CHRONICLYsILLy Gluten Free Treats, Snacks & Recipes!

Good Morning and what a B-E-A-U-TIFUL Saturday morning it is!

The sun is shining, there's no humidity in the air... And not a cloud to be found in the sky... And considering I didn't fall alseep until close to 4 am (for no other reason than my body just wasn't letting it happen...It was just one of those nights...)this morning... I'm up and functioning (well...Somewhat functioning...) with my 20 ounce Mug-O-Coffee closely by my side (excuse me... I need a refill...) and what a better way to start my morning than with my morning cup of greek yogurt with a sprinkle of cinnamon and some back spasms (Oh Lupus if I ever meet you face to face... I'm gonna Kick your @ss!) But it was a lovely breakfast nonetheless, and I hope you all are feeling well and have an abundance of spoons today (I'm still running off of I.O.Us...luckily my spoon bank doesn't hold them against me, and my interest rates are not too bad)...And as for my appointment last night, I still have a slight amount of fluid around the heart (nothing major) and some inflammation around it that we are hopeful we can get down with the continual use of anti-inflammatory medication (hopefully we will not have to increase my dose of Prednisone...)But enough of that because there are bigger and better happpenings going down this weekend starting with our dear friend Hannah (yes, our guest blogger the other day) who is holding a "Lemonade-for-Lupus" Stand today to raise funds for the LFA and

the Butterfly Gala! She is doing wonderful things to raise awareness and I'm sending her all my love today, and so thankful she got such an amazing day for her stand! Way to Go Hannah!

So as I sit here trying to get comfortable (and failing miserably) and debating taking a muscle relaxer/painkiller at 10 am, I'd like to point out a little trend that has been brought to my attention.... The phrase "Gluten Free!" Now, I myself, eat a Gluten Free diet as I tested positive for a sensitivity to gluten shortly before my diagnosis with Lupus.... and I have found it helps (especially that first month...What a difference!) and as more and more Lupies and others with Chronic Illnesses are testing positive for Gluten Allergies (A.K.A Celiacs Disease) So I'd like to share my adventures on a Gluten Free diet, trying to find food who's flavor and texture was not compromised, and that did not cost and arm and leg to purchase, because if we are being honest, some days it is hard enough just to eat, and I'm sure many of you find yourself eating for the sole purpose of taking your medication and trying not to destroy your stomach lining in the process! So today, I'm happy to share with you some of my CHRONICLYsILLy Treats, Tips, Snacks & Recipes (The kids will love these too, as I love to make my food look fun and vibrant...hey it's the little things... and whoever said you shouldn't play with your food obviously never had to force himself to eat to take his medication...sometimes food that looks aesthetically pleasing can go along way!)

CHRONICLYsILLy Gluten Free Treats, Snacks & Recipes!

Butterfly Rice Crispy Treats! (Yes, Rice Crispies are Gluten Free!)

You'll need:

6 cups of rice crispies cereal

4 cups mini marshmellows (5 if your me, because I'll eat about a cup on the process of making them!)

about a half of stick of butter (melted)

Butterfly cookie cutter

sprinkles, icing, any other decorations you'd like (GF of course)

Directions: Melt butter and marshmellows together in a sauce pan over medium heat. Remove from heat and combine with Rice Crispies in a bowl. Spread into a 13 inch x 9 inch baking pan and press down. Let cool for about an hour and they are ready! Then Take your Buttefly Cookie cutter, dip it into warm water and create beautiful butterfly rice crispy treats! Then decorate to your liking! (Kids love this one too and it's entirely Gluten Free!) Who said taste needs to be compromised when you eat Gluten Free!) Enjoy your buttefly treat while spreading awareness all at the same time!

CHRONICLYsILLy Guiltless Gluten Free Bars! (Great to take on the go!)

You'll need:

about 5 cups Gluten Free Chex Cereal (either corn, chocolate, or honey flavored!)

a few tablespoons of Honey

1/2 cup of Raisins

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, if your me...a necessity! I have an unhealthy obsession with dark chocolate)

1/2 cup of nuts of your choice! (I usually use Almonds of peanuts!)

Directions: Melt honey (so it's easier to work with!) and (if needed add a tablespoon or two of butter) add in nuts to honey mixture. Remove from heat. Combine Chex Cereal of your choice, raisins and extra nuts (if you wish) into a bowl. Then coat with the honey mixture and mix well! Press firmly into a 13 x 9 inch baking pan and let cool. While cooling, melt down Dark chocolate chips (or melting chocolate of a fun color to make this a vibrant and delicious treat!) Once pan of mixture is cool and room temperature, drizzle chocolate on top and let chocolate harden! Then Chill, and cut into bars! Wrap them up in seran wrap to take them on the go! (A great variation of this bar is a Chex Cereal Trail Mix, instead of melting honey, just combine all ingredient (minus the honey!) in a bowl and you've got a delicious trail mix to take anywhere your little heart desires!)

