Posts tagged hair

I haven’t been blogging or tweeting much because I’ve been so busy with school.

Here I am - nearly 40 years old - and finally going to school for something that I love: cosmetology.

I love it. The classes are intense and informative and, oftentimes, I find my brain swimming in information when I leave; but, I am ridiculously happy to be there.

I really enjoy the nurturing aspect of it and how one person’s day can be made wonderful simply because they had their hair or nails done.

I remember going through the whole breast cancer ordeal and, while bald and feeling sick, being completely uplifted because someone I know took the time to bring me some make up and help me tie a new, beautiful scarf on my head. I can take what I’ve learned in class and couple it with my own life experience to help other breast cancer survivors feel good about themselves again.

All of that to say - my time in class for the few days per week that I’m there is keeping me overloaded and, thus, the blogging, tweeting and more are not being paid as much attention to. I’m catching up when I can, though.

That’s about it - back to photo editing…

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Most everyone knows that on September first of last year (2011) I was diagnosed with Stage 2b, triple negative, invasive ductal carcinoma - breast cancer. Since then, my life has been a crazy ride of doctors, nurses, chemicals, needles and surgeries.

Now = I’m done with it all.

On February 14 of 2012, they declared me in remission.

One week ago, today, I had my very last surgery.

Reconstruction is done. Cancer life is done. Now? Get back to living.

No more excuses.

I kept wanting to get my life started again after being declared in remission but I had two more surgeries to get through. I’d start working out again - another surgery to heal from then repeat. Now that’s not happening.

So, I have plans.

I’m back to working out. I have to get back into so much shape. My whole body has changed in so many ways and I need to work extra hard to get that going again.

Thankfully, I took in so much information and took so many nutrition classes that my brain knows what to do nutritionally. I found some great workouts online to do in bursts as I work my way back physically.

Not only do I want to be healthy to prevent cancer from happening but I’m going to be 40 years old in January so - well - you have to take care of yourself as you age. Period.

Beyond that, my whole body - soul - mind - is being cared for.

I’ve expanded my creative business. I’m going to cosmetology school starting late summer to get my state license. I’m very excited about that. I have so many freelance opportunities, too, that I’m involved in.

I’m always doing my photography but now my brand includes my portfolios of MUAH (make up and hair) artistry, graphic design, post-photographic processing and I’m also getting back into writing for some local publications.

It’s kind of funny because I feel like my entire life has been one long ramp to this evolutionary moment.

I have also been so very lucky - so very fortunate - to have a life surrounded by the most amazing people you’ll ever meet.

From these wonderful people, I’ve learned so many truths. I’ve learned to embrace my arts without fear. I’ve learned to love my soul. I’ve learned tips and tricks on how to live life with the most joy. I’ve learned to accept and love. Everyone one of my friends - so generous, loving, intelligent and creative - have implanted lessons into what makes me up, today. I am excited for the future and the many possibilities it brings because of them.

No more excuses - no more holding back. This girl is on the runway and ready for take-off!