Creative Writing...

While I am feeling a little tired lately which I will explain in a bit I am not letting that stop me from moving. So while I was on the move today I went to weSpark and participated in a couple of classes. It has been such a gift to be able to go and participate in the things they offer. Mike and I have met some truly special people there. I thought I would share a little about weSpark for those unfamiliar.

weSpark Mission StatementweSpark is a special place dedicated to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients and their families and friends. weSPARK provides, free of charge, a center where one can join with others to share their experience, strength, and hope. weSpark offers multiple services designed to heal the mind, body and spirit of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer.

weSpark Founder

Wendie Jo Sperber was an actress, mother and breast cancer warrior. When she was diagnosed in 1997, she was devastated, yet determined to live. She soon realized that although the physical treatment was difficult, the hardest battle was to be fought on the emotional front.

So today's classes were Tai Chi.



Which I really enjoyed.
The music was beautiful and it was wonderful to feel muscles move that have not been used in such a long time. The instructor was delightful. Such a sweet man.

Following Tai Chi I went to the Creative Writing Class.
The facilitator gives you a prompt and then you write for a few minutes and share what you have written with the other participants.

The first prompt was the song "Circle of Life" from the Lion King soundtrack.
This is what I wrote and shared:

I am thinking I am destined to take that trip to Africa and find that vessel that I discovered on my guided imagery journey -- to see that country and experience those magical people. Go on that long talked about photo safari -- see gazelles gliding -- giraffes grazing and lions at play. Sleep amongst the stars and celebrate with my family or is this music reinforcing my love for the theatre geek that I am and have always been.

There is nothing like the rush of live theatre or live TV. Now that my career has changed by choice and by my cancer where does that take me? I don't have the answer. I mean I know making myself healthy is the number one priority but I mean after that. Where am I headed? It has made me, who prefers to have all my ducks in a row a little anxious -- after all I do holiday shopping in July -- so is the lesson to not be an eternal planner? Hmmm. I have to think about this a little more.

The next prompt was the statement "Unwrapping Present"
This is what I wrote and shared:

Shiny paper package before me
Shake it
Rattle it
What can it be?
Mystery unfolding
Anticipation leads to glee
A tiny little Butterfly just for me
Porcelain wings with colors as vibrant as gems in a kaleidescope
Copper antennae
And a marble base
A symbol of beauty, style and grace
And what of the giver who presented me with this trinket?
A gift from an angel with an eye on me

The last prompt was a photograph on a card that was passed around the class for all to take a look at. It was a picture of a woman and beneath her was a quote by Dorothy Parker which read "All I need is room enough to lay my hat and a few friends". This is what I got from the prompt and what I shared:

A vibrant smile. The picture on the card symbolized another celebration of life. How many times have I seen this? How many times will I see this? Another one who lost there battle. A mom, a wife, a friend, a daughter... too many people, too many vibrant smiles, too many lives cut short, too many times to say goodbye.

Following creative writing I had a couple of minutes to sit and visit with Bonnie F. the fabulous facilitator of my in treatment support group. It is such a joy to be in a room with her. She has the most amazing smile of anyone I have ever met. Her whole face lights up. She radiates pure joy.

After this exceptional morning Mike and I headed off to my weekly oncology appointment. Like every week they check my levels to see how I am responding to chemo. Today's report is that my white count is low which leads to fatigue (thus feeling tired) -- and as a result of the lower counts I need to be on the look out for signs of infection -- you know the typical sore throat / fever type stuff and stay away from sick folks.

Off to get some rest.
Ancora Imparo
Marla