C'est magnific!

Let me begin by acknowledging that I probably misspelled the title of this blog. It has been a number of years since I studied French and the spelling of words seems I have slipped my mind. That, and the fact that I followed my years as a French student with three years of studying and a number of trips immersing myself in the Spanish language. You'd think that after so many years of ieducation in two different languages, I would be able to speak in at least one of them! Alas, this is not the case. But, at least I have the jist of things whereas, had I been traveling in Asia or the Middle East, I would be a poor, lost foreigner with absolutely no idea what is going on. Scary!!

So here I am in the beautiful country of France, visiting my bet friend and college roommate (Rachel) for two weeks. Yes that's right - two whole weeks to be together and soak up that place that she currently calls "home". Our first weekend was spent in the German/France border town of Strausborg. What a delightful town! The buildings were colorful, the river wraps itself around the city center, and the cathedral was (naturally) breath-taking. The town has the oldest holiday market so there were decorations everywhere - even places you would not expect. There was quaint wooden market stands throughout the town selling local wines, cheese, meats, jewelry, goods and regional souvenirs. Our favorite stands were those selling vin chaud - hot wine that is a lovely and warming fusion of cider and sangria. For one euro, you buy a souvenir cup that serves as an economical way to prevent many cups being used on refills throughout your time in strausborg. Perhaps we should find such a method in the states to prevent so many styrofoam and red solo cups from only being used once? Just a thought...

In strausborg, we stayed with Julien - a professor for young students in history and geography. Julien was the most excellent host. He made supper for us two nights, went to the bakery in the mornings for fresh breads and pastries, made is coffees, and took us around the city. He imbibed in much wine with us claiming that he drank more wine that weekend than ever before in one weekend - and he's the French one! I believe that his fest experience with Americans was with us and I sure hope that it was worth his efforts and time. He was a wonderful friend and host and definitely won us both over.

I am, at this moment, snuggled up on Rachel's bed having just eaten some lunch. My book is calling out to me so I believe that I will take it to a cafe. So much more fun to read while sipping a boisson chaud (hot beverage??) and people watching. Nothing quite like it. But then again, I saw some nutella crepe stands that might be needing my tasting skills. We shall see where my feet guide me!

First, though, I must express the beauty and power of the cathedrals here. I have been inside cathedrals before but never with the free time and life experience that I have on this trip. Today, I was able to just sit in the Orleans cathedral and soak up te magnificence of such a structure. With the chorale Christmas music playing and the holiday decor, it was that much more breathtaking. One of my favorite books, Pillars of the Earth, did an excellent job in preparing my mind for experiencing cathedrals. The book illustrates the time, man power, talent and precision that goes into constructing a cathedral - especially considering that these were before modern calculators, cranes, and technology for easier and quicker building projects. Just sitting, with no talking, texting, or distractions around, one cannot avoid the pious history and the power of an all-knowing, all-seeing, and all-loving God. What a place to be.

Bon soir...for now!
ac.

my two families.

"I'm thankful because I have two families...and not too many people can say that."

The final line in one of my favorite shows, Chicago Fire, seems to nail exactly how I have felt for the last week. Well, really it's a feeling that I have been blessed to have all my life. But, it came into great perspective last weekend as one of my life long friends, Lindy, married the man we have all prayed for her to find. I can't really say that she found him, or vice-versa, as it was an act of God that they were brought together at the right moment. God's timing is so much better than our own. Sorry for the sidetrack....

Lindy is second of three children in her family - her older sister, Katie, is also a life-long friend and her brother John is the subject of many of my previous posts. I loved, and will always love, John whole-heartedly and enjoyed years of friendship and fun with him. Lindy has always been like a sister to me. I have preferred to think of her as a "soul sista" ever since she gave me a CD mix with the same title. It's such a true title as we are not related by blood but life, love, and similarities have brought us together. I love her like I love my sister. I want her to succeed in life, to love fully, and to receive the love that she deserves. Lindy and I have always been connected by our love for baking and eating baked goods. I helped her with her first wedding cake and recently was honored by getting to make her wedding cake (see picture!). We both loved John so much and dealt with the enormous lose that his death left in our lives. We are both the middle of three children and the youngest of two daughters - I like to think this plays into things :) Lindy is a very special person to a very huge group of people. Her husband, Michael, is one lucky guy to have won her heart. I look forward to getting to know Michael in the years to come and to see their marriage and relationship grow.

Okay, okay - back to the quote at the top of my post! I had to discuss Lindy to elude into the point of this conversation with myself. I have two families. Many people do not even have the blessing of having one family. Death, divorce, dramas - many reasons can lead to the destruction of a family unit. Unfortunately, it seems to be more common than I realized for people to be estranged from their families or those who love them. One lesson my mom recently taught me was that holding on to past offenses can ruin a future with someone. How sad and heartbreaking that people do this to themselves as often as the experiences of life separates families.

This is what makes the family unit so special and holy - it takes consistent effort and grace and love to keep the unit together, connected, and to not allow separation from something trivial, much less something major. Grace, kindness, and forgiveness does not always come easy. But, it is so worth the effort to have a group of people who love and support you standing around you, watching you live life, and cheering you on - despite the bumps in the road and in the relationships.

