We put the RAD in ERADICATE

If you love literature, John Donne, academia, scholars, or just people who like to talk to themselves, "Wit" is a movie I'd like to recommend to you. In it, Emma Thompson, a long-time English professor, finds that she has metastatic ovarian cancer, and is convinced by her doctor to partake in an 8 month chemo regimen, in which, she is told, she will have to be "very tough." Later, she finds out she is the only patient to ever survive the full 8 months at the maximum dose, and that she is indeed very tough. Her resilience was inspiring, to say the least, and I loved the hard-headed nature of the character, who threw in a lot of comedy about medical staff that was also concise and accurate. Eventually, the chemo is essentially and sadly her demise, but (of course) there is that moment in between when she begins to realize what the lesson in all of this was, and it's one we could all take note of. Not a movie you'll necessary cry all the way through, but not a happy ending, either, Wit is the best portrayal of a 45 day stay in the hospital that I've ever seen ("How can the moments last so long and at the same time slip so quickly by?"), and it struck me several times that the writer must've gone through chemo at some point, because you can only write a chemo fever like that if you've experienced it yourself. I also loved the message of what a huge difference a good nurse makes in the midst of treatment. Anyway, this movie comes highly recommended from not only me, but Planet Cancer.com, and offers a truthful, satisfying ending you probably won't see in the Queen Latifah edition of this film. Just remember, it's not for the faint of heart or the hopeless cheesy romantic, and that the "storybook" ending isn't alltogether a happy one, but the realization of the importance of the simple pleasures in life is. Hope you enjoy!

-Miss M

Miss Melanoma Loves El Jefe

If I may be so cheesy, I'd like to open the blog today with a quote I read.

"I'm learning little by little that we are the one who decide what our lives will be. Things happen to us. We cannont stop that. But our reaction to these things is the thing that really matters. " -unknown

On that note, ok, I admit it, I suck. It's been like 2 weeks with no blog, and I've been slacking on the pick-up. All I can say is, the chemo has been pretty wild getting used to again- that rash I had in the beginning came back in full force, and the only thing that really helped was Benadryl. So, after taking about 6 a day for a week, I"m finally pretty okay again, and by pretty okay, I mean than my speech isn't too slurred, I can keep my eyes open, and I have stopped drooling on myself.

Anyway, enough of that. All else on the cancer front is good. And, in case you all don't know, May is Melanoma Awareness month. Yeah! Now you're aware. And in your awareness, I encourage you to pass on this site information to anyone you think could use it (or even if you think they can't) and be sure and keep that epidermis covered out there.

On this front, I'm working on some activism, and getting as much publicity out there about melanoma as I can. Only 3 months of chemo left (as of today) and since after that I'll be going back to work, I want to use this time very wisely. I'm hoping that means some difference in the way people view skin cancer (at the very least) and cancer patients just in general. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to send them to me. Sarcasm and synicism also welcome.

On the same note, if you know me, or even if you don't, I'd like to inform you about an upcoming social event in honor of diminishing cancer forever. It's the "No More F%#@ing Chemo Party" we'll be holding in August in Dallas, and it should be a good time for all. My favorite drinks will be served, along with some fine entertainment and a beer pong table.
I think that's it for now, folks. The plan is to tape my chemo injection tonight, but the camcorder has been on the fritz, so we'll see how it goes. Otherwise, don't forget to mark your calendars, and keep your eye on the prize.
See ya soon.

-MM

Straitjacket sold separately.

Well, kids, I set myself a weekly reminder to do a blog, and so here I am doing it. This week being on chemo after having 2 weeks off was rougher than I thought it'd be. The nausea isn't bad, but some of the other side effects I'd had in the beginning have come back, so I've been on a lot more drugs than I was before. That may not really seem significant, but it means I'm only awake a few hours a day. I know I've missed some calls from some of you, but I'm pretty out of it, and would just rather call you back when I know what's going on. This is really all I can write for now, but I'll be in touch soon.