CHRONICLYsILLy Twisted Strawberry Banana Smoothie!

You'll Need:

A container of Strawberries

1 Banana

About 1 cup of Greek Yogurt (I use Fat Free! and Greek yogurt is much creamier and thick and really works well for these smoothies!)

About 1 cup of Ice

1 Tablespoon of honey

Directions: Blend all items together in a blender and you have yourself a delicious smoothie! Want an added Twist? adults add a drop of your favorite liquor into these smoothies for a refreshing summer cocktail (I could go for one right now!) ! They also work well when you have company! Serve them as desserts in double sized shot glasses with a strawberry wedge on the side of the glass!

CHRONICLYsILLy Cold-Cut Sushi!

You'll need:

Turkey cold cuts

Ham cold cuts

Cheese(s) of your choice

Avocado

Cucumber

Mustard/Mayo

lettuce!

Optional-Gluten Free Bread (I myself am not a fan but if you like it, it will add something for sure to your cold cut sushi!)

Directions: Place two slices of turkey cold cut on the counter. Lay a piece of ham directly on top and the cheese directly on top of that so you know have 4 slices of cold cuts laying on top of one another. Then, Dice the avocado and cucumber into long strips to lay along the cold cuts. Add in a piece of lettuce (laying flush) and a squirt of Mustard or Mayo. Then, Roll up the entire cold cut combination and cut into 1 inch pieces! (Optional: add bread as your first layer (GF of course) and use a rolling pin to thin it out before layering cold cuts on top!) Serve with a side of your favorite dressing (or more mayo or mustard) and you now have a plate of CHRONICLYsILLy Cold Cut Sushi!

CHRONICLYsILLy Chocolate Covered Banana Bites!

You'll need:

3 bananas (that are almost ripe work best!)

2 cups of dark chocolate (again...my obsession, and if your like me you'll need at least 3 cups because you'll eat about a cups worth in the process of creating these CHRONICLYsILLy creations!)

Any toppings of your choice: Nuts, Sprinkles, Coconut...

Directions: Cut bananas into about inch slices. Melt Chocolate down over medium heat. Then, using a fork (usually works best...or your hands) dip banana slices into chocolate and cover entirely! Then sprinkle with your favorite toppings and freeze! They make for an awesome summer treat and are a light and Gluten Free recipe that is a staple/go-to in my house! (Sometimes I just freeze banana slices...If you've never done it try it...it's delicious!)

These are just some of my favorite Gluten Free Recipes... I try to keep them healthy and delicious (and yes I have convinced myself that dark chocolate is on the food pyramid, right with my 5-6 servings of fruits and veggies daily!) and the best part: They are simple and do not use many spoons (I know most of us do not have many to spare!) I hope you all enjoy these CHRONICLYsILLy Treats! And now I'll leave you with our page of hope, Nothing is Kimpossible, and our daily Jolt of Java, as I am off to find some relief! Please feel free to stop by the page of hope, sign the guestbook and if you'd like, make a donation for Lupus Research/Buttefly Gala (all proceeds go to the LFA)! I am also leaving the link for detailed ticket and table information for the Gala and if you'd like to be a corporate sponsor please message me for details, and check out the link!

Page of Hope- Nothing is Kimpossible!

Ticket and Table info. for the Gala!

Jolt-of-Java: "I smile easily, knowing that of all the things I wear, a smile and good humor are the most important...Life's most prized possession is a pleasant dispostion...and remember No one is perfect... That's why pencils have erasers!" -adaption from Unknown

The CHRONICLYsILLy Whine-ry!

Good Morning and Hello Friday!

After a long night of little sleep, I am dragging a bit today, and am planning on taking a nice relaxing day, maybe lounge out under the awning until my echocardiogram later this evening...but Thank goodness its friday and I know it has been one hell of a week for all of us that are CHRONICLYsILLy...So why not kick off the weekend (or end your work week) the right way...with a glass a of wine in your hand! But not just any wine...No! No plain bottle of wine will do after a long week...So I'd like to extend an invite to you, to come join us at The CHRONICLYsILLy Whine-ry! Where we have a bottle of wine to meet all your "Whine-o" needs! Located on the elusive Lupie-Land Islands, is our premiere vineyard, stretching hundreds of acres across one of the smaller islands of Lupie-Land (the Droopy Lupies tend to the vineyards with care each and every day...not sure what a droopy lupie is? Check out "The CHRONICLYsILLy Candy Factory Tour" Post) So after a long day at work, or just a long week in general...Come join us this evening for our Fatigued Friday Whine Tasting! Where We're pairing all of our favorite and most popular sellers perfectly with your medication (so as to not interact with one another, will teach you all of the best combinations!...And will through some dark chocolate in too!)