How do I have two families you might ask? Well, I was born into one wonderful, crazy, food-loving, movie-watching, and leisurely family. We enjoy being together - especially when chips and salsa or cheese and bread are involved :) Now that we are all of legal drinking age, it adds to the fun when we have some new wines to try or whiskey to sip on or maybe an eclectic selection of beer to sample. My family makes an effort to be together for holidays. We tease each other - and sometimes hurt feelings. We forgive, love, laugh, and encourage. Both of my siblings inspire me in different ways on a regular basis. My parents give me something to look forward to in marriage, parenting, aging, and retirement. They raised us on Christian values and live in accordance to the same lessons they taught us. My parents support our crazy plans and love us even when we screw up...and we have all had plenty of screw-ups. My siblings and I are very close to our cousins, Hannah and Kate. The five of us more resemble siblings than cousins, actually, and both sets of parents have been supportive, encouraging, and loving throughout our years. My grandparents, aunts, uncles, and parents have spent the better part of their lives praying for us kids to be believers in Christ, to love life, to love others, and to be honorable people. My family enjoys and values our times together. Life has shown that family togetherness is not unlimited - we are blessed and fortunate to still have the unit intact. We appreciate each other more because of the events and losses we have experienced together. I am blessed and lucky to have this family of mine - even especially with all our quirks and crazy.

I have another family. This family has stood beside me in moments of great joy as well...and those of great heartbreak, grief, and pain. This family consists of peers my age - give or take a few years - but also their families. We have all kinda adopted each other as our own. This family is my Campmeeting family. Most of them are related and have allowed my little family to join the crowd. We have grown up together, knowing that, at the very least, we would reunite every August. Our ages range from 17ish to 31ish...plus little Anders who is just 1.5 years...ish. A few additions have been made over the years and more will come to the group as the rest of us get married and have babies.

But, this group is special. This is a group that is not entirely connected by blood, but completely connected by love, acceptance, and Christ. We make an effort to reconvene at Campmeeting each year. We go out of our way to attend the weddings and funerals that the in-between times bring to the table. We catch up right where we left off - even if it's been over the standard year. We discuss literature, philosophy, and theology. We play silly games and have jam sessions on the porch. We take late night walks and can sit for hours just TALKING. Not many from our generation take value in such experiences and, yet, we not only value them - we THRIVE on them. We laugh and cry, rejoice and grieve, listen and share together. We are a group of individuals who feel more complete and content with life when we are all together again. We are a group of individuals who set their annual calendar from August to August, rather than January to January, because that is when Campmeeting will bring us together again.

I love this family of mine. I know that they will support, encourage, and love me no matter what life throws at me. They loved John too but reached out to me when he died because they knew I would be hurting so much. They love Lindy and made an effort to be at her wedding, to support her, to honor her marriage by witnessing and celebrating the moment. They rest secured in the knowledge that we will be together again when Jesus takes one of us Home. We thrive on the hymn God be with you til we meet again because we personally feel the power of the lyrics. At the wedding last weekend, it became clear to many of us just how special and rare this experience and bond is. My uncle's toast to the couple proclaimed the uniqueness - even he considers all the "kids" of the group to be his own. It is so rare and unique to have a group of people who are so crazy about each other and their families that we accept them as our own.

During this season of thankfulness, I must proclaim my eternal gratefulness for this blessing of two families. I have two families that accept me as I am, who challenge me to be better and stronger, who understand my crazy and emotional side, and who love me despite everything. I have been blessed more than I deserve and love them all.

thank you, Jesus, for this blessing.

xo,
ac

p.s. a few more pics just because I'm proud to have these people in my life!

My Family!

The Campmeeting Family!

Epic Capture of Cousin Love

Positive Impacts, #3

Today is the (almost) two week marker since my bone marrow donation. I still have little scab/sores/bumps above my rear but they no longer hurt or get rubbed by my waist band - phew! Just being dramatic - it really was not that bad. The surgery was on Tuesday, October 23rd and just took a few days of puny-ness in my childhood home before I was back to moving around. When I was given a donation date and the "go ahead" for the procedure, I started having that hodgepodge of emotions again: excitement, anxiety, hopeful, nervous, inquisition, and slightly flabbergasted by the whole thing.

Yes, I had one day of total freak out. I was not nearly as giving and peaceful about the whole thing as I came across. Here's how I felt on that day of extreme emotions: What am I doing putting myself in potential danger for someone I do not know and most likely never will? Why am I volunteering for anesthesia when some people do not survive anesthesia?? What if she does not survive and my bone marrow was worthless and her family is sad and she is dead??? Morbid, yes, but, according to the papers I had to read and sign as consent to the procedure, totally normal. Among many documents that they had me sign, I literally signed a form stating that I understand the possibility of the patient not surviving and I will not take it personally or take blame for such an occasion. Whoa. That's pretty major - not take the blame for the death of another person?? Put myself in danger, albeit very small odds of danger, for someone I don't know and might not survive?? Yes, I am ashamed to admit that I had moments of such thinking. But, the desire to follow through, give something of myself, and hopefully be a part of a new life for a woman and her loved ones won in the end. I knew that God was going to use this experience for some reason. If the odds are as small of matching us together as winning the lottery and we beat those odds, I passed all the health requirements and testing, and she was healthy enough for the transplant, clearly this was something God intended to happen...for SOME reason. It's wild that He always has a reason and, sometimes often times, we never know the reason.

