Wash Away the Year and Celebrate the Happy!

Flat and fabulous - a few months ago, but I love this dress!
8/30/13 - 1 year of being cancer free since my bilateral mastectomy surgery!

This is a follow-up to my FUNNY How Time Flies post a couple weeks ago.  You can read that if you want to be up to date.  And if you're totally new to my blog, you can click on the Breast Cancer Survivor! tab at the top.

As mentioned, we are going to Sedona to celebrate my 1 year 'cancerversary' of being cancer free!  Take THAT breast cancer!  It's actually OUR celebration because Mark, as always, has been right there with and for me the entire time.  And what better place to celebrate than Sedona.  Well, okay a secluded island would be totally awesome, but we're perfectly fine with Sedona - our Happy Place.

Sedona Motel

We don't do fancy, expensive or elaborate.  We love simplicity.  We'll be staying at the Sedona Motel, which has been described by many as a "throw back to the 60's/70's style drive-up motels."  In speaking with Bill, the owner, when making the reservations, I knew right then that this was going to be a nice place to stay.  He seemed quite laid back, relaxed and friendly.  According to the online reviews, he's exactly like that in person.

The view from the motel is beautiful, judging by their photos which I have no doubt.  In fact, there isn't a view in Sedona that is not beautiful.  Red happy rocks and earthy scenery everywhere.  You'll see more of that when we return because oh yes, there will be pictures to share.

Rain is forecast on and off over next few days in Sedona as well as here in the valley, which will be absolutely perfect.  Rain is cleansing. Refreshing.  Hydrating.  Nourishing.  Healing.  What better way to wash away all the negative crud of this past year.

Okay, I can't deny that it will also be nice to simply be in cooler weather, with or without the rain.  Sedona is about 2-2 1/2 hours north of us.  We're looking forward to the enjoyable drive.

 

 

Rocki & Bullwinkle - let the adventures continue

 

This post isn't about the sad and ugly side of breast cancer and what it does to you and everyone around you.  Nor is about what I personally did and didn't have to go through.  This is a celebration!  With the one I love.  My best friend in the entire universe.  The absolute love of my life.  My soul mate and partner throughout eternity and beyond.

 

It's a time to be happy, as always, but happier.  A time to let go of any negativity that is clinging to us.  And, not that we haven't done it a million times already, a time to reflect on what truly is important. 

 

We're going to our Happy Place.  To breath in the rain cleansed air with every fiber of our being and breath out all the bad.  We're simply going to celebrate what is. 

 

Peace,

Rocki

Full Circle

Life has a funny way of teaching you things in a variety of ways.  For instance, from the time I was a young girl all I wanted was big boobs.  Why?  Maybe it's because society always portrays women as more attractive with big boobs, or boobs period.  I don't really remember why at such a young age I felt like that, but I always had negative body image issues.  

One day while playing cards with my family, my uncle asked me what I wanted for Christmas.  I told him "big boobs!" He and everyone else belly laughed so hard it made me cry.  I believe I was around 10 years old then.  I'm sure you're surprised too, but I did not wake up Christmas morning with big boobs.

During my teen years on up, I was teased with the name "Flatsy Patsy", both at school and home.  I hated it, but didn't speak out about it - just sucked it up and laughed with them.  I actually blamed my sister for me being so flat.  Even though I'm much older than her, I told her she got what I should have had and then some!  We called her "Dolly Parton" for good reason, until she got a breast reduction.  Apparently big boobs are a pain, but I still wanted them.

After having my boys and getting older I got a little bigger, but not like what I wanted.  I SO wished I could afford to have a boob job.  It seemed like every magazine I looked at there was a perfect model figure with big boobs staring at me.  Oh and don't even get me started on bathing suit models! 

Years go by and I still felt the same.  I used to tell Mark if we ever won the lottery that I was getting a boob job.  He would always tell me that I was perfect as is, would love me even if I had nothing, and that I didn't need to have surgery to change the person I was (gosh I love him to pieces!).  Even though I appreciated that, I hated my body and I dreamed of looking different.

So then last year I was hit with breast cancer and boy did that change things.  Puts a whole new perspective on what's important in life.  I'll skip everything else about that part as this post is about me wanting big boobs.  Like, FOREVER! 

