Poor, neglected blog! I thought this month was going to be so focused on preparation for my upcoming trip to New York for the SCBWI conference, but it turned out a little (read: a lot) different than expected.
First off, one of my friends lost her battle with stomach cancer. A fast moving, debilitating, genetically linked cancer, her brother died of it in 2008, at the age of 37. Sandra was one month shy of her 40th birthday when she passed last Friday. Her memorial service was yesterday. A sad event, to be sure, but I'm so glad all the pain she endured is over.
Trivial in comparison though still time-consuming, stomach flu made a trip through our house last week. Not a fun way to spend the days, making Jello and rinsing throw-up bowls.
I'm back to work now, but I'm not sure how much blogging I'll get done between now and after I get home from New York, at the beginning of February. Hope January is going better for everyone out there! So far for us, it's been a cold, sad month, but I'm looking forward to happier times in the weeks ahead.
17 comments:
I'm so sorry to hear about your friend, Ara! No wonder you've been absent from the blog between dealing with that experience and the stomach flu.
I hope your time in New York more than makes up for the rest of the month. If you can, pop back on the blog in February with a summary of your experience. I am definitely, DEFINITELY going back next year!
Thanks, Cathy. I'm hoping for good things in NY too! I'll definitely post about the trip when I get back. Looking forward to seeing you there in 2013! : )
I'm sorry to hear about your friend Sandra's passing. At only 39, it's even more painful. Cancer sucks.
I live in NYC and I don't think I can make it this time. I should stop saying "someday" and "one day" because every day is a gift, as your friend has shown. Best of luck to you in NYC. Have some fun!
Sorry to hear about your friend. I hope you have a wonderful time in NY!
Thanks, Charlie! Thanks, Liz! Every day is indeed a gift!
Sending you hugs. It's so awful to go through the process of losing someone. New York will recharge you. Can't wait for the details.
Thanks, Leslie! I'm looking forward to NY being a nice distraction.
We'll have a blast in NY and hopefully get your mind off the first part of the month. Your lonely blog and mine should meet. It's been sporadic for me too.
I'm soooooo looking forward to NY! Can't wait!!!
So sorry about the rough patch, and especially for the loss of your friend. I hope better times are ahead.
Thanks, Adrienne! Me too.
I'm so sorry about your friend. That's really sad. Enjoy the conference though. I can't wait to hear all about it.
Thank you, Susan. I'm hoping to have good things to report when I get back. : )
I can so relate to the flu/diseasel suckageness of January. Hang in there and stay well for NY. I'm going to HATE not seeing you there!!!! We need to catch up by phone at least (and yep, I owe you an email, but I can't seem to stay on the computer for more than a few minutes at a time.)
I'm so sorry about your friend! That puts everything else in perspective and reminds us all that life is precious and fleeting and we need to take time out to value all we have and all the wonderful people in our lives. In that vein, I can't tell you how glad I am to have met you in NY two years ago!
Hugs,
Martina
Thanks, Martina! I'm glad we met, too!!! I'll give you a call when I get home from NY. xoxo
I'm sorry about your friend. We've had some pressing things go on around our home recently that completely through me off--writing wise and personality wise as well.
But I'm slowly coming back into myself.
~ Wendy
Thank you, Wendy. You're right--sometimes with shakeups, it's impossible to focus. Good luck getting back on track!
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