So, after more blood tests, an EKG and then another EKG to just be sure everything was good to go, a physical in Lubbock at the Cancer Center (yikes), a chest x-ray, a few more blood tests, and a number of signed consent forms, we set the date for the donation. Our first date came and went as the patient's cancer relapsed so we had to put it on hold. Two weeks later, I flew to Ft Worth for the procedure.

Let's just say, I had no idea what to expect. I did some research, read some blogs, but never got a good idea of what was going to happen. I had my mom, mistakenly, telling me it was a simple procedure and the internet telling me that it was much more than that. I put on my brave panties and just went with the flow, something I am not very good at. We arrived at Cook Children's Hospital in Ft Worth at 5:15 a.m.  and signed in. Of course, it's a children's hospital so nurses and administrative personal kept referring to me as "mom" - most women my age are there for a child. Strange moment - no, mom is the woman next to me and I am the child! Sidetrack... We checked in, took yet another urine sample, and were introduced to my pre-op patient. Sadly, I do not remember her name - a constant failing on my part. But I remember this: she was kind, cheery (especially for pre-6 am), informative, and interested. She was gentle with the many prodding's one has to have for an IV and more blood work. I was disappointed to find out that your pre-op and post-op nurses are not the same person. I, personally, would like to have the same person all the way through...oh well. As one who has only ever had the standard wisdom teeth removal surgery, this whole experience was new to me!

While mom sat in a standard hospital room chair, I dressed in an ever attractive patient gown and snuggled up to warmed blankets on a reclined bed/chair thing. Great invention, by the way - to have pre-warmed sheets. I need one of those devices... Jamie, my Be The Match counselor, arrived shortly and so did more nurses, technicians, my whole surgery team, and 3 members of the anesthesia team...all at once...all sharing information that seemed fairly important as my life would soon be in their hands...poking my veins for more blood tests. Oh. My. Goodness. Too many people in one tiny room asking too many important questions! I took it pretty well - my mother was a little overwhelmed. For a woman who has spent her life handling medical situations well and who is always very composed, it was interesting to see her in a reversed role: watching her own child be in the patient chair. I guess the situation is different when it's your own daughter, or son, in the chair about to undergo a surgery that you thought was more standard and simple than it sounds the morning of, sitting in the room with so many doctors, nurses, and personnel. Whoa. We made it through though and we are the wiser because of it. It is not a challenging procedure but it is anesthesia, nonetheless. It is not a lengthy surgery, but it is surgery, nonetheless.

Best part of the morning? The sedative before rolling me into the surgical room. Whoa baby, no wonder people do drugs! For a few moments, everything is so relaxed and cozy and free. Don't get me wrong, I have no intentions to seek this feeling again. But, it sure was a nice treat and a warm, cozy feeling before counting backwards, zoning out, and waking up 1.5 hours later only to think you had just dozed off. So odd to "wake up" and think no time has passed when the reality is that over an hour has passed, you lost over a LITER of bone marrow, and were medicinally reawaken. Weird. During the surgery, I was given a pint of my own blood back - giving this blood was part of the pre-op process in Midland. I "donated" blood to myself in case I needed it after the surgery. Why did I need the blood, one might ask? When bone marrow is taken from your bones, your body feels the need to fill in the gaps. So, my body flooded the now empty bones with blood which, in turn, made me slightly anemic as my body was "short" on blood. The body regenerates this blood and the bone marrow over a short time but, as I have an extensive history of fainting, they did not want to risk the in-between time. So, I had a transfusion of my own blood to help my 5'9" structure not fall to the ground or the bathroom floor while fainting. Thank you, medical team. Been there, done that, not so fun!

The recovery from the bone marrow donation is not lengthy or painful. Yes, I was sore and had a day or two of feeling slightly flu-ish. But, they gave good painkillers. And, a cozy fire, good book, and your sweet dog to lay on your sore body goes a long way. Worst part of recovery? Being so bloated from the anesthesia and painkillers. It feels like you gained about 10 pounds in one day. Not fun. Not pretty. I stopped using the medicine they gave me after I realized that the side effect was tight fitting pants, constipation and swollen belly syndrome. No thank you.

So, should you register for the bone marrow registry? Heck yes. Was this a huge time commitment and financial burden? Not at all - they pay for everything and you could be back to work after a day or two of recovery if necessary. Was this an experience that I will forever appreciate? You bet. Go now - www.marrow.org and register. It's worth it. It could literally save someone's life. Remember, if they are at the point of considering a bone marrow donation, especially from someone unrelated, then they are normally out of other options. There are over 2,000,000 donors in the registry - and that is not enough. Many patients are just treating the cancer, waiting for a match to come up in the registry. Maybe you are the exact person that they have been waiting for?

Hugs and best wishes from Marfa,
ac.

Positive Impacts, #2

With John in August 2009

When John was diagnosed with Lymphoma, his family looked into the option of a bone marrow transplant. While his family went through the testing process to see if any of them were matches, a number us on the sidelines submitted our information to the Be A Match bone marrow registry out of support and encouragement. Naturally, I hoped that somehow I would turn up as a perfect match for John. I knew the likelihood of that actually happening but what a physical way to show your love and support by giving your best friend bone marrow! Then we really would be connected in a way beyond friendship. Even though the reality of one of us matching John was slim, we saw the importance of a patient being able to find a match. Bone marrow donation saves lives – it is often a last resort treatment and provides hope and health for many people who will die from cancer. The opportunity to maybe possibly help someone survive this terrible illness by simply signing up is one of which we should all take advantage.

