Return of the Jayne

The guilt over my three week blog hiatus has built up, and I have returned! The main reason for the extended writing break is that my condition has been so stable, there's not much to report on the cancer front. I'm still feeling much better than when I was on chemo, with just a little less energy than a completely healthy person. Although I'm off chemotherapy, my mind still feels somewhat trapped in that fog of "chemo brain." I've been doing my usual painting of sugar bowls, jewelry boxes, and other tiny treasures, but it takes me much longer to come up with creative designs to cover my canvas when artistic inspiration used to come naturally to me. But these minor setbacks have done little to interfere with my quality of life.

In fact, I'm really enjoying a slower pace of life these days. Considering that I may have little time left on earth has caused me to stop and smell the roses instead of trying to pack in sensational experiences. When my sister Jeannie learned she had terminal esophageal cancer, one of her first comments was, "I'm letting the dog in the house." Her lovable collie had spent its days frolicking the farm grounds, but was always stopped short at the front door to the house to keep his mud-soaked coat from dirtying her beautiful new home. A pristine domicile suddenly couldn't compare with snuggling with her furry buddy on the couch.

I've finally gotten around to cleaning out my disastrous craft closet. (My family often replaces the word craft with another cra- word when referring to my cluttered area of knicknacks, paintbrushes, glue guns and the like.) And instead of just cleaning house, reminiscing over the forgotten inventory of the closet has become my main focus. Old family pictures, gifts from my sisters, and old projects I had made for my children when they were young were hidden in the mess. This major cleaning project has actually been a great blessing to me in the deluge of memories brought with it. It was also a blessing for the other ladies in my weekly art class since I brought in enough gently used art supplies for their taking to make it like Christmas in August!

My hair is still steadily returning in a particularly unusual pattern. I look like I'm donning a yamaka at all times. Dark grey hair is filling in the crown of my scalp, which gradually fades to white in all directions. So since my head hair isn't exactly growing in as illustriously as I had hoped, I'm more excited about the eye-framing lashes that are returning. Mascara isn't a total waste on me anymore!

There has been big anticipation in our household the past few months over the new SuperTarget which was opening on the corner of our neighborhood. The big day arrived at the end of July, and I think Annabelle may have been the most excited of any of us to get to the grand opening. As soon as she saw the legion of over-stuffed toy aisles, she was scheming of a money making plan to increase her piggy bank funds, and the lemonade stand sale was set for Sunday. In the 95 degree heat, we were fortunate to be set up under a sprawling tree which provided shade as we refreshed passing-by customers. In just one hour, Annabelle's dimples and pigtails earned her over $50! We are thinking of renting her cuteness out to friends in monetary need for a very reasonable fee. Profits aside, it was a beautiful day to spend outside sharing homemade lemonade and smiles with friends and strangers alike.

And now for the biggest news! (Drumroll please) After multiple applications, a peer review, and meeting rigorous criteria, my son Steve has been accepted for training for the position of Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy. We are overjoyed and immeasurably proud of him! This is one of the highest rankings an enlisted member of the Navy can achieve. It is a recognition of his consistently commendable service over the past seventeen years and a great military honor. We are certainly not surprised that he was chosen - I've always known Steve is the best of the best - but we are thrilled to see God reward his exemplary character with this prestigious promotion. To add to Steve and Dawn's blessings, they were also able to sell their house in Virginia this week as they have been restationed in Great Lakes, Illinois. Dawn, Emma, and their dog Barley will be returning to South Florida for an extended stay after Steve heads out to sea at the end of the month until their move to Illinois around Christmas time. I'm looking forward to spoiling Emma rotten!

That's the bulk of the news around here. I'll continue to ask for your prayers, and thank you for your steadfastness in support. You continue to amaze me!