So without further adieu, I'd like to take this time to personally welcome you to The CHRONICLYsILLy Whine-ry, we are glad you could all join us this evening! Come in and have a seat (yes, we have seats, lord knows no one who is Chronically ill is standing for an entire w(h)ine tasting! ) and we will get tasting underway! Our first whine on our list is one of our most popular sellers, "My hands and toes are White from Reynauds Zinfandel." It's a light fruity whine, for all of you that struggle with Reynauds on any given day, this whine will calm your nerves..It pairs nicely with plaquenil, and compliments blood pressure medication very well. Now if you'll take a look at our list, we will be moving forward an on to our Riesling. One of our sweeter wines, our "This Riesling is Raising my blood pressure" is one of our most popular wines here at The CHRONICLYsILLy Whinery! It pairs well again with your blood pressure medication, and a nice piece of dark chocolate....Next is our "It's a butterfl rash not blush" bottle of Blush whine...It is the only blush whine on our list tonight and it goes along very well with prednisone and any other steroid your doctors may through your way...But be sure to only have a glass or two..It goes down quite smooth! Ahh... we are coming up to one of my favorites here at the Whinery (my house is never without it!) our classic, "How Merlot can your platelets go?" This is our driest whine we sell here at the vineyards...You are drinking the '06 Bottle, which was one of our best Merlot years here at the vineyard! And it pairs well with any and all of your medication, but tends to compliment prednisone and Cellcept rather nicely...This is also one of our promotional bottles this month, and if you purchase two or more bottles of it, you will receive a free, "I went to the CHRONICLYsILLy Whine-ry and all I got was this lousy T-shirt...and a bottle of whine!" Oh this next one coming up is quite popular among the older folks, that have that cultured palette...I'ts our, "I've been waiting in the

doctor's office for hours and I'm Bord-eaux!" A pleasant blend of fruits that mix together harmoniously, and offer you a bit of relaxation after a long day at the doctors... pair it with a muscle relaxer and you'll be good to go! And that brings us to our most expensive bottle on the list, The "My prescriptions cost more than a bottle of Cristal?!" It's our take on the ever so popular beverage to the stars, and while it might seem rather pricey to them, we can guarantee that you spend more monthly on your prescriptions! Pairs well with a Pain-killer to ease those worries about how much you really spend on your medication! And that brings us to our last bottle for our tasting...its our house bottle and each and every one of you will be leaving with a complimentary bottle of it as a way of saying 'Thank you for visiting Our Whinery, we hope youcome back to Whine with us soon!" So without further delay, I present you with our house whine, "My Chronic Illness is a Champagne in my ass!" It pairs well with all of your biggest aches and pains and eases them as well as your mind to a lovely state of relaxation and comfort. A great way to end your day, here at the CHRONICLYsILLY Whine-ry! Please feel free tobrowse our vineyards and the gift shop (where we have some of our other classics you did not get to sample such as, "I cannot walk anymore I need a Cab-neret" and "My joints are a lovely shade of Burgendy") on your way out, and I hope you all have a lovely and CHRONICLYsILLy weekend!

WOW! What a way to end your Friday! I must go get my house bottle of," My Chronic Illness is a champagne in my ass" ready and chilled for tonight... But before I do, I'd like to share another entry from the lovely Annie Taylor (an excerpt from a note written about trip Annie took earlier this year!) over at the LAQ (The Lupus Association of Queensland) for our CHRONICLYsILLy "Share your story" Challenge! And then of course leave you with our Page of Hope, where you can stop by sign the guestbook and make a contribution, or inquire about tickets and tables for the Butterfly Gala (the inaugural Gala in NYC being held by the LFA) and of course we will never part ways without our daily Jolt-of-Java!

CHRONICLYsILLy "Share your Story" Challenge:

March 12 2010

By: Annie Taylor

Here I am about to set off for Thailand again..I must be nuts, I have Lupus, Heart Disease, and diffculty keeping my balance at the best of times..

Travel Insurance - Check..suprisingly enough Travel Insurance Direct were more concerned with my heart problems than my Lupus, whereas I was concerned for any Lupus Nasties my Little Butterfly might throw me!!