A bilateral total mastectomy was immediately scheduled.  Back up... prior to the biopsy diagnosis, besides researching what we could online, Mark and I discussed every itty bitty detail about what was going to happen.  Even though the doc talked to me about it, there was not a single moment that I even considered breast reconstruction, for a variety of reasons.  Mark didn't want it done either and was happy with my decision.  I love that man!

Funny.  All those years of wanting and wishing for bigger boobs, life, in a mean way, gave me an opportunity (for lack of better wording).  I didn't take it.  I didn't want it.  I'm truly happy with my decision and have honestly never looked back.

Rocki - the new and improved Flatsy Patsy!

So here I am today.  Full circle.  Back to being flat as a board (flatter actually) and you know what?  I am happy being me in my own skin. I don't need boobs to define me as a woman.  It's who I am inside that portrays who I am on the outside.  I am more confident and adventurous now than I have ever been in my entire life!  I wear what I want, do not hide from the world and, respectfully, I don't care what people think.  It is my body, not theirs.

Even though I used to want big boobs, I've always HATED bras and only wore them when I had to.  Now I don't have to mess with them ever again.  Oddly enough, I feel free to be me.  That's one of the many things breast cancer has taught me.

While this was my decision, I understand that not all women feel the same and that is obviously okay.  Every woman has the right to choose what is best for her, no matter what it is, and I salute them.

Peace and love,
Rocki

Ramblings & Possible New Name Or New Blog

Happy Friday everyone!  Just a bit of ramblings today. 

I changed my profile avatar from the above pic, which was taken this past Sunday, 23rd.  The other one was from about 2 or 3 years ago, so figured it was time for an updated picture.

My dad and Yolanda, his girlfriend, came over that day and we had a fun and enjoyable visit.  I made some of my raw food treats and healthy snacks for them to try and they loved it all.  Yolanda especially loved my zucchini "cheeze" roll-ups... she ate the very last one with a big grin on her face!  I sent them home with what was left: persimmon pie, "fudge" and "not meat" balls - all raw of course. 

Mark and I exchanged a few simple gifts this year and mine were centered around the kitchen - which I wanted and he did an AWEsome job!  His were movies and a PC game that he wanted, so he was happy too.  We sent all the kids a little green stuff, which made this year's shopping painless and very easy.

We received gift cards to PF Changs & Starbucks from the kids, yum!  Oh and the gift that brought tears to my eyes was from my daughter-in-law... a set of writing pens.  I know... pens made me teary?  They are Breast Cancer Awareness pens, but I it was her sweet note that got me the most.

Christmas day Mark & I went to the movies to see The Hobbit.  One word: awesome!  If you're into The Lord of the Rings, then you'll LOVE it.  Can hardly wait for the next flic!  Oh and it was a long one... just about 3 hours.  I took snacks, a green smoothie and bottle water with us, but Mark splurged on popcorn and his $1 drink with his Harkins cup.

After the movies we popped on over to my brother's house for a fun little visit and gave our little nephews their gifts.  Kids are so fun to watch at this time of the year :)

One other rambling before I go.  I'm thinking of starting another blog for my raw food.  I cannot express enough how wonderful I feel inside and out since going raw - plus after almost 52 years the end of this month, I finally found my passion!  I've thought about changing the url name of this blog for a long time now since it doesn't even fit anymore, but I think that might mess up all the other posts or links.  I don't know enough about that part, do you?  I already have a second blog for my handmade jewelry & findings, so guess a third one won't hurt. Still playing around with that idea.

Well, guess that's enough ramblings for today.  Hope everyone had a beautiful Holiday or Christmas or just hanging out doing nothing day.

Peace,
Rocki

p.s. I'm lovin' the type of tops I'm finding that have a little gathering to them, sort of hides what I don't have.  NOT that it bothers me one little bit.  I just like them because they are cute and doesn’t appear to freak people out as much.

Organization

Came across a cool idea (probably not new, but new to me) while on Pinterest and just had to try it.  I've wanted to extend my kitchen pantry for some time now, but there simply is no extra room to do that.  Well, as you can see above I purchased an over-the-door shoe organizer that I taped to the outside door of my pantry just to show what it is.  I should have taken a before pic of inside, but didn't think about it.  My pantry wasn't a mess (I'm one of those 'labels to the front' people), but just very full and had to stack packages on top of packages.

