Saving Mr. Banks

Can you believe it's been 50 years since the release of Disney's "Mary Poppins?" How I love this film. One of my all-time favorites. 

And coming in December is "Saving Mr. Banks," about how the beloved children's novel by P.L. Travers was brought to the big screen. Emma Thompson plays Travers and Tom Hanks plays Walt Disney. There's a wonderful supporting cast that includes Colin Farrell, Paul Giamatti, Rachel Griffiths and more. (I love the shadows in the above poster.)

British actress Victoria Summer plays Julie Andrews in the film. (I think she's adorable. I'm getting closer and closer to this length of hair!) If you recall, Julie Andrews won the Oscar for her role as Mary Poppins. 

So, I can't wait for the holiday season and to catch what is already being call a lovely film about another lovely, endearing classic. 

Images from Disney and IMBD

Always treat yourself to something fabulous

I needed a little "fabulous" this morning, so here's a touch of it. 

Another way I like to add some fabulous to my life is by treating myself to a well-deserved gift. If you recall, for my 40th birthday, I gave myself a much-longed for David Yurman ring. Then, when I completed chemo, I treated myself to another much-wanted item: a classic tank watch. 

This puppy will never go out of style. Love it!

I'm thinking that when I complete radiation - which will mark an end to the year-of-cancer, that I need to celebrate that momentous occasion as well. Hmm, diamond earrings? A car? No, I won't go that extravagant, but there will be quite the celebration. One of my girlfriends, who also had a tough 2013, agrees that we need to have a New Year's Eve party to end all parties. 

I think Holly Golightly would agree. 

P.S. - Don't think that you need to spend a mint to treat yourself to a well-deserved gift. Even if it's a nap after a long day, a moment in the sun or curling up with a good book, take the time to take care of you. In the words of Donna and Tom from Parks and Recreation, "Treat Yo' Self!"

Image property of A Place to Dwell Blogspot; film image from "Breakfast at Tiffany's

The shoes say it all

I TOTALLY think I deserve this pair of Stubbs & Wootton velvet slippers, which cleverly displays my retort to cancer:

A highly unlikely purchase, given that these bad boys cost $400, but a girl can dream.

Happy Monday, friends! 


Image from Stubbs & Wooten. 

See Blue Day

Happy Friday, friends!

For those of you lucky enough to live in or near the Bluegrass state, today is See Blue Day at Keeneland Race Course. 

The fall meet is underway and each year, a day is set aside to honor our flagship university - and my alma mater - the University of Kentucky. Attendees are encouraged to wear Kentucky blue and enjoy a day of tailgating on the hill, live music, bourbon and good southern food. Oh, yeah, and placing a bet or two on the ponies. Then tomorrow, UK plays Alabama at Commonwealth Stadium, so if you want to enjoy a day at the races, do so, then hop a shuttle to the game. (Fingers crossed that my Cats won't be completely rolled over by the Tide.)

What are your plans for this gorgeous fall weekend? 

Image from Keeneland's Facebook page.

Break out the boots

We're heading into my favorite time of year: autumn.

This means, it's time to start sporting those boots. And if it's still a bit too warm to wear tights or stockings with your boots, consider these adorable boot socks. How cute are these?? 

Boot socks are available at the Urban Farmhouse Market in Louisville, but I'm sure if you did an online search, you could find other retailers in your area. 


Health update: Thanks again for your kind words when I wrote about my breast cancer diagnosis. Now that I have chemo and surgery behind me, I have one last stretch of treatment ahead, which is radiation. I had my "markings" done last week, along with a CT scan, to line up where the radiation will target my chest wall. So, just waiting to find out when I start. It'll be six weeks, Monday through Friday. I will be so happy to enter the holiday season with no cancer treatments on my plate. 

And, my hair is growing in nicely. In fact, I had a visit with my stylist last week to color it a warm brown. It was coming in very dark with touches of gray and I just couldn't have that!

Have a terrific Tuesday, friends!

Fall Wardrobe Wish List

Oh, Emerson Fry, how I adore your designs. This outfit is on my wish list - from the coat to the fabulous shoes. I am so ready for sweater weather! The heat index is going to hover around 100 in these parts today. But, by the weekend, there will be a 30+ drop in temperature. Can't. Wait.

P.S. - Thank you, friends, from the bottom of my heart for all of the wonderful comments you left for me in my last post. I so appreciate your kind words of support!

Image from Emerson Fry, via Facebook

Best. News. Ever.

Hi, friends!

I know it's been a while since I've blogged, but you're well aware of what's been going on in my life. So, here's a breakdown of recent events.

I finished chemo July 5. I was so happy to receive word that I was finished with that process. Next step, surgery. So, on Aug. 13, I had a double mastectomy with expanders for reconstruction. Let me tell you, that was a doozy of an operation to undergo. I was in the hospital for two days and then spent some time recovering at my parents.

Then the news yesterday that I've been waiting to hear since my diagnosis: NO MORE CANCER!!! That's right, my pathology report revealed that the cancer is no longer in my body. I can't tell you how blessed I feel. I had my follow-up with my plastic surgeon today and he removed the drains, which meant that I could return to my house and gain a little more independence.

For the next few weeks I'll visit the plastic surgeon for check-ups and the "fill" process. Dr. D. says he's going to make me perky! Seriously, if I have to go to hell and back, I'm going to get a nice set of "girls" out of it! I still have to face radiation, but that's down the road. I have plenty of healing to do from the surgery. It's just nice to have a bit of a break between procedures.

Thanks to all of you who have wished me well, sent prayers and notes of encouragement. It means the world to me.

Happy Wednesday!!