ANOTHER MONDAY 2-25-13

LATE MORNING START...

It was light and bright outside when I got up today because I slept until 9:00! I got up and started my prayers, but was interrupted. Mom was letting me know she had to take my Grandmother to the doctor. She's been coughing and sneezing and stuff for the past 3 or 4 days and we think her sinuses are going A-wall. Which they were--she has a sinus infection and has to take an anti-biotic and drink lemon and honey with hot water for the next week to clear it up. 

I finished my prayers and my book-spiration for the day and made my breakfast. Biscuits, cereal, eggs, banana, coffee and juice. Slacking on the protein because I'm out of sausage. I eat a big breakfast since that's when I take the majority of my medication. 

I got dressed while I was waiting for the pain pill to kick in. 

I called to talked to the oncology social worker about the medicaid for breast cancer and she's gonna have the paperwork set up for me when I'm there on Friday. 

I made lunch for Gran when she got back and I sat on the couch and listed 10 items in my Etsy shop--so she is officially launched!

I hung out with Gerald for a little bit.  Google+ hangout

I stuffed my face with yesterday's leftovers.

I painted my nails finally!

I'm writing the blog while my works on a new piece oh and of course watching the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. 

CANCER CUTIE OUTFIT OF THE DAY 2-25-13

Basic makeup today. Powder, defined brows, light brown eyeshadow and a little mascara and black liner. A little blush and my usual chap stick. I wore the long wig and threw on the teal beanie on top.

Today I wore my teal colored jeans with a white tank and a black short sleeve v-neck. Then I threw on a black cardigan sweat over it and my teal beanie cap to coordinate with the jeans. Of course I have on my go-to black booties.

 

NATURE WALK FOR EXERCISE TODAY:

 

 THE END OF A PROCRASTINATION...

I have sparkly pink fingernails finally!  I guess that doubles as my artwork for the day too!

  

ETSY SITE IS LIVE! 2-25-13

No art work today, but I did launch the Etsy site which is a huge milestone! Finally here. 

HerArt Stories...Drawn to Love

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HerArtstories?ref=si_shop

Go check it out. It's full of positive art and inspiration. Let me know what you think and if you have something that you would like me to make feel free to commission a piece if you like my style. 


Woo Hoo! Awesomeness! Finally!

HOW I'M FEELING...

I'm doing good. I've been dealing with a little extra pain for the past couple of days, but that was due to over exertion and my bone issues. I'm going to see the bone doctor Wednesday so we will get the scan and see what to do about that. I'm happy though. I'm feeling very spiritual. I'm feeling inspired. I'm feeling like good things are swirling around my life all the time. I'm ready for God's favor and I'm so happy to receive it. You should be too! He loves us and wants us to be happy. Happiness is a choice and I choose it everyday!

I received some new books from one of my grandmother's church members and a his testimony about his healing on an audio CD.

Healing promises and the Gospel of John

TODAY'S BOOK-SPIRATION:

Came from Getting in the Gap by Wayne Dyer and suggested that you need to Go to the Sea Directly--which is a metaphor for going to God . Let go of your Ego and go to the spirit world. God is everywhere and that means in you. It's all about recognizing that and tapping into that. Meditate to get into that space. There's a new 21 day mediation challenge going on with Deepak Chopra if you're interested in developing a meditation routine. It's great to relieve stress

 

http://www.oprah.com/own/First-Look-Deepak-Chopras-21-Day-Meditation-Challenge-Video 

COLOSSIANS 2:6-7

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

CANCER CUTIE

Tina Bina

 

SUPER SUNDAY 2-24-13

SUNDAYS ARE SUPER...

Today was a super day despite the fact that I did not sleep well last night. I woke up at 4 am with pain in my knees that shot down through my shins so I had to pop some pain meds and try to get back to sleep. I slept in and decided not to go to church with Gran today. I'm gonna make it eventually! I really am!

I decided to clip my nails and was going to paint them--it's 8:30 and I still have the polish sitting on the table waiting on me!