-L

“Friends are God's way of apologizing to us for our families.”

Aahh, vacation. Aahh, San Diego.
The sun, the ocean, the laid-back atmosphere, the lack of mosquitos, the cheap access to alcohol. Tell me, who could ask for more? Only crackheads, I'll tell you that... and I've got living proof. Took my Boobie to SD, we got to do all the touristy things, gamble a bit, went to TJ (or Tijuana, to the untrained border hopper), L.A., and just had an awesome time in general. I didn't have to do chemo, and feeling good and being able to get up before 4 p.m. was a real eye opener for me. A part of me still can't believe how chemo effects me (because in my mind, I'm Supergirl, I guess), but it was so great just to feel normal again, and a real inspiration to finish these last 3 months of chemo. I definately didn't miss the rash, the fevers, headaches, or the IBS, but it was a good reminder as to what life will be like soon. (Insert Cinderella "Don't know what you got till it's gone" song here.)

High on the list of phenomenal activities was seeing my good friend Mandy. It was good, a real treat, just to be near her again, and it hurt to remember how much I miss her. I guess through all of this, I've cut myself off a bit- (and by "a bit" I mean "totally") just so I can focus on doing what I have to do to get this over with. Being there again, being able to wake up in the morning and walk into another room to see her and just talk like we used to every day- it really reconnected me to so much I had almost forgotten. It made me remember who I was before all of this, and reminded me of who I am today, what I've learned, and who I want to be. And, of course, it made me realize how lucky I've been this whole time, lucky to be given such amazing people in my life, amazing friends all over that care about me and who show me all the time what a gift friendship is.

Another cool part was that we got to spend a few days together, some real qualtiy time, and I feel luckier than ever to be so blessed by this friendship. This last year has been a testament to how easy it is to lose touch when you're so caught up with yourself, and so much going on with both of us, it's crazy how quickly time passes. She's planning a HUGE wedding, and to finally know what I can do to help was a relief in and of itself. I feel like we finally kinda got caught up, which is important to me, and we had fun doing it. I miss her so bad sometimes it's pitifull, but I don't think it'll be this way forever. Visiting her was by far the best part of the trip, as seeing her always is.



Okay, enough of that. I'm gettin' misty. My little girl is growing up so fast.

San Diego, San Diego. Too expensive to live there, but my what a happy place. The weather was better than we could've even requested, 65 everyday and sunny, a room with a view, and the booze was flowing freely. With no nausea, it was amazing to be able to eat veggies again without puking, and having some drinks after dinner felt so freeing. How easily we all forget how lucky we are for the little things! I mean, I'm not saying I didn't definately feel 31 after that 4th day of hangovers, but it was all worth it.

TJ was a blast: Bobby's first experience with Homeland Security. They even invited him to stay, but he regretfully declined. :) I love that place... it's so festive and fun. The Mexicans really know how to party. And, I mean, who can hate a country where tequila flows like a river and they just pour it straight from the bottle into your mouth? Why waste a shot glass? It's ecologically friendly.

L.A. (or Smell-A, as some would say) was, of course, a blast... again, when people walk around in Elvis suits, who can deny the beauty of the city? Did get to see lots of stars homes, and had no idea I had such a natural abilty to stalk stars. Should've been paparazzi, I tell you. Creamed my panties in front of John Travolta's gate, and actually licked the doorknob of the Playboy Mansion just for good measure. Also rubbed some pink parts on Billy Graham's star, which the locals thought was amusing. Overall, Bobby and I looked like crazy Texas tourists, but had such a good time it didn't even matter. I could've been a contender.

