Tuesday, December 28, 2010

December A Holiday in Transition


Two Precious words


For those of you that read October’s Blog titled 6 Months Ago I am very happy to report that at my 6th month follow up appointment I received a clean bill of health and two very precious words… no cancer! I just wanted to say to all of my family members and friend’s thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement during that time.

http://www.morebirthdays.com/



December A Holiday in Transition…

I would like to apologize for the absent November Blog, my focus at that time was getting our house on the market before November thirtieth. And thank God we finally did on November 15th, which brings me into December or as I have dubbed it “A holiday in transition” month. From the first day that our home was listed we had two home showings with 12 more to follow. Our first offer came after only 26 days on the market! Yeah, Wow especially in today’s housing market. The negotiations have begun and this part of the process of selling a home can have its ups and downs before there is a “smooth landing”, so put your congratulations on hold for now.



After one of our December showings the desire to incorporate some Christmas decorations into my staged home hit me. I pulled out the decorations and added a few complimentary holiday pieces. But it didn’t feel like our holiday home it still felt staged. Our home had an eerie holiday sterile feeling about it. My normal holiday list of things to do had been replaced with Mrs. Nicholas an agent would like to show your home today. Don’t get me wrong I counted those calls from our agent’s office as a true blessing.




Shortly after my attempt at adding some holiday decorations to our home, I received a call from my husband Nick telling me that it looks like he will have a break in his work, this news was sheer delight. The thought of having him home the entire week leading up to Christmas really lifted my spirits. After hearing this good news I went back to the Christmas decorations and pulled out the caroler figurines and set them up. Which according to our children we know that it is Christmas in our house when mom brings out those carolers!


If you are having a “holiday in transition” and feel that the Christmas holiday has disappeared from your consciousness I would suggest that you look through your Christmas decorations and find that one personal item that has always made you and your family feel and know the Christmas spirit. Once that spirit has been rekindled, turn your mind away from your holiday in transition situation and give to those in need of help. So volunteer your time, check with agencies in your community and find out where there is a need and bring some holiday cheer to another family. Trust me you will sail through your holiday in transition and find yourself saying this was one of the best holidays for me and my family. And please continue the act of giving and helping others in need all year long.

http://www.littledressesforafrica.org/   http://www.pcacares.org/   http://www.delawareyfc.org/





In my case the month of December became my holiday in transition due to the selling of our home. Those Christmas caroler figurines have been a stable item and a special part of our Christmas for many years and that small act of displaying them reminded me of Christmases past and Christmases to come. So put on some Christmas music, and if you are not putting up a tree as is the case with me then string some colored lights somewhere and bask in the thought of the greatest gift this world has ever know … And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  St. Luke 2:12-14 

Trish


Ribbon Photo: Photographer Unknown

Photo of Elijah under the Christmas tree: Courtesty of LJN

Photos by Trish
Trish Nicholas Photography: www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography


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When we look back and contemplate what we've been through this year, we'll praise you, Lord, for all you've done- Your faithfulness is clear. -Sper
Taken from Our Daily Bread. http://www.rbc.org/


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Friday, October 15, 2010

6 Months Ago…


It was six months ago on the morning of Thursday April 15th that I discovered a lump in my left breast.  It wasn’t the usual sounds of my husband rattling around in the bathroom getting ready for work, which woke me up that morning.  It was an awful throbbing pain that directed me to my left breast.  As soon as I touched my breast I could feel that it was swollen and very warm.  I quickly discovered the source of my discomfort it was a lump on the side of my breast.  As I examined the lump I began to wince from touching it.  I sat up in bed and said in a loud astonished voice “you got to be kidding me”! Nick heard me cry out and came into the bedroom, “what’s the matter”, he said. I guided his hand to the lump that I had discovered, does this feel like a lump to you? As I waited for his input I looked into his eyes to see if they would shed some light on what his thoughts might be at this moment, in a soft voice he replied, “yes it does and I think the first thing we need to do is to call the doctor and schedule and appointment”.


I got out of bed and tried to reassure myself and my husband that it was probably nothing more than an out of control pimple under my skin in the wrong place and at the wrong time.  As I stood in the doorway saying good-bye to my husband who was spending the weekend in Chicago on business, I promised him that I would call my Ob/Gyn today.  I called the office to schedule the appointment and the receptionist stated that their earliest availability would be on Monday… mentally I knew that this was going to be a long weekend.

