Inspiration

I've struggled for a while with my writing.  For one reason or another it doesn't flow as easily as it used to.  I like to say that life gets in the way and it does.  Life is fast and furious.  Life is hurried and busy.  I crave a slower pace but I'm not sure  it's something I'll ever achieve.  

For reasons I won't discuss here, 2015 has not been a banner year for me thus far.  I mention it only because it's just one more thing that gets in the way of my writing.  I love writing.  Writing forces me to sit at the computer and think, it forces me to take the time to sit in one spot and let my mind wander and create.  It's the closest I will ever come to achieving that slower pace that I crave so much.  When my head sparks with an idea or when one just lands in my lap, I jump at the chance to let it flow and see where it will take me.

Just such an occasion arose the other day.  It was late afternoon and my son came bursting thru the door waving a sheet of paper in his hand and talking so fast that I couldn't make out a word.  After getting him settled enough to repeat himself slowly, it became clear that he wanted me to read the paper in his hand and I did.  I was so impressed.  It was a sample of his "free writing" as he called it.  Apparently when the children in his class are finished with their work the teacher will give them a short sentence or topic and tell them to just write something quick about it.  Matthew's assigned short phrase was "will it find us."  This is what he came up with.....

The Fish

By Matthew Cucchiaro

One day a guy was fishing off the dock.  I almost bit the hook but then my friend Larry did and well...RIP Larry.  Then one day a big fish came into the harbor, me and my family hid under a rock and I said "will it find us?"  Then my friend Robert didn't hear the news about the big fish and well...RIP Robert.  Then one day I didn't hear about another big fish in the harbor and I almost got eaten but then he went after that guy's bait and well... RIP Big Fish.  Then one day I grew so big I couldn't fit in the small hole in the rock and I heard that there was a shark in the harbor and the shark chased me and well....RIP Me.



Matthew is in the 6th grade and just turned 12 years old.  There are so many interesting things in this writing sample that I'm not sure where to begin.  I'm impressed with the voice of the piece.  Matthew is a fish in this story and he writes from the fish's perspective.  At his age I found it impressive for him to do that and I was proud of him.  I like the humor in the piece-- "...and well..... RIP..."  It's cute and funny and it's so like Matthew's personality.  He's a witty kid and he makes me laugh.  His only instruction was to use "will it find us" and he built a "big fish story" around that one phrase.  According to him he took just ten minutes to write it.  It's a well developed story with several characters, there is developed and pertinent humor and he met the teacher's criteria.  All very impressive.

Maybe I'm just a mom who is proud of her son.  Maybe it really is impressive work for a 12 year old boy.  In the end, either is ok.  It made me smile and feel warm in my belly.  It was the inspiration for me to sit and write.  My son gave me a small dose of that slower pace that I need and want and crave.  Thanks honey, I love you.

xo
Michelle

+Michelle Morrissette Cucchiaro
+My Baked Stuffed Life

I Win

How Do You Like Them Apples?

Xo

Michelle

Searching for Fresh and Lovely, the Journey Begins

With a heavy sigh I begin again.  I can remember starting my last journey and how it felt to step foot in that gym again, go to my first exercise class and experience what I was certain was a near death experience as I gasped for breath.  I promised myself I'd never let it get that bad, yet here I am again.  I don't know how it happened and I'm not going to bother trying to figure it out.  I'm going to take a long look in the mirror, re-evaluate the situation and start again.  I'm a work in progress, I'm always going to be a work in progress.

I took that first step, I looked in the mirror.  Aside from seeing the 20lbs I had lost last year reappear, I'm also seeing a few things I knew would eventually come.... wrinkles.  I know they don't appear overnight but, honestly, I never saw them coming.  One day they aren't there and the next day they are.  What to do?

Diet and exercise are an extremely important foundation for being healthy and looking great but you just can't "undo" a wrinkle no matter how faithful you are to living a healthy lifestyle.  Or can you?

Shanthala MD Medspa and Laser Center

Many women have seen, heard of or been invited to what is commonly referred to as a "Botox Party" and I'm no different.  I'd heard about them, received invitations here and there but I just passed them by without much thought.  I guess I was under the impression that injections were something reserved for Hollywood.  Silly, I know, but that was my initial impression.  They are much more mainstream now and far more accessible than ever before and as I mentioned, this year I was feeling a bit different about the reflection staring back at me so when an acquaintance of  mine included me on the guest list for just such a "party", I was intrigued.  A few phone calls and several conversations later and I agreed to attend.  Why not?  