However Insurance is bought and paid for, and the only thing they won't cover is my recently broken wrist. I have gone up an age group since last time...grrr...so a higher premium of $150. However it was still cheaper than RACQ. I did declare all my Lupus-y things..neuropathy, RA etc.

Packing - check. Took as little as possible, 9. 5kg....but had heaps of carryon in my backpack as all my drugs have to be carried in personal luggage, along with a letter from my doctor siating pharmaceutical names for same and confirming they are required for my own use. Note to Lupies....Steroids are a prohibited import so you WILL need this letter.. You must carry your drugs in their original boxes and packaging so it's quite bulky.

Check anywhere you travel for vaccinations required and the Malaria Risk!!!! Bangkok and Chiang Mai are in protection category 4 which means cover up after sunset and use repellant. Those of yuo already on anti malarials are laughing. We carried a small pump spray of Off and a roll-on of Aerogard everywhere. Also check the travel advisories and register with Dept of Foreign Affairs before you go.

11 hours to Bangkok, then a 1 hour stopover before getting to Chiang Mai. I am taking my own soft fillled peanut neck pillow. Blow up ones suck majorly!!!! On top of everything else it is not so much more to stuff in the backpack and means I also have the airline pillow to help make me more comfortable. I put the plane pillow in the small of my back or under my feet. Always, always travel with at least a dozen packs of travel tissues, handy for lots of stuff. And a small vaseline ....for my nose.. ...the plane plays havoc with my sinuses. Gels, liquids, lip glosses and anything

you carry on board must be less than 100gm/ml and all packed in a large clear Ziploc bag. I pack my meds in another one..makes it easier to pull them out if customs asks to see them.

Pack all toiletries in suitcases in Ziploc Bags too..saved my butt on many occasions..especially when the Betadine leaked!!! For first aid I take Betadine liquid, 6 bandaids, small roll of adhesive cloth tape, a 5 pack of gauze swabs and a pack of Zergic..great for sinus and sneezes. I also take a half foil of Lomotil , and a genereric Analgesic/calmative. AND Hand Wash.............of the waterless variety. If you need more than that you need a DOCTOR!!!!!!

Don't bother with shampoo, etc, buy it there ...7/11's are everywhere and your first port of calll when you arrive anyway to buy munchies and alcohol..Its fun trying to work out whats what..Hint Hint DOVE produsts all look the same in Thailand.

Impresssions of Thailand..happy people who are content with their lot on the whole. No crime that I saw, an incredible ability to utilise every available space. Also very clean, both the people and the country. They recycle or reuse SOOOOOOOO much. Beautiful food, fruit, and it is safe to eat at the market stalls, if the Thais are eating there you should too. EVERYONE eats out ...all the time.

I never saw an unaccompanied child or young teen. Even the poorest of people are friendly and outgoing. Not as many people living on the street or as many beggars as I had expected. The power lines are SCARY. Like metal spaghetti everywhere.

Northern Thailand is hot and dry, and although it is jungle it is not the lush green you expect. However it is still stunningly beautiful and I loved it.

I didn't get Thai Tummy because I watched the amount of fibre I ate, had only lightly spiced dishes (mostly), small sized portions and this trip DID NOT drink young coconut juice......I had it every day last trip..big mistake..LOL

My Beautiful Butterfly behaved splendidly, and allthough I was tired, and really punished my feet and legs with walking (still paying those multiple Spoons back - my feet are swollen, sore and my calves are very very painful) I will do it again. But maybe we will hire a scooter next time..LOL

Here is some artwork Annie has done as well!

Page of Hope-Nothing is Kim Possible!

Tickets and Table Info. for the Inaugural Butterfly Gala!

Jolt-of-Java: " I love the light because it shows me the way...Yet I endure the darkness, because it shows me the stars...And remember the best way out...is always through..."-An adaption from Og Mandino & Robert Frost

Create-A-Cane! (AKA PIMP MY CANE!)

Good Morning Cloudy skies and tired eyes!