I bathed and dressed--but nothing fancy today--keeping it chill.

I got down in the kitchen. I cooked Sunday Supper.

-Baked BBQ chicken legs and tenderloins
-Baked Mac N Cheese
-Green beans
-Coleslaw
-Jiffy Corn muffins

Dinner is served! It's one of my favorite Sunday dinners!

I was still tired from last night's pain ordeal and Mom and Gran suggested that I may have over exerted myself yesterday. I drove from Fairmont to Morgantown and from one end of Morgantown to the next. We walked around Gabes, Ashley Furniture and then we went to Aldi's before I drove us home. Gran said that we looked wiped out. So that may have been why my knees started hurting.
--I have an appointment for my bone scan this week anyway, so we will delve deeper into that issue soon!
Since I was still tired, I decided to take a nice long nap.

RESULTS OF MY POWER NAP!

Poised for flight

Spread your wings

SUPER WV TINA!!! I slept for about an hour or so and woke up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the art table! Super duper art time is coming up!

 

BREATHING SPACE CONTINUES...

 I'm still working on this particular art journal, but I've added a lot to it today... check it out

I added some little rhinestones to the front snowflakes for some bling-bling!

I wrote about mediating and how to do it and what I want to focus on while meditating.

Love is everything! Imagine yourself at the top of the mountain in God's Favor, Let positive energy flow thru you,  Laugh at yourself  life is supposed to be fun!

So the center is still to be filled with inspiration and art --what is to come?

 

CANCER CUTIE OUTFIT OF THE DAY 2-24-13

No frills today. Just a pair of dark jeans a yellow tank top, a gray WVU long sleeve shirt over it and a gray knit hat.

I am seriously no frills today. No make up and no wig and no contacts. It's just me! Oh my! It's okay to just be bare and free sometimes. It's Sunday and I wasn't going anywhere today, plus I was cooking and doing some art today too. 

  

HOW HAVE WE BEEN FEELING...

I feel pretty good. I been putting a lot of focus on writing and staying engrossed in scripture. It's very comforting and I'm embracing that more and more as I journey along. I trust that it's the right thing for me. I am just going with where His voice guides me. My book-spritation for today was Get up on the Inside from one of Joel Osteen's books. It's again about finding strength through adversity. Sometimes you get down and you just can't help it, but you need to stay up on the inside and have a victor's attitude. You need to adopt an attitude of Faith! Keep getting up in your heart mind and will! Staying positive is so important! That's where you always have to direct your focus. Always put your focus on the best part of things because that's the only part that truly matters. Remember Get UP on the inside! Carry that positive attitude in your heart!!!!!!

PHILIPPIANS 1:21

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

CANCER CUTIE

Tina Bina

  

BREAK THE CYCLE: 2-23-13

I BROKE FROM THE ROUTINE TODAY:

I had a book-spirationn today that said :Break the cycle. I just had to stop with the routine and do something different. No art journaling today. No thinking about the Etsy shop. I did take the cancer cutie pictures and I did have some retail exercise therapy today. 

I stayed up late playing on the internet last night and slept in today. So we didn't leave the house until 2 pm.

 I went to Gabes again to find a jacket. I got a trench coat for $13! I also found two more pairs of jeans another skinny pair in orange and then a blackish gray pair of jeans for $8 for the two pair. I also picked up two tank tops for $3 a piece and a thermal top for $3. I spent just $30 again! I love shopping at Gabes! I signed up for the reward card today too, so I should be getting some kind of coupons or discounts for that.  

When we left today my battery decided that it wanted to die and my Mom had to give me a jump. We drove over to Auto Zone and got it replaced before we went anywhere.

We went to Ashley furniture to look around at stuff today too. I liked half the store, the more modern side and my Mom liked the more traditional side of things.

I was starving like marvin so we stopped and ate a cheeseburger and fries really quickly before going to Aldi for a little grocery shopping!

Got home and ate some potatotes and some sweet Italian sausage Granny made for dinner.