When one signs up to donate bone marrow, the process could not be more simple. Often times, friends and family of lymphoma or leukemia patients will hold a drive to advocate the bone marrow registry, make people aware of the process and allow them to sign up. Or, you can go to www.marrow.org and click “Join the Registry.” They will ask you some questions regarding health and personal information and then allow you to order a registration kit. By order I do not mean pay – everything with the process from signing up to the pain pills after the surgery is free of charge to a donor. The registration kit is simply a pair of large q-tips that they ask you to swipe inside your cheek. The cheek cells collected on the q-tip is enough for the registry team and system to establish your tissue type. You simply mail the completed kit (no postage payment either!) back to Be the Match and they take it from there. Your information is inputted into the registry of over 20 million donors, world-wide. Doctors can then do a massive search of all donors to find the best matches for their patients.

In April 2012, I was contacted by Jamie who would soon become my advocate and coordinator for the donation process. She introduced herself, stated that I had previously signed up to donate bone marrow through Be the Match, and have been initially matched to a patient with leukemia – would I still be interested in donating? After a brief attack of many different emotions, I said yes. What have I gotten myself into? What are the risks to myself in going through this process? Why couldn’t this call have happened three years ago saying I matched John?

Jamie informed me that they would need further information to see if we are more than just initial matches but that it could take weeks or months to know for sure. Like I’ve said, the chances of actually being able to match and donate are similar to those of winning the lottery. The cheek collection gives enough info to do an initial connection but blood tests, health records, etc confirm whether a patient and a donor are compatible or not. I went that week to have about 7 tubes of blood drawn that were then sent for testing and examination. I filled out an online questionnaire asking a number of questions about my personal health, family health records, lifestyle, etc. Lots of information and blood tested, yes, but it is all done with the intention of making the best and most accurate match. The entire process is aimed at both the health and safety of the patient and the donor – they wanted to ensure that I could not only be compatible with my patient but that the surgery and donation would not put me at any risks. FYI, a potential donor should be aware of the possibility that unknown disorders, diseases, or other health problems might be detected in the research process. It is the responsibility of your coordinator (Jamie in my case) to inform you if anything comes up irregular. I was a bit frightened that some unknown blood disorder or other disease would come up in my blood work – I am paranoid like that. But, fortunately, nothing irregular came up.

In fact, I never heard back from Jamie concerning the donation until August. She was calling to say that I was one of two matches for my patient. I was second choice meaning that if the first donor did not work out, I would be contacted. Am I still interested? Yes, very much so I replied. Another six weeks passed before hearing from Jamie. This was THE call saying that I am THE match, am I interested, and get ready because it moves fast from here on out!

Again, I was excited, nervous, overwhelmed, anxious, and grateful that I was healthy enough to be able to do this for someone in need. I was, and still am, in awe of the blessing of good health that I have. My health is something that not everyone experiences – and I was able to share a small bit of my blessing with a complete stranger. Y’all, that is cool! I hope that more people take advantage of that opportunity! It is a complete miracle and wonder that someone’s tissue and blood can match so exactly to another’s allowing the patient’s bone marrow to be replaced and replenished.

My next post will be about my experience from that call telling me I am THE match until now, one week after the donation. Already wanting to sign up? See www.marrow.org and get the collection kit sent to you! Literally, you just swab the inside of your cheek and send the kit back to the organization. So simple and, yet, potentially so monumental for someone in need!

Positive Impacts

Just over three years ago, my best friend, John, was diagnosed with lymphoma. It was very aggressive and had him home with Jesus in less than 5 months. For those of you who have followed my blog in the past, you know the impact his death had on my life. It was the most impactful experience I have had and continues to affect my outlook on life, decisions, ability to love and my faith.

My world was completely jolted from the moment that the “C” word became a reality. It is never easy to see someone you love be sick, treated, and then die from cancer. It is even more difficult and transforming when they are young, fit, good, and your best friend. For many of my contemporaries who loved John, he was the first of our age group to die. That will forever impact us. The experience, however, of loving John throughout the diagnosis, treatment, and loss has had a number of positive impacts on my life. It took me a while to be comfortable with the acknowledgment that good could come from such sorrow but I am here to say that it’s true. God uses events in life to shape and transform us. It is best to LET this process happen as it causes much less confusion and pain when you let Him use life to better yourself.

One of these positive impacts came full circle last week. On Tuesday, October 23^rd, I was able to donate over a liter (yes, that’s a lot!) of my bone marrow to a woman with leukemia. This would never have happened had John not been sick and the possibility of a bone marrow donation discussed. I have now, mostly, recovered and continue on with my healthy life. The hope and prayer is that my patient can say the same because of this small gift. John never got the chance to see if someone else’s bone marrow could save his life. However, I know that, had that been an option, I would have been forever grateful and in awe of his donor. So, I was able to give that gift to another.