Later in the day Nick called from Chicago to see how I was feeling.  I managed to tell him that I had been given an appointment for Monday before he had to jet off to a meeting.  I felt helpless and in despair, I couldn’t believe that this was happening to me.  The timing of this discovery in my mind could not have come at a worst time.  Nick’s promotion is in full force, hence the business trip to Chicago, we are spending practically every weekend getting the house ready to be put on the market, and looking for a new home in a different state.

On Monday as we were driving to the appointment I explained to my husband that my doctor would do a breast exam and depending on what he finds during the exam he would give me a script to have a mamogram and an ultra sound of my left breast.  I left the office with the script and immediately upon arriving home I placed the called to the diagnostic imaging center to schedule the appointment, they were kind enough to fit me in the next morning.  That evening as Nick and I lay in bed still wondering what was to come, I shared with him my state of mind.  I thought that since I was dealing with the whole MS thing it some how served as an automatic guaranteed against any other major illnesses coming my way.  I began to cry for being so stupid to think such a thing.  Nick said I am sure that everything is going to be ok.  He held me close until I finally drifted off to sleep.

On Thursday April 22nd I received a call from my doctor informing me that they found what they call a simple cyst ½ centimeter in size and my doctor stated they usually are not cancerous, however I would like for you to also see a surgeon.  After I hung up the phone I kept hearing the doctors words usually they are not cancerous… usually! That’s good… right? Do I really need to see the surgeon as he had suggested? I am in the clear… right? Well, I ended up contacting the American Cancer Society and I spoke with a woman who was very understanding and helpful.  I explained to her that the doctor’s usually not cancerous words struck a funny cord inside of me.  She advised me to call the surgeons office and schedule the appointment… hopefully the appointment will close this medical chapter in my life.  I picked up the phone and scheduled the appointment with the surgeon.

The surgeon looked at my reports and examined the breast in question.  He also agreed with my doctor that it was a simple cyst ½ centimeter in size.  He explained to me that in six months I should have another mamogram and ultra sound done to make sure that there were not any “other” abnormalities.  I left that office realizing that this chapter was over for now… I knew that I had to live in the now and I could not worry myself about other abnormalities that may or may not be there six months from now.  When the lump was discovered I immediately scheduled an appointment with my doctor and I did not drag my feet.

Ladies October is breast Cancer Awareness Month and breast cancer can and will happen to anyone at any given time.  Let’s make sure that we remind our Mothers, sisters, sister-in-laws, nieces and girlfriends to have an annual breast check-up! And guy's breast cancer can also happen to you, so spread the word!

On October 15th it will be time for me to schedule that six month check-up and I am now ready to open up that new chapter in my life.

Trish










The Dial Corporation will donate $100,000 to benefit the Breast Cancer Network of Strength in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
http://www.networkofstrength.org/


In October 2010, Perdue Farms will donate$1.00 for every chicken recipe uploaded to http://www.perdue.com/ , with a maximum donation of $10,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. For complete details with terms and conditions, visit www.perdue.com/recipededication.

READ FOR THE CURE - Benefiting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure
www.myreadforthecure.com/falloffer

*Click on the link to purchase a Survivor Mug

Pink Ribbon Photo – Photographer Unknown

Breast Exam Photo – The National Breast Cancer.org

All other Photos by Trish
www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography


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To Follow My Photography Journey:
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Thursday, September 23, 2010

An Amazing Little Girl…


I just returned from spending a week with an amazing little girl… my second granddaughter ten plus years removed. It was about mid week when I decided that I would write about her in my September Blog.

As my husband and I were driving home from Chesapeake Virginia I was already reminiscing about the week we spent with her and her two older brothers. I had previously expressed to my husband a sadness that I had been feeling from time to time thinking about how she was growing up without me… and not seeing her as often as I would have liked to. Yes, I did spend an entire week with her 16 months ago when she was born. I’ve watched cell phone videos of her walking and doing new things and I’ve received many photos of her through email, but having the opportunity to bond with her while her parents were away was priceless.

Grammy as all of my grandchildren call me was the first person that she saw when she opened her eyes in the morning and from her nap. And the last person that she cuddled with before she finally drifted off to sleep at night… she has an amazing personality! Happy, playful, feisty, eager, curious and full of life!




 I tend to think that a child who has older siblings seems to grow   up much faster and my granddaughter certainly bares this out. I watched this little girl wrestle with her brothers, ages 8 and 6 as she tried to imitate their football and basketball moves, determined to be included in the fun. I also witnessed her girly-girly side whenever we got dressed as she pointed to her lips for lip gloss too. This little girl never would miss out on an opportunity to leave the house for a stroll with her Grammy in her trend setting, “oh so necessary”, fashion accessory; her pink sunglasses planted firmly upon her bright beautiful little face.