We watched a Netflix movie and I realized that I had broke from my routine--No Blog today!

CANCER CUTIE OUTFIT OF THE DAY 2-23-13

I wore dark denim with flare leg and a black tank top, I then threw on a long teal tunic that doubles as a dress. I threw on a aparkly black scarf to accent the black bag and shoes I carried with it.

I went with a full face of makeup today. I had foundation, powder and blush. I also made sure to define my brows and put on some shadow that coordinated. After putting inn my contact? 

 

WHATCHA FEELING?

 It was good to get out and about today. We didn't go as far as I would have today, but at least me got to see something other than the four walls of the house. I may go to church tomorrow. I just don't know yet. I guess I can go so the that they may prayer over me. I also sent them a thank you card. 

PSALMS 16:1

Preserve me, O God, Fot in the I put my trust...

CANCER CUTIE

Tina Bina

 

THE ALL AMERICAN DREAM...2-22-13

WHAT DOES LIVING THE AMERICAN DREAM REALLY MEAN ?

I had a plan today to launch the Etsy site! I was going to load pictures of all this artwork and write up descriptions and price everything. Owning your own business, that's the American dream right? I didn't fulfill that today. I obsessed about another American dream--home ownership! I was researching my Grandmother's bathroom renovation. We were taking measurements and estimating costs for all of our materials. I then started thinking about my dreams and my book-spiration for the day. Being an American is about freedom. We have the freedom to make choices in our lives. We can choose to work for ourselves or someone else. We can build a home or rent or home and we can be as traditional or unconventional as we want to. We can pray to whatever God we want to and I know that I pray to mine every chance I get and nobody is ever going to stop me from doing that! We have every culture scattered all about this country and we have the opportunity to learn about one another if we just take the time. We are leaders of the free world and were the first to make dramatic changes for civil rights, women and gays. We live in a great country and I think sometimes we take that for granted.. I didn't really mean to make some kind of political statement, but this is just the path that my brain wandered down. Something to think about.

WHAT I DID ACCOMPLISH TODAY:

I put together a little information and estimate sheet for Gran's bathroom redo complete with pictures. She's not planning to do anything for a few more months, but she has problems with her knees and her hip and it's just so difficult for her to keep stepping over the tub to get into the shower. We need to get her one that she can just walk in and that has a little bench. 

I did laundry all by myself today. I had Mom help me last time. She carried the basket for me, but I did it all on my own today. That was part of my exercise. 

Plus I decided to give Cancer a little kick in the butt while I went to put something in my car:   

Just being silly! Kicking cancer's butt. We had a pretty decent day today in the 40's and it rained for a little bit this morning so we had some mud out there. I guess it was some more exercise though!

I started and finished an art journal today

I had an epic fail on Mom's natural hair. I didn't like how it turned out and neither did she, so she took it all out and just fluffed it back into a basic little fro. Which is fine.

I realized that it's really easy to get bored...it's Friday night and I actually feel normal and good, but it's like bed time. My mom went home hours ago and my grandmother has been in bed for the last hour too. I'm chilling though. I guess I should start uploading my Etsy shop! We shall see!

CANCER CUTIE OUTFIT OF THE DAY 2-22-13

Keep it simple day. I just brushed on some powder, a little blush and then I defined my brows. I had on some chap stick and that was it. Threw on my glasses since I didn't really do any eye make up.

Today's outfit was supposed to fit my American dream theme. I had on my dark skinny jeans, a black tank with a short sleeve white button down over top of it. Then I had a short sleeve navy blue sweater over that. I threw on my red cardigan and a scarf with my red beanie to complete the look. I was running around in the black bootie/slipper/shoe things and they were perfect! Such a good find for $3!

 Freedom! To look like you wanna look--self expression--use fashion make-up to tell your story, be a cutie!

