PEDAL 4 HOPE ... support Ryan Hornstra

PEDAL 4 HOPE - link to website

      As most of you may already know, unfortunately cancer has been part of my life with my son Brandon having testicular cancer (1 1/2 years clean so far... hooray!!) and my father dying from lung cancer less than a year ago. My nephew Ryan Hornstra along with his father Rick will be riding across the United States in hopes of collecting money for cancer research. The City of Hope has helped Brandon in the past and Ryan chose that organization as the one he will represent as he and his dad ride across the United States. I urge you to please donate to this cause and to spread the word to everyone you know in support of Ryan and a cure for cancer. You can also help by posting a link to his website on your facebook or blog in support of his cause!!!

     Ryan has worked very hard and he has put in many hours to prepare for this, we are truly proud of him and all that he has accomplished and all that he continues to accomplish.

     Ryan's goal is to reach $50,000 in donations..... he can't do it alone, but with your help it is possible!!!!!!

     Many many thanks, God bless..... Mary

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving blessings to all!!! Have a gobble delicious day!!!

Crazy Chick With A Camera

Nice to meet you!!

When we can find the time and money to get away, we take day or overnight trips to Morro Bay and San Simeon California. The scenery there is amazingly breath taking. No matter how talented or not one may be at photography, you can't help but get a good picture. As some or all of you may know, I so enjoy taking pictures, it is something that I thankfully inherited from my dad. The pictures I am sharing with you today were all taken in San Simeon, California.

 I happened upon this skeleton fish head as I was walking along the beach in San Simeon. At first glance I was unsure of what I was seeing, when I realized what it was, my first reaction was "ooh gross". Of course I had to take a picture of it! Needless to say my husband called me nuts and a crazy chick for doing so. When I got home and downloaded the picture to my computer, I was not so grossed out... my thought turned to "wow, this is not something I will ever come across again".  I began wondering what kind of fish this happened to be and what it may have seen in it's lifetime and how long did it live? Was it just a local fish or had it traveled the ocean? If I were to go back tomorrow, would it still be there or would the tide have taken it back out to sea? I know that this may sound crazy, but I regret that I did not take more pictures of it (maybe a wider view) and take the time to observe it's surroundings. I am not sure as to why I am fascinated by this picture but it made me think "Life is short and simple moments in time are too often taken for granted".

Many Thanks!!

We would  like to thank all of you for the many donations that have been sent to the City of Hope. Cancer is unfortunately all too familiar to many of us. In recent years I have known many people who have been affected by cancer. Some have died and others are still fighting for their lives. My son Brandon had testicular cancer that spread to his lymph nodes. He has had two surgeries and chemotherapy treatment. He is doing well and goes for regular testing to insure that the cancer has not continued to spread. The City of Hope has been and still is very helpful in treating Brandon's cancer. Your donations are important and very much appreciated. I continue to pray that a cure for cancer will be found... I hope in my lifetime.

God Bless you all!!

Photographs and Memories

It has been one week since the angels came for dad. We thank you all again for your prayers, support, love, and understanding. It has been a tough week for all of us as we learn to cope with life without dad. Mom is dealing with her loss as best as she can. We have all been nearby to support and help her through this. My sister Geralyn has stayed with mom for the past week and her loving support has been a tremendous help. We think of dad and we cry and laugh, sometimes both at the same time. So many memories and moments come to mind that touch us all.

We have gone through many many pictures, many of long ago and some of recent. It is amazing to see album after album that make up one person's lifetime. The progression from blurred black and white photos to color to digital. WOW!!! I am in awe once again. I thank dad for his passion of photography and of photos and for giving me the same passion and enjoyment that he possessed.

We are very fortunate to have had him for our dad. I miss you dad and I thank you for all the memories and moments in time that helped to make me who I am today. I couldn't have done it without you!!!

DAD

Dad peacefully passed away at 11:45 pm last night (July 25, 2010). We are so glad that he was home and that we were able to be with him. I have so much that I want to share with you about him but at this moment I am finding it hard to put them into words.

We are planning a funeral service for him to be taken place on August 14th at 10 am followed by a gathering to celebrate his Wonderful Life. This service will be held at Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha located at 22508 Copper Hill, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.

In lieu of flowers we are in the process of setting up a memorial fund toward a charity which will be determined in the near future.... I will post it here when it is set up.

We continue to thank you all for your prayers and well wishes and are so very grateful to have you all in our lives. Time will heal the sadness and empty feelings we feel now.

We will never forget you DAD and we will cherish all the moments and memories and most of all the laughter you created and shared with us. DAD, We Love You... Be at Peace!!!

I Hear Laughter in Heaven!!!

The Angels came to take dad home!!! We are all saddened to see him go and rejoice that he is at peace in heaven.