Day 368 - Acupuncture & AMA

Today was my first acupuncture treatment. I decided to give it a try after the last round's fiasco. Dr. Zhao was recommended to me by Andrea, the gal who had the same disease as I. The treatment was fantastic. I never dreamt that I could sleep with 20+ needles stuck in me! I woke myself up snoring a few times! Ha! I had needles in my feet, calves, wrists, forearms, chest, forehead, head... Crazy!

Unfortunately I managed to lock my keys in my car. I haven't done that for a long time! I was flustered parking in the underground parking, not knowing how to get aboveground & running late. Luckily I had AMA. However, when the fellow came to unlock my car, he asked for photo ID. I couldn't find my Driver's License. Where was it? I went through my purse, my wallet... Nowhere to be found! Luckily he took my Costco card as a form of ID. When he jimmy'd the door open, he commented that my car has been  broken into many times. Quite likely, as Contemplate is 20 years old.

I stopped at Community Natural Foods & picked up some groceries. Why, I don't know. I had picked out 5 recipes in my vegan cookbook & thought I'd experiment. Although tomorrow is chemo & I won't be cooking for a few days. In any case, I was feeling ambitious for once. I'll keep you posted on the cooking front.

My next stop was to Mom2's. She was going to re-henna my head. There wasn't much left to trace of Larissa's design after the shave, so we had to improvise a little. It turned out quite well! I'm happy to have another funky design for a week or so. It's a pity it doesn't last a little longer, as it is a lot of work! Mom2 had fun playing with my head & some henna, and I enjoy having the paste applied, so it was a win-win!

I arrived home around 2100 & got a few things ready for tomorrow's big treatment. Oh please let it go well. I'm having a Picc line put in... Wish me luck!

xxxxMJV&O

Day 356 - Glorious Henna by Amazing Larissa!

I can't believe it! I actually felt great today! Amazing! It's a miracle! Here's hoping the next 5 rounds will be the same! Yay!

Today I had the good fortune of having my head henna'd again. Larissa was back in Alberta for the Edmonton & Calgary Tattoo Festivals. I drove in to meet her at the 'Henna House' for a visit & to let her use my head as a canvas.

I brought lunch & we enjoyed some soup & snacks before the fun began. Man, she is one talented chica. I have no idea where she pulls the creativity from, but she's amazing! I'm thrilled with the design & I wish I could keep it! If tattoos didn't hurt so much, I'd actually have this thing permanently on my head!

She's asked me to describe my Henna Experience, so I'll do my best to put it into words.

When I had hair, one of my favourite things was to have my hair brushed & stroked. It's relaxing & I fall into a state of relaxation instantly. Receiving henna is just like that. Only better. The scent of the essential oils mixed with the henna are intoxicating & add to the relaxation. Lavender dominates & makes my eyelids heavy. My cares fall away as I feel the cool henna paste gliding onto my freshly shaven head. Larissa's energy oozes love, compassion & healing & I absorb every molecule of it! And speaking of healing, it truly is. Not only is it de-stressing to have the henna session - better than a massage or facial - but it is also rejuvenating - confidence building - empowering. I arrived a sad, bald woman & I walk away feeling feminine, unique, beautiful & free of worries. Knowing that someone cares enough about me to spend 3 hours sketching, then painting an awkward canvas makes me feel extra special. Seeing the finished product doubles that feeling. I'm always sad when the design is finished - that means the 'escape' is over, but of course, seeing the intricate designs eliminates any momentary thoughts of sadness!

Now, my only sadness is knowing that I won't see Larissa for another year - or possibly longer! She is so talented & her henna is so much more than just applying a design on your hands, feet, belly or head. She heals with every movement of her hand. Thank you my dear & cherished friend for making this journey that much more magical than I ever dreamt it would be! I love you deeply.

And with that, we taped up my head (to allow the stain to set in) & Larissa & Mookie were off to prepare their booth & I was off to run errands. At the mall. With a full head of white surgical tape. Hello! Lobotomy! :o) I received some interesting looks & comments, but for the most part, it was all good. I can't wait to take the tape off & share the design with you!