I am thankful for the time that I spent with her and very soon I will be just two hours away... for now I will still cherish all the videos and photos that I receive of her!

Trish

To become a Grandparent is a special gift from God… Thank you Lord for blessing me to have five beautiful grandchildren and possibly more!

Photos by Grammy and Pop-Pop

Photos by Trish

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To Follow My Photography Journey

Saturday, August 28, 2010

This summer


When August begins to draw to a close I usually take the time to reflect on what kind of summer it has been. The summer of 2010 was very hot, challenging and frustrating at times for me, with many blessings mixed in. My summer has been consumed with prepping our home for sale which has turned into a major makeover; so much so when I look around I am left wondering who lives here… my house has been packed away in boxes awaiting a new home.

My husband and I managed to see a few summer box office movie hits and took an entire Saturday off to attend a long over due family and friends barbeque which was a refreshing break from the usual weekend grind. I found myself focusing on the little things that we did do this summer. Like going to a Saturday matinee and finding the theater pretty much vacant, which probably had more to do with people going to the shore to escape the heat than our movie choice; the numerous times we sat on the patio having early morning coffee and of course taking our evening walks. All of these things were just as significant, enjoyable and memorable as a “big” deal vacation spent away from home.

The summer of 2010 wasn’t so bad after all! We actually did go on vacation; it was just slightly different from the vacations we have taken in the past.

I leave you with some snapshots of past and present summer experiences!

Trish






































I hope that everyone really enjoyed their summer. Have a great and safe Labor Day!

Photos by Trish
www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography


Gallery Photos for purchase courtesy of Redbubble
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4th of July Fireworks Photo by LJN

Help Children Succeed In School:
http://liveunited.org/












Tuesday, July 20, 2010

When The Power Goes Out

Lighting Strike Photo by Gene Moore


I don’t need to remind you about the heat waves that we have been having lately, one right after another and each one setting new records. Recently during one of those heat waves we lost power for eight hours, one minute I was in the cool and comfort of AC to being trust into the heat with sweat dripping from my forehead and lamenting when will the power come back on.

As I sat in my lawn chair outside I watched as my neighbors came drifting out of their homes seeking relief from the heat inside. I received the hello and how have you been doing, a nod of the head to acknowledge my presence and some started chatting up a storm (no pun intended) with me. When the power goes out we find ourselves all waiting for the same thing we now have a common bond and begin communicating with one another like we never have before. Interesting how that is when the power goes out. Well, the power is back on (yeah!) and one by one we turn on our heels without even a mere good-by to resume our own lives …funny how that is when the power comes back on. Perhaps, just perhaps we could entertain the thought of reaching out to one another a little more.

I believe the meteorologist said that this week would be our fifth summer heat wave or did he say it would be our sixth heat wave? ...Well whichever it is get ready to say hello to your neighbors! And I mean really say hello…!

Trish

Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. St Matthew 22:39

Get To Know Your Neighbors – Sponsor a Block Party!
http://www.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Organize-a-Neighborhood-Block-Party


FCA: Hot Weather Tips (Check on the elderly)

http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=871

Make lighting Strike!
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/lightning-interactive.html




















Thermometer Photo: Photographer Unknown


Photos by Trish

www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

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http://www.redbubble.com/people/tmeian

Follow My Personal writings on becoming a photographer at http://hubpages.com/hub/A-Photographers-Journey

****Check out:
Have a great week! Stay cool and check on a neighbor!


Sunday, June 13, 2010

Crying out Again…

Gulf Oil Rig Explosion Photo by Anthony Watts

For the life of me I don’t understand why it takes a disaster of enormous magnitude and claiming the lives of many before we begin to cry out loud and clear that immediate action needs to take place so that something like this never happens again. Then and only then with expediency barking at our heels do we begin to address the issue(s), to examine what happen under a microscope, appoint a commission and sift through the accounts leading up to the disaster with a fine tooth comb… Why?

In the case of the Gulf oil spill day 55 and counting, we have been down this road before and the outcome has still been the same. Only the terminology, oil lingo, company name and community have changed. So where do we go from here as we watch the live feed of the oil gushing out of the pipe day after day, waiting and praying that we can some how stop another oil leak… which right now would take a miracle from God.