Good times. Definately the best vacation I've ever been on, and I think it was because we had so much time just to relax, take our time, and do exactly whatever we wanted to do. We got to see it all: the Gaslamp, Ocean Beach, NUNU's, Mission Beach, Hillcrest, Pacific Beach- if they served liquor, we were there. And I even got to catch up with some good friends and revisit them. Bug came in, and it was so good to see her (see the whole "blessed to have such awesome people in my life" thing above) I had some drinks with little Anthony and my dear Martin, and couldn't have been happier about all that.
It was a great trip, too, because I got a grip on how healthy I used to be, and what bad habits I've fallen into while on chemo. Being home these last couple of days has made me focus on what I know I need to work on, and it's been twice as easy falling back into healthy habits after seperating myself from it all for a couple of weeks. Overall, kids, I highly recommend America's finest city, and hope that all of you enjoy your friends as much as I do.

That's it for now, but I'll check in soon. Take cara yous.

-L

I MUST be Butter, cause I'm on a ROLL!!!

When you have melanoma, or any other cancer for that matter, people take insults from you much more easily and without nearly as much fuss, especially if there's a chance of you dieing. So! Let me start this post by saying that I know none of you slackers have written to your congress-people about the budget cuts that GDub has proposed, and I am personally incredibly offended by all of your lazy butts. However, because I can relate to not only your apathy and disgrace, but your sense of taste in the immediately gratifying, I am pasting a letter RIGHT HERE on the Miss Melanoma blog for you to send it. How easy is that? Of course, I ripped all of this off from Lance Armstrong's site, due to the fact that I am as lazy and apathetic as all of you. Here goes.

Tell Congress - Don't Slow Down the Fight!

But seriously...
On February 6, President Bush proposed to Congress his federal budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2007. The President's budget fails to meet even the basic public health needs for cancer patients and survivors. This is unacceptable. The 1.4 million people who hear the words, "You have cancer" this year need to know that our elected officials are making cancer a national priority. Congress needs to hear loudly from cancer survivors and others that our nation can't step back from the fight against cancer. Let them hear you today.

Click here to find your representative's email address.-----> United States House of Representatives

Please use this as your subject line in your email: -----------> DON'T IGNORE THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER


Then copy and insert this letter, written by HOTTIE Lance Armstrong himself. (I'd like to see that StrongArm, if you know what I mean). (That's me on the right, trying to get my tongue in his ear.)

Anyway, here's the letter:

------->When the Budget Resolution is considered in the House and Senate, please oppose the President's proposed cuts and vote in support of efforts to increase funding for cancer research and programs, such as the Specter-Harkin amendment to restore funding for all health and education programs to the levels they were at two years ago. As you and your colleagues are considering the FY 2007 budget, I urge you to only support a budget resolution that increases funding for cancer research and programs. Unfortunately, the President's FY 2007 budget fails to meet even the basic public health needs for cancer patients and survivors. On the heels of approving the first cut to National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Cancer Institute (NCI) funding since 1970 in FY 2006, the President has proposed even deeper cuts in FY 2007. As a result, the total number of NIH-funded research project grants would drop by 642, or 2 percent, below last year’s level. Funding for the NCI would be cut by $40 million. In addition to these cuts in medical research, the President's budget also proposes deep reductions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for chronic disease prevention, quality of life programs, and health promotion. Specifically, the proposal cuts nearly $20 million from chronic disease programs, which include cancer control, prevention, and survivorship. In fact, under the President's proposal, the CDC Cancer programs, which are already severely under-funded, would be cut by more than $3 million. As you well know, the Congressional Budget Resolution sets the spending caps for the year by "Functions." For health care, including medical research and public health programs, the critical Function is "550." If you support cancer research and public health programs and are serious about the commitment to end suffering and death from cancer, you should only support a Congressional Budget Resolution that increases Function 550 funding over last year's level. When the Budget Resolution is considered in the House and Senate, please oppose the President's proposed cuts and vote in support of efforts to increase funding for cancer research and programs, such as the Specter-Harkin amendment to restore funding for all health and education programs to the levels they were at two years ago. I will be following the budget process closely. Please let me know what actions you plan to take to support increasing funding for cancer research and programs.