It's late now & I have a big day tomorrow.

xxxxMJV&O

http://www.dragon-fly-designs.ca

Larissa Reinders

 The Master in Action

 A rough sketch with watercolour

 A celebratory kiss

I think I forgot to mention that she looks FANTASTIC since I saw her 2 months ago! 

4 months old & he's 24 lbs!!! 

And the creation begins 

 It smells so good, feels even better & looks even better than that!

 Bellissima!

Where does she come up with these designs?! 

 Wow!

 If I were brave, I'd make it permanent! Or not.

 What a beautiful healing gift, my beautiful friend!

Yes! You did that!!! 

Larissa & Mookie - Henna Artists

Below are the photos Jaco took once the paste was removed... Well done Honey! They turned out great!

Day 318 - Volunteering At EVIC

After my wonderful sleep in yesterday, I couldn't fall asleep last night. Thus, I was exhausted today! I was quite excited to spend my day with Shauna though! We had such a great time last summer, it wasn't the same this summer as I didn't get as many chances to visit with her. 


I had agreed to volunteer at the centre for today, as they needed help & I was able to give them a hand. It wasn't too busy of a day, even though the weather was quite nice. There was fresh snow at the higher elevations, so perhaps that deterred a few would-be hikers &/or picnickers. 


Shauna helped me re-henna my head, although we didn't get the entire head finished. I look like I'm wearing a little cap on the back of my bald head. Hopefully Jaco will spruce up the rest of my head tomorrow while I'm in treatment. It will never be the same as Larissa's artistic talents, but at least we'll have a little fun in the meantime.


I came home just before 1700 & did my best to get caught up on the blog. Jaco did his exercises & terrorized the dogs for the better part of the evening... I have to finish getting ready for tomorrow's big day, so pardon me while I cut this post short & finish sorting things out... 


Sleep well & see you soon! Wish me luck tomorrow! 
xxxxx
MJV

Shauna helps a visitor

Shauna helps a colleague!

Papa works out with the Big Dogs...

Day 313 - Saskatoon via Black Diamond

I finally finished the Stirr edits at 0300. I was beat. I crashed, knowing full well that my plans to leave for Saskatoon by 1000 would NOT be happening. My revised plans to leave for Saskatoon at 1200 didn't even happen. Nope. We left around 1400. For Black Diamond.


We had to drop off the edits & Yay! Clayton liked them! I am very happy that he is happy & I am excited to take my cooking class in trade somewhere down the line! One step closer to domestication. No wonder I like boots so much. They allow me to dig my heels in when I want to resist something. Like domestication! :o)


We stopped at Chinook Windz to pick up some food for Valentina & a hot chocolate for Jaco & I. And we were off. At the wonderful hour of 1630. Oh dear. 


Jaco drove the entire way. I kept him company by nagging at him about his driving, reading a book to him, pointing out the Northern Lights (sweet!), giving directions, & steering so he could give Tweet Pea the odd cuddle now & then. 


We managed to get 2 stone chips in the windshield just before Hanna. There was a stretch of highway that seemed to last FOREVER & lo & behold, we each got a chip at about eye level. Hopefully we can get them fixed before they spread right across the line of view!


We talked about politics, childhood memories - when is your earliest memory? - dreams, buffalo, where to live & where NOT to live... Before we knew it, we were in Saskatoon. We found the LAST room at the Super 8... It's now 0130 & I'm beat... Tomorrow we surprise Granny... I brought a wig so she won't be horrified to see my bald, tattoo'd head. Here's hoping the red pixie cut isn't too much for her either! ;o)


Oh yes, Mom took a few snaps of the Henna Do while it's still dark & before I have to attempt at tracing over it. Thanks Mom! She's redoing the office while Jaco & I are away, so here's hoping she manages well on her own! She's always got Oceana for a 'little' support! 


xxxxx
Maria, Jaco & Valentina

Photos by Kim Taylor; Henna Artistry by Larissa of Dragon Fly Designs

Thank you to Larissa of Dragon Fly Designs for her incredible talents!

Thank you to Mom for her fabulous photography skills!