A great day

It was quiet here over the long weekend giving me the first glimpse of what it will be like when the office moves across the street as we are hoping by August it will be complete.  Lew was around working quite a bit but with her being my most amazing care giver right now her presence isn’t loud, she steps so gentle that she generates little noise.  But while its quiet here the work has been moving forward with new families.  Megan in her usual organized in her professional manner had booked 5 shoots for this weekend.  I am most thankful to have the staff that we do, Megan and Lu really doing a fabulous job of taking on more while I find my chemo legs.

I am sharing today the beautiful young woman Lauren who was photographed by 2 outstanding Soul photographers in very different settings.  We are thankful that her family trusted us to work with them to record her journey.  Thanks to Heather who did the first shoot last August of Lauren in an outdoor setting and to Sandra for her efforts at the studio just a week ago.

Lu did a wonderful job with the work party today with the women from Holy Names Academy. So much work was accomplished and the students are fun, bright and beautiful people.  We sure hope that a few will become out much prized interns.  Fernando loved the girls and Megan was using him as our “hook”  saying he is here Mondays and Tuesdays if they wanted to volunteer that day.  I was just loving having time with fresh young minds.  So hope that one or two will become a deeper part of Soul

This week we will try to set a date to do the promised event in the courtyard for my head heading shaving ‘ceremony’.  Mostly likely it will be on the 13th, put a hold on that date please.  I envision a little fun afternoon where we invite friends, Soul families, my clients and neighbors and all supporters to a very casual ‘free will donation’ party, complete with a hairstylists who will do other buzz cuts when I do mine.  I see pink hair for some of my young client friends.  I see people casually dressed or much better in Warrior or SuperHeroes outfits.  The popcorn, hot dogs and lemonade will flow.  The building of friendship, sprinkled with laughter and craziness watch facebook and emails for an invitation,or just use this blog as your invite,  would love to have you present at this ceremonial event.  Megan is interested in doing some face painting.  My brother in law Mark created the decor and it will make the courtyard be a welcoming ground for all types of warriors and superheros.  Hopefully the incredible tattoos designed by Maude and Karen will be here.

Megan and many others are working on writing 2 grant requests, one to the Jaimie Moyer Foundation.  We know that every granter has many amazing projects to consider.  We don’t expect but we are hopeful.  Your support with ideas for other possible places to submit would be welcome, call or email please.

My huge thanks to my friend Dawnelle for scheduling an emergency shoot this weekend, she worked it out with Dawn to be the photographer and I am so proud and happy that 2 of them are part of my life and a big part of Soul.  Plus thanks to Dawnelle’s mom and her prayer group for the stunning cherry quilt, either that or my blankie is over my feet anytime i sit down,. My sister sent a prayer wrap to wear on for my strolls or just to give my shoulders more loving warmth as needed.

I love to get the mail each day.  I love hoping my artist postcard group is sending something or a cheery card and sometimes donations for Soul.  As I walked into the office to open the mail I saw a check from an anonymous donor, I was silently hoping for $1000 but amazingly enough it was for $10, 000 from someone I so very much admire.  I couldn’t be more thrilled for the support as we are in the process of looking at the budget and how it will all work once our lease begins for the new office.  right now stress is not so good for me, not that it ever is, but this individual timed the donation perfectly to not only relieve stress but to remind me that I know some amazing people.

I can thank my family enough for their support on this journey, I am truly blessed.  If any of you see my Llewelyn on one of the 2 days she works at Paint the Town please say hello as that girl has been hands down the most incredible nurse, kind and gentle caring person.  She has a busy life of her own and has taken care of me with so much grace.  I don’t know if its possible for Mac to be here yet on the 13th, but I hope maybe it could work, send good vibes to her for me   To all who have send more cards, lovely food, gits etc I am so thankful.  Each message makes me feel wrapped in love.  I will wrap this up today and hope that life continues to bless my steps.  Your support and prayers are imperative to healing and since I feel a warrior emerging this AM I had best get out of bed soon.

Onward in love and peace and good health, Lynette