Sincerely,

(insert your little ol name here)

That's love, right there folks... doin all that work for you. So get off your buttskies and help all those cancer patients out there. Doing something you don't want to do builds character.

-L

Ask me about my meth lab

Here's a question for you: what do mathematics and constipation have in common? You can work them both out with a pencil. Okay, it's not really funny, but how many jokes about poop are? Exactly. So it's Friday night and I was too whipped to do anything fun tonight. The third chemo treatment in the week always wipes me out, and I spent most of the day laying down. Melanoma could be one of those resorts that force you to spend 19 hours a day in bed. I should start a nail salon specifically for cancer patients who border on comatose like me for days like these. At least that way my toes (all 9 of them) would look good while I drool on myself.
Oh well, might as well make the best of it. When else in my life will I be able to say I was sedated for a full year? It's funny, I wonder what people on chemo did before the internet. I'd be going stir-crazy without it. There's a certain joy in internet porn.
So the PET Scan came back all clear, and I haven't heard from the CAT scan doctor so I'm assuming all is good there. Nothing like good news and knowing I don't have to get another scan for 3 more months. Ah, the life of a cancer patient. No news is good news, though, and if constipation is my biggest worry, I'll take it. I guess the worst part of the treatment now is all the drugs I'm pumping into my body. It's true, though, that Oncologists do give out the best candy. :)
Checked out PlanetCancer.com today; it's a great little site for young adults diagnosed with cancer. Lots of smartass comments about the old C word and plenty of sarcasm to go around. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Lots of good stuff is coming up: I'm trying to get some of my art up on the ol homepage. Hoping I"ll be feeling good enough to go to Gilda's on Tuesday, and I'm planning a trip to San Diego next month, so if you need souvenirs, now's the time to put in your request. I'm personally looking forward to getting my own bobble-head chiuahua. You know you're jealous.
On a final and oddly serious note, I'd like to encourage everyone to visit the Lance Armstrong Foundation page or check with your local representative: cancer research funding may be cut for the first time in a decade, cut back to levels that will slow any additional progress so essential to cancer cures and cancer survivorship. I know this is a little Erin Brockavich-ish, but drastic budget cuts to cancer research are happening, and will continue to happen, if no one speaks up. You have to realize that cancerous diseases like melanoma have increased more than 100 percent in the last few decades, and we need to speak up to government to emphasize the priorities of our health. If this is an important issue to you, please contact your congressional representative at the United States House of Representatives, and urge them to stop any additional budget cuts for cancer research. This year 1.3 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer.
Okay, so I'm off my soapbox. Now surf on over to your house of reps page and then you can get back to your Mystery Science Theater reruns.

-L

Miss Melanoma- it's like Missy Elliot, but with less Bling

Hey kids,
Just checking in with all of you on the latest and greatest in cancer news. I had my CAT scan done, and there's no word from the doctor, so my guess is my hypothesis about an alien giving birth to drills in my brain was way off. The pain still hasn't totally subsided, but it's alot better, and I'm taking those drugs like Liberace in a sequin factory. I also had a PET scan this week, and get results from that probably tomorrow. All I can tell you about that experience was that I think the tech was that guy from Deliverance. Scary, and they obviously don't have much of a dental plan there.
Anyway, not much else besides that goin on. I'm coming up on just 4 months of chemo left, and I can't tell you how awesome that feels. I have a new Dermatologist named Dr. Lee, and I feel good about him checking my "moles" regularly and thoroughly, if you know what I mean. j/k Anyway, we put together a little top ten list for old times sake, and I'll be in touch soon with all my lab results. Until then, keep your head in the clouds, and keep reaching for cigars.