After having some trouble getting to sleep last night, I was happy to see when I awoke that it was 9:00 am, however I felt like I hadn't slept at all (don't you love those mornings where you wake up more exhausted than when you went to sleep...) So after guzzling down my super-sized mug of Coffee in record time this morning, I find myself going right back in for a re-fill (Luckily my cardiologist does not think my coffee is the issue here, but believe it or not, I have cut back a bit too!) so I have a nice hot cup of french vanilla Coffee accompanying me this morning as I am blogging my morning away!(something I look forward to each day! It's quite therapeutic!) And a little update from the docs yesterday...I have a very smal amount of effusions (fluid) around the heart, but nothing dangerous it is ever so slight, andhe is following up with a full Echocardiogram tomorrow evening... I'd like to start off by once again Thanking Hannah for Guest blogging for CHRONICLYsILLy yesterday (I think we are all in agreement that she did a phenomenal job!), and would like everyone to know that Hannah and her Mom have no problem with sharing this story further, so if you'd like to print it out and share it, or repost it, by all means please do! The more people we can help and bring inspiration to, the better (way to go Hannah!). Now on to our CHRONICsILLyness for the day... It has come to my attention, that many of our Chronically Ill friends have days where they are too achey, stiff, and sore and need some assistance maneuvering around...and for many of you, your first line of defense is a cane. Well, I have had days where I have considered using a cane (but have found convenient items to use in place of one, because I am too damn stubborn to actually follow through with it...shopping carts, hand rails, book shelves and kitchen counters work quite nicely...) but to honest (aside from my stubbornness) most of the canes I come across are quite drab, boring, dull, and just plain old gloomy...and here at CHRONICLYsILLy, we like to keep our days bright and energetic (not to mention fashionable and stylish!) So I am proud to present you with "Create-A-Cane" AKA Pimp my Cane!

If you thought Build-A-Bear was fun, wait until you come on down to Create-A-Cane, where we specialize in custom canes...You can bring in your own cane and customize it (aka "Pimp it out" with the help of our Cane-ologists, which have trained extensively in making the highest quality canes, in our double top secret training facilities on the elusive Lupie-Land Islands) or start from scratch and build your cane from the ground up (literally!). We've created canes for even the most popular celebrities from all stretches of the globe, and now... We're coming to a city near you! (How convenient that ALL of us are having a shop near us open, I'm curious to see how this is achieved considering we have readers that stretch from the UK to The land down under, and up north to Canada, but there making it happen!) So Come on down and check out our new location near you and Customize your cane, and never be caught with your boring, old cane again! We're making sure you step out in style, even on your stiffest days! With tons of base canes to choose from and custom painters/decorators, you'll be the envy of all of your Chronically Ill friends with your Customized Cane! Here are just a few of the options and packages we offer here at Create-A-Cane:

Options/features:

- Custom colors to choose from (over 100 base canes, in various styles and custom coloring, glitter paint is extra)

- Choose your style of cane (do you prefer a quad cane, a standard cane, or our latest in cane technology, the to-go cane, fold it up into the size of your shoe, pop it in your bag and go!)

- Custom Paint jobs- Our highly trained Cane-ologists

offer the finest custom paint jobs for all of your personalizing needs... Bring a picture from home, and they'll paint it on for you! Or deck it out in your favorite sports teams logos!

- Decorations: We have endless decorations to Pimp out your cane, here at Create-A-Cane. From pom poms to ribbons, and even LED lights and neon kits that we customize and build into your cane... You'll be sure to be the envy of your friends and turn some heads when your out at the club with one of our canes! We also have Crowns and tiaras for those of you that like to keep it classy, and have even adorned a cane with pearl strands for some of our more classy customers! Into spreading awareness? No problem! Because here at Create-A-Cane we have custom awareness decals and features that we add to your cane to meet all of your even most meticulous needs!

So now your probably thinking...But what if I don't have a specific vision for my cane? NO PROBLEMO! Here at Create-A-Cane we have featured cane packages that you can choose from! Flip through our "Create-A-Cane 2010 models" book and pick find the cane that is just right for you! Then our cane-ologists will assemble the cane right then and there so you leave Create-A-Cane in style with your brand new, custom cane! Some of our 2010 Models include:

The Paris "That's hot- like my temperature" Hilton (THATS HOT!): A pink base bedazzled with pearls and a tiara on top, featuring glamourous high heel stiletto decals, and sparkling pom-poms at the base, all of your Hollywood Hills Friends will be jealous when you step out with this Cane! And an added bonus: It comes in the To-go option, so you can fold it up and take it with you where ever you go, because who knows when those achy joints will stiffen up on you! A great cane for anyone who wants to stay trendy on even the most painful of days!

The "I'm raising awareness, you're raising my blood pressure" (because you have never heard of my illness...YES! It's real!): A sleek and chic black base standard cane, that has been custom painted by one of our finest cane-ologists, with beautiful floral designs that have been infused with awareness symbols, and some sparkling pom-poms for some added flare during even the worst of your flares! You'll be sure to get complimented when you step out with this uniquely designed cane!