Mr. President I believe that you already know and understand the energy direction that this country needs to take. Your direction will help us to embrace a new energy policy for the 21st century, which is a key component for the survival of our natural resources that we are the primary partakers of. I cry out to our Senators, congressman/woman, Democrats and Republicans, Corporate CEO’s and we the people… stop all of the separate agendas, playing the blame game and name calling. We have a community that is hurting, eleven families that are grieving at the loss of their loved ones. Not to mention livelihoods threaten, and eco-systems changed for ever. We MUST agree on the right energy policy for this country, arrogance and greed will bleed us all dry and destroy the abundance that nature has given to us.

Do we ignore the warning signs so that we can continue to worship profits and benefits’, all the while looking the other way until it all blows up in our face… and then the cry goes out loud and clear again that something must be done? Whether it is Wall Street, the Auto industry, the Coal industry, or the health industry we MUST STOP REACTING TO THE DISATER and ENACT laws, policies, procedures and guidelines FIRST!

I ask our lawmakers and voters to think, really think about the consequences of sticking our heads in the sand and doing what amounts to be nothing at all but crying out and saying that something needs to be done. The Gulf oil spill disaster has brought us all to a crossroads and we can either stay on the same road of crying out again or take a new road that has never been travel on before… or as our President expressed, let’s make it right for the people in the Gulf and especially those who have lost loved ones… Let’s get it RIGHT!

Trish

To return good for good is human; to return good for evil is divine. –Taken from Our Daily Bread June 6th 2010



HELP TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE GULF
http://www.handsonneworleans.org/





More Cloudy Days for Louisiana…







New Orleans Dining





Katrina


Pensacola Beach, Florida





Taken For Granted - "We thought that we would have it (pristine beaches) forever"... from a
woman on Pensacola Beach.






Brown Pelican: Time Magazine
Katrina Photo: Photographer Unknown
Pensacola Photos: by LJN
New Orleans Photos: by Trish
Trish Nicholas Photography @


Gallery Photos may be purchased courtesy of
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“May you begin your day by being a blessing to someone else and you will find yourself blessed in deed”… for it truly is more blessed to give than to receive!






Wednesday, May 19, 2010

It’s Just Because I Love You Day!




I would love to start a holiday called “It’s Just Because I love you Day”, a day for anyone celebrated by anyone. You would choose how and when the celebration begins and ends. Ok to those of you reading this you are probably wondering what kind of holiday is this. A holiday with no set date and month in which to celebrate it, well that’s a stupid idea…right…? No… Wrong!

Let’s take a look at Mother’s Day while it is still fresh in our minds. This is a day set aside in May to honor and celebrate Mom to the highest extent. We shower her with cards, flowers, gifts, and taking Mom out for dinner. A set date on the calendar that our minds have been programmed to engage in. For me I believe in a true expression of one’s emotions happening in real time, not in a day called Mother’s Day. Now don’t get me wrong it is nice to be treated special, no Sunday dinner to prepare, receiving lots of cards and gifts from loved ones. Yes, a very special day, but what about the other days on the calendar? I also happen to think that it would be great to have a day when you decide to do something special for your Mom or Dad or anyone for that matter just because you love them.

My first experience with it’s just because I love you day came early in my marriage one Valentine’s Day. I received a beautiful card from my husband and nothing else, my expectation was to also receive a box of chocolates and some flowers. I did not understand this ‘untraditional’ Valentine’s Day until many weeks later. It was on a Saturday when I was doing some house cleaning. I was in my sweat pants and t-shirt, hair pulled up with my total focus on getting the job done, when my husband walks in with this large box and some beautiful flowers. Right away I responded with it’s not my birthday, what’s the occasion?

There was no special occasion or date on the calendar; it was my husband’s real true emotions in his real time. This expression of his love for me far exceeded the traditional Valentine’s Day gifts that husbands present to their wives. Through out my marriage I have been the recipient of it’s just because I love you day, and I must say I have personally learned a great deal from this sincere expression of how much I am loved and thought about by my husband. I believe this is the greatest form of honor and celebration that you can bestow upon a person.

Why not surprise that special someone in your life with a just because I love you day and start your own personal holidays. Who knows, “It’s Just Because I Love You Day” may catch on?

What was in the box? A huge chocolate chip cookie in the shape of a heart that said… yes, you guessed it… Just because I love you!

Trish


Just Because


Just Because


Just Because
Just Because

Dance With Me


Dance With Me photo taken by Julius Nicholas
Photos by Trish
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If you have a just because I love you day experience and would like to share it with me,
Send me a tweet! or a Facebook poke! or you can e-mail me your story at Phototljn21@hotmail.com
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Help make a wish come true!
God loves each one of us as if there were only one of us. - St. Augustine
Have a safe Memorial Day weekend!
God Bless all of our service men and woman and their families.