I can NOT believe the results:   

Ta'da!  I was (and still) so freakin' excited about my 'new' pantry that I keep opening the door to look at it (yes, I amuse easily)!  Seriously though, for less than $15 dollars I extended my kitchen pantry and it is more organized than it was before.  I just love it!

I think I'm going to buy some more shoe organizers... I just know there are more things to organize around here.

Happy Organized Monday!
Rocki

Smile Jar

Smile Jar. Many uses for this cool idea: Throughout the year jot down memories that make you smile, laugh or touches your heart. If you’re having a bad day, reach into the jar, pull out a note and smile!  It would also make a fun gift for your spouse, loved one, kids...

Happy Smiling Friday!
Rocki

(Found the jar on Pinterest, but here’s the direct link to where it originated inchmark)

Valentine's Day Water Heart!

I was brushing my teeth this morning, looked down and there was a water shaped heart!  I always see shapes in water drops...well, that's another story in itself.  Anyway, so I grabbed my Droid and snapped a pic before it went away. What makes this even more exciting (yes, water drops excite me) is what is today people?  VALENTINE'S DAY!

Okay, time to hit the studio, but just had to share this first.

♥ Rocki

Fun New Years Day at the World Zoo & Aquarium

Mark & I went to the World Life Zoo & Aquarium on New Years Day.

It was such a beautiful, sunny warm day that we just had to spend it outdoors.

My all time favorite is the monkey and this little guy was absolutely adorable!



It was a leisurely walk around the zoo park, and we were surprised that it wasn't crowded at all.

It's always fun watching the kids, especially this little gal while feeding the hungry giraffes.

I love the aquarium there.  It's nothing like Sea World or being at the ocean, but nice all the same.  Big variety and lots to see.  I would love to hold this teeny tiny blue Tree Frog, but they are on the dangerous side. 

You can't help but smile while looking at this little frog! 

My pics didn't come out the best as I was using my phone camera.  I wish this one did because he is gorgeous!  A beautiful black and white Ray.

I took a lot of pictures that day, but these are just some of my favorites.  I'll be posting the rest to my Facebook page soon.

Peace and Happiness,

Rocki

It's just little ol' me

Sometimes I say to myself: "you know Rocki, you really need to start blogging again" and then there's times that I actually answer myself - but we won't go there.

Since my studio work is done for the day I thought what better time to blog than now.  You know what the say, there's no time like the present.  But what to blog about?  Sometimes I wonder if what I have to say is even all that interesting to others, plus I'm definitely not a professional blogger.  Guess since it's my blog I can talk about whatever floats my boat... oh I love boating!  Whenever we visit my brother in Florida, who is on his way back home to AZ tomorrow, we would go boating all the time and... oops... I pitched, as my hubby likes to call it.

I know!  I'll just be me.  Scary thought, but I'm going with it.  As once before, I'll be blogging about anything that enters my little brain - from my humble little life to infinity and beyond!  Oh and I don't blog just about my work because there's much more to life than work.  I don't live the high life, but it's an enjoyable one that I would be happy to share with you.

Peace and Happiness,

Rocki

p.s. Yes, that is me up there with my Dad, who is going on 71 years young and could out dance any one of us!

Positively I can!

We all do it from time to time. You know, let negative thoughts take us over. When that happens, take a deep long breath, exhale slowly, smile and simply tell yourself:

May your days be filled with happy POSITIVE thoughts of all the things you CAN do!

Peace to you,

Rocki

Tranquility

Aquatic Swirls vs Fish Hoops

I designed a pair of new hoop earring the other day and just love how they turned out!

True short story:

I always show Mark, who lovingly refers to my metalwork as "car parts", my new creations. Even though he claims to have no idea about jewelry, I enjoy hearing his perspective. Plus he likes to help name them.

Anyway, when Mark arrived home from work and got settled in (sort of), I showed him my new earrings. He said, and I quote: "hey, they look like fish!"

Okay. So I took another look at them and sure enough, yes, they do. However, we were NOT going to name them "Fish Hoops" - sick and wrong dude!

