my journey....so far

I was having arm trouble in January. My right arm was numb yet tingly and felt like dead weight just hanging. It had been going on awhile so I felt I should see my doctor. I had injured my ulner nerve on the left arm and had surgery a few years prior and thought maybe it was the same problem. After going over my symptoms along with other symptoms not listed here he felt I had early onset M.S. and told me to keep a journal. He then commented I needed to come in for my yearly check up as I was over do and my blood work from last time was not good. (ofcourse it was not bad enough to make him contact me...) I said I would and made the appointment as well as my yearly mammogram. The receptionist called to schedule it and then said they have a cancelation , would you be willing to go in tommorow morning? Ofcourse, why not? *Thank You Jesus. I went for my mammogram and was called back. Pretty normal for me to be called back as I have large dense breast. The radiologist checked my scans as I waited and came in to tell me there was something there and I needed a needle biopsy. I would need to meet with a surgeon first. I met with a nice surgeon. He was short with a large head and so smiley. looked like he shoped in the boys dept. I liked him instantly. He assured me it was probably normal as only 18% ever turns out to be cancer. The biopsy was scheduled. after the procedure it was a very long week although I never worried. God had brought me here and I knew he would bring me through it. It was cancer and I would need a lumpectomy. This made me search everything i could on breast cancer. I wanted to feel I had controll over some part of it.I switched to a plant based diet. I found a book crazy sexy cancer, Kris Carr . I learned the importance of juicing green cancer fighting vegtables. Juicing allows the nutrients to enter your blood steam instantly rather than smoothies that your body would need to digest first. while fighting desease you want to have less stress on the body so juicing is great. I admit it was tough at first. I was not willing to eat alot of these vegetables for the last 40 something years and now I am going to drink them? yes, I will say I now am addicted and often drink it at night as well because I crave it. I had the lumpectomy but the margins were not clear. They found more cancer that never showed up in the mammogram * Thank You Jesus. I did not mesh well with my oncologist so I got a new one and he felt I should see a plastic surgeon to discuss how he could make me look nicer after this ordeal since there would be more surgery. I agreed. Funny thing is I felt odd going to me a plastic surgeon is for vain people who do not want to age... I was so wrong. This doctor was a God send to me. His wife had gone through Breast cancer. He had them fax over my labs and sat and went over them with me in a way my oncologists had not. He told me lets focus on getting rid of the cancer then I can fix what needs to be fixed. I felt so sure at that moment I would be fine. God sent me to the right doctor. I had a mastectomy. I healed ahead of schedule. My doctor even felt it was due to my juicing. jump ahead a few months ..I had my reconstructive surgery 2 weeks ago. I was told I would need to wear my sports bra for about 4 weeks. I went to see him a week after the surgery and he said It was looking good and I could switch to a regular bra. The constant theme here is the healthy vegetables and fruit in my diet have had such healing properties. Please do not wait until you have a health issue. Love yourself enough to make changes in your diet today. ......p.s. I have not blogged in so long . No matter what I did I could not get the paragraphs to space. Sorry if it was difficult to read .

The Right Nutrition to Fight Cancer

So much has gone on in my life since my last post. I am sorry I have not been around. I was contacted by Jillian McKee . She had read my last post and wanted to share information through my blog. I feel so strongly that my diet has helped so much in my cancer walk that I had to agree. I will be back soon to fill you in on my story but now here is Jillian's words....... When you are diagnosed with cancer, you know that you are in for a fight. Between trying supplements and alternative treatments for mesothelioma, you are going to need energy just live your day to day life. One of the biggest symptoms of cancer has to deal with fatigue. When you suffer fatigue on a daily basis, your quality of life will suffer and you will lack the energy you need to do even basic tasks. When you are undergoing treatments to fight cancer, your doctor should explain to you that cancer-related fatigue is a very common side effect. If you know what to expect, you can fight the good fight. One way to battle the fatigue is to practice eating the right foods when you are diagnosed, going through treatment, and even when you are in remission. Realize the benefits of good nutrition when you have cancer and live a better quality of life that is not being affected by your treatments or your illness. How Can Nutrition Increase Your Energy Levels When You Are Suffering From Fatigue? When you are completely healthy, failing to eat the right foods can affect your health and your energy levels. Now, imagine going through treatments that are designed to kill cancerous cells and you can imagine just how important nutrition can be. Eating poorly can make your symptoms even worse and it is imperative to make sure that you are eating and drinking enough of the right foods and fluids. The key to increasing your energy levels when you are undergoing cancer treatments is to maximize your calorie intake and include proteins in your diet. Because many patients feel full and have difficulty swallowing, you will need to find ways that you can get the calories you need and the protein you need in smaller portions. Many dietitians who help cancer patients with eating problems will suggest that they try food additives, breakfast drinks, and powdered milk to get the protein they need for more energy. Improving Your Quality of Life While there is no super food that can cure cancer, there are super foods that can give your body the fatty acids and antioxidants it needs to fight infection. When you have cancer, the cancerous cells can weaken your immune system and even a common cold can take weeks to get over. If you want to strengthen your immune system, you will need to eat foods that a rich in Vitamin A, C, and E if you want to benefit from the health-promoting properties. Some foods include whole grains, nuts, seeds, salmon, and vegetables. The antioxidants in these foods can benefit you now and in the future and can even help prevent to recurrence of cancer when you are in remission. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you are going to go through a roller coast of different emotions. After you get past the emotions, you need to take time to learning how to eat nutritious foods that will give you more energy and a stronger immune system.

