a long-overdue romp, which hopefully will allow her to crash for a while so I can get some writing done.

Even when I'm tempted to get frustrated with the conditions right now, I remember that summer is coming, and we will see months without a cloud in sight...temperatures over 100 F...and dryness that causes our crazy wildfires. California is a land of extremes.

But before that, we'll have spring, with bud break on the vines, flowers everywhere - and I'm holding on to that as I wipe globs of mud off the dog's paws every hour or so. LOL.

Take care
P

[[deleted user]]

Jina wrote: "Hi guys,
Here is a random thought... I was reading and in the book was quite a few characters and I was thinking to myself "How do authors choose the names of the people and places and keep them st..."

There are lots of ways I've found that authors name their characters, and a lot of it depends on the genre. The name for the hero and heroine in my story came to me as part of the "vision" that originated it, as did the names for other characters in stories that are on my to-do list. The heroine's name is symbolic, too. Other authors I know weave family names into their stories - and I've done a little of that with some secondary characters.

There's been a trend lately to get a bit more quirky with character names; it seems especially prominent in romantic comedy. The other trend seems to be using very unusual names - and I'd be willing to guess it's so the character "stands out" among the pack. There are a few iconic names that I'd try to avoid because they're attached to very powerful, memorable characters - for example, in popular romantic fiction, names like "Christian," "Gabriel," and "Gideon" - but others, like "Edward" and "Jacob" (from the Twilight series) remain fairly common, even though their fandom is enormous.

The other thing I've noticed is that authors have gotten quirky with pen names, especially when they write in a new genre. There's a new duo of suspense authors that goes by the pen name "S. T. Abby" (Stabby!). An indie erotica author goes by "Lacey Silks" (Honestly, that doesn't work for me, but if it works for the author and the readers she wants to attract, so be it.). But the beauty and joy in writing is invention - self-invention (or reinvention), and creating characters that resonate with your writing soul, then find their way into the hearts of readers.

I'm getting wordy. But as to your earlier point, about whether or not certain books should be published - is a thorny issue and somewhat of a slippery slope. Honestly, I scratch my head sometimes trying to figure out why some books end up on the shelves or online - and I agree that some non-fiction "how to" books -- bomb-building, for example-- seem incendiary in these terrifying times. However, I also believe that artists should not be constrained, and freedom of expression is a basic human right, even when we disagree. I think those who would do us harm will find a way to do it, and no amount of censorship would be enough to stop them. Readers vote with their choices - where they spend their dollars. Traditional publishers take financial risks every time they publish a new title or a new author. Indie authors can self-publish what they choose, and there's a lot of debate about that. But, as Anne Frank said, and I paraphrase, I still believe there is inherent good in mankind and I have to hope that compassion, reason, and respect will lead the majority to be bold and make the right choices.

P

[Lola]

Dear Jina,
These are real people, I couldn't believe the parents named their sons Dick & Peter with the last name Grabber. Can you imagine in school their names getting called over the loud speaker "Dick Grabber come to the office" Poor kids . Love Lola

[Linda]

Melinda wrote: "Linda,
Every single step is important and you have to take tiny ones before you get to take big steps. What are you sewing? I needlepoint and make loop potholders. Know that you are in my prayers. ..."

Thank you Melinda.
I am sewing an outfit for my son's girlfriend. No reason, just to keep me focused on something positive.
Thank you for your prayers.
Linda

[Linda]

Paula wrote: "Linda wrote: "I was just checking out Emily's website and discovered "A Stardance Summer" will be released on my 30th wedding anniversary. lol. How fun is that. I am really looking forward to readi..."
Thank you Paula for the advice. I am holding my own, taking it one day at a time. It is harder on the days when I have to deal with insurance claims or my workplace's lack of compliance with procedures and filing proper paperwork. Today sucked. lol
I pray for a peaceful tomorrow.
Glad to know you are fairing well with the rain. I have been thinking of you and praying for your safety.
Take care Linda

[Jina]

Dear group,
Everyone here is on the mend I think. Heather is suffering through a dry socket but she is much better. I hope all of you are doing great! I have had books on my mind again. Can y'all recommend a great biography and a great historical book? I recently read a couple books , Daughter of the forest by Juliet Marillier which is an absolutely wonderful read. The other was Temptress by Lisa Jackson. Another wounderful book with suspense, romance and a behind the scenes villian. I am just stuck on what to read. I have too many I want to read right now. Lol
Love to all,
Jina

[[deleted user]]

Hi, everyone...

Jina, I'm not good at biography OR history at the moment...so, sadly, I have nothing to recommend. My book collection is squeezing us out of house & home, and filling up my Kindle app...so I'll be catching up on romance, mystery-suspense and thrillers for a long time to come.

Linda, I hope you are doing well, taking it a day at a time.