I will use this blog, in a few different posts, to tell of my experience as a bone marrow donor. It is so important that the registry of names and tissue type expand so that those in need can find a donor. There are over 20 million people in the international registry database for bone marrow donation and, yet, millions more are needed. The chances of being matched and donating are similar to winning the lottery – you can see that the odds of a patient finding a match are very slim. The more names in the registry, the more chances of a second chance at life. Many patients are on treatment plans, just waiting for a match to sign up. Often, they undergo intense chemotherapy and/or radiation while waiting for a donor to match up to them. The thing about it is that, for the donor, it is a very simple process and at zero cost. We give some time and let them take bone marrow and can, ideally, save a life. What a gift to us as donors! I am still grasping the fact that what to me is so minimal and easy has great potential to change lives. Wow.

I invite you to follow my blog in the coming days to see, firsthand, the process, investment, experience, and emotions involved with donating. When I was preparing for my surgery, I eagerly read blogs to have that firsthand information and guidance. I needed more, though. Whether you are deciding to go through with a donation, or might possibly be interested in signing up as a donor, please welcome yourself to my story! It is my hope and prayer that, through my donor journey, many more will feel lead to sign up for the registry.

I look forward to scribing this experience in the near future. I value your comments and your prayers for my receiving patient. I pray that you will be touched by my story.

xoxo,

ac.

p.s. If you're already interested, visit www.marrow.org!

moments.

It's that moment when you're driving down a dirt road and look up to a massive stretch of mountains before your eyes...That moment when you first step outside in the morning to fresh, crisp air. It's the fragrances of greasewood, dirt and cedar that are consistently intoxicating....the lush green landscape and joyful hearts, after even the lightest rain, because of months of drought and prayer. It's the people who come together, rain or shine, to support and love those in the community...The ability to pull together a wedding or funeral with little notice and limited resources. It's the inability to not see the mighty hand of a generous and gracious God.

These are the reasons I love Marfa and the nearby communities. These are the reasons that the West Texas landscape, people and way of life have tugged on my heart for nearly 24 years.

Well, the waiting is over. I am finally able to give into the magnetic pull that Marfa has had on my mind, body and heart. In 3 weeks, I get to truly call Marfa home. Watch out world - good good things are happening.

xoxo, ac.

BACK IN THE GAME!

It seems that it has become part of my blogging style to consistently take prolonged hiatus' from posting about my life, experiences, newfound "knowledge", projects, etc. I have a good run and then a good run off of the blogging world. I am back for a while! Can't say how long this will last but it's looking good for a while :)

Let me set the scene of my weekend: cold rainy weather, green chilies just begging to be used, dirty house begin to be cleaned, old country tunes serenading me, and a collection of random "honey-do's" to become "honey-did's." After a successful run to the local farmer's market, two girlfriends met me at my storage unit where 90% of my belongings are safely tucked away until I, finally, get a place of my own. It has been on my mind for weeks that I will soon be needing my winter clothes and had no way to get to them as they were packed in the BACK of the unit. So, we took out some furniture, dug around, and (hopefully) got me what I need. Unfortunately, I do not think my beloved boots got picked out the mess :( bummer. After a successful start to a wide open Saturday, I came home to my eager and welcoming pup to make some random soup using my green chili. I also made these "power cookies" using ripe bananas, applesauce, oats, pecans, chocolate chips, and chia seeds:




They are gluten free (unless oats are considered gluten...), low in sugar as the only sugar is from the organic applesauce, have the protein from peanut butter, and all the goodness that chia seeds bring to the table. If you have some bananas, let the get really ripe and try these out. Very yummy, freeze well, and so easy to grab-and-go for mornings when you are running late. I drive a LOT for work so it's always nice to have something nutritious and low in carbs, calories and fat to snack on.

After a long week with many emotions storming through my system, I am getting to catch up on the many things I have wanted and needed to get done for a while. The next few weeks are pretty packed and end up with a really wonderful change in my life - I will report back on all this in the near future. For now, I am going to continue on with my honey-do list while I still have the desire and have not yet been called by the couch and a movie...

xoxo,
ac.

HOLIDAY WEEKEND!

Hello long weekend! Who doesn't love having a PAID DAY OFF FROM WORK? Having a day when most businesses (unless you work in the hospitality industry...) shut down and actually ENCOURAGE their employees to stay away from the addictive emails, work conversations, and offices to enjoy some R&R with their families and friends. My boss didn't have to ask me twice to NOT work on a holiday weekend. Not only do we have an extra day tacked on to the weekend, but the following week will only be four days. FOUR DAYS?! Yes, that extra day on the weekend and one less day on the work week really does make a solid, positive difference in the employee's demeanor.

What are you doing on this LONG weekend? Perhaps you are going to the lake or catching up on projects around the house or camping. I had plans, great plans, to go to Marfa with two of my best friends. We call ourselves the Tres Amigas...I know, not too original. But, we get a kick out of it! Anyways, we had been talking up this weekend since at least Easter making plans to have no plans at all but to drink good wine and Chiltons, eat fantastic food (mostly chips and dips as those are our preferred meal plans when together), and see where the wind takes us. I have a terrible tendency to really create an event or experience in my head - my planning gets a little carried away and I just get so excited and ready for such a weekend with my girls. Well, as luck or chance or just plain reality has it, the weekend in Marfa together will not be happening. It has been a huge hit to my spirit as, see above, I had really gotten it all worked out in my mind. But, the reasons for it not working are legitimate, though disappointing, and I am now getting to enjoy the weekend by having domino date night tonight and then heading to Dallas to be with the fam. RJ will be accompanying me, naturally, to Big D where she will finally meet my brother, sister and the other Cobb pups. I am interested to see how the older, wiser Cobb pups will take to this new, frisky, and ready-to-play addition to the group.