ART JOURNAL FOR 2-22-13

I didn't finish breathing space yet, but I just had such a fun idea for today's book-spiration, that I had to run with that and work on making that one
The book-spiration for today came from another Joel Osteen book:
Dare to unpack your dreams! Visualize your dreams over and over and have faith in God to bring them to fruition. I found that so inspiring considering that I had a travelling job and never got to unpack fully and completely. I was always unpacking to just pack back up again in a couple of weeks. I never really had the time to pursue things that I really found interesting or enjoyable and now I do--Now I can truly unpack those dreams and let the sky be the limit! It was really funny because I had some scrapbook paper that actually looks like my real suitcase. I made a mini version of the suitcase and  filled it with the things I see coming for me in 2013. Take a gander: 

 

I GONNA FINALLY WIND IT DOWN FOR THE NIGHT 

I just want to leave you with the same sentiment as my art journal. Dream big--unpack your dreams--see yourself living in God's favor. I mean what's the worst thing that could happen, you don't get what you want?
At least you tried! At least you dared to dream! I just want every one who reads this to get something positive from it. I want you to feel good after reading this! Because I'm feeling great and I know that God is good and will send beautiful things into our lives if we're willing to trust him and keep the faith. We sometimes have to change our view of things too. I hope everyone is well and I'm gonna leave you with tonight's bible verse.

 ISAIAH 43:19

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness.I will create rivers in the dry wasteland!

CANCER CUTIE

Tina Bina

 

 

More Retail Therapy 2-21-13

RENOVATION STYLE  RETAIL THERAPY TODAY 

Today we took my Grandmother to one of her social groups today and while she was there, we went to Lowe's and had a little remodeling style retail therapy. I'm eventually going to be a homeowner and buy a trailer to rehab. I wanted to see how much it would cost for some of the things I may want to do. I priced out stainless steel appliances, flooring, counter tops and we also looked at walk-in shower stalls for my Grandmother. She has a hard time stepping over into the tub to get to the shower and is planning to pull it out this summer. So that was fun and it was a good way to get my exercise in. These are the cheapest stainless steel appliances I found, but that gives me an idea of what I would need to save or how much of a deal I could get if I can find stuff used or on a discount--because well I won't be doing this until later on after I get the trailer at least. 

Shiny isn't it. I like things that sparkle!

It's just your basic fridge on the inside!

$600 for the fridge!

$300 for the dishwasher!

$900 for a gas range and if I want the microwave that's another $300.  So a couple thousand dollars to get stainless steel appliance if I keep it basic and buy straight from the store. I'm sure I can find it for less. I'm a bargain hunter!

CANCER CUTIE OUTFIT OF THE DAY 2-21-13

Today I wore a pair of light jeans with a pink tank, a white button down over that and a bright pink sweater--We had cold weather again today-- 34 was our high! Then I wore blazer with my pink scarf. I threw on the white toboggan from the support group and some funky pink glasses. 

I wore some pink and purple make up and some light blush. I also put on some light lipstick and chapstick. I just happened to have the glasses and thought it gave a funky fun look to the outfit. 

   

NATURAL HAIR MOMENT

This evening we washed and conditioned Mom's hair and twisted it up. I did some flat twists across the back and then just did some two strand twists on the top. Then I put them on perm rods and leave them in overnight so that it dries and then I'll take that out tomorrow and fluff it out to see what kinda curls we get!

I'm curious to see how these perm roads are going to set the hair and what kinda curl we're going to get. I'm sure that whatever homes out we will embrace it!

I wasn't in love with how the flat twists were coming out, so I thought doing more twists would be a better option.

Flat twists going along the back and the ends of that were just twisted together so that it gives everything a neater finish. I think it will be cute once we see how our curls came out.

   

LET'S TALK ABOUT FOOD...

 You know the blog wouldn't be complete if we didn't  talk about food ! My attempt at making tikka masala from scratch actually turned out really well. I had to refashion some pita bread into naan bread, but it all came out great. Then we were in Giant Eagle today and they had the simmer sauce in the jar that I normally buy--Walmart didn't have it! So now I know where I can find it. I'll look for the samosas the next time I go in there. So that was a good find!

