Thank you so much........
I can not tell you how much all your comments and emails mean to me. I feel so bad that I can't get back to everyone.....but please know that with every single comment and emails I read, I feel blessed to the very core of my soul.
Since I have some time to myself this morning I thought I would catch you up on some things that have happened here recently. I had a surprise guest show up at my door via Jessie.........
Oh yeah!..... The Count is in the house. He even brought along two of his good friends to join the party.....
Where's the other friend you ask? Well, unfortunately he was unable to make it into the picture. Due to foreseen circumstances, he was immediately eaten by an 8 year old and his mother.......Thanks Jessie from the bottom of our chocolate filled hearts!!!!
I also wanted to show you that everything still remains the same here in the chaos studio as I try to get ready for my art and craft show.......
As usual I have approximately 3 square inches left on my floor in which to work. Everything is in a state of half-doneness. I have about 2 1/2 weeks to hopefully get at least one thing into a state of whole doneness. I figure if worse comes to worse, I will just attempt to sell one of my ornaments for $300 dollars so I can make up for my table cost and time. I figure I'll just encase it in a plexiglass cube and start talking nonstop nonsense on how it's an early 19th century vintage ornament used by dukes and knights in England during wartime. Someone is bound to buy my story. Although, I am a bit worried they will recognize the base of the ornament from Target.....hmmmm....I still have to work out that little kink......
So as I said before in my other post I have been reading some kick ass books on staying postitive and focused on my journey. The one book I am loving right now is Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor. She is so in a place that I want to be mentally. I keep her book on my night stand and just flip open a page to read and it gives me strength knowing she is surviving this too. One of the things I decided to do was to overhaul my diet so that I'm at the optimal health when I start chemo. So, I started reading her diet recommendations and realized that this might be a little bit harder than I anticipated. She is a raw food vegan who basically shuns everything unless it's a green oranically grown, locally produced vegetable. Oh boy, I'm already in trouble.
First on the list....No caffeine. Well, just shoot me in the head right now. No..really. Just do it. Ok. fine....I'll give up my beloved cup of morning coffee and drink tea.
Second.....no sugar. And that includes store bought fruit. Holy crap. Here I am feeling all good about myself because I just ate an orange instead of that pile of cookies and then I come to find out I'm screwed either way. Ugg....
Third......drink 36 oz of freshly juiced cucumbers, spinach, brocolli, bean sprouts, peas, and whatever else you can throw in there that is green. Hmmmmm....that's a lot of green stuff to down in one day. On one hand, I don't want to be on my death bed two years from now wishing that if "I had only drank the gross green stuff I would still be alive." But then on the other hand, I don't want to be on my death bed two years from now thinking "For the love of brocolli, I can not believe I spent the last two years of my life drinking that crap when I could have been eating a bowl of ice cream." It's a conundrum.....I'll have to think about this one.
I do have some other options though. I have a anti cancer book on order that I think lets you eat an egg and a banana. So I might end up going with that option.
Ok...I'm off to go with Cosme to pick up Carlos from school. I'm soooo excited to see everyone. Also, I wanted to let you know that in the next few weeks I'm going to be having some guest bloggers come on when I'm unable to blog. These will be some good friends who were told they could have free reign at it. So who knows you might get a whole expose on me. :)
Talk to you soon! Peace, Love and Blessing from Karin


So nice to hear from you Karin and wonderful to hear your sense of humor is intact.
I trust your upbeat attitude will help you through this as will all the good, positive energy being sent your way from me and all the other people who "know" you and love you.
xoxo
Posted by: Vicki | November 19, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Love the humour...and I think you just might surprise yourself by selling that $300 ornament!!!
Kris Carr has some wild ideas...and some I'm not sold on. Inspiring she is...over the top she is also. There are other great books out there. Remember it isn't just what you've eaten, it's the fact that you were born with 2 breasts. Caffeine? I drink de-caf and have for a long time because caffeine is known to cause breasts to be lumpy...it's all about moderation as you know...and you'll find books that give you the inspiration you need.
Posted by: sherry | November 19, 2008 at 01:20 PM
Karin, i am glad to see your creative space in disarray, at least i know that you have been feeling well enough to create and make that mess...*smile*...thanks for popping in now and then to let us know how you are doing...we love you girl!!!
Posted by: Lori | November 19, 2008 at 01:59 PM
Dear Karin,
I usually go to the Farmers Market in Hillcrest every other Sunday - it's from 8:00am (i think) to 1:00pm. Sometimes I cheat and go every Sunday=P Any Farmers Market will do for buying organic, green, local healthy food but this one is my favorite.
BTW - I'd buy your $300.00 ornament, just because you're a fellow San Diegan =) and because I'm a geek like that.
PS - Have you posted where and when your craft fair will be? Do you think there will be other $300.00 ornies there?