The weekend will be great as it has already started out both pleasantly and productive. Following a week where my emotions were wacko and my irritation level was high, this final lap (Friday) has been delightful. After completing the work I needed to do and tending to my customers, I got a productive and homemaker kick to my side. Here are two projects I have accomplished today:

1) Homemade Pizza Crust: Thanks to my blogging/cooking mentor and wanna-be friend, the Pioneer Woman, I have in my possession the BEST pizza crust recipe. I have little to compare this to as I have never tried another one from scratch. But, here's the thing: why mess up perfection? I know I love this combo of flour, OLIVE OIL, sea salt, and yeast/water so why would I try something else? When I make pizza for myself or my friends, I love using pesto rather than pizza sauce and all the freshly chopped veggies I can find. Or, pesto and spinach with tomato slices and chicken will also knock your panties off. Tonight, however, I am enjoying this crust with Travis and his sister and brother-in-law. Travis likes MEAT on his pizza and we have experimented with a few methods of pizza-building. We will be doing our perfected calzone stuffed with hamburger meat, vegetables, homemade and SPICY sauce, and a few other tricks. This crust has been rising for about 3 hours. It's not necessary to let it rise but, why not if you have the time! It barely filled 1/4 of the bowl when I put it in there and now look at the monstrosity! We like to spice the crust so that's why the color is a little off...MMM!


2) Homemade, Chemical-Free Lotion: Another thanks to a blogging mentor, the Wellness Mama, I have this concoction for a non-chemically induced lotion that is easy and adaptable. If you aren't familiar with her posts, please check her out. She has great tips and advice on a healthy, clean lifestyle - and, she has a husband and kiddos so it proves that even families can live this way. Anyhoo, I tried the lotion recipe on Saturday for the first time and was very impressed! I just made a fresh batch and let me just say - the second time is MUCH easier. Though it's not difficult or tricky, it's much better the second time. I used too much beeswax last time so the lotion was much thicker than I prefer. This time, I was prepared and used the same amount of beeswax but doubled the other ingredients (water, vitamin e, essential oil for scenting, and almond oil). I am excited to use it all over my body! This lotion is so much more effective and hydrating than the store-bought brands. I HIGHLY recommend trying it out. I love the whipped feel and look of this stuff! The ingredients are not too expensive, last more than one batch, and can be found at any health food store. Go try it out!

I hope you all enjoy your LONG weekend thoroughly and take a minute to remember those who have served our country. So many of our men and women are still over seas, and here in the States, sacrificing their time and lives to protect us. Let's not forget that this holiday, Memorial Day, is meant to reflect on the freedom that we experience because of the lives that have been given.

Summer Eatin'

Look at this picture of our supper last night. Isn't it just beautiful! So many fresh colors, well-balanced and using seasonal ingredients. Travis picked up a bag of these Swai fillets at walmart a few weeks ago. Neither of us had ward about them before we busted them out. Turns out, Swai has recently become popular due to its affordability and similarity to tilapia. I prefer it over tilapia as it's more substantial than a single filet, has a slightly more noticeable flavor and looks prettier on a plate. Tilapia is easy and inexpensive, yes. But Swai is also easy and inexpensive only new, different and delicious.

I had bought a packet of seafood seasoning at the local farmer's market this weekend. We mixed that with flour, coated the fish, and pan-fried it in oil. We made trav's famous jasmine rice (with jalapeños for the extra kick we both love), roasted fresh asparagus, lightly fried zucchini (just for kicks and giggles), and fresh tomato slices. All in all, I think we did pretty good! Even with the pan fry, we used a lighter oil over lard or crisco. All the ingredients were fresh, free of MSG or chemicals, and in season. The flavor was great and the presentation was impressive, if I do say so myself :)

las madres.

Today, Mother's Day, is the one day every year that our country honors the women who raise us. They gave us life, changed countless dirty diapers, dried thousands of tears, and encouraged us as we experienced the journey of life. It is the mothers who often support their children even in the midst of great adversity. Some mothers even raise their families on their own - no financial, emotional, or physical help from others.

Even those who did not physically birth a child but support, love on, and pray for their "adopted" kids. I can think of many women who have supported me and given a listening ear, great advice, and a shoulder to cry on throughout my 23 years: Karen Nyland, Sally Bishop, my aunts, Rhonda Lacy, Emmy Jenkins, the teachers I have had, Gabi, Kay Giesecke, Julie Dearien, Debby Armerding. All of these women, at different points in my life, have encouraged and loved me without judgement or question. I know for a fact that they have prayed for my wellbeing, decisions, and relationship with God. How wonderful it is to know that there are so many women, strong and faithful, that pray for me and think about me and encourage me on a regular basis. I am truly one lucky girl.

After church, my Sunday school group always goes out to lunch. Today was a little different as many in the group have mothers and grandmothers living nearby. So, today was family time for them. Well, my mom does not live close to me and my grandmother who does was out of town. So, I gathered up the others who were motherless (so to speak...) and we did our own thing. At lunch, as I was looking around the restaurant at all the moms, how special Mother's Day and Father's Day are. There are so many different kinds of mothers and they all have their own, unique methods of raising their families. Some methods are better than others but all these women try to do they best they can with what they have to offer (we hope...). How wonderful that we take one day out of the year to celebrate and return the love and honor to the women in our lives. How wonderful that we take one day to collectively praise the work our mothers have done. On this day, strangers tell each other "happy mother's day" and acknowledge the time, effort, and sacrifice that goes into such a role. How great is that.

xoxo,
ac.