ART AND INSPIRATION FOR TODAY..

What kinda artist doesn't do some every day? Well, I switched my medium and have been working the pen this week more than anything. I've been journaling, just not with the art portion and I've been reading some stuff too! 

THE BOOK-SPIRATION FOR TODAY
Listen to your conscience--it's God talking to you and keeping you on your path to success and inner peace, it came from women's devotional bible my Grandmother gave me. 

 Don't be lead to temptation I suppose. Just listen to God and that inner voice. Do the righteous thing. I guess you just have to pray about the things affecting your life and wait for the answers. He will send them and you act accordingly.

   

EPHESIANS 6:16-18

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one: and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints...

CANCER CUTIE

Tina Bina

  

Doctor Follow Up Day--2-20-13

NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS!

Today I had my weekly blood work and follow up appointment. I had the B-12 shot today too! Nothing has really changed so that's good. My blood work came out fine and they've got my next chemo scheduled for next Friday morning! Woo Hoo!  Let's get this show on the road! The sooner we get it done the sooner we get this thing over with. They were able to use my port today--which has been a source of contention--but it was working today! They are also going to investigate further into my back pain. Next week I'm getting a bone scan to check for fractures and what my bone density it. It's gonna be another long day procedure. But if it helps to manage any back pain without any pain medicine then I'm all for whatever they find out. So everything is good. And guys believe it or not--I gained 5lbs!!!! I gotta stop eating so much. I've been keeping a candy bowl on the coffee table--so I need to leave that alone and start moving around a little more! Chemo patients don't gain weight!

Waiting on Dr. Monga...

CANCER CUTIE OUTFIT OF THE DAY 2-20-13

Today's outfit was all about the purse as my inspiration. I wore a white tank with a white 3/4 sleeve top and then the golden yellow 3/4 button down over it. I wore dark jeans and I had on tan colored shoes that matched the tan colored blazer I wore over it for my coat. I accented everything with brown accessories. A long wood bead necklace, and a matching bracelet and some brown heavy hoops.

For today's make-up I went a little darker with my shadow, but your basics on everything else. I work the curly fro and the brown beanie style baseball cap to coordinate 

 

FINALLY SENT THE ART OUT TODAY...

I tried to get a color copy of the art piece I made for CLASS the other day with no success, but today we went to the place that was suggested and got that taken care of. So I have a copy of the original artwork and the piece I made should be on the way to them tomorrow. It was a little local company called Printscape. They were helpful, but there were only 2 guys in there, so it took a little while. He had to make a box to ship it for me so that was kinda crazy! So they were really nice! I guess if anyone in the Mo-town isn't familiar with them and need some help with printing large things--they seem to be the go to place.

Printscape--their brochure

INSPIRATION FOR THE DAY

I didn't do any artwork today, I did do some journal writing today and last night. I was feeling more inspired by the word today. I got a book-spiration! This is a new term I've coined. I say my prayers and repeat healing verses every morning. Then after finishing my little session I grab one of my inspirational books and flip to a random page. So whatever the message is, I use that as the theme to a journal entry. 

Today's message was from a Joel Osteen book--Strength through Adversity!
I have said from the beginning, this whole scenario is a blessing in disguise. So many good things have actually come from this:
I'm with my family
I don't have to work right now
I'm living a much simpler life
I'm being creative
I'm cooking more
I'm back into doing art and writing again
I'm more in touch with God--which is like the most important thing ever!!!

That's what I hope anyone going through this is trying to do! Turn around your thinking! List the positive outcomes of the situation and focus on that! It will help make you feel lighter and happier!

And adversity doesn't mean OMG I HAVE CANCER-- It could be anything, you lost a job, you hate your job, whatever you broke up with your boyfriend. We all have trials and tribulations in life but it's how we choose to react to those things that make us or break us! So remember to just embrace your life experience and make the most of it!

COOKING UP DINNER FOR TOMORROW...

After I got back from the doctor, the print shop and a super quick run into WalMart, I came home and cooked up some chicken I had bought earlier this week before it needed freezing. 