-L


Top Ways to Know You're a Cancer Survivor

10. Your alarm clock goes off at 6 a.m. and actually you're glad to hear it. You then hit the snooze until 6 p.m.
9. That person who always invites you to lunch keeps pressuring you until you just say "You know, I really just don't like you."
8. You're back in the family rotation to take out the garbage.
7. When even the chemo can't stop you from the urge to choke the person who says, "all you need to beat cancer is the right attitude" or "you'll feel better if you get out and do something."
6. You've developed some wierd fascination for people in lab coats.
5. You use your toothbrush to brush your teeth and the lint roller to brush your hair.
4. You have a chance to buy additional life insurance but you buy a new
convertible instead.
3. Your dog quits "transitioning" ownership to one of your roommates.
2. When your biggest annual celebration is your birthday, and not
the last day of your chemo treatment.
1. When you look forward to the day you use your hospital parking pass less than your Visa.
0. You've got more track marks than Keith Richards, Sid Vicious and Courtney Love combined.
-1. Your blood counts levels are so low dracula wouldn't even bother stopping at your place
-2. Friends stop making that "oh" face. And no, we don't mean THAT "oh" face; they stop making the "Oh,- you- have- cancer- oh- face".
-3. You start to miss chemo, remembering just the good times like in a bad relationship.
-4. You've become a wig snob.
-5. You know how to spell the names of drugs that are 40 letters long and all consonants.
-6. The "Will you take the dog out? I don't feel good." routine isn't working like it used to.
-7. You start asking for all your stuff back that you gave away when you "got the news."
-8. You realize that when people are saying, "Hi, how are you?" it's really just mindless chit-chat again.
And the negative nine reason why you know you are a cancer survivor is:
You have loose stools for a week and it's a welcome change from the usual.

Masterbation ups Chemo Patients Bloodcounts

I read this yesterday on the internet, so it's got to be true, right. I'm not taking any chances. :)
Today I'm feeling better with my new Rx, and I got the ol' CAT Scan taken care of, so I'm excited to be finding out what's going on in my head, besides the now constant lure of masterbation.

I also thought y'all might enjoy a "top ten" list of how to respond to nosy questions. Pass it on, or feel free to use them on your own. Here's a couple of pics of my own scar, which I usually tell people is the result of a pigmy goat mauling. From some angles, it has an uncanny resemblence to another, more, um, let's just say attractive, body part. What can I say? Who doesn't love having a prosthetic-looking sex organ laying around on your leg?

And now the top 10 responses to nosy questions about cancer and scars....
10. Chemo? It's not that bad. I just think of it as an involuntary drug habit.
9. Oh, you should see how many presents I got. Made the cancer totally worth it.
8. No, that's not just a scar, it's where my fetal siamese twin was attached.
7. You think that's bad, you should see the other guy.
6. It's getting more and more difficult to smuggle drugs these days.
5. Oh that? It's just flesh-eating bacteria.
4. You'd be amazed how much you can get for black market organs.
3. That's where the aliens put the chip to track my movements.
2. I don't really remember it. Do you know what drugs they give cancer patients?
1. I should've listened to Mom when she said don't scratch that mosquito bite.

On a random note, check out this cool website I found here on blogger: it's called Post a Secret. They've even put a book out on some of the postcards people have sent in. I think you'll find it refreshing.

Hope all is well with all of you. Let's be safe out there, and I'll check in soon.

-L

Ah, the masses have spoken

Hey kids, I've gotten an email from a few of you asking for an updated blog. Remember a while back when I told y'all I don't like to really communicate when I feel bad? Well, I feel bad. In fact, this is probably the worst I've felt since this whole thing started. I'm not sure how long I've had this migrane, but it just keeps getting worse and I'm not sure what to do about it. About 2 hours ago, I took a Vicodin and 2 Midrin, and this is the first time I haven't had excruitiating pain in days. Tomorrow I get to try another Rx, and Tuesday is a CT scan of my head to see what's going on. Just not really in the mood to joke around much, but I appreciate all of your concerns. I'll let you know as soon as I get any news. Sorry for the downer, but don't worry: I'll be back to insulting and harrassing all of you soon.

-L

Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted.