Farewell, chemicals!

Chemicals. This word reminds me of swimming pools, science class and drugs. I know what I think the word means but I wanted to look up the actual definition just to clarify any confusion. Here is what I found on dictionary.com:

- "narcotic or mind-altering drugs or substances"
- "any substance using in or resulting from a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules, especially one derived artificially for practical use"
- a drug, especially an illicit or additive one

Whoa! That's some pretty powerful and potentially damaging product! It has much potential and ability to do some serious damage on our minds, bodies, and the world in which we live.

If we are going to get back to a more whole food, "what God intended us to put in our bodies" lifestyle, these MUST be the first to go! They mess with our bodies and are not natural. Ever wonder why we have so many increasing diseases And cancers? Or why we are so much bigger than people even just 50 years ago? I think it's a sure bet that the chemicals in the many, various processed foods, soft drinks, personal care products and pesticides have a huge contribution to those numbers.

If we are going to try to get back to a natural diet and expect a healthful life, we must start with the chemicals. The great thing about this is there are so many chemicalized products out there - we can start by getting rid of one product or habit at a time. Maybe you are an avid soda drinker? Start replacing your soda with alkaline water (use baking soda or fresh lemon juice) and add energy-infusing coconut water when you need a boost.

Here are a few small measures I am taking to make chemical intake go away:
- alkaline water with herbal teas
- salt rock for a natural deodorant
- homemade face wash with coconut oil and baking soda
- green smoothies!!
- no more of my big addiction: chewing gum. It is packed with aspartame.
- working on a homemade lotion and toothpaste...

Please, share ways you too are taking the chemicals out and putting good stuff in!

Xoxo,
AC.

(did you see me pre-blended smoothie? Isn't she beautiful!)

Starting out with Smoothies.

Whole foods. While this is a delicious and exciting store for unique and fresh groceries, it is also the best kind of food to bring into our bodies. God gave us fruits, grains, veggies, meat, fish, minerals, good alkaline water. He intended for us to use these provisions to sustain our bodies and nutrition.

I am on the road to a more whole food diet and lifestyle. While I am certainly not a pro at this, I am starting out strong by making little changes in my life. One such change is adding a green smoothie to my diet. Here is a picture of what my breakfast looked like this morning. I tossed in a hefty handful of spinach, broccoli, carrots, berries, half a green apple and coconut water. Oh and my fiber powder for the Colon cleanse! Trust me when I say that these smoothies are way more tasty than expected. There is so much fiber, natural sugars, protein and straight nutrition. I just toss it into the blender and have at it!

If you are looking for a jump start to a new, healthful lifestyle or a simple change to your diet, try a green smoothie. Literally any fruit or veggie you like can go into the blender. Try it out and let me know! I would love new recipe suggestions and ideas.


Xoxo,
AC.

hydrate.

One thing I have NOT been doing in the past is hydrating my body the way I should be. Yes, I kept a water bottle with me during the day and refilled when low. Yes, I rarely drink sodas. No, I did not have any idea that the water I was drinking was not as healthy as I thought...

The natural, spring water that God provided the world with is more alkaline than the water we drink. All the purified, RO, treated water that we are provided with is more acidic than our body really needs. In order to make the water more alkaline, I have been squeezing fresh lemon juice into my big gulp cup. When lemons are nearby, a touch of baking soda can also do the trick. This water with fresh lemon juice truly makes me feel so much more hydrated than just plain water.

To get more herbs in my diet, I have been mixing a bit of herb tea with my lemon water. Dandelion root, though bitter, is so refreshing and oh so good for my body! It is the miracle herb that enhances our health, can prevent cancer, is great for digestion, and has so many other benefits that just wowed me that I had to try it. I've also tried ginger tea which, also better tasting with fresh lemon, is great for digestion and health as well.

So, take a break from bland, acidic water and alkalize it with the refreshing flavor of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Don't forget to toss in some herbal tea for all the health benefits! You'll make your water more enjoyable, curb any desire to snack, and hydrate your body in more ways than one.

Cleansing.

Part if getting back on track with your body and your life is cleaning out all the toxins, negativity, and old matter in your system. It has been recommended that I participate in a few different cleanses over the course of the coming weeks. This process includes the following cleanses: parasite, kidney, bowel/Colon, liver. Each cleanse entitles specific aids along with lots of healthy drinking water for the best results.

I am currently working on cleaning out the parasites in my system and cleaning out my kidneys and colon. I am drinking a lot of water with fresh lemon juice or a bit of baking soda to make it alkaline water. Supposedly, the water we drink nowadays is very acidic and must be alkaline to have the full benefits. I went to 7-11 for a super big gulp cup, have lots of ice on hand and enjoying the refreshing lemon water with this west Texas heat! Another trick? I made a big batch of herbal tea the other day, put it in a big jar in the fridge and use that to partially fill my water cup. I now get the benefits of herbal tea while flavoring my water!

On a later post, I'll share my cleansing schedule with you. I have a daily lineup of vitamins and minerals to help my body get back to being squeaky clean!

marfalous AND healthful life.

