This is a week of stories. The time flew by and suddenly, it's Friday.

OT and doctor appointments and highlights, oh my! That's how my week went.

The good news according to my surgeon is that my elbow is, in fact, healing nicely. It may be swollen for close to a year (!). As long as I wear the brace and do the exercises I will continue to get a greater range of motion. I go back in December to see what the scar tissue looks like at that point. Depending on how it looks, he may go back in and clean it up to give me more motion and less stiffness.

That news made me quite relieved. I could stop the personal pity party I was having and concentrate on getting stronger. I have been cleared to lift more weight and I have been given the OK to move.

With that said, I bought a new pair of sneakers.

Let the walking begin.

Again.

As the mother of the catcher who has loved the Yankees since he was old enough to be a fan, it was tremendous fun to watch last nights game while texting Peter.

As promised, he ran straight down the hall to his friends room while screaming.

It's Friday.

Today, I propose we dance to some folks I call heroes:

• my surgeon
  
• my Occupational Therapists
  
• Derek Jeter (clap-clap-clapclapclap!)
  
• my friend Nancy who is now 50% done with her radiation treatments
  
• my friend Eileen who biked a million miles (250) for the Tour de Pink East Coast Ride last week
  
• my friend Ellen who biked and swam a quarter of a million miles for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
  
• All of *you* 

Feel free to add people to the list, turn up the music and dance for them!

xo

Anybody's got the power
They don't see it
‘Cos they don't understand
Spin around and run for hours
You and me we got the world in our hands

http://youtu.be/epl0wG9vjv4

This week, I began to feel like I was finally coming back to ME.

I am working, and that's excellent. At the salon, musically, we settled on a 90's station that all of us seem to like...for now. I was lovin' the 70's station but apparently, someone who will remain nameless (Kathy) announced she was going to hurt someone if the station was not changed. Fine. Be that way. Throughout the past few days, Carol and I have been working on our lip dubbing techniques and might just have a duet worked out by the end of the month.

I read a lot of powerful words from others this week. This is also known as how to waste away a couple of hours on the Internet.

Like some of my favorite bloggers do, I am going to share a few of them with you. 

Total self promotion:
For the next two Tuesdays, facials with Michelle will be HALF PRICE at the salon. Call to schedule a day of wonderfulness just for you. Complimentary blow dry after your facial. 914-862-4642

At the end of her life, Charlotte Kitley wrote a final blog piece.
"Embrace your loved one and if they cannot embrace you back, find someone who will. Everyone deserves to love and be loved in return. Don't settle for less."
I encourage you to read the entire post, "And so there must come an end."

After the tears, there is always laughter. Jimmy Fallon, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani had me giggling out loud with their lip sync battle. (And gave Carol and I some ideas!)

There were two odes to parenting that were particularly good this week. Now that my kids are older the battles are absolutely different but the exhaustion of parenting younger kids lingers in my memory.

The first is titled, For when you lose it (because you'll lose it) 

I swore I was going to be one of those moms who didn't tell her kids to shut up, who wouldn't curse, who wouldn't spank, who would be the polar opposite of who I am...

I said shut up. I told someone to shut the fuck up in December of 2001 the morning of the PTA Holiday Dinner and was relieved to know I was in excellent company - I hadn't cursed AT a kid before that morning. In her essay, Motherhood: The Big Fat Fuck You, Lisa Morguess shares a day in her life.

I read an outstanding article about The Church of U2.
"Most people think of U2 as a wildly popular rock band. Actually, they’re a wildly popular, semi-secretly Christian rock band."

Last (not really, I could go on...) I watched the new TV show, The Red Band Society. Tissue worthy for it's sass and sensitivity. It is a captivating cast including Octavia Spencer and Dave Annable (Brothers & Sisters was his last gig that I watched him in). I watched it on Hulu but you can also catch it on FOX.

When the day come
I know you're down
In a river of trouble
You about to drown

Hold on, I'm coming
Hold on, I'm coming

http://youtu.be/Wizc2UC9s0A

As the news continues to wreck havoc on nervous systems throughout the world, I am truly happy it's Friday and we can do some furious dancing.

I am ever so slowly getting back into the swing of things at work. I am remembering HOW to do my job, how much I love it and how much I love and appreciate the people I work with. Our clients continue to make me smile and really, in the whole scheme of things, isn't that just the best?

A few people I know and love could use a TGHR high five.

BIG love out to our Jake! He underwent another MRI on Wednesday after complaining about headaches and nausea for a few weeks. The results came back yesterday and EVERYTHING is clear. Absolutely everything. Even the spots that were there during his diagnosis.