Tuesday's Chain

Sprucing and springing is today's theme.Be sure to head over to Gable House Musings blog to follow the chain

I do not really decorate for the seasons but here are a few spring touches.





I love this time of year as the produce department seems to come to life. I have always loved fruits and vegetables but with a recent health scare I have decided to make big changes in my diet and eat only plant based meals. It is more for my need to have the feeling of control,it can only benefit me and my family.


I went out and bought a juicer this morning. I have always been one to eat my veggies and fruit but with all my recent reading I felt it would be a way to get the vegetables I do not eat but know they hold so many cancer fighting nutrients into me. I enjoy cooking and do not feel the need to follow recipes...I guess it isn't the same with juicing. My first attempt made 8 cups and it tasted like what fresh cut grass smells like! I did drink it all but I am sure a recipe will make it much more enjoyable...fingers crossed.

Tuesday's display chain is back!

I was so delighted to see Misi of 1890 Gable House musings is back! Perfect timing as I have been neglecting my blog and feeling like I would like to get back to it.

I love seeing every ones post and strongly encourage other bloggers to join in on the fun. Today's theme is Lion and the Lamb...lion being cat.
I just love sheep so this was a great theme in my eyes! A wonderful artist from Washington sculps these sheep from porcelain and then adds the wool. I wish I remembered his name...I can not make out the signature but I buy them at Homestead Primitives in Fitchburg Ma.


I love this picture I picked up at Country Plus in Hopkinton MA.
I love how it looks next to my collection of Putz sheep.
This picture hangs in my kitchen. I have it so long but still love it. It makes me think of the 23rd Psalm.
I love this little pin a friend gave me for Christmas. I keep it propt up to enjoy it even when I am not wearing him. I lost my old cat a bit back so this is the only one I had to contribute. I love a sleeping cat and this one is perfect for me as I hate a cat box!
This was fun and has me looking forward to Thursday to find out next weeks theme. Please link over to Gable house ( just click on the name) see the comments to follow the chain. Thanks Misi

It's me again...

It has been a long time since I have posted. My only real reason I stopped is because all I like to post about is when I find new things. I worried if that seemed shallow.
I received nice emails from people missing my posts and honestly when I read blogs it is to see stuff....I love to see what others get. I learn about items I may have not known about, get decorating ideas and it is just fun to share so I have decided I was silly thinking that way.
I went out with a friend on Friday and had so much fun . We went to Sage Farm Antiques 2ND annual cabin fever market. I had picked up a card for it and mentioned it to her and she was happy to take me. *Friends surly are a gift from God!!*

I first found a pestle and mortar for a steal. Yes there is a crack but this is how I was able to grab it with out a second thought. I like its shape and color.
So much to see and what a great turn out they had. I found a candle mold in a box full of different items. I only bought the mold since I do not have one like it.
I followed Lynda into a booth and as she found a wonderful early trivet I spotted this seat . I first thought it was for display but then spotted a tag. I love the early red paint and it is a great size~ Not to big for my table.