I took photos to post in my Rocki's Artisan Metal shop and, as always, showed Mark. He said, and I quote: "Looks like a fish on a hook."

Okay. You got me. So it does. But I'm still not naming them Fish Hoops.

Aquatic Swirls - I do not recommend putting them in water.

Peace & Luv,

Rocki

Rocki's Artisan Metalwork - II

Just a quickie note to say that I FINally opened my second shop on Etsy: www.RockisArtisanMetal.etsy.com (there wasn't enough room for my entire biz name :(

I had decided some time ago to separate my handmade supply findings from my handmade jewelry and now is as good as time as any I say. It's a chore though. In between everything else I've got going, every day I'll be adding to my new shop.

That's it for now. Off to spend the weekend celebrating our 16th wedding anniversary. Wow, 16 years? I swear at times it still feels brand new and other times like we've been married forever - in a good way.

Happy Friday all!
Rocki

Awesome Florida Bird...

These pictures are from our Florida trip last December. We visited again just this past August and I took more pictures. I have many cool shots that I would like to post - when I have time.

Anyway, just a real quickie here... I took these pictures when we were boating through the channel where my brother lives. I'm no photographer by any means. I took the above pic and then a couple moments later clicked again...

and got this AWESOME shot! It may be just me, but I really love how this picture came out- so cool!

Have great day!

Peace,

Rocki

Friday Funny

Bobbitt Family Update:

In a recent news broadcast, it was announced that Lorena Bobbitt's sister Louella was arrested for an alleged attempt to perform the same act on her husband as her famous sister had done several years ago. Sources reveal the sister was not as accurate as Lorena.

She allegedly missed the target and stabbed her husband in the upper thigh causing severe muscle and tendon damage. The husband is reported to be in serious, but stable condition.

Louella has been charged with...

?

WAIT FOR IT...

?

WAIT FOR IT...

?

WAIT FOR IT...

A Misdewiener!

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Come on, you know darn well you're going to pass this one!

(hubby sent this to me today, had to share)

Happy Friday!

Rocki

So who is Rocki anyway?

Good question! H'm, where to begin... I'm a lot of things actually, but I'll try to stay on point.

- I will never ever grow up. I'll be 50 (on paper) in December, but still feel 20 something. Okay, so maybe my body doesn't sometimes - LOL!

- Simple, casual, warped sense of humor, determined, committed, loves people, quiet, talkative, clumsy, never wear make-up of any kind, and about once a year (or so) the "other woman" comes out. "Other woman" you ask? You know, that bitch in all of us that just lets everything out all at once.

- Faithful. I resonate with the 60's/70's and a peaceful life. My kids still call me their "hippie mom". The the path that I follow in life represents peace and compassion. I'm not perfect, but I believe in my practice with all my heart.

I'm a very proud mom to my sons Jeremy & Jason. When I gave them life, they gave me mine. Our relationships are based on love, respect, trust, honesty and open communication. Although I'm their mom first, but they are my buddies who I have no problem confiding in. I love them more than life itself.

There wasn't a "how to be a mom" handbook when I had my boys. So I did my best and to be perfectly honest, I never had any problems raising them and have no complaints - they were and are awesome guys! Of course, I made mistakes along the way and wish I could have done some things differently, but we all learn from our mistakes. We grow stronger from them. I love you both, with all my heart!

I'm a wife, soul mate, life partner and friend to the most loving & caring guy: Mark. Wow, how to sum up our relationship...

- he is my best friend and the love of my life. I can't imagine life without him. We enjoy each others company and are still joined at the hip. We love quiet evenings instead of night life. He's always been there for me and always will, as I for him. That saying "in sickness and in health" he took literally, and I thank him for that.

- We've been on many trips so far in our 16+ years together and look forward to many many more. The pic above we were heading out for the Laughlin Run (before I got my OWN bike). We no longer ride, but we still take many trips.

I'm a daughter, sister, friend and then some. Our family is not the Walton's by any means, but that's what makes like fun and, well, interesting. We're more like a zoo family - a big variety of people, lifestyles, opinions, emotions, etc. Despite our irregularities, we are a loving crazy bunch.

Last but not least, I'm an artist that did not know existed until the worst of times. Good things come from bad situations.