Love your Chaos!
Posted by: Kathie in Ramona CA | November 19, 2008 at 02:05 PM
So nice to have a little visit from you. You are as charming as ever. I'm so glad you are still doing the craft fair, wishing you the best with that.
XO
Kath
Posted by: Kathy Jacobson | November 19, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Prayers continue. OMG you have such a great outlook!
Posted by: txscrapaddict | November 19, 2008 at 02:39 PM
sweetie it is so good to see you in good spirits!
that whole 36 ounces of GREEN would just freak anyone out except for the VEGAN..haha!
I adore your ornaments ,as a matter of factly , I have one from last year that will be adorning my tree. I am sure you'll sell them all!Have fun at your show and keep that positive spirit , we are all praying for you!
BIG Hugs!
Posted by: MonicaA | November 19, 2008 at 03:18 PM
BRAVO! Yes,yes,yes! The humor, the silliness! Love it! Stay strong! Ok, when you said,"for the love of brocolli" I really spit my wine onto my plate from laughing so hard!
Hugs to you oh fun one,
Shell
Posted by: Michelle May | November 19, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Continued prayers and positive thoughts are being sent and your attitude is wonderful... I say eat the ice cream.
Posted by: Lisa M. Pace | November 19, 2008 at 04:23 PM
I'm so glad to hear from you...You seem to be in a good place! I say, screw the really limited diet until after chemo because you have boxes of count chocula in the house!!! Only kidding, you will probably only like certain foods for a while and will need to get in all the food groups when you can so I would give myself some room and then go more radical when you are feeling better and able to try some really "green" foods! Some days you may only want ice cream or cheese its and if you start something too extreme, you might make yourself feel bad because you are on this special diet.
Just a thought...I know my mom some days would only want a certain food and it wouldn't always be on the "healthy" side but at least she was getting something in her stomach. Just a suggestion.... I hope you don't get offended!
Now...those ornaments rock! and the cones that aren't finished are really pretty! You are awesome! keep it up! karen....
Just a thought!
Posted by: karen | November 19, 2008 at 04:35 PM
Some wise person once said "laughter is the best medicine". Hang on to that sense of humour sweetie, it might just be better than all those green vegies.
Hugs,
Kerryanne
Posted by: Kerryanne English | November 19, 2008 at 05:21 PM
So glad to see your post! Hugs to you and good luck with the craft show!
Posted by: Cindy (Junque Art) | November 19, 2008 at 06:40 PM
I just found you through Vintage Bella. I was looking through your creations on Flickr and had to save you as a contact. I want to check out all your goodies in more detail when I have a little more time. I am lovin' your stuff!
Posted by: Serena | November 19, 2008 at 06:53 PM
Karin , glad to see ya up and about -You work table makes me comfortable -- My hub is amazed that on my 6 foot table I have about 12 inches to work on lol --
Such are we creative souls -- no apologies here !!
As for the diet-ack !liquid veggies - well why not hit yourself in the head and have a
V - 8 --lol -- Your creations will sell because they are always lovely -- You're in my daily thoughts and prayers -kathy-GA
Posted by: Kathy | November 19, 2008 at 07:10 PM
I want one of those snowflakes ,they are so pretty! Glad to see you being crafty, hugs and prayers for you ! :)
Posted by: Andrea | November 19, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Hi karin! I just got back into town and catching up on blogs. I am so glad to see you back on the "sunny side" of life! keep your spirits up, I am so glad you are doing ok!
love ya!
and count chocula too!
xoxo, Tiffany
Posted by: tiffany ~ Shabby Scraps | November 19, 2008 at 09:21 PM
Love the cone ornaments! Hey you might get $300 for one with that story, but to be safe you better have your son pull out his harmonica!! :)
Glad you had some Count Chocula too
Posted by: sherri | November 19, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Hmm, that diet sounds a bit radical but it might be ok to cut back a little on the Count Chocula. :) or maybe an all Count Chocula diet?? HMM, bears consideration. Whatever you do, you know we will all be here behind you!!
xoxox
Posted by: Heather | November 19, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Oooooh! Big hugs to you! I say, screw the green stuff and have a martini instead. A non-fruity one or something. That's kind of not breaking the rule. Sort of.
Posted by: MizSmoochie | November 19, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Oh Karin.....your wit is alive and well!!!!! That diet appears to be quite a challenge....LOL! Love to see what you are working on.....you go girl:D much love and prayers, Linda
Posted by: Linda Harre | November 20, 2008 at 06:13 AM
Oh Karin.....your wit is alive and well!!!!! That diet appears to be quite a challenge....LOL! Love to see what you are working on.....you go girl:D much love and prayers, Linda
Posted by: Linda Harre | November 20, 2008 at 06:14 AM
hey there doll,
im so glad you like all your chocolate cereal!!
im glad you liked everything in the box!!
man, no caffenine, no sugar.
geez!!
keep your chin up sweets.
see ya soon
oxoxo,
jessi
Posted by: jessi nagy | November 20, 2008 at 06:25 AM
I'm so happy to hear you are doing better. Friends make such a difference. When my mom was diagnosed w/bc, she lost some of her friends. They could not handle it. Laughter is such good medicine!