I was happy to find another item that the size made it just right for me...I tend to pick items larger than the space I have!
The tag said it was found in Maine and is signed. It was as it was found still quite dirty...I thought it was just gray until I walked out in the sun light and saw the wonderful mustard.
I picked up a pewter ink well and Lynda gave me a feather pen for it before I left her home.
I loved this show and hope to make it back for the next one.
We went to other antique shops and made a day of it. I found this great bottle at a shop and loved it.
I was thinking I would get amber glasses to go with it however I paired it with pewter goblets I own and like the look.
I picked up a candle stick . I love them and feel you , well I, can never have enough!
We stopped at a shop where I scored this reproduction sign for a great price. I love how worn it looks and of course it is not as bright of a red as the photo!
My home is coming together nicely. I am sure you can see how my taste has evolved over the past year. I have been fortunate enough to see so many wonderful homes through my job and of course many on line friends that I understand what look I want and am on the road to it. I sometimes think if only I had more money however the truth is the hunt is the most enjoyable part and so over night wouldn't be the same.
I am off to make my super bowl snacks. I do not really care about football but family time together is the best. Hope you enjoy your super bowl Sunday.

a fun day out

There are many reasons I love working for A Primitive Place & Country Journal but the top reason is the wonderful people I meet. I have liked everyone I have met but sometimes you meet a person and have a instant connection. You talk with them like you have known them for years. This happened in the spring and we planned a day out together "hunting" in the summer. This day came Saturday. Donna was kind enough to drive the 2 hours to my home so we could hit my favorite spots. I planned out what route would get the most in but didn't worry as I knew being together would be the real fun. Donna arrived nice and early and we hit the road. Being Saturday we passed and stopped at many yard sales . Hit a few antique shops and ended the day going out for lunch. As usual I came home with the most after all I seem to have pack rat in my genes..lol
Here are my treasures.Pewter found at many yard sales and not much money spent...gotta love that!
A set of 6 for 15.00
This measure I picked up for $3.00.....great score!
I love the look of this candle holder and for $2.00
I picked up this sconce for 4.00 ,it is copper and made me think of child hood memories putting pennies on the railroad tracks with my best friend Allison.
This was my favorite purchase bought at a shop rather than tag sale still I got a great deal and it was a tax free day.Turn of the century piece that just came from a private collection so it hasn't been on the market in over 40 years.




It was such a fun time I can hardly wait to get together again.

What's new???

I am the first to admit I am not a great blogger. I so enjoy reading about others adventures but when I go out and about I am to caught up in the moment to take pictures. The next thing i enjoy reading about is decorating and projects so I will fill you in with whats new at my home.
We built our home in 1999. At that time my taste was country. Blue being my favorite color. I choose my floor in a white laminate that had faux grey grout and blue in each corner to create a quilt pattern. Just lovely and it went so well with the blue counter tops and blue carpet. I also had a beautiful pale yellow sofa then. Needless to say my taste has changed but until something breaks there is no sense in replacing appliances. We still have children at home and are a one income family.
Whoo hoo my refrigerator went....yes I was upset at the expense but God is good and had it happen at a time when I had the cash to go out and replace it. I never liked the side by side I had. I cannot tell you how many times I hit my elbow on the door as it was never quite wide enough. My teenagers joke about me yelling out I hate this refrigerator!!! My husband picked it out and has never heard the end of it LOL....
Being a family of 5 plus my Mother here everyday,(That is a Blessing).We needed a refrigerator right away. I was fortunate enough to find a floor model being discontinued. It was a model that wouldn't be in my price range any other time....more proof God is good!! I love it.
My dishwasher has not worked well for awhile so I no longer used it....good reason to replace it as well....not to mention the box made a wonderful play house!
I also am waiting on a stove due to be delivered on August 10th. This of course made the white floor SCREAM!!! My wonderful Hubby spent yesterday,our anniversary replacing it. What a wonderful gift.

Oh and I also replaced my old sofa,not the yellow it has been gone for a while now...with this wonderful piece from ANGEL HOUSE DESIGNS.
A close up of the fabric...
My pockets are empty but I am so pleased with the changes. I hope all is well in your life.

Magazine preview

Fall 2011 Issue
With this issue, we commemorate the one year anniversary of A Primitive Place magazine! To celebrate, we have incorporated some exciting new changes! The first change that you may have noticed already is the addition of Country Journal to our name. We are... very excited about the new name, the new look and the additional content. A Primitive Place & Country Journal will be what A Primitive Place was plus more! We have added more pages to an already great magazine! With the addition of the new name, we have added a new section. In our new Homesteading section, we will be offering practical advice on gardening, food, health, saving money and overall, ways to achieve a simpler way of life, for both the urban and country lifestyle. In this issue you will read about canning & stocking your pantry, the history of the butter churn, how to make homemade butter, harvesting & freezing apples, using coupons to save money & “The Homesteader’s Journal.” In this issue, the article in “The Homesteader’s Journal is entitled “River Cats: Reeling on the Red.” We will feature a different story or showcase a special event in each issue that will be directed a little bit more towards the men out there. See More
By: A Primitive Place




It is going to be a great issue!!