It was a snowy Monday evening in February and I was nervous and excited.  I wasn't at all sure of what to expect from this experience but I knew I wanted to check it out.  I would sit and listen to what the doctor had to say and then make up my mind as to what, if anything, I'd have done.  No pressure.  I parked and made my way inside.  Any nervousness quickly subsided as I entered Dr. Shanthala's warmly inviting reception area.  It was serene.  Tastefully decorated in richly toned decor from the doctor's native India, comfortable seating and a beautiful array of healthy snacks awaited the arriving guests.  It was the perfect combination of relaxation, beauty and warm hospitality. I was greeted by a lovely woman who offered me a comfortable seat and my choice of a variety of different beverages.  I chose a warm cup of herbal tea to sip while I nibbled on hummus and fruit.  

Dr. Shanthala

Just moments passed and Dr. Shanthala quietly entered the room.  She came toward me and introduced herself.  She was lovely and warm.  She was interesting and knowledgeable.  She asked if I was ready and I was so she lead me to a treatment room for further examination and discussion about what was to be done.  We talked as we walked and I really felt like I was with a friend.  It's hard to describe unless you meet her but it felt as though I'd known her for a very long time.  I wondered if that was everyone's experience?  She's lovely.

Before Dysport

After Dysport

We arrived to the treatment room and I was gently directed to the treatment chair.  The treatment room, like the reception area, was comfortable and tastefully decorated.  Soft music played.  We discussed injections, what they could and couldn't do.  She assessed my face and offered expert advice about products and services that could help me with the areas I felt uncomfortable about, areas that robbed me of feeling my best.  She explained the different products that could be injected and I made an informed decision.  I had two areas I wanted her to focus on, the lines between my eyes and my "crow's feet."  The lines between my eyes give the appearance of constant stress, they make me look tired and old and it wasn't a true depiction of how I felt so I wanted them gone.  The "crow's feet" also make me feel old before my time and if she could get rid of those then I'd be happy to see them go.

The process was simple, and relatively painless.  A slight pinch made by the tiniest of needles in the area of the injection(s) is all you will feel.  Dr. Shanthala was gentle and concerned throughout the process that took a bit less than an hour as she carefully chose each injection site for maximum benefit.  

Before Dysport

After Dysport

You can expect some immediate results but full results can take up to two weeks to reveal themselves.  I was immediately pleased.  I've included some before and after pictures so you can see the difference.  I felt exactly how I wanted to feel..... fresh and lovely.  What a perfect start to the journey that lay ahead.

Stay with me........

xo

Michelle

+Michelle Morrissette Cucchiaro

+My Baked Stuffed Life

It's Time

The snow is piled high outside and the threat of more snow looms.  We've been in a record- breaking deep freeze for weeks now and going outside to escape this stifling cabin fever is just not an option.  I've never been a cold weather girl and this year I'm not alone.  Extreme weather tops the list of everyone's conversation.


Outside of traveling for family responsibilities, I'm held captive in my home and it's taking a toll on me.  I sit more, watch television more and let's not forget the real casualty-- I eat more.  I eat more, I exercise less and the sum of that equation is one hot mess.  I've sung this song before, I've walked this very path.  I know what I have to do and I'll get around to it but this time it feels different and it looks different. This time diet and exercise may not be enough.   I look in the mirror and while I know I can lose a bit of weight and tone the muscles that need toning, will that be enough?  Will it be enough to make me feel better about what I see?

I'm aging.  I don't know how it happened or where the time has gone or why it went by so fast but it crept up on me and there's no turning back the clock.  I used to think that I'd never have a problem getting older.  My mantra was "there's something great about every age," and that's easy to say when you're twenty years old with full, youthful lips, smooth, wrinkle-free skin and healthy flowing hair.  Not so easy to say when you're pushing fifty.  I still think that there is something great about every age (especially when you consider the alternative!) but there is also that whole sagging, wrinkled skin thing that I'm just not crazy about.  What can I do about that?

I know that diet and exercise are the tools necessary for living healthy and looking your best.  I'm fairly certain, though, that you just can't "undo" a wrinkle no matter how faithful you are to living a healthy lifestyle, or can you?  Maximizing your God given assets may require a different approach and a different set of tools. It's time to pick up the journey of self care where I left off.  It's time to restructure and reorganize my life and there's no better time like the present.

Join me as I begin yet another journey of self care.  As always I will share my soul with you.  I will be open and honest with my successes and my failures and I will reveal to you the truth as I know it about the experiences I have along the way.

It's time.....

xo
Michelle

+My Baked Stuffed Life
+Michelle Morrissette Cucchiaro

Giving Thanks-- Cancer Free Style!!

