BRCA & the beach {Personal Reflections}

How are you?

So sorry I cannot read all your lovely

posts as I used to, but I tire easily now
as I journey with my BRCA2 genetic
mutation diagnosis related schtuff.

Writing my own posts is as effortless as ever, but

visiting and commenting requires energy

and time of which I’m short.

Ilse Jacobsen boots Splendid Avenue

It has been a month since my first surgery

in conjunction with the BRCA2 stuff

(my sis had her LTH a week ago and is doing well),

and the instant m.pause creates quite a lot

of unwelcome and unsavory symptoms.

read: insomnia, mood swings, severe hotflashes, bitchiness

However, this journey is rich with lessons

in suffering, healing, and transformation.

I’m a mess, but a warrior.

I’m muddling through but a champion.

I’m vulnerable, open, and thirsty, yet full.

I’m finding out what I’m made of.

These photos were shot recently at Lake Michigan

by Melissa James Studio.

She has a magical way of putting one at ease

and is such an amazing stylist and director.

Capturing the contemplative season I find myself in,

there is perhaps a loneliness conveyed
here, which is but a sliver of the story.

Truly I am blessed with many friends
and family who do everything in their

power to cheer and join me,
always pointing me toward hope.

druzy necklace, Jen Cornell Studio

How can I not gaze skyward with gratitude!?!

Do not ever be afraid to hope, friends!

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Follow:

18 Comments

  1. May 2, 2013 / 4:33 am

    You look wonderful, beautiful and full of life. And, keep looking up as you are doing in the contemplative photos. Very powerful stuff you are writing. I'm sending love and all my best wishes from Houston…..Marsha

  2. May 2, 2013 / 10:46 am

    You should be the posterchild aka supermodel mama for the "messy warrior" because trust me, you look like anything but a super chic glamorous can do anything kind of gal. Love your musings and your wonderful expressive way of allowing us to feel like we are right there with you (and in spirit we are). These pictures are FABULOUS!
    Sending you a hug and best wishes.
    xoxo

  3. May 2, 2013 / 11:55 am

    Michele-
    I am praying for you sweet friend. I know that it is a tough time. I have had a hysterectomy.
    Great images!
    Happy Thursday.
    Teresa
    xoxo

  4. May 2, 2013 / 1:50 pm

    Lovely images, lovely woman, strong like warrior in spirit and strength.
    You continue to inspire Michele.
    xx, Heather

  5. May 2, 2013 / 6:37 pm

    You look wonderful!!! Take care of yourself, I hope your sister is doing good too, Di

  6. May 2, 2013 / 8:47 pm

    Beautiful pics – and I´ll never believe you have the tiniest bitchiness in you sweet lady! 🙂

  7. May 2, 2013 / 9:27 pm

    Beautiful Michele. You ARE a warrior .. Sending light your way.

    xxleslie

  8. May 3, 2013 / 12:02 am

    Take your time. Don't worry about blog visits and leaving comments, just take care of yourself. Hot flashes and hormonal moodiness is no fun (I've recently joined this club) and my positive prayers are coming your way. For you and your Sis. I'm so glad to know she is also doing well.
    xoxo
    Leslie (Gwen Moss)

  9. May 3, 2013 / 12:25 am

    You look great…………..keep going!

  10. May 3, 2013 / 1:41 am

    You are a beautiful warrior, a beautiful soul, and a divine inspiration to us all, my sweet friend. Stay strong. Find peace. And know that you are being lifted up daily by the prayer warriors who have your back…and are here for you. ♥

    xoxo laurie

  11. May 3, 2013 / 4:20 am

    You have such a beautiful spirit – not to mention also gorgeous on the outside! I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers; moments like these are what make us who we are… creating depth, compassion and beauty. Stay strong and know you're never alone!

    much love to you Michelle!
    Des

  12. May 3, 2013 / 7:18 am

    Michelle,
    You look so beautiful and well! I am so pleased to see these pictures of you!!
    Love the boots! I also have a pair of them,from Monica's Splendid Willow shop!
    Much love to you my friend!
    xx
    Greet

  13. May 4, 2013 / 6:37 pm

    Great, great photos, Michele! You look beautiful, as always. Take care, and enjoy the weekend ~ Loi

  14. May 8, 2013 / 10:02 am

    You look incredible, Michele! Your strength and spirit are inspiring and so evident in your photos and prose. Lots of love to you, beautiful lady!
    Meera xx

  15. May 9, 2013 / 9:45 pm

    you are a beautiful woman inside and out.
    thinking of you,
    erin
    xxoo

  16. May 11, 2013 / 12:07 pm

    I've been thinking about you – wanted to check in and see how you are doing. Your photos are beautiful. God bless you, and your sisters.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing