Category: #CelebrateLife
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Lumpectomy results: A benign papilloma
NOTE: This is the conclusion to an unexpected five-part series about my first mammogram. To fully appreciate the context of what transpired, I encourage you to read the first three installments: My first mammogram saved my life, Respect my coping skills and I’ll respect yours, My lumpectomy was easy-peasy, and Post-lumpectomy recovery. By about 4:00…
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Post-lumpectomy recovery
NOTE: If you haven’t read the first three installments of this unexpected series, My first mammogram saved my life, Respect my coping skills and I’ll respect yours, and My lumpectomy was easy-peasy, I encourage you to read them. It’s not necessary to read them in order to understand what’s happening, but they will give you more…
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Watervale Bingo Days 5: We’re half-way there!
Tuesday was an exciting day here at Watervale. It was windy, rainy, and chilly. I believe that the high was about 59, which meant that I actually put on socks. I’ll have you know that, although it was tempting, I did not wear them with my flip flops. I even slept in a wool hat,…
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Watervale Bingo: Mark Your Cards for Days 3 and 4
You know what the great thing about vacation is? The lack of schedule. There was a moment yesterday when I was standing on the steps of the Inn and asked myself, “what day is it?” That’s truly the sign that I’ve checked out of life as I’m accustomed to it and am fully engulfed in…
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Happy Birthday America . . . and Betsey and Ross!
Like many of you, I will be celebrating all of the freedoms our ancestors fought for some 238 years ago. This post isn’t about America because High Gloss and Sauce has that covered. Go read her post. I’ll be right here. Seriously, she’s awesome and her blog is super witty. I’ve got a big girl…
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A life of Triumph: How this wonderful car helped my family through our grief
My late Uncle Ray loved cars. Well, that’s not quite accurate. He loved Triumph cars. In my entire life, I don’t think there was ever a time he didn’t own at least one. The stories of Uncle Ray and his Triumphs were the stuff of legends. Restoring Triumph cars was one of the many ways…
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Q&A with a ChicagoNow blogger: Kathy Mordini of Raining Cats and Dogs
One of my favorite ChicagoNow bloggers is Kathy Mordini who writes Raining Cats and Dogs. Kathy loves animals and it brings her much agony to imagine cats and dogs being abused, living shortened lives in kill shelters, and being bred in the horrible puppy mill conditions. Through her blog, Kathy has increased awareness of these…
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A Life That’s Good – Official Little Merry Sunshine Theme Song
In early March, I wrote a post titled “What’s Your Theme Song?” I’d been thinking about creating a theme song for Little Merry Sunshine and for me because ChicagoNow Community Manager, Jimmy Greenfield, posted the question on Facebook. In that post, I toyed around with the idea of A Bushel and a Peck because Nana…
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Happy Memorial Day Weekend
I love Memorial Day Weekend. It’s a three-day weekend and the first work holiday since New Year’s for many adults. It’s the unofficial kickoff to Summer, although in Chicago this year no one knows for sure. It marks about three weeks to my favorite holiday of the year – my birthday. And, of course, it’s…
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17 ways to help yourself when you have mental illness
In response to my recent post, 10 Things I Know About Mental Illness, I received some incredible comments. I love the discussion that was started. Thank you for reading the post, liking, commenting, and sharing it. Education is the only thing that will end the stigma and prejudice. It is beyond time to bring mental…
Jessica L Gardner 