Without going into all the boring details, I worked the crazy hectic corporate life for years until one day the rug was pulled out beneath me and ended up sick (not life threatening, but life altering). It took years, but I fought my way back to normalcy (whatever "normal" is anyway) and in doing so, discovered that I had a hidden talent. I'm self-taught and am currently teaching myself another metalwork that I'm really excited about!

There's a lot more about me, but I'll end this now. I'm not perfect by any means and don't claim to be, but I put my full heart and soul into everything I do, both personally and professionally. I love my life and everyone in it. I enjoy the fact that I own and operate my metalworking business by myself in which I have 2 online shops and sell locally as well.

My main motto is: Never give up! Hence my name "Rocki" that was given to me years ago by another.

Peace & Love,

Rocki

www.RockisArtisanMetalwork.ArtFire.com

www.RockisSupplies.Etsy.com

Wonder Woman?

I'm not Wonder Woman, I don't have a magic tiera, special bracelets or golden lasso of truth. Nor have I found that "extra time" that we all look for, but I'm going to get back on the blog wagon once again darn it all. It's not that I don't have anything to say, because I most certainly do. It's that elusive time thing.

Oh and my handmade heart pendant necklace above can be found in my ArtFire Studio.

Anyway, this post will be short and sweet as Mark is on his way home from night school and we'll be watching the last disc of Rome. So exciting! Love love love this show! We don't watch T.V. so if there is something good out there that we find out about, we'll watch it on Netflix or rent it. Or of course like with Dexter we buy the DVD's - LOVE the Dexter!

Speaking of short and sweet... the teensie weensie micro hoop above can also be found in my ArtFire Studio.

I, Rocki, hereby solemnly swear that I will blog at least once per week. Oh and my posts are not always about my metalwork. I love variety, so you will see anything and everything. I don't follow any rules about what to or not to blog about. I'm me and that is what you shall see.

Lastly, my earrings above... yes, you know what's coming, say it with me now: can be found in my ArtFire Studio. Very good, well done!

Okay, the timer is going off for me to take another batch out of the tumbler and then soon it will be time to watch Rome!

"No one can resist the golden lasso. It binds all who are encircled and compels them to tell... the truth!" - Wonder Woman

Rocki

Long time no blog

Short and sweet...

I've been enjoying my summer, how about you? In between working and such I've been swimming laps just about daily, bicycling (stopped last month though - too hot!), enjoying time with my honey and now on my biggie vacation in Florida - with my dad who'll be celebrating his 69th birthday! Go dad!

Okay, I said short and sweet. Hope to blog more when I return.

Oh - so you're probably wondering what the heck does the photo have to do with this post. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I just think that little guy is so cute! That is Mark's finger pointing at the little critter when we went to the Wildlife Zoo a few months ago. Okay, so they are both cute :)

Chow for now.
Rocki

Daughtry - VIP Part 2

The concert! I do apologize for the quality of the pics, but as mentioned previously I forgot my camera (too much excitement!) So these are all taken with my Droid - and shaking, er...rocking hands.

On the catwalk. We had floor seats and were in row 21 - AWEsome seats. Seats? Funny, but I don't recall ever sitting!

My man Steely! Totally rocks the guitar :)

Daughtry gettin' down and the crowd was screaming big time! I woke up the next morning with a very raspy voice. Not sure why exactly ;)

Throughout the concert there was some pretty cool & colorful flashing light effects that I wish I could have picked up more, but you get the idea.

Far part of the stage with more cool lights.

I did take a few pics of Cavo & Lifehouse when they were on, but they didn't turn out so well. Both of those bands rocked the house! Daughtry put on an EXCELLENT concert all around. Performance, singing, sound, looks... everything was right on!

Well, that's it. Concert is over. We had a total blast and yes, still smiling from meeting the guys and getting hugs! I have a TON of pics, but don't worry, this will be the last Daughtry post... for now ;)

Thanks Daughtry, you guys rock!

♥Rocki

Daughtry - VIP part 1

Not quite sure where to start on this most memorable day/evening except to say it ROCKED! Since pictures speak a thousands words, I'll try and let them do most of the talking, but will give some highlights.