With many more to choose from in our 2010 models book (come on down to check it out!) and all of our customizable features, you'll be guaranteed to leave with a smile on your face and a cane that is as unique as you!

I hope you all are grabbing your canes and heading down to the newest Create-A-Cane location near you to customize and "pimp out!" those canes! I myself might even be persuaded to finally follow through and get a customized Neon colored-designed cane! Now, before I leave you with our page of hope, and our daily Jolt-of-Java, I'd like to share with you our first entry piece for the 2010 CHRONICLYsILLy challenge (For those of you unfamiliar: I sent out a message to all of our fans on facebook challenging you to create your own funny, humorous or comical piece of writing/poetry/artwork etc... and to send it into fansofchroniclysilly@gmail.com and I will share your piece on the blog in our CHRONICLYsILLy Share your story Challenge! Section that will be presented right before the Jolt-of-Java! It can be anything from a creative piece to a funny story that happened to you because of your illness...friends and family of those that are chronically ill are included to! Here at CHRONICLYsiLLy we do not discriminate! So grab your pens/pencils/art supplies and get Silly and send those entries over!) Our very first entry was received yesterday from our friend Rosanne Pannone who has Lupus, and creatively compares it to an ice cream sundae!

CHRONICLYsiLLy "share your story" Challenge:

"Ice Cream Sundaes"

by: Rosanne Pannone

H mm.... Lets see what flavor am I feeling like today...Lupus has made me rethink what life's is really all about and I feel like my life is an Ice Cream Sundae,the only difference is, if you don't like the way your sundae looks or tastes, you have an option to change it, but with lupus that option is not there...So now lets get a little silly...Your flavor can be almost anything and can change day to day withe Lupus...from plain old Vanilla to Rocky Road, most days I am plain old vanilla... but the more I add on top of my plain vanilla, the better it starts to look... with the ultimate toppings being whip cream and that oh-so-delicious maraschino cherry, it looks really good and I know its probably going to taste great but at the end of the day I think I'd rather be Plain vanilla (or Rocky Road) no whip cream and no cherry...from start to finish I try to enjoy my plain old vanilla...Maybe with a touch of rainbow sprinkles.

I'd like to thank Rosanne for sharing that silly little piece with us...And now, I'll leave you with our page of hope, Nothing is Kim Possible, where you can stop by, read my story, and sign the guestbook, and if you'd like a to make a contribution, you may! I will also leave you with the information on the Gala and the link if you would like to purchase your own tickets or tables for the event, or if you are interested in being a corporate sponsor, this link will suit you well (select Kimberly Lehanka as LFA committee member refferal!) and of course, I would never part ways without of daily Jolt-of-Java:

Page of Hope-Nothing is Kim Possible!

Link for Butterfly Gala tickets and tables/corporate sponsors!

Jolt-of-Java: "Some people like my advice so much that they frame upon the wall instead of using it...I encourage you to use it and remember....Laughter and tears are both response to frustration and exhaustion... I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward..." an adaption from G. Dickson and Kurt Vonnegut

Guest Blogger Day @ CHRONICLYsILLy!

Good Morning and... Where are my spoons?

Well, at least I found my anti-inflammatories and my coffee (It's the little things that make me smile!) After a long night of on and off sleep (what can you expect when you are sleeping half sitting up with your TV Pillow!) I'm feeling the effects of sleeping in an awkward position in various regions of my body (my legs are stiff, my neck is sore, my back is having spasms? Well that's a new one...) But luckily, it is nothing a little (or a ton) medication and a lot of coffee can't fix! So let's get down to business, because we have some fun and exciting news to share... There has been a lot of happenings over here at CHRONICLYsILLy, working hard to bring laughter and smiles to all of our CHRONICLYsILLy guys and gals, and of course, writing for The Lupus Magazine (I'm published in the August edition (August 1st that is!) and it will be my introduction to the Magazine as a permanent writer!) and raising funds for the LFA and their inaugural Butterfly Gala... And in the process, I have come across and met some truly extraordinary individuals from all stretches of the Globe...one of which, is our Guest Blogger for today. She is the first EVER Guest Blogger for CHRONICLYsILLy, and to say she is an inspiration just would not do her justice (and would be quite an understatement), in fact, I do not think the Oxford-English Dictionary has a word to adequately describe her strength and character... So without further delay, I would like to proudly introduce you to Hannah Patricia Jones! (Yes, that's right, she is the young girl who raised over $75 dollars for the LFA Butterfly Gala by going door to door and donated it all to my Page of Hope, Nothing is Kim Possible for the Gala, and her writing will blow you way (and yes she wrote it on her own, they are entirely her thoughts, ideas and values... she stated her mom helped her find some of the words to express her feelings...)