I had a coupon for that new Skillet Sauce and had bought the chipotle and black bean one. I just browned the chicken and added the sauce. We can eat it over rice, but I'm thinking I'm gonna suggest making it into nachos with more black beans. I bought a one of those big packages of boneless skinless chicken thighs--the all natural no hormone,  non caged birds--not officially organic though. I packaged up a few of them and put them in the freezer. 


The rest is now in the crock pot attempting to became chicken tikka masala. I usually just buy a jar of the sauce and some naan bread and frozen samosas that I can just heat up. I of course can't find any of that here in the lovely WV. I found a recipe on Allrecipes. I'm gonna doctor up pita bread to make it like garlic naan and we just won't have samosas, because that's a little bit ambitious to try and make something like that from scratch. I also will doctor up the rice with onions and peas like they do at Panahar--wonderful Bangladeshi restaurant in Atlanta if anyone is looking for a good Indian place. Desi Spice is another good one.


Is it any wonder that I gained weight, when I tend to revolve a lot of my day around food. I'm writing about it, while the crock pot is going and guess what we're watching-- Top Chef!! LOL!

PROVERS 3:1-2

My son, do not forget my teaching but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 

Cancer Cutie

Tina Bina

 

QUIET DAY IN 2-19-13

CHILLIN' AT THE HOUSE ALL DAY!

Today was a chill day. I stayed in bed until almost 9 and made a late breakfast. It was raining and it warmed up to the upper 40's almost 50 again! I was still feeling tired from yesterday's excursions still so I made no plans for today. Plus I should be well rested today since I have my labs and follow up appointments tomorrow afternoon. I did a little work on my art journal today, but we just hung out and watched some tv and browsed the internet most of the day.

CANCER CUTIE OF THE DAY 2-19-13

Simple dressing today. I had on some light jeans and a pale pink tank top with a sheer pink floaty top with some silver sequins on the sleeves. I had on my silver slipper shoes with it. Something comfy and low key but still cute.

The make up was very simple today, since the outfit was so light and pale. I wore my glasses and my short wig. I added the pale pink flower head band. I added some hoop earrings. I used a light pale eyeshadow and defined my eye brows. I had a light dusting of a pink blush and I lined my eyes and put on a little mascara. Then I just put on some chapstick and a little pale pink lipstick.

And there you have it!

 

ART JOURNALING

I did decide to work on my art journal today. I just finished up some stuff I started yesterday and added it to the layout, but because it's a full four page spread, I'm going to be working on it for the next few days! Here's some pictures of how far I've gotten. 

So I've added a face and some more wording. The face is done with watercolor pencils and then I added embellishments with colored sharpies. I made some labels and then some were stickers. The beauty of mixed media is that you use a little bit of everything. I love how the colors came out. 

Then on the inside, I added this grayscale paper to one side with a little insert of pink and snowflakes. I added another little woman to the mix and some more stickers. There's much more to come!

That's what it looks like standing up. I still need to do this left side, then the middle and then the right side and it will finally be finished. So stay tuned! 

 

 

 

INSPIRATION:

In doing my prayers today, I also took a peek in one of my little inspirational books today and the topic of choice today was to enjoy the journey and not worry about the destination.  That was why today was just about chilling. I just wanted to relax today and I did a lot of that. It was all about the journey and not the destination. I had a good day because I just let it happen organically, instead of planning every moment like I sometimes do. I  can be a little rigid when it comes to a building a routine. So yeah today was just about letting go of all that. 

ARE YOU USING HANGOUT?

Gerald hit me up on it and it's just a video chat and you invite whoever you want so you can all talk. I never use this kinda stuff, but it was cool, so I invited my brother to one so that we could say hi to my niece! It took us forever to get connected, but we finally did and it was so fun to see and talk to her! She's so cute!

Old picture of her trying to pull books off the shelf! Always getting into stuff!

 
  

1 CORINTHIANS 15:56-57

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Cancer Cutie

Tina Bina