Yesterday marks a new project beginning in my life. If any of you know really anything about me, I have a terrible habit of getting all excited about a new project, experience, hobby, etc for a short period...stay strong...and then just let it fall aside. I have done this more than once in my recent past. To name a few: purchasing my real estate books to get licensed, begin graduate school for counseling, train for a half marathon, become a biker to complete the MS150. That's just a small list...at least I did not go so far as to purchase a marathon bike!

All this to say, I have a new project. Though there is the slight bit of fear that I will get all pumped up and let it fizzle away in a few months, I do feel positive about it. I am aiming to become more healthful, participate in body cleanses, and eat more fresh, non-processed foods. As Travis' mom says, "If it is not from the ground, above the ground, or has a momma, we shouldn't be eating it." SO WISE AND WONDERFULLY PUT. I am on the lookout for a juicer to allow me to make drinkable meals with all the fresh, delicious produce this time of year provides. I must take-on the trend of Ebay for this task - one that I have avoided this long but must embrace now. Yikes!

This started yesterday because I had a Biofeedback (BF) session with Travis' mom, Shelly. If you have not heard of or personally experienced BF, please, do us both a favor and FIX that. The process is simple and yet so complex and genius. She straps on wires around your head, ankles, and wrists which then allow a machine to ask your brain millions and millions of questions. The answers reveal your body's composition, vitamin and mineral needs and excesses, and problem areas in your nutrition. She then goes further into the information, running more tests, to see exactly where the problem lies. Each human body is uniquely made by our wise and ever-loving Creator...a fact that is both wonderful and challenging as there is no right answer or method to healing one's body. Shelly helps her clients to understand their bodies' needs and how to feel better, be more healthful, and, thus, live a more full life.

After three hours of brain tests and discussing both my issues and how to make things better, I left feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and ready to begin the processes of cleansing my body and taking care of problems she found. My posts here on "My MARFAlous Life" will document both my issues and improvements as well as the health information I will be learning. I hope to cleanse myself both physically and emotionally throughout this new "project." A truly healthy and smart-living person would make this change permanently in their life - not just a phase or experiment. Let's hope I create and establish solid ways of eating and taking care of my body that will be carried throughout my life.

Don't worry though - I will still enjoy my vino, chips, and the deliciousness of life. Everything in moderation, as the healthful Shelly claims :)

where did the marfalous go??

I love living in Midland. It gets me close to the west Texas mountains, has cool nights even when the days are hot, and is infused with the west Texas spirit, friendship, and qualities of life. I moved here hoping it would let me get away to Marfa as often as I pleased - it's close enough to head to the little town I love for even just one night. Heck, I could get up early and come home late if i just had one day free! And, since August, I have only been one time to Marfa. What the heck?? This is unacceptable.

I have a lot of reasons why, I guess. Let's see if they justify my absence. 1) I got a new job that does not leave me completely spent at the end of the week. It is much more interesting, positive, and flexible than the previous job. 2) The holidays hit right after my last trip to Marfa in November - Thanksgiving, family cruise, Christmas, New Years. 3) After all those weekends away, I needed to stick around and enjoy my new house, boyfriend, and church group that I have grown to anticipate attending every week. 4) I have been taking some online classes this semester. This not only takes up time after work during the week but most of my weekends require me to spend time on the classes as well. Let's just say, this is my first and last semester of this...at least for now. Much more of a c

ommitment than I had anticipated.

All this to say, I guess I have had enough stuff going on in my life to justify my absence both from Marfa and my blog spot here. The sad thing is that I have plenty of down time to watch TV shows

(The Voice, anyone??), read, and now take care of my new rescue puppy. Her name is RJ after RJ Machinery where Travis' dad found her. It's not the spiffiest of names but she seems to respond to it (assuming I call her the right name...) and it certainly is unique. All in all, she is sweet, playful, and joined me in a jog yesterday. I don't know which one of us was closer to collapsing from the very short distance we went! What a refreshing change to have company on my afternoon jogs.

As the school semester comes to a close in the near future, I have already

been planning weekends in the little town that stole my heart. The Paisano's patio and Padre's are calling my name. I am so ready to see, hug, and love on all my people out there. It has been far too long to be separated and I truly feel the distance on my heart and mind. Marfa refreshes my spirit, brightens my eyes, and revitalizes me for the next marfa-less stretch. The friendships, ambiance, culture, and food in that town have established a home for me. In just a few weeks, I will be dancing back into town ready for porch time at the house, a margarita at Jett's and fellowship with my sweet friends. My friends here in Midland won't know what happened to the marfa-less Abby when I get back, refreshed and Marfalous once again.

Just FYI, today is Thursday...this means tomorrow begins the weekend. Everyone hoot and holler over that great news!

xox,

ac.

Long over due...

For those of you who still remember this blog...who have held out any amount of hope that I would return...who actually read what I write...I'M BACK!! It has been far too long to not keep up with my blog. I have some excuses...but, let's be honest, an excuse is exactly that: an excuse! I will catch up soon but just wanted to pop in and say hello, are you there, and get ready to read. Once the next few busy weeks are over, I fully intend on hoping back onto this bandwagon called blogging, refresh the marfalous look of my page, and get typing.

My oh my, I have missed this.

xox,

ac.