Everyone, I'm in need of a break for a few days, as my own issues with anxiety and feeling overwhelmed have surfaced again, and I need to hit the reset button. Fortunately, I've been able to start running again, so that's my #1 priority every morning. And I know it will help, I just have to keep at it after the 8-week hiatus I took when my foot was injured. But I seem to be especially sensitive to every kind of sensory input right now...it's like I can't filter through the noise, and it makes my mind race.

I need to pull back for a few days and settle myself down. Message or email me if you need anything, especially if anything happens within the group. I'll check in when I can.

xo
P

[Linda]

Paula wrote: "Hi, everyone...

Jina, I'm not good at biography OR history at the moment...so, sadly, I have nothing to recommend. My book collection is squeezing us out of house & home, and filling up my Kindle ..."

I understand how you feel Palua, I am right there with you. If I could only shut off my mind for a while I would be so much better. I go to the doctor tomorrow. Hope you are doing better by the time you read this.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda

[Lesley]

Paula & Linda, Take care of yourselves that's the priority xx

[Jina]

Paula wrote: "Hi, everyone...

Jina, I'm not good at biography OR history at the moment...so, sadly, I have nothing to recommend. My book collection is squeezing us out of house & home, and filling up my Kindle ..."

Dear Paula (and Linda)
Have either of you tried Tai Chi or Yoga? I have an excellent Tai Chi dvd that has an AM and PM workout/routine. It helps me immensely. I put on the music I like (usually Amy Grant, Enya, or acoustic guitar cd), then get in my comfy yoga outfit and clear my mind so I can concentrate on the proper positions and it truly calms me and clears out the fog and panic. Its also fun and makes my endorphins give me that "happy" feeling. I hope you both feel much better soon. I am here if you need me.
As for this household Heather is much better. Sarah Faith has walking pneumonia and feels crappy. The doctor says this is the worst year in a while, everybody is getting the flu, either type A or B, strep, pneumonia, sinus infections, pink eye etc... The schools have sent notes home saying keep your children home if they have any symptoms. It also was on the local news to please call in to work if you have the flu etc. I took Heather to her specialist appt today and they were so short handed the clerks checking people in also had to take the weight, height ,blood pressure, put the patient in the room and write down the current complaints. They were also handling the refill list. I felt so sorry for them. They were run ragged.
Be kind to yourself. Another thing you can try is rock painting. Thats real fun and you get to design your rock and put it as a paperweight or stone for your garden.
Love you and many hugs to you,
Jina and the girls

[Lesley]

Hi Ladies, I hope everyone is fairing reasonably well. Please can you spare me a virtual hugs & prayers for Mark & Judy.
Mark has ben in hospital for the past week with Septicemia due to a burst abcess on his Liver, which has been the reason for his extreme tiredness. On top of that today he received the results of a CAT Scan from his Oncology team which shows that his Tumors in his Pancreas & Liver have grown. Because he is so weak at the moment he cannot have more chemotherapy.
Judy has today had her second session of chemo but is really struggling to have any recovery inbetween sessions, which are once every three weeks. She is also scheduled for a blood transfussion on Saturday. They are both having a really rough time at present & we feel so helpless because we cannot do anything to help apart from be there for them. Love to all Lesley x

[Lola]

Oh Lesley, I am so sorry!!! I said a prayer for both of them and you too! I talked to my Brother Dave a couple of days ago ,he went in for his pre-surgery tests , they are going to remove his bladder on the 9th. He is going with the colispy bag . We are so glad his Dr. told him this was his best chance for a full active life. I was so afraid he was going to tell them he just want to do nothing, and let nature take its course.
I have to go meet my new Dr. today ,our Dr. left town. Wolf says this Dr. looks like Wilford Brimley , I remember him most from "Our House" .
Got to get ready. Love Lola

[Melinda]

Lesley,
Praying for Mark, Judy and the whole family as you go thru this. Praying that Judy will be able to recover between chemo rounds. At least now, Mark knows why he has been so tired.

[Linda]

Dear Lesley,
I am so sorry your family is going through this. I will certainly pray for all of you. Sending you BIG HUGS !!

[Linda]

I went to the Dr. Yesterday. She has taken me off work until further notice. I need to destress (not sure that's a word ?) I worry too much about things I have no control over. I can't seem to stop my mind from going to places it shouldn't.
Now that I have the pressure of returning to work off my mind I am going to try to set goals for myself everyday. I think it will help me if I can be more organized and productive here at home.
I think I will start with purging the house of clutter and unnecessary stuff. We have way too much stuff.
I have been listening to a song by the group "Casting Crowns" it is called "Oh My Soul" You can find it on You Tube. It has been a great inspiration for me.
Love and hugs to you all.
Linda

[Jina]

Lesley wrote: "Hi Ladies, I hope everyone is fairing reasonably well. Please can you spare me a virtual hugs & prayers for Mark & Judy.
Mark has ben in hospital for the past week with Septicemia due to a burst ab..."

Dear Lesley,
Oh gosh! I am so sorry your Mark and Judy arent doing any better. I truly was hoping we would have great news. Don't give up. A miracle may be just around the corner. I will pray really hard for you and your family to have strength, hope, faith and tons of TLC for all of you. I know its very hard on the family members to watch the suffering of loved ones. The helplessness of wanting to do "something" to help but it being out of your control is absolutely heartbreaking. I wish I could do something to help y'all as well. We will continue to pray.
Love and hugs,
Jina and the girls

[Jina]

Dear group,
I got the email from Emily about the cystic fibrosis foundation but I was confused as to what to click on. Am I supposed to click on the "donate " sign after Emilys name or create my own area. I noticed Linda has a donate sign after her name. "Help!" I want to join and donate but want to make sure I am doing it right. Please advise me or give me instructions, tabs to click on etc... thank you.
Love,
Jina

[Linda]

Jina wrote: "Dear group,
I got the email from Emily about the cystic fibrosis foundation but I was confused as to what to click on. Am I supposed to click on the "donate " sign after Emilys name or create my ow..."
It is a walk taking place in May in Texas. You sign up and then you can do a virtual walk. You ask people you know to sponsor or donate to the fund for your team participation . Since we can't be there we would create a team file for ourselves and people can go to the site and contribute. If you want you can just click on a name and donate if you do not want to form a team for yourself

[Jina]

Linda wrote: "Jina wrote: "Dear group,
I got the email from Emily about the cystic fibrosis foundation but I was confused as to what to click on. Am I supposed to click on the "donate " sign after Emilys name or..."

Dear Linda,
Thank you for clearing that up for me. I seen so many donate buttons and join team buttons I got worried I wasn't doing something right.
Thanks again.
Hugs,
Jina

[Lesley]

Thank you ladies for your kind thoughts & prayers. We are all trying to find ways to stay strong & hoping for a couple of miracles. We could do with some words of wisdom from Eternity Springs 'Celeste' right now.

Look after yourself Linda.
Love to you all xx

[Linda]

Lesley wrote: "Thank you ladies for your kind thoughts & prayers. We are all trying to find ways to stay strong & hoping for a couple of miracles. We could do with some words of wisdom from Eternity Springs 'Cele..."

Lesley,
I woke up thinking about you this morning. I said a prayer for God to bless you and your family today a give you peace.
I know you must be heartsick over Mark and Judy being so ill.
Please know you are not alone and you have a prayer warrior reaching out to God on your behalf.
If you get YOU Tube on your computer there, look up a group called "Casting Crowns". There is a song of there's that the leader of the group Mark Hall, wrote the day he found out he had cancer. It is called "Oh My Soul". I have listened to it so many times I know the words by heart. Be well my friend and know God will be with you no matter where you are.
Love Linda

[Lesley]

Linda wrote: "Lesley wrote: "Thank you ladies for your kind thoughts & prayers. We are all trying to find ways to stay strong & hoping for a couple of miracles. We could do with some words of wisdom from Eternit..."
Thank you Linda, I will have a look & listen to it.
Although he is still on intravenious antibiotics for at least another two weeks, Mark has had his drain removed & went home from hospital yesterday (Friday). Hopefully he will continue to gain strength now he is home as he doesn't fair well in a hospital environment. We will be travelling to see him on Wednesday fot a few days. Perhaps we can give him a boost.
Judy had another chemo session on Thursday & is having a precautionary blood transfussion today (Saturday). Hopefully her side effects will not be too severe this time although she is starting to loose her hair which is causing her 'heartache'.
Take care of yorself xx

[Melinda]

Lesley,
Tell your sister Judy that after she is done the chemo, her hair my grow back curly if she has straight hair or straight if she has curly hair. I got a chemo drug for a different reason and lost most of my hair. It took awhile but it is almost as thick with waves in it . my hair before was as straight as a line. I think the worst part of being very sick whether with cancer or a chronic illness is you have very little control of most things. It is the little things that you can control that becomes so important,
Know Mark ,Judy and the whole family are in my prayers.

[Melinda]

Linda,
One day at a time. Know you are in my prayers

[Lesley]

Thank you Linda & Melinda.
Melinda I am sure you are right about the control of little things being very important & I'm sure you are right about her hair growing back.

Her husband, Colin, has had his head shaved as well and has raised over £1,000 for a local charity who help people with terminal illness to 'Look Better Feel Better' about themselves. He says that he will not let his hair grow back until hers does.

I hope your own treatment was successful Melinda. Love to all from Lesley xx

[[deleted user]]

I'm wondering if there's anything we can do on this side of the pond to support Mark & Judy. I'm part of a book promotion that benefits cancer charities in the U.K...coming up soon. I'll put the link here -- see what you think. If there are other things we can do that are more personal, please suggest them. Also, there's a cystic fibrosis fundraiser that Emily is part of. I don't know if you got her newsletter, but perhaps while we are between Eternity Springs books, we could focus on some of these charitable initiatives?

I am recovering from the flu so I'm not at 100% -- your thoughts are welcome about all these things.

P