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I saw your face today for the first time in a while, and I was overwhelmed by the flood of emotions that hit me. I can’t even begin to sift through them all - a tinge of jealousy, a whole lot of hurt + bewilderment at the thought of what our relationship looks like now. … Continue reading Dear Nobody – Part III
Have you ever found yourself placing expectations on God? It sounds crazy to do, but we do it more often than we realize. On New Year's Day I found myself sitting in my study staring at my new, blank journal. I'm not crazy about New Year's, nor am I a fanatic of making resolutions. Honestly, … Continue reading A Call to Genuine Living
Since 1952, the day after Thanksgiving has been known as the day that kicks off holiday shopping with the biggest discounts of the year. We know this day as Black Friday. Little do people know, but there is a Black Friday that existed long before this shopping holiday came into existence: the Friday that Jesus … Continue reading The True Black Friday
Wishing you a love-filled Thanksgiving!
This year, "being thankful" doesn't quite look the same for me as it has in the past. I'm dealing with a different type of brokenness that I've never experienced before. My Thanksgiving plans have been tossed high into the air in light of my current physical plight. As I write this, rather than being home … Continue reading A New Take on Gratitude
Let's make a conscious effort to make Thanksgiving meaningful again. Here are some simple steps we can take to make that happen.
The holidays are usually a pretty stressful time for most people. Back in 2013, 3.08 trillion dollars was spent in the U.S. on holiday retail purchases. There's quite a fair bit of shopping that needs to get done in 2-3 months, since most stores don't begin offering holiday promotions until Oct. 1st. Between shopping, get-togethers, … Continue reading Keeping God First During the Holidays
This Veteran’s Day, I challenge you join me in taking 5 days this week to pray for our veterans.
As Christians, we (along with everyone else) begin to align ourselves with political parties. As this happens, we need to stop and consider who and what Jesus would align himself with. This doesn't mean that we make assumptions or vote for someone simply because they are claiming Christianity. We must turn to the Bible and investigate what God is interested in. Even a short glance into the gospels reveals that in Jesus' way, God's closeness has absolutely nothing to do with political power, and everything to do with alleviating suffering and addressing the concerns of the downtrodden.
I know people who struggle with the idea of God because of how much pain and suffering there is all around us. I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I've been asked "How do you believe in God when He isn't healing you and He allows you to suffer?" For quite a … Continue reading When the Giver of Life Meets the Dealer of Death
God has been sending me a very simple message lately: busyness is not something to be proud of. But busyness is all I've known. I've spent my entire life being busy with one thing or another. At first it was school, which I invested my all into growing up. I was that student who managed … Continue reading Busyness. It’s Not Always Something to Boast About.
Dear ______, I am grateful that our paths crossed. You have had such a positive influence on me. Friends like you are rare. You remind me of Black Opal: intriguing, unique, and the most valuable of its kind. (What are the odds — it’s also Australia’s national gemstone.) Upon seeing Black Opal, it’s obvious that … Continue reading Dear Nobody — Part II
On Saturday, we impromptu celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary! We woke up early-ish Well, actually, Mosha woke up early while I woke up just in time for us to take Milo to his vet appointment. He hasn’t been eating the past few days and also urinated in the house once, which is definitely out of … Continue reading Tacos in Wonderland
Unquenchable Unable to be quenched - not capable of being satisfied, quelled, or discouraged. I love when God so perfectly orchestrates life in order to meet your needs. For this long I’ve managed to maintain a positive outlook on life, despite the curveballs that are thrown our way. At times, the world around me seems … Continue reading Unquenchable
Dear _____, Do you remember the first time we met? I was young, and we were at his house for the weekend. It wasn’t long until he was on another drunken binge - probably high, too - before he began looking for someone to take out his pent-up anger on. We were there, and it … Continue reading Dear Nobody – Part I
Hey everyone! Two weeks ago, upon our return from vacation and various treatments, we went to Wednesday night worship service at CalvaryPHX only to find out that they were having a special baptism service. During worship, I felt led to go get baptized. So, without extra clothes or having prepared beforehand, I asked if I … Continue reading A Believer’s Baptism
Hello everyone! My Chic Sparrow leather cover has finally arrived! Yay! This is a video of the unboxing (unenveloping??) of my Outlander Claire Deluxe, as well as my very first (and very giddy) impressions of it. Be sure to like and subscribe to receive updates on future videos. Thanks for stopping by!! xoxo Holly Marie … Continue reading Chic Sparrow Outlander Claire Deluxe | Unboxing & First Impressions
Hello everyone! I recently had a new medication added to my regimen, and I let my husbeee Dnoch give me the injection. Here’s a quick, impromptu video from the first time he administered the medication. (PS — Excuse the mess and my scrubby appearance! 🤭) Be sure to like and subscribe to receive updates on … Continue reading Letting My Husbee Give Me My Injections
Hello everyone! I decided to redecorate the covers of my traveler's notebooks to match my new Chic Sparrow leather cover (that has yet to arrive). I chose a rose gold theme for my journals, since that's the color scheme that I want to implement in my Chic Sparrow. Be sure to like and subscribe to … Continue reading Redecorating My Journals (Timelapse)
I love this post that my friend Leann wrote concerning me and my cancer diagnosis. Reading how this has affected my loved ones is so crucial because it shows me ways that I can help them to cope with this situation. Pop on over for a read!
Part I of a series I am writing on our cancer resource blog!
