Monday Musings – Gratitude
Happy Monday ladies. We flew home last week and although I’m happy to be sleeping in my own bed, I miss Vanessa and Vancouver already. I hope I can get back up there sooner than later. I’ve been away from home for over two months and have some serious catching up to do, not to mention the mountains of mail to go through.
Here’s what’s on my mind this week:
Gratitude
Last summer, my husband was diagnosed with lung cancer. The entire process was terrifying from start to end. We were beyond relieved and overjoyed when the biopsy results showed it was caught very early. He had stage 1A adenocarcinoma. By removing his lower left lobe, they’d removed all his cancer. He would not require chemo but would continue to be monitored in case of recurrence. 
That month Oprah asked her readers, “What are you the most grateful for, and why?”
Vanessa answered on the Oprah Magazine Instagram page and they used her answer in this month’s magazine.
This reminds me that when things are tough, it’s too easy to forget there are things we can be grateful for. Taking time to notice and be thankful for the positives in our life, improves our physical health, relationships, and mental health. 2020 has kicked the heck out of most of us. Let’s not allow it to rob us of our hope and appreciation for the simple joys of life.
Polo Sweaters
They seem to be everywhere this fall. They’ve never appealed to me in the past but I’m rethinking the current versions. With their updated and more graceful neckline, no buttons, no stiffness, no fuss…they’re nothing like the ones that men wear.
This one caught my eye, in both colors. Simple and relaxed, I see it with a pair of loafers and soft corduroy pants. You know me and cashmere, so this one has my name all over it. This one is a bit spendy, but the color and styling are spectacular. This eco-friendly option is made from a mix of recycled cashmere so the price is great.
ULIA
I was able to get into Sephora last week and found they carry the ULIA line. It’s a cruelty-free, clean beauty line with gorgeous products. I’m just finishing up my second tube of their Multi-Stick Lip & Cheek Tint in At Last, and I love it! I use it predominantly on my checks so I was thrilled to come across their lipsticks.
You can’t use the testers anywhere these days, but they would swatch some on a piece of paper for me. 
I bought the High Impact formula in Rosette (a light pink), and Rococco (petal). Both of these are beautiful rose colors but I wanted more of a statement for fall so I got this Arabian Nights(soft berry). Because it’s a tinted lip conditioner, it’s not as pigmented and dense as a regular lipstick which makes the color softer. It feels amazing on! With the tinted lip conditioner, I line and fill my lips with Lip Cheat in “Crazy in Love”, then top with the conditioner. When the Arabian Knights wears off throughout the day, I still have plenty of color on my lips.
Have you tried any new lipstick brands?
Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
I am so glad your husband’s cancer was caught early. That is such good news! I tried a new lipstick this summer and really love it. It is the Kosas brand, which is a clean line that is cruelty-free. For everyday wear I love the Stardust color and I also bought Royal, which is a little more intense but looks great with fall outfits. They feel very smooth and hydrating on.
Thanks, Debbie. I will check them out.
Yes to Ilia! Don’t you love it? I wish it came in more colors!
My father passed away 40 years ago today, a day before my mother’s 66 th birthday. She was taken by cancer 3 years later at age 69… the age I am now. I was in my mid 30’s when I lost them. 4 years ago my only brother died of cancer, then a year later, it took my only sister.
I find it miraculous whenever anyone beats the ravages of that terrible disease. I truly hope your husband and you both remain healthy and strong.
My daughter and I both have debilitating health issues, but having seen so much loss, we have learned health care practices that help us fare better than we might without the losses and the knowledge they led to.
I am so grateful for this, especially for her sake.
I remember TV commercials for Geritol from my youth. Arthur Godfrey saying “ Because when you have your health, you have everything.” It sounded silly to me back then but I now realize how true it is.
This last 7-8 months have been fraught with confusion and worry for all of us as we maneuvered, masked and derailed from our normal lives. We have yet to see the end of the pandemic ordeal and a full return to a more sane and productive quality of life, which we all pray will be soon.
Until then, I appreciate the gifts of reassurance and stability that this blog and others like it offer. They are a beacon of light on many dark days.
Thank you. I am grateful for all you do.
Sending prayers and hugs to you and your daughter, Penelope. I do remember those commercials. When you’re young it doesn’t seem that important. The wisdom of age tells us otherwise.
I too received a lung cancer diagnosis in October 2005. It was Stage 1a and I had my upper right lobe removed. I am 15 years cancer free. The only problem I have is climbing stairs, I am out of breath when I get to the top. Good luck to your husband!
He gets out of breath easily also these days which I know is to be expected. Sending prayers for you to stay cancer-free!
Happy to hear that you arrived home safely.
The attitude of gratitude is an amazing way to change how we see each day…I have practiced this for decades and it completely transformed my life.
The new lipsticks look luscious…we have a Sephora here in Victoria so I may need to pop in and see for myself! Thank you for sharing your latest finds!