Everytime I post a blog, I use some bumpersticker of t-shirt I've seen for the title. I think these things are funny, they make me smile, and I wonder if they'll do the same for you. You see, over the last 9 months or so, this blog has become a big part of my life. My doctor doesn't like for me to go out in public much, says to limit my exposure to people as much as possible, wear a mask when I go places like the clinic or the hospital, and avoid places where there are lots of kids. So I've become a recluse. I never thought it would happen, but I'm in my warehome, out of a 7 day-week, about 24 hours 5 of those days. I might leave to go get something to eat, and some days we go to the store, or Target, or Ikea, or Home Depot. If we go somewhere and I've got to be on my feet for more than twenty minutes, we have to go somewhere that has a wheelchair. I'll probably eventually get a wheelchair so this doesn't become a hassle. But this is my life. I paint almost everyday. Somedays I paint a couple of pictures. I don't watch tv. I don't talk on the phone much. I walk my dog outside twice a day, and sometimes take pictures of things in my neighborhood. Sometimes I walk to the store and window shop by myself. Most days I work on the house and don't leave until it's almost dark. I have become a level 5 recluse.

What does this mean to you? I don't know. What I want it to mean is this: understanding. I have a wonderful life. There's nothing about this life I would change. Nothing. If you wonder why my posts can be so boring, that's why. If you wonder why I talk about home improvements so much, that's why. But I'd change nothing about this year. Nothing. Just like it is, today, everyday for the last 9 months, I'm okay with. I don't want to live this way forever; I want to go out and get a job and have a normal life again. But as of today, I'm okay. I'm perfectly content with what I have to do to get better, and I don't think anyone should feel sorry for me or anyone in this situation. It is what you make it, and I feel like I'm doing as much with it as I can. I'm totally valuing this year for what it is and what it has taught me.

I don't know where that all came from, but I wanted you all to know. I am truly blessed in my life, and a huge part of that is all my friends, all of you, that are with me everytime I blog.

How completely cheesy I am.

-L

I used to care, but now I take a pill for that. -bumper sticker

Let me tell you what they don't tell you about chemo: it makes your teeth yellow. Yellow. And you're not allowed to bleach them. And the anemia is a bitch. There, I said it. The damn anemia will make you bonkers because you can't do anything without feeling completely exhausted. Damn that anemia. And the headaches, the joint aches (no, not that), the compromised immune system (which means I get things like styes- eww), the muscle cramps no matter how you lay, the weight gain (yeah, everyone thinks you lose weight on chemo, but you don't. I haven't met anyone who didn't gain weight. Wierd, huh?), the constant teeth and gum aches, the scar pain that I don't enjoy (especially on the old kooter), the low temp, the incontinence (yes, I piss my pants, ok?), complete lack of sex drive, and then, to top it off, is insomnia. Luckily, Tylenol is a wonderdrug. And I'm not even kidding about that.
A little b**ch session there- sorry. I haven't had one in a while. Yes, I piss my p ants, ok? Are we back to that already?
So, besides that, Bobby's show went really great and he's working on getting all the pics up on his website. I got shnockered for the first time in a really long while and the 3 day hangover was completely worth it. The room, the room, the room is done. Completely done, complete with shelves for my books and all my crazy nick-nacks. Hopefully Bobby will get a slideshow up so everyone can see. That could be a few days, but it'll happen. But I love LOVE my room. It's very Zen and harmonious. So go rake some sand and come back later to check it out.

So, May is Melanoma Awareness Month, and we're gonna have some good stuff going on. Mandy is coming in from San Diego and we're going to stage an awareness picket outside of some national tanning bed place. Hopefully, we'll get on the news and get some publicity. Mandy's gonna dress in a chicken suit just for grins, and Bobby has a dinosaur outfit he said he'd wear. A wise man once said if you start out with a man in a costume, you're there. You gotta mess up pretty bad to not be funny. Whoo. Good times, and I can't wait.