Please send some love to my friend Jody. Her mom, Ellen, passed away last night. This was one of those times when cancer was fast and furious. Cancer, really, truly, does suck.

Hugs to Nancy, who is DONE with her treatments and now will move on to getting back to 100%. Her daughters Girl Scout troop is honoring her on a local walk on October 5. The money raised from this walk goes to Support Connection, an outstanding organization in our community that helps women and their families living with breast and ovarian cancer. If you are interested in donating, you can do so HERE. Backstage Salon is a sponsor of the Support Walk and we will be there on the 5th cheering on the walkers and giving out samples. 

My friend Melissa is also fighting with cancer.

Melissa wrote the following on her FB page. I am using it with her permission.

TGHR will be sponsoring a Coffee and a Wine for a Cause to honor Melissa in the next few weeks. Please watch for details.

Thank you all for taking a minute and sending some light, love and healing blessings to Jake (and of course his mama, Amy), Jody, Nancy, and Melissa.

Take a minute to send some to YOUR people and always, ALWAYS feel free to share here.

xo

I pushed and pulled all the ones that tried
Then I watched them fade away
As I look around a vacant room
I see nobody left here to play
Cause I made myself a prisoner
Shackled up all my fears

http://youtu.be/sTqKA3JeqwE

Here's the beauty of a new day, especially in fall-like weather, EVERYTHING seems possible. Even the stuff that kicked my ass yesterday has less power over me than it did the day before.

Yesterday, my friend Mary posted a blog about throwing stuff out. I am putting it HERE so you can read it too.

THAT article resulted in THIS being delivered to my driveway at 8:00 this morning. Last year it was the stamping side of the basement that got cleared. This year, it's the other side of the basement, the office and anything else that needs to get the hell out of this house.

Sometimes, you just have to purge and not hold onto stuff. Of course I will arrange to donate some things - I have a zillion CDs and seriously, I use Pandora or iTunes for everything. So, let's give away the CDs. Book Shelves. A broken bed can be tossed. I could probably furnish a house just from the shit in the basement.

It's time to say buh-bye!

Enjoy your new day.

xo

Out of sight, out of mind
That's what happened a million times
Out of sight, out of mind
Yeah yeah yeah yeah

http://youtu.be/XRVyQgiPN3s

Fear is sometimes self manifested. And sometimes it is legit. It is one of those emotions that you wreck havoc on your inner self. 

I know. Really I do.

I wrote about it in the subtly titled blog post Fear.
I wrote about it in the blog titled, Cross the Bridge.
I wrote about it in the equally well titled blog, Fear II.
And I wrote about it an additional 33 times.

One of these days, I am so gonna win.

xo

Well if you want to say yes, say yes
And if you want to say no, say no
'cause there's a million ways to go
You know that there are

http://youtu.be/Hh-1Lag3BV8

I first wrote about this book WAY back on May 6 when I was honored to be part of the cover reveal for my friend Margo Kelly's soon to be PUBLISHED book.

Well, several weeks ago, I got a super secret special just for me advance copy of Who R U Really.

YOU can pre-order it (info below) or you can rush to your favorite book store and get it on the publication date, just three days away (!!) on 9-18-14.

I really wish I wrote expansive book reviews. Flowery. With lots of adjectives.

But I don't.

My Goodreads account lists stars and whether or not it's a quick read that can be finished in one day by  [pick a body of water] . I will try to do better here.

So, here's the deal - this is a tremendously good book. 

It grabs you from the first page and carries you through until the end.

Internet friends are safe, right? Who hasn't had a chat in a group somewhere with someone from another state. OF COURSE they're your age. Why wouldn't they be? Who else could possibly be gaming?

While you are reading this book, if you're a parent, you are SO yelling at Thea. Grounding her. Forever. Taking every electronic she has ever owned away. 

And then reality sets in and you realize YOU text your kid more than anyone else, so you're only punishing yourself if you go this route.

If you have ever been a teenage girl or if you have a teenage daughter, this will do the job of scaring the pants off of you.

It will also force you into having a SERIOUS conversation with your kid, especially if they are still fairly young teens who roll eyes and think you're a moron.

Really, the conversation should happen with either gender. Because let's face it, people are crazy. There are predators everywhere who have no moral compass, which is why they are predators in the first place.

ANYWAY (!)

Until I read the back of the book, I had NO IDEA this was based on an event that Margo was familiar with. (WTF!)

Then, well then I was just freaked out.

And really freaking glad her daughter is off to college in a tropical land. Safe. Surrounded by many a co-ed and fauna. Lots and lots of fauna.