* Disclaimer: Tears will shed (mostly happy ones I promise) it is strongly suggested you keep a box of kleenex next to you as you read this (it will truly touch your heart as it is a real and honest look at Lupus through the eyes of an extraordinary 8 year old girl... and it leave you in awe of the strength and character that is found within Hannah P. Jones and her family)

My World with a mother who has lupus

Hi My Name is Hannah Patricia Jones ,

I am 8 years old and I have a lot of love in my heart because I have a mom that is sick with Lupus and some other Illness , I am sure if my mom did not have lupus I would still have a lot of love in my heart anyway because I am a child of god and my mom has taught me that no matter what comes in life to always hold onto your faith.

I do not know what it would be like to have a mommy who is healthy and I would love to see her get well soon and I pray a lot for that to happen , but there is no cure for what my mom has right now and it really makes me sad and unhappy at times.

I worry all the time that when my mommy goes into the hospital that she may never come home to me and my baby sister Gabbriella , I worry that when she wakes up she is going to be in so much pain and I have to help her the best way I can.

I worry that if I catch a cold in school and get sick that my mom is going to catch it and it could hurt her so much , I worry that me and my sister may loose my mom to lupus anytime or any day.

My mom says I have too many worries for such a young child and it breaks her heart , sometimes we cry together and just hold each other and make it all better, I wish that I could kiss my mommy and make it all better like when I am hurt or sick she kisses me and makes me feel warm and happy inside , you see she makes it all better and never gives up on us ever.

My mom is a great educator , she includes me in on so much and it helps me in some ways but scares me in others.

Her lessons on lupus can be frightening but she is very honest with me about how she feels and when it is a good day or a bad day , and what Lupus is.

I have a Nona and Pap Pap that are always here in our home starting in the morning after my daddy leaves for work that help my mom , but sometimes I have to be the big sister and take care of Gabbriella because mommy is just not strong enough to lift her and play with her the way my sister wants to be played with.

I never mind doing this because this is how my life is with having a sick mommy.

I have met a great pal named Kimberly and she has a blog and it has helped me and my mommy so much because we read things about lupus that make us laugh and not cry , we talk about the lessons we learn from her blog , you see my pal Kim has Lupus too.

My mom is in a group a few of them and it helps her get through the days and nights when she is not able to sleep at all , and I have learned that their are other Mommy's just like my mom and they probably have the same feelings that my mom has and this helps her so much , and it helps me to know that I am not alone and my mom is just like the other moms , she is sick but full of love, so you see my mom is like the other moms , but she is just like the other sick mommy's.

We can not go out in the hot sun and we have to take breaks through the day and I am OK with all of this because I love my mom forever.

My mom is a fun mom even though she is sick , we do arts and crafts and we read books and snuggle and we eat lots of yummy treats too and watch a lot of great movies and cartoons.

My mom loves me and my sister very much and though she is not in my school as a PTA mom or a basketball coach for my team she makes up for it in so many different ways , I have learned to love books and I am a wizard on the computer and I am always making something or drawing something and learning something new everyday.

My mom is a great teacher. That is what I want to grow up to be.

I love to play on my wii game system and I love playing with my baby dolls and my doll house , my imagination is very large because I am not outside all the time and running around the park like other kids my age , but it does not bother me , you see my mom is sick and this is all I know and it is not sad for me because my life is a good life , but I still wish my mom was all better , it would be nice to see her as the well Mommy's.

I have gotten involved in raising money for the LFA and the Butterfly Gala in New York in September , I did a walk in my neighborhood and raised money , and my mommy and I made $5.00 donation butterfly pins to give out to the big donors.

I have raised $75.00 on my walk and have gotten people to donate on Kim's blog for the education and awareness of Lupus and most important to help find a cure.

Reading Kim's blog made me want to donate my earnings I get for helping in the house and that is how this all became a big wish for me , to help other sick Mommy's and even daddy's that have this illness.

I am having a lemon-aid stand this weekend and it is called Lemon-aid for lupus , I want to keep raising money , I want Kim to go to the gala in a beautiful purple gown and have her represent all of the people sick with my moms illness.

I want more people to know that lupus is real and that it does not always have a happy ending and that more people need to know this.

I am a fighter just like my mom , you see I have aspergers syndrome it is called by my mom little professors syndrome because I am very smart and witty aspergers is a form of autism and you know what ? my mom found this out about me when I was 3 years old and right away started getting me all the help I needed so that I can be the smart little person I am today. My Mom is a fighter.