Nope, we didn't win tickets to the concert or VIP backstage passes. We purchased our tickets when they went on sale - couldn't miss Daughtry! When we found out that we could get VIP passes to meet & greet with the band, etc., it took less than a nanosecond to say YES!

Oh and above is little ol' me with the guys - very down to earth and so humble. Yes, I was majorly star struck and I think I blinded everyone with my braces as I smiled ALL day and ALL night long!

This is during the soundcheck where we got to sit in on. Yes, we were right at the stage! Oh and they sound just as good in soundcheck :)

Since we had 2 tickets we were able to have 2 pictures taken. I went first. I was so dazed by it all that after the pic was taken I started to walk away and TOTALLY forgot about Mark! LOL! I just had to go stand by Josh Steely on the end. Not like I know him personally, but there was just something about him that was so calming. He commented on my Buddha necklace and I was so star struck that I didn't notice his gorgeous Buddha tattoos until yesterday when we were checking out the previous VIP concert pictures!

Another soundcheck pic and this is Josh Steely. Yep, he sounds as good as he looks :)

Still have that same big glowing smile on my face - it's still there in fact! This was after all the VIP treatment with lots of goodies to take home.

Afterwards we ate dinner at Margaritaville before heading back in for the concert. Nope, we didn't have Margarita's - we don't drink. But after many years, I DID have my first true hamburger with a bun! Being allergic to wheat & dairy I never get to have a bun with a burger unless at home and then it is with my special bread - totally NOT the same. Anyway, Margaritaville has a gluten-free menu and the bun was soft and yummy!

I have more pictures to share of the concert, but I'll do that either this weekend or Monday. Wait to you see where our seats were :) Oh and since I forgot my camera, the pics are all taken with my Droid, but they turned out okay.

Daughtry - you guys are #1 in my book - stay just like you are!

♥ Rocki

(5/1 update: I've been asked if I added pink to my hair for the concert - nope, this is me! I've had variations of this style going on a year now and it has become my signature style ;)

Jason Leaves For Seattle

WARNING: MUSHY MOM POST

This is a hard day for me. No, several months ago while at a restaurant when Jas, my Bud, said that he had something to tell me - THAT was a hard day. He put in for a work transfer to Portland as there was better schooling opportunity for him there to become a Fire Fighter. I'm extremely proud of him, as I am in both of my boys, but THAT was a hard day.

Scratch that.

Portland wasn't going to happen, so he changed the transfer to Seattle - another good opportunity for him to reach his goal. Figured it would be a few months or so. Well, this past Thursday Jason was notified that the transfer was approved - but that he needs to be there sooner than later - in other words leave on Monday - as in today. Another hard day.

I'm very close to both my boys, they are my sons and my friends. Jeremy, my oldest, lives in Portland, Oregon - he moved there about 8 years ago (yes, THAT was a hard day too - or was it when he left for NAU prior to that - I'm a mom, what can I say). I'm happy that they will be closer so that they can see each other more often. I guess now we have a new place to visit. I've never been to Seattle before.

Jason is my comedian, my buddy, my body guard. He's friendly, outgoing, courteous and helpful - for starters. He has always been there to help me. When I was very sick for a long time, he would take me to doctors and practically carry me in without giving it a second thought. He makes me laugh too. Especially when I think about the pickle & the ketchup incident at CoCo's. Oh and he always hated cleaning his room. I think he still does ;)

This is me and my guys at Disneyland many moons ago. Jason, on the right, was a tad grumpy as it had been a very long day and he was ready to leave. Definitely nap time. Jas has always been a happy guy with a big smile on his face, so this picture makes me giggle.

Sorry, this is nothing more than just a mushy mom needing to brag about her awesome son - future Fire Fighter - who she is going to miss very, very much! This past week has been rough - so much in such a short amount of time. Between being sick and then dealing with his sudden move, it's just plain hard. I've gone through more tissue boxes than you could imagine. Yes. I admit I cry. I'm human. I'm a mom. Who happens to love her boys more than life.

Well, I could go on writing, but I'll end this mushy mom post because I have a TON of work to do. Guess that will keep my mind occupied while he's traveling.

Enjoy your day,

Rocki

(a.k.a. Mom - I love you Bud!)

p.s. The picture at the top... Jas wrote that on there and gave it to me. He's also terribly shy, as you can tell ;)