My pen cap is off to you Margo! You wrote a riveting book, that gets FIVE stars, is an easy read and can be read by ANY body of water that suits your fancy. Long may you write. I am a happier reader because you do.

Important FYI's
Pre-Order the book HERE - do it right this second
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/who-r-u-really-margo-kelly/1118847853?ean=9781440572760 
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Who-R-Really-Margo-Kelly/dp/1440572763/ref=la_B00JY4LYZS_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1398971448&sr=1-1 
(Note from Maggie - don't forget to name your favorite charity at Amazon to help them too - me, I use Suz Crew - you can too!

If you just happen to live in Idaho, Margo, the star, will be having book signings on three different dates. Check them out on her website HERE.

Music Today: I gave the author the choice to pick what she wanted. This was Margo's pick. Well played, Margo. Well played.

Every breath you take
And every move you make
Every bond you break
Every step you take
I'll be watching you

http://youtu.be/OMOGaugKpzs

I started my day yesterday with OT. It was time for a reevaluation and the news wasn't what I hoped to hear.

• My range of motion for straightening my arm isn't improving. 
  
• My bending range is improving minimally. 
  
• However, my ease of doing things is much better. 
  

I cannot fathom not opening my arm fully for the long term.

There IS a solution.

The solution is to wear the brace Laura, my OT, created for me.

That was MUCH easier to do before real life came into play. It is bulky and cumbersome. BUT, it ensures my arm stays as straight as it can. I am going to have to figure out how to wear it while going about my day. I just HAVE to.

I followed OT immediately with a massage. Jen is who put it into perspective for me. She said I was training to get back to work; which I have. I am working four days, a half day on Wednesday - I am gearing up for the full day. And, my position at the desk requires I write, and erase, and write some more. So, as much as I am taking a step up in my treatment, I am also going backwards.

I went home, showered, put on my makeup and headed to the salon. I asked Leslie to blow out my hair for me as I knew my arm would be shot for the day.

On the way down to the salon I had a pity party in the car.

I walked into the backroom at the salon and started to cry. The back room is our "safe room." It is the only place you can legitimately have a nervous breakdown, or be angry, or cry. So, imagine that I had said breakdown with four women sitting there. The mama instinct kicked in. There is nothing better than having a crying jag and knowing people will help you and offer you a tissue.

Today I am working at the salon.

When I get home I will welcome the brace. I. Will. Get. A. Full. Range. Of. Motion.

Damnit.

xo

I called my mama yesterday on the way to the salon. I explained to her that I felt like there was a calmness in NY. The air felt still. The roads were relatively empty. People seemed subdued. I said, "I think once we all wake up tomorrow, we will feel better."

Some days are just harder than others.

Hope gives us the boost we need to keep going.

Hope, and music, and dancing.

On this particular Friday, interpretive dance is ALL the rage.

Go for it.

xo

Ain't no rainbow in the sky
In the middle of the night
But the signal's coming through
One day i will be alright again

http://youtu.be/bPgstSkSV_Y

Every 9-11 since the first one, I send a text to one of my friends.

I remain so grateful he is alive.

It's a short text.

I send love.
And peace.
I let him know I am thinking of him.  

For me, today is a day of reflection.

To quietly thank the thousands of selfless people who did their job, who volunteered, who did what they could to make things better on an utterly horrifying day.

Despite the horror, there were the zillions of small acts of bravery, kindness, compassion, silence and abiding love.

My friend Janice made "Awakening" her FB profile picture last night. It shifted me to go to an entirely different direction on the blog today.

xo

9-11 bore witness to the creation of angels.
Many of whom were created by the deeds they did.

http://youtu.be/D6KRRwG6wVM

Today, I am handing over the blog to this post from Pinterest from Victoria Erickson. It is stuff we all know and have said a million times. She just happened to put it all together.

As my friend Deirdre says, "Good stuff."

xo

Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be.

http://youtu.be/IUvxfb1TEbM

Nearly every post on my FB news feed had something to do with the full moon yesterday and this morning. Many a beautiful picture was shared and many a description of what the harvest/crow/super moon was all about.

It doesn't matter where in the planet we live, we are all looking up at the same vast glorious moon.

May the day be exceptional.

xo

How much do I love that I can search "moon music" on YouTube and find this.

http://youtu.be/HDgCklHpvCc

I have spent 53.5 years in my own head.

I have spent 11 weeks REALLY in my own head.

And it's been loud.
And confused.
And happy.
And sad.
And every emotion there is a definition for and then some.

Yesterday, I had a conversation with myself that enough was enough. (For the billionth time...)

Young Peter is off to college. He seems to be having an excellent time. He is challenged by calculus. I can't help him there as I never got past algebra.