We're working on a script for a PSA for May, and we need people who know the info on how to get them on the radio and/or TV and we also need people who can do impersonations. Even bad ones. Our current script is a conversation between two famous actors... but we'll take what we can get. I know there's a lot of you that read this blog, I check the numbers, people. I know you're there. I need help on this. And those of you that comment, make my day. So if you have any info, I'd appreciate even just a line or two of advice. Come on, you lurkers... make a cancer patient's day.

In big news, I've been contacted by the president of the Schlip foundation (www.theschlip.com) which was founded by Jean Schlippman 3 days after her husband's death from melanoma, on his 45th birthday. I love this lady, I love what she's doing, and she wants to work together to promote melanoma awareness. Exciting stuff! I'm amped. Be sure to check out her site, fools.

Besides that, I got nothin', folks. The big SD trip is coming up and I can't freakin wait.

Hope all is well with y'all. Don't forget to comment just this once.

-L

There are two ways to live your life: one is to live as though nothing 

is a miracle, the other is to live as though everything is.

-Albert Einstein

In case I Haven't Shamelessly Promoted Enough...

So, in the strange case that I haven't sent you one of my many bulk emails about this event, I'm putting it up here, too.
This is Bobby (my Bobby's) first photo showing, and I'm so proud. So, if you're in Dallas, or you're going to be in Dallas, or if you know someone in Dallas, please read the flyer and feel free to pass it on.
The coolest thing is, he's not only talented, he's also a sweetheart, as he's agreed to donate part of what he makes to the Melanoma Research Foundation. Looks and a good heart. How much luckier could I be?

-L











Bobby Friske has enjoyed an unusually broad and diversified background in the creative arts. He grew up in Lubbock, Texas, a “Musical Crossroads,” where he was surrounded by not only production and music entertainment, but also a rich musical history, and he found his first creative outlet. By six he was playing guitar, playing violin by age seven, and playing a piano and keyboards just a year after that. This outlet led Bobby to South Plains College to pursue a degree in Sound Production and a minor in Video Production. It was in college that Bobby met Robert Romano and joined his band, Stranger Than Fiction. They played for more than ten years together, saw some lucrative success in Texas, and afforded Bobby the experience to perform at a variety of venues. His love for music still endures, and his interest in music ranges from classical to alternative.

While doing corporate audio/video work, Bobby’s long-time interest in movies led him to try his hand at film. He wrote several screenplays, and in 2001-2002 Bobby directed and edited three short films.

Bobby began his interest in photography during his stint with short films. He spends much of his time outside of work as a graphics designer developing this creative talent, focusing on many objects which are industrial, but somehow evoke an emotion, usually from nostalgic memories. He always enjoys shooting unique, sometimes abstract, objects, especially architectural structures, lights, signs, and on occasion, even people. Each photo is a unique, one of a kind work of art.

Artist’s Statement

All around us are simple objects. We pass them on the street everyday- signs, lights, towers, play structures, trees- and yet in the midst of our busy lives, we do not pause to focus on them. But when Bobby captures them on film, they become some sort of archetype, an image that evokes an emotion or a sense of reminiscence, and we realize our connection to the inanimate. Often, these photos unlock the nostalgia of a place lived or a different time in life. Bobby concentrates on these images rather than people because he chooses not to objectify the human form, because he feels portraits often objectify without revealing the same nostalgia. This collection is entitled “pause,” and spans from 2001 to present, shot in areas from Dallas to Lubbock to New York City.



For more information on Bobby’s show along with 2 other artists for the evening;
check http://pigeonstoneproject.com.

P.S. If you can't make the show, you can write me and I can tell you where it's going to be after this. Thanks for all your support!

What be yee favorite roast beef sandwich establishment?