A while back I had reposted a blog from a friend of mine who was in the midst of the fight of his life--literally.  I marveled at his upbeat attitude but it never surprised me.  That's Drew, it's just who he is.  Many of you have asked about him, wondering how he is doing so I thought it appropriate to repost the best update ever and the timing couldn't be better!  As we move closer to the day when we all formally give thanks, the Sandler household will have a whole lot more to celebrate this year!!

To read Drew Sandler's full story, read his blog here:

http://stacancerblog.tumblr.com/post/103463652850/giving-thanks-for-being-cancer-free

His latest post.......

Giving thanks for being Cancer Free

I thought I had posted this several weeks ago, so apologies for letting things like hospitals and recovery get in the way of spreading the news.

My doctors have pronounced me Cancer-Free! There is still a lot of work to do, but this is the first critical milestone.

I want to thank all the people in my life who have made this journey possible, my wife, who has helped me stay strong and positive the entire time. Our families who’s love and support has sustained us through some very trying times. And finally our friends who have offered so much love and generosity; at times it’s taken our breathe away how many people have reached out to support us, spiritually, physically and emotionally.

Thanks!

So what comes next?

I know a lot of people are wondering, so let me sketch out what happens now.

With cancer, progress looks like this:
* Cancer-Free
* Remission (5 years)
* Cured (10 years)

I’ve obviously crossed one of those thresholds… Now I move on to making sure I stay cancer-free. That will include 6 months of post-op chemo and then lots and lots of monitoring to make sure that nothing comes back. At this point we just pray that I stay cancer free for 5 years and can be declared in remission.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

xoxo

Michelle

+My Baked Stuffed Life
+Michelle Morrissette Cucchiaro

Live Like You Have Cancer

Long overdue, I know, but like many, sometimes I need a little inspiration.  I've been busy working on a few promises that I made to myself during the annual New Year's resolution ritual and writing was taking a back seat.  It's time to get myself back on track and there is no time like the present.  Kudos to an old friend for reminding me about what is important in life and giving me food for thought.  So today's post will be dedicated to him and to the many friends and family I have who have fought the battle, are fighting the battle or who have yet to discover that there is a battle to be fought at all.

Cancer just sucks.  There is no reason to try to beautify that statement, there's nothing beautiful about it.  Well, maybe that's not entirely true.  I've been fortunate to know a few people who have used cancer as a catalyst to start a new life with a new attitude and a positive outlook.  Some have used cancer to start foundations to further educate people or to promote a healthy lifestyle

http://mestrong.net

These people amaze me and should be looked upon as role models for all of us whether we are fighting a cancer battle or just trying to make it thru a lousy day.  These people have discovered what I've been saying right along--you have a choice.  If you wake up today, yes I said IF--- its a gift.  What you do with that gift is entirely up to you.  You've been dealt a hand, what's your next play?  It's a choice, you can fold or you can kick ass. Make the most of it.....

My friend Drew, he's choosing to kick some ass!!  Here's a passage from his blog "Save the Asshole"  http://stacancerblog.tumblr.com/, it's well worth the read.

Cancer brings clarity

May 31

Been thinking about this one a lot. 6 weeks ago, I was living as if I was cancer free. Not that I was cancer-free, I was just living my life…

Today I’m living the same life on a similar, but different path.

I like the new path. It’s amazing how much bullshit goes away when you have cancer. I just don’t have time to deal with stuff that truly does not matter AND I would argue, the people in my life reflect that. It’s amazing how many petty grievances or slights just don’t make the radar anymore. Anyone who’s been married, knows what I’m talking about, the silly, frustrating argument, about nothing… And a dozen other things that don’t involve my wife (that was just an easy example)…

I’m on this new path, and this new path means I’m no longer ignorant about my disease. It means that I can fight. It means I can tell the people in my life how much they mean to me. It means I can reach out to old high school friends.

It means that choosing a godfather for the new baby isn’t as simple as it was 6 weeks ago.

It doesn’t mean I can’t be disappointed by people, but it does mean that I don’t sweat it like I would have on the old path.

It brings an urgency to my professional life that I enjoy and I hope I can continue when I am cancer-free.

When this is all over, I am determined to stay on this path and love better, work harder, play longer and live wiser.

- Drew Sandler

I told Drew that I was going to take this passage and repeat it here, on my blog.  It's well worth it and it's also worth repeating time after time.  His message is THAT important.  Appreciate what you have today and Live Like You Have Cancer.

xoxo

Michelle

+My Baked Stuffed Life

+Michelle Morrissette Cucchiaro