Bella has started her senior year and has truly cleared out all the stuff in her past by clearing out her closet, dresser and jewelry box. Her cousin Kate was OVER THE MOON excited by the delivery. "EVERYONE is wearing pearls (earrings) and I wanted pearls and I didn't have pearls and NOW (!) I. HAVE. PEARLS!!!. Don't I look fabulous?!" Yes, Kate. Yes you do!

I went back to work part time last week. It was excellent and more than a little tiring as indicated by my 8:15PM bedtime on Friday after just three days.

I worked my first Saturday in ten weeks. It felt terrific to be back.

My arm continues to heal. No, it is not fully straight. That could take upwards of a year. I am continuing OT two times a week through October and then probably beyond that. It is frustrating, but when I get discouraged I remember this happened in 2014 and I am partially bionic. Fifty years ago this technology did not exist and so I stop whining and get thankful.

Imagine that this is just a teesny little mind dump on my part.

The quote above refers to me. To my own inner thoughts. I need to shut them down and get quiet. Listen to the whispers. Continue an ongoing practice of gratitude. Acknowledge when it's a shitty day and move on.

While looking for music I found an entire website dedicated to finding a quiet place with your thoughts. It filled with music and inspiration and of course, good thoughts.

Check it out for yourself: The Quiet Place Project.
The FB page is HERE.

Speaking of FB, I am doing a social experiment based on this article. I am taking the time to respond to posts and not just like them. I am a chronic liker. Apparently that changes the algorithm FB has created "just for me." So, I am messing with it to see what happens. It is harder to do than I thought it would be.

Isn't that true of so much in our lives?

Here's to a kind Monday.

xo

If you crave seven minutes of quiet, start here.

http://youtu.be/z8m-5fB2MFk

Peter recently mentioned he likes the music of the 80's and 90's

Really, who can blame him?

And since THIS is true:
Peter is a common masculine given name. It is derived, via Latin "petra", from the Greek word πέτρος (petros) meaning "stone" or "rock".
(Thank you Wikipedia)

I hereby deduce THIS:
Friday Rocks AND Peter Rocks.

Here's something from the mid-80's that ALWAYS makes me play my steering wheel and tap my feet.

It's Friday.
Let's dance!
xo

Hush, hush
I thought I heard her calling my name now
Hush, hush
She broke my heart but I love her just the same now
Hush, hush
Thought I heard her calling my name now
Hush, hush
I need her loving and I'm not to blame now

http://youtu.be/W1PNvopXjbg

September might just be THE craziest month of the year when you are a parent of small children.

The anticipation of school starting. Sports starting up again; weekends at the field. Wednesday's at the dance studio. Tuesday at  pick your martial arts . Monday at art classes. Trips to the library. Religious instruction.

HOMEWORK.
Common Core.
Cursing. A lot. And that's just the parent...
(delighted I missed this.)

Dinner as a family.
Occasionally.

Bedtime rituals.

PAYING FOR IT ALL.

Eventually, kids grow older and go to high school and college and this madness is a thing of the past.

So for all of you in the trenches, parents, educators, instructors, my hat is off to you. These next few weeks are bat-shit crazy.

You'll get into a groove.
Homework will get done.
Dinners will get eaten.

Remember to breathe.

xo

Angel of mercy 
How did you find me? 
How did you pick me up again? 
Angel of mercy 
How did you move me? 
Why am I on my feet again? 

http://youtu.be/CrymicX875M

Wait!

How'd this happen?

How did the girl who chased the school bus on the first day her brother went to kindergarten (she was SO angry she wasn't going to school!) become a senior in high school?

I woke up this morning and Bella was awake, dressed, and had her hair done. (Obvious signs it's the first day of school and not the middle of January.) She made her lunch last night and was prepped this morning to head out the door.

I was permitted two minutes to take pictures.

Peter and Bella are not sitting on the stairs or the couch together. 

I will confess to feeling a little off kilter about that. 

It's just my Bella Girl.

It is Bella's last year at her beloved dance studio. (I could cry thinking about that as I type.) She will dance three days a week and work on her Senior Solo.

In the spring, she will play lacrosse.

Bella has colleges to visit, decisions to be made, and a future that is boundless.

She has places to go, things to see, stuff to do, and a great big world to conquer. There is NO doubt in my mind she will accomplish all she sets out to do.

In the meantime, Bella, I wish you an amazing senior year. May you make memories, continue to forge lasting friendships, not stress over bullshit, and truly, just have fun.

You are beautiful inside and out and I am always proud of you!

All love,
Your Mommy

I've got sunshine on a cloudy day
With my girl

http://youtu.be/6IUG-9jZD-g_