Check out this article I wrote for a co-authored blog for cancer patients and their loved ones!
"The results from your last scan show that the primary brain tumor you have has shrunk one millimeter since you began the clinical trial a month ago." Excitement welled up inside me. Tears flooded my eyes. Finally, positive news. Finally, I'm on track to wellness. Then, my prayers of thanksgiving began. To some, it seems like … Continue reading Zoe: A Symbolic Teddy
Hey everyone! I've had the honor of being featured in Voyages Phoenix's Artistic Voyage article as a trending local artist today. A more in-depth article featuring an interview with me is in the works, and I will post the interview once it's available to view. For now, feel free to check out the article as … Continue reading Voyages Phoenix
Hey y'all! Check out my latest vlog where we talk about chemo and drop a special rubber ducky into the CTCA fountain. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/kTT-WPgEoEk
E. That’s what I will call the man who I met today (for anonymity purposes). We spent two hours talking about anything and everything: life as a cancer patient, family, society, politics, religion, you name it. Despite my social anxiety, I really enjoy meeting new people because I believe that we each have valuable insight … Continue reading A Fighter Named E.
I woke up early on Sunday, and Mosha had gone to the lake to fish some more, so I went back to bed for a few hours. Once he was back, we both showered and checked out of the hotel and headed off to Bearizona, which was only one exit away off the freeway. Bearizona … Continue reading Sunday at Bearizona
This past weekend Mosha and I took a trip up to Williams, AZ, which is located about 30 miles NW of Flagstaff, and 1 hour south of the Grand Canyon. Our original plan was to go up there to take Andrew to Bearizona, an open wildlife park, but Friday night/Saturday morning Andrew came down with … Continue reading Saturday in Williams, AZ
Sorry for the pensive face, but I'm about to wrap up week one of chemo, and I went to go pee only to realize that I had my underwear on inside out all day. I choose to blame this oversight on Lyle, and I am also choosing to focus on the fact that inside out … Continue reading One week down!
I had a lovely brunch with Mosha today at Southern Rail, next door to Changing Hands Bookstore. BT Original Grilled Cheese: four cheeses, cheesy focaccia style bread, red pepper tomato soup and roasted chicken Buttermilk Biscuit & Chorizo Sausage Sandwich: fried eggs, apple slaw, tomato and aioli
“Make sure you rest today. I want to make sure you’re feeling well enough to handle tomorrow.” The tomorrow that Mosha speaks of is the Veteran’s Benefit Car Show downtown where KGDM Life will be performing. The show is from 10am-3pm, and they will be performing around noon, multiple sets if I’m not mistaken, with … Continue reading Prepping for Tomorrow’s Show
Decided to take these two rascals out for a walk this morning. I learned my lesson that they need to be walked separately because Nicki is wild, wanting to chase after everything, while Milo is calm and stays by my side.
Teddy the Therapy Dog DOB: 6.16.13 109 lbs. Fave trick: Shake Fave toy: Anything that squeaks Fave Food: Sour cream coffee cake
Wearing my fave Mickey sweater (thanks @monabeille @brittyzombiehunter) for church and family day! 😃 Also rocking my fresh septum piercing that I got done last night.
Even at CTCA, where death and despair seem so prevalent, you'll find God's beautiful creations.
I am grateful to have a hubby who pushes me and supports my craft. I am also pretty excited to participate in The Sketchbook Project, where my sketchbook will become a permanent part of the Brooklyn Art Library’s (BAL) collection beginning June 2018! I will be working on my sketchbook from now until April, when … Continue reading The Sketchbook Project
I was fortunate enough to meet this beautiful soul today! She radiates creativity, and I had a blast art journaling with her.
Well, I suppose I am long overdue for a medical/life update. Normally around this time I would be taking a nap, but there’s currently a technician in my house doing technical things, so I can’t go have a nap until after he’s done. Honestly, I should probably try and stay awake until this evening anyway … Continue reading Mini update
Today I added a prayer for my fellow warriors onto the prayer wall. Fight on. ✊🏽
Tagged by: @calindor I've been asked to answer these 20 questions by a fellow blogger, so here goes! 1) Name: Holly Marie 2) Nicknames: Holly, Vyne (pronounced Vine, not Vin), Vee, The Baby (by family), Hollz, Holly Berry, Hozza/Hoz, Goose 3) Height: 5ft 3-4inches 4) Orientation: Former lesbian, current hetero 5) Nationality: Spanish, Afro-Portuguese, Mexican … Continue reading Let’s Play 20 Questions
Vet checkup for his arthritis.
Good food, good people, good times.
The reality of brain cancer. This custom-fitted mesh mask is used to bolt me down on the table while radiation beams are pinpointed at Lyle. This happens 5 times a week for 4 weeks straight.
Cancer hurts those who fight from the sidelines, but it cannot cripple love. Thank you @monabeille @brittyzombiehunter @finchstacey for campaigning for me. Click here to visit fund.
“You never know how strong you are until being strong becomes the only choice you have.”
"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."
I managed to stick to my resolution this year! So many memories. https://youtu.be/wTgz3a9Pa8A
When you are faced with terminal cancer, one of the things that you inevitably end up doing is evaluating the things you want to do before you die. I was fortunate enough that my family accommodated one of my last wishes by planning a family trip to Disney this last May, where I was able … Continue reading Help Me Complete This!
Terminally Fierce 