Tea does have some caffeine though not as much as coffee. Hojicha is a low caffeine green tea and is served to patients in Asian hospitals. Getting rid of processed foods and all the nasty chemicals they contain is a good idea, just don't make yourself too miserable by combining too many changes while undergoing treatment.
Love the snow flakes! Still praying for you!
Posted by: Melissa's Cozy Teacup | November 20, 2008 at 07:04 AM
Eat the ice cream girlfriend. All that green stuff will make you poop like crazy anyway...stay away from it!! And you should feel good about the orange...Heck, I'd say even one cookie is better than the whole pile! Stay positive and believe in your healing Karin!
Posted by: Cris | November 20, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Karin--You are amazing and a definite source of inspiration for me.
Much love--Amy
Posted by: Amy | November 20, 2008 at 03:19 PM
Karin~
No need to respond. Just wanted to tell you that I think of you daily and say a prayer for you and your family. As my father, an old soldier says, "Keep mustering onward, soldier!"......I just know that you can beat this!!
Posted by: Allie | November 20, 2008 at 03:35 PM
Yaaaa! The Count is in the house!
Boy, after the count leaves....ur so to speak, then it is down to business. Are you going to loose weight in this food thing!? Leave some good meat and fat on please :)
Thanks to Jessi! She did what I did not act on (as probably many of us).
I so wish I could go to your craft fair!!! more than Silver Bella! You make THE best projects!!!!!
Hugs,
Mary
Posted by: Oh Merci | November 21, 2008 at 07:24 AM
Hi karin,
Just popped in to see how things were going at the Chaos household...I've been too busy with taking care of a newborn to visit anymore. Now I wish I had been more "in the loop." I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis but I read you are getting the right "kick ass" attitude and I have no doubt you will succeed!
I say TRY the green stuff and then reward yourself with the ice cream!
Lots of love and prayers to you from Pennsylvania ... they go a long way!
I'll be back to visit...
Jillian
Posted by: Jillian | November 21, 2008 at 11:52 AM
NO coffee and green crap.... bless your heart!!!
It is so good to see your craft space in normal working order and to hear you are continuing on with your craft show. Good luck! :)
Posted by: Alisa | November 21, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Hang in! Kind thoughts and prayers for your full recovery.
Cathy
Posted by: cathy | November 21, 2008 at 01:59 PM
Hey Karin, Glad to hear your update. I was in San Diego last week and of course, thought of you. You are in my prayers. You will beat this. Beverly
Posted by: Beverly Keaton Smith | November 21, 2008 at 05:16 PM
As a new follower of your blog, I just want to say that I am amazed by your strength and good spirits. As a woman who has been in a state of chronic pain for over a year now, I know how life definately has its ups and downs. I am praying for you, but want you to understand that its okay to allow yourself "bad days." I have realized (the hard way) that it is important to let others know how you really feel. I have tried to pretend that I am okay at times, when I should have been letting others know I was feeling low. Let your good friends know how you truly feel, so that they can step in and offer help when its needed. It's what makes them feel helpful.
Posted by: Michelle K | November 21, 2008 at 07:45 PM
Go with the good stuff to eat but always treat yourself,too. DOn't go completely without. "ALways use the good china" Ya know what I mean,sister?? YOur creations look glittery-gorgeous as usual. I can't wait to put my tree up and hang up all the sweet ornaments you made me. Hugs, Tricia
Posted by: Tricia Samsal | November 22, 2008 at 08:02 AM
Please do take care of yourself. I agree with some of the comments, if you go without "the good stuff" all together, you might feel so deprived no coffee stand will be safe when you give in. Really, there are ways of doing it without being so radical. Do some more research and then make a decision. My mother survived breast cancer and while she made some changes, they weren't permanent or that radical. It's been almost 10 years and she remains cancer free. She has her coffee! I wish I could go to your craft fair. I love your ornaments and you always put so much work into it. Heck I wish I could help you finish them up. I'll continue to say my prayers.
Posted by: Vickie | November 22, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Karin,
Your attitude is wonderful! I still have your tag from the Sweet Treats swap, it is on my inspiration board, every time I look at it I will pray for you.
Posted by: Miss Sandy | November 22, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Wow Karin, your creative space looks a lot like mine. Maybe my studio can be dubbed, "Creative Chaos-Midwest"
xo
jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | November 24, 2008 at 07:47 AM