Art Submitted = 1 Piece Accepted

I submitted 2 pieces for the annual art show at my college-a black and white drawing and one of my bald beauties (above) . The people at my school are so talented that I really did not know if I had a chance. While the black and white was rejected, this piece, made in Illustrator in a Computer Arts class, was picked. I am pretty excited and look forward to trying to go to the opening reception (there is even an award ceremony with monetary prizes).

Today, I am grateful and getting excited about my big speech on Thursday (I can't believe it's here already!), school winding down, a partial day off school to do the speech!, life, love, God.

Rach

Self-Portrait

This is a painting I mainly did for my portfolio review for school. It is a semi-self portrait. Enjoy!

Today, I am thankful that my speech-writing process has been going so well, that I am healthy and able to juggle everything that is going on right now, for friends, family, God and life.

Love,

Rachel

Hair

I was thinking the other day how long my hair is getting-the longest it has been in about 10 years because of the chemotherapy treatments. My hair would start growing back after the end of a period of time after the treatments. Then, I would relapse and chemo would wipe it away again.

I miss my shorter hair sometimes and liked it that way most of the time. I am growing it out for the wedding and maybe after that it will get cut again-a more artsy cut or something.

Hair also kind of annoys me-a pet peeve or something-I really hate when it's on my clothes or something. I think it was the grossest though when I was bald and I would find it on me somewhere. I knew there was no chance it was mine! Ugh.

Today, I am grateful for: being ok with whatever state my hair or non-hair is in, a day to try to clean and catch-up, an awesome girl's night last night!!-thanks ladies!, family and God.

Rach

Wondering

Decided to share some older poetry today...

Wondering
Written December 10, 2006

Sometimes when I am walking around
I think and wonder
What others might perceive
When they look at me
Or through me

I forget that my hair is long
Sometimes I still feel
Like that bald-headed cancer girl

My self confidence was damaged
All those years of stares and whispers
Rumors and so much missed

The deep scars and memories remain
They are just more hidden these days.

Today, I am grateful: for a fast end to the school week-I guess that happens when I have 3-day weeks with 2 really long days!, friends, family, God and one of my uncles that I don't see much is in town :) and getting to see other ones I missed at Christmas...

Rach

Sunset on the Head

Sharing another 'bald Rachel' pic...from summer 1999 (1st year of chemo) at age 16 in San Diego. I talked an airbrushing guy by the beach into airbrushing my head in a sunset design. In Cali, everyone thought it was cool and artsy and more normal than in the Midwest. I felt like I wasn't stared at for being bald, but for having art on my head! I remember a few strangers telling me how they liked it. I was posing with my modeling pose for the camera. Good times!

Today, I am grateful for: enjoying and having fun with the bald head when I had it, a productive day and a fun 1st bday party tonight, family and friends.

Rach

Bald head

Sept. 2003, 3rd time with cancer

I was going through old digital pictures and came across this one. It made me laugh. All 3 times being bald, as an artist, I viewed my head as my canvas, my challenge.

At times, there was glitter or face paint or crazy bandanas or a pink wig or a blonde wig, etc. There was also the man in San Diego, CA that was doing airbrushing by the beach. I had him do my head. It was gorgeous-a sunset!

A high school dance brought a head-full of hot pink stars :).

I'll try to post more 'headshots' in the future too.

Anyways, I know some of you are going through chemo and I want to encourage you to make the best of your situation because it really helps. Seeing humor in the face of hard times can be really helpful.

I'm trying to take my own advice right now because I really don't feel so great (the new meds are making me feel 'funky' and really tired) but I'll be ok!

Today, I am grateful for: positive things, getting another day to be alive, God, family and friends!

Love,

Rachel