A Children’s Book
October 19, 2009 by Karen
Where Were You Before You Were Here?…
It is a working title. Maybe Where was I before I was ME/ Where were you before you were you…
I want to co-create a book about life before, well, LIFE. I want to avoid the use of the word “Heaven” because I want people of all faiths to relate to it.
The idea came to me one night based on early conversations with Zaiden, when she seemed to “remember.” I love the idea of exploring children’s ideas of pre-earth existence.
I am looking for artwork of children (and adults!) who remember what it was like. Already I have so many images floating around in my mind. I want to create the text based on pictures created by kids about “God” and “Heaven” without stuffing it into a religious box. I see it having a global audience.
If you have or know children who would be willing to give up their beautiful, precious art, I promise to include each and every drawing I receive in some way. Please let me know if you do not want your child’s name to appear in the book. Otherwise, every picture will be credited.
Please mail pictures to me at: Karen / Reach for the Joy, Inc. 1118 Josephine St. Denver 80206
Include your child’s name and age and any comments they may make about the piece on the back if possible (or attached with a paper clip). Pictures can also be emailed to kareng@reachforthejoy.org
Thank you- I have high hopes for this book! A portion of proceeds will go to further the efforts of Reach for the Joy as well as another charity I have yet to choose.
Where were YOU before you were you?? Do you ever wonder??
“Cup Half Full” Released
October 18, 2009 by Karen
The Book is here!!!
Cup Half Full... the book
Cup Half Full is a beautiful, important book of women and men on the journey with breast cancer, photographed by the incredible Katy Tartakoff.
Over a year ago I was asked to participate in a book about breast cancer. I was in a pretty dark place at the time- feeling sorry for myself and hiding under the covers. I declined.
In April, another friend suggested that I call this lady, Katy, who was photographing women with breast cancer for a book. I called. I was busy getting ready for Mexico and didn’t have time. Again, I declined.
When I returned, Katy’s assistant called to ask if I was still interested in being a part of the book. Katy had a few more spaces to fill and she had heard my story and wanted me to participate- if I wanted to. I had Zaiden with me. Could I bring her? Katy said sure.
Zaiden and I spent less than an hour in Katy’s Denver studio. We were both extremely comfortable and had a great time. Katy even gave us both a bit of Reiki (energy healing). And that was that…
About a month later I received a call that my photos were ready. They were some of the most beautiful photos of me and my daughter I have ever seen. There was so much in those photos: Joy, sadness, love…
The book was released to the participants this week and will be released to the public on Friday Nov 6. It is a beautiful book. It is an important book. It is a wonderful book.
If you are in Denver, please consider coming to the release party and fund raiser on Nov 6 (details below). And if you cannot participate, consider buying a copy of the book for your family. And if you know anyone living with cancer, Cup Half Full is a wonderful, positive, inspiring gift.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many of the women (and men) in the book and what an inspiring group!!
Continue to reach for the JOY- because all our cups are half full!!
Find out more at: www.cuphalffullbook.com
The picture of me and Zaiden in the book is kindly provided for use on this site courtesy of Katy Tartakoff. Thanks Katy!
Karen and Zaiden. Photo © Katy Tartakoff
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Continue to Reach for the JOY!
Karen
Thank God for Modern Technology!
October 18, 2009 by Karen
Me with my beautiful cousins, Rainbow, Tina & Bobbi
Healing well after a relaxing week of ice packs and sleep. I am amazed by how easy the whole thing was, really.
Next step, a visit to Dr. J, my neurologist in a few weeks. He will do a follow-up MRI in about 3 months.
The radiation actually takes that long to dissolve the tumors. And absolutely no damage to the surrounding area. Astonishing!
I was visited by a handful of my cousins and girlfriends for a girls-night-in this weekend. We laughed a lot! (mostly over the funny things our kids say…) I am so grateful for the love that surrounds me constantly!
I am grateful that I am dealing with this in the 21st century!
Embrace every moment… this is the only one any of us has.
Love and JOY~
Karen
New findings
October 7, 2009 by Karen
Well, discoveries aren’t always good news… Not in my case anyway…
I went in for my “routine” PET scan last week and after insisting that the scan include my head (since breast cancer usually metastasizes- or spreads- to the lungs, liver, bones and brain), my doctor found a microscopic spot on the brain tissue. She sent me for an MRI and it was confirmed. Crap- breast cancer in the head!??
I met with the neurologist- Dr. Johnson- whom I saw last year for my spine procedure and he is quite optimistic. “We caught it early and you are a perfect candidate for Gamma Knife…” The Gamma Ray should simply Zap the tiny tumor and I will be in tip top shape!
Ok- so what is a Gamma Ray or Knife??? Well, it is a sci-fi-futuristic laser thing that was designed just for delicate brain tissue. What they do is secure the head with a sort of halo and then hit the spot with several rays that will disintegrate the tumor. There may be a bit of swelling for a couple of days, but the prognosis is excellent.
So once again, I am putting my very life in the hands of strangers. Experts in their field. I am putting all of my faith in the doctors, myself and my Higher Power to bring me through this easily, safely, effectively.
I have come this far and I don’t intend to stop now!!
Prayers and positive thoughts always welcome!
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Cup Half Full
Cup Half Full is a beautiful, important book of women and men on the journey with breast cancer, photographed by the incredible Katy Tartakoff. I was lucky enough to participate in this important project. It's an amazing book and 75% of all proceeds go to support breast cancer charities.