So, Valentine's day has passed. Bobby's birthday came and went. And basically, now I'm ready for one of my favorite holidays: St. Patrick's Day. I can't believe it's already been a year of living here in Texas. I dreaded moving back here, but at the time, I thought it was the smartest thing to do. And it was. There were times in the last year that I had questioned that decision, but now, looking back, I'm so glad I made it. It's wierd to me how things go. In San Diego, I worked so hard to try to get a better job, to make more money, to find roommates that I loved, to find someone that I clicked with and was good to me. Here, in this state I've never been too fond of, everything has fallen into place. But I miss my friends in San Diego still. If they were here, life would be perfect. But it's pretty damn close.
It's wierd how cancer has changed things. Today, I baked Bobby his birthday cake, even though his birthday was last Monday. But I was so tired and out of it, I didn't get around to it until today. It was good though, and he understoood, didn't even say a word. And who cares, really? There was a time in my life I would've freaked out about not having everything perfect for a certain day. But now, life is so much simpler, and I'm happier. Is that crazy? I'm actually happier now that I have cancer than I was when I was healthy. The details don't freak me out like they used to, and I've learned not to be so results-driven, so over-achieving, so crazy about everything being perfect. I make it a point to really relish what's going on in my day, whether it's just emailing friends or painting or walking the dog or even cleaning. I really love my life. Even gifts are different now. I used to make the biggest deal about having the perfect gift for a person on holidays like Valentines day. Now, I just want to spend time with them. That's what means more to me than anything. And if I do want to give them something, I've started making gifts for them. I ask the same from them- if you want to give me a present, give me something you took the time to put together yourself. Give me a piece of you that I'll always treasure. Those are the gifts that I treasure now, now that I've scaled down and gotten rid of tons of junk. Just think about it, the next time your buying gifts. You'd be surprised how much something like that means to someone.
Speaking of, and I know how gay this is, but I love my dog. Hennessee has been a lifesaver through this whole thing, and she is so attentive and sweet when I'm sick, it's not even funny. She also gives me a reason to walk around outside every day, and I honestly don't know if I'd take walks everyday if it wasn't for her. The sunshine does us both good, too, and I know it helps me make it through the dullest days.
The nineth of this month marked the halfway point for my chemo treatment. That means just six months left, people. I'm half way through! I can't believe it's true, but I'm so thankful. I'm already searching for jobs and getting my resume together for applications for the next school year. Some teachers I know in the area have been helping me put it all together, and I can't tell you how excited I am at the prospect of working with kids again. The thought is too exciting for words, and just being able to go back to work and be around people again is motivating in and of itself.
Not that these 6 months have been a complete waste. I"ve worked on myself a lot in this time, I've dedicated time to things I've never done before. I've learned to draw and paint,
done a lot of writing, worked on this webpage, promoted the cause, made videos, and learned a lot about life. It's crazy to say, but in so many ways having cancer has opened my eyes. It's made my life better and it's made the important things so much clearer.
Well, enough of my rants. I think that'll do it for now. I just wanted to put all of these random thoughts out there. Thanks for reading them, though.

Peace and love,
-L

Aliens are coming. They're killing the skinny blondes first. (Not you, Mangie.)

There is nothing, I mean nothing, like getting your hair done to up a mood. Nothing. When I feel like I have no control of anything, I can at least go and do something with my hair. Granted, when Kinome (the best hairdresser in Dallas, I swear) (check out her blog at http://sweethair.blogspot.com) brushed thru it, it started breaking off everywhere. But she worked with what she had, and cut some of the length off, and now it looks killer. You should've seen her face when I told her what I wanted- platinum up top with black in the back. She explained what I really needed to do (a very decent compromise, in my opinion), and three short hours later- voila! Killer hair. I went from Dikey to Terri Nunn in 3 short hours.
Not much besides that going on. All Bobby and I have left on the room is touch-up paint and a bookshelf. We're hanging pictures up soon, so the walls are bare, but here's a sneak peak. Hope you enjoy!
Once again, Miss Melanoma Artwork- and a new look- are coming to Miss Melanoma.com, so don't forget to keep checking in. Also, the store is being updated, so feel free to check that out and pass it on. Besos!

-L