Weekly Round-Up
Time for this week’s round-up of the best of the blogs which I’ve read over the past week. These are the posts that have moved me, taught me something, inspired me, and which I’ve wanted to share with you. Remember, if you have written or read a post recently which you would like me to share with readers, then please leave a comment below.
I am starting off with The Space Between, a beautiful post from Jody which, when I read it, brought the word liminal to my mind. Liminal, meaning being on the threshold of or between two different spaces, is one of my favorite ways to think of the journey I am on. So many times I find myself in a liminal space, and sometimes it can seem like nothing is happening for us but somewhere deep inside, something is taking place, something dissolving inside us and remaking us into something new.
Lori Hope , writing in the Huffington Post, on the lessons cancer has taught her, says
There really is no absolute truth for people in my — or any — situation. Achieving balance is a life’s work. But one thing became incontrovertibly clear as I stared down at the junkyard of memories: I had to take advantage of this opportunity to gain control by letting go, to defy life’s contradictions by holding them all true, and to solve life’s mysteries by embracing their insolvability.
Another writer sharing the lessons she has learned, is Rachel Pappas, who is this month’s Inspirational Woman of the Month in Inspirational Woman magazine. I feel that Rachel and I share a bond as her father and my mother both died of cancer on the same day last November.
Someone who is also dealing with the death of her beloved mother, is Bringing Up Goliath; and although it is close to 12 years since her Mom passed away, the memories are bittersweet for Stacey, as she pays tribute on what would have been her Mom’s 77th birthday.
Also this week in the blogosphere…
Lots of cute and adorable pictures of family on the Pink Underbelly’s blog and Ronnie take us on a tour through Liverpool by way of Sarah’s blog, while Lani reviews Sarah’s memoir on breast cancer, Being Sarah.
In Do We Really Need a Bald Barbie, Nancy has stirred up a lively debate. I am sitting on the fence for this one, but if you have any strong feelings one way or the other, be sure to add your voice to the debate at Nancy’s Point. French blogger Catherine Cerisy also shares her point of view on her blog (although written in French, I was able to translate it using my rusty school girl French and Google translator).
I stand in awe of bloggers like Nancy and Catherine who use their writing to make a stand for something they believe passionately in and I thought of them whilst reading a post by Samantha Gluck on how to write persuasively. In order to do it successfully, she maintains it ” requires a thorough understanding of the subject at hand as well as thoughtful planning and strong evidentiary support.” This is why passionate bloggers like Nancy and Rachel of The Cancer Culture Chronicles are so persuasive in their writing (see Rachel’s latest post For the Cure or Not for a prime example of this).
I love Renn’s description of Anne Marie’s Scattered Thoughts post as an “info-packed and juicy read” and it’s great to see Renn back blogging again on The Big C and Me.
Brenda has done a terrific job of explaining the latest research on whether there is a link between parabens (chemicals found in many of our most common beauty products) and breast cancer. This is a topic covered on Dr Susan Love’s blog this week and if this is a subject that concerns you, I would recommend the Cinco Vidas website where you will find lots more information on the subject.
Many of us have been following Terri’s progress as she made her way to Vietnam this week – it has been a challenging week for her, but as I have said on other forums, I just know that this experience will leave Terri, wiser, stronger and braver at the end of her journey.
Finally I am leaving you with a quote from the Accidental Amazon, who has been dodging those cancer bullets this week:
If love and good will can prevent cancer, then after yesterday, I’m set for life
Well if love, friendship, support and goodwill can ease the journey for any of us, whatever that journey may, then truly we are set for life!
Have a great weekend!
Marie xxx
“Something is taking place, something dissolving inside us and remaking us into something new”..I love that!
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Another terrific round up! Looking forward to reading these blogs.
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I love to find all my favorite blogs in one place like this 🙂
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I too stand in awe of passionate bloggers like Nancy and Rachel!
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Thanks for the mention Marie, in such skilled and opinionated company. It was such a lovely day it demanded to be photographed!
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It was a very enjoyable read Ronnie..I always think that Liverpool and Ireland are connected in a way
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Dear Marie, thank you so much for including the post about my mother. I never expected to find it in the roundup. It’s amazing to me that a few words and old photographs connect with women I’ve never met, based on comments I’ve received. Such as yours and I’m blown away and touched, yet again, by this community of ours. That, which you’ve played a large part in creating. Thank you for that and for continually posting inspirational words here. At this time when I’m moving slow, you help get me going. xoxo
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You do the same for me Stacey – I am being carried along by the same swell of love and support
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Marie, You are so kind — taking the time to check out all these blogs regularly and to share what has touched you. I am touched too – that you included the article about my Dad and me. xxoo Rachel
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I’m always honored to be included in the Round-Up, so thank you, Marie, both for finding my little blog worthy and for gathering other blogs for all of us to enjoy. Can’t wait to read on!
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Thank you, Marie, for once again putting together your round-up. Thank you so much for including Nancy’s Point and for your very kind words about my writing. You continue to amaze me with the support you give to others. Thank you!
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I forgot to say articulate and intelligent writing too…I truly am in awe of your writing and your grasp of a situation that often leaves me sitting on the fence.
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Thanks for the quote, Marie. I wrote that about the social media comments I got even before I wrote the blog post. And the affection and support I subsequently received on the post itself just underscored how blessed we all are to have one another here in cyberspace. It truly means so much to us all & got me through yet another cancer adventure. xoxo, Kathi
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I just love that quote Kathi x
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Marie,
Thanks for including my scattering rantings of the insanity that seemed to be spilling around last week! I’m in outrage mode again today after something I saw on twitter yesterday…..
This “survivorship” stuff is quite a ride. Like being on a crazy roller coaster.
This is, once again, an outstanding group of writers and I am, ONCE AGAIN, honored and humbled to be included.
You DID bring this community closer together and continue to do so each week when you write your round up. I always look forward to reading it. Have made so many new “friends” thanks to you!
xoxox
AnneMarie
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You just made my week Anne Marie!
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Marie:
Once again, what an impressive group of postings from some amazing bloggers. Thanks for bringing us all together every week.
Survival > Existence,
Debbie
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Thanks to you too Debbie for such inspiring writing each week
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I love to read your round up each week because it connects me to other kindred spirits. Today I found Sarah, and I will certainly be following her blog in the future.
Cancer Warrior
http://www.perksofcancer.com
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That just makes so happy – I love connecting kindred spirits 🙂
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Love this idea and will be checking back in the future…thanks!
http://dinoiafamily.typepad.com/the_dinoia_family/2012/01/i-cant-describe-it-as-anything-else-but-sheer.html
I don’t have a cancer blog, just a family blog, but have touched on many issues recently since I finally had my DIEP two weeks ago today. Can’t wait to read through these links!
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Thank you so much for mentioning my persuasive writing post (and me) in your ‘weekly round up’. I was so surprised and honored to discover you had blessed me so generously.
I love your site and will definitely come around regularly. Thanks again and do come by FWD or Medtopicwriter any time!
Samantha
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Hi Samantha, thanks so much for dropping by Journeying Beyond Breast Cancer. I am looking forward to more of your inspirational topics on writing which I know will help us all here in the BC blogosphere.
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Thanks for the fantastic round-up once again. I look forward to your Friday posting (along with all the other postings).
XOXO,
Jan
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Maria, you’re like our mother hen… we are scattered across the globe and yet you find us and gather us together and make us all feel wanted. That is how I feel! Thank you!
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I love that Renn 🙂 Thank YOU!!!!
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MARIE. Sorry I keep adding a stray A! 😉
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