My mom never gave up on me and I will never give up on my mom ever.

Lupus does a lot of things to families , it can break them apart and cause fights , it can break a spirit and cause tears , it can break your heart and that can happen at anytime.

My family has been through a lot with my mom being sick , my mom says she will never ever apologize for being sick to an adult , because adults should know better , but she is always apologizing to me and my sister and I just want to say it is OK mom and we love you just the way god made you.

I don't need to go outside everyday and I don't need my mom to chase me in the yard or to play basketball with me to show me she loves me , cause I just know she does no matter what.

My mom and dad took us to Disney World in April , it was so hard on her but she did it and we had such a great time , it took a lot of spoons out of her , and the spoons are what we use in our home as helpers to see how mom is doing through the day , right now she is helping me write this and she is using a spoon , and she only wakes up with 12 spoons a day and has to use them very wisely you see , so Disney was a boat load of spoons and my mommy gave them all away for me and my sister , on the 4th of July my mommy took us to Kennywood Amusement Park and got very sick from doing that , she was up all night and still made sure we went to Kennywood , we stayed from open until close and my mommy was sick for a week after just one day with us out in the sun and walking around the whole day through.

These are things that show me that my mom loves me and my sister no matter what , she sacrifices herself for our happiness when she could just have stayed home and we could have done sparklers , NO my mom took us to Celebrate America at Kennywood and she did it out of unconditional love.

These are just a few reasons why I love my mom so much and how life is when you have a mommy sick with lupus , I don't know if this will help another kid like me , but I sure hope it does.

I would not trade my life for any other life because I love who I am because I love my Mom and because my mom made me who I am today.

I will be going into 3rd grade this year and I will not have my mom as a classroom mom , but what I will have is a note tucked into my lunchbox that says I love you Hannah have a great day mommy misses you , and that is enough for me.

If anyone ever has any questions in there minds about someone with lupus , they need to know that Love , Faith and Hope are what makes a person with lupus keep on being the great person they are.

I will keep praying for a cure and I will keep praying for all of you ,I will keep on fighting for you , God is Good that's what my mom teaches me and so I will stop on that note.

This is what it is like to have a mommy so sick and on a ton of medications and that gives herself fully along with her spoons everyday to me and my baby sister Gabbriella , Thank You Kim for listening to me and understanding what it is to be a child with a Mother who has Lupus.

All My Love xoxoxoxo

Hannah Patricia Jones

I wasn't kidding when I said a box of Kleenex was strongly suggested...I hope that this piece of writing moved all of you the way that it truly moved me...And that you have been inspired by Hannah's words (it is hard not to be, wouldn't you agree?). Sometimes looking at the world through the eyes of a child ( a very smart, wise and intelligent one!) helps us to have clarity and a deeper and more meaningful understanding... I will leave you with our Page of Hope, Nothing is Kim Possible, our tickets and tables info for the Gala for anyone interested in attending/ corporate sponsorship (pull down menu for committee members select Kimberly Lehanka) and of course, our daily Jolt-of-Java:

Nothing is Kim Possible-Page of Hope!

Tickets & Tables info. and pricing/corporate sponsors!(Butterfly Gala!)

Jolt-of-Java: "Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn...So that we see ourselves as we really are..."-Arthur Golden

Ode to the TV Pillow!

Good morning sunshine!

It looks like it is going to shape up to be quite a lovely day today! My anti-inflammatory medication and pain killers have been offering me some relief and with the help of my wonderful new TV pillow, I was able to prop myself up just enough in my bed (that's right no more sleeping in the big chair downstairs, aside from the occasional nap of course!) that I was able to get a solid few hours of sleep. I also think the antibiotics are starting to kick this infection in to it's place, they seem to be quite strong and I am pleased, because usually it takes until I'm almost finished with a 10-15 day stent that I begin to feel the effects and feel more myself, and aside from that awful burning feeling in my chest, I'm doing A-Okay!.... But back to the TV pillow....Let me tell you when I say the TV pillow is amazing, it's the understatement of the century...I kid you not! It seems to have just the right angles built into it that it allows me to breath a bit easier and with a little less pain, and that's all any of us are really ever looking for...some relief! It also seems to fit rather perfectly into my big chair down stairs (coincidence...I think not!) The TV Pillow seems to have been some sort of gift from the heavens...so in honor of this wonderful new discovery...This is a tribute, or Ode, if you will, to The TV Pillow!

Ode to the TV Pillow: An Original CHRONICLYsILLy Production

Lyrics: (for all of you who wish to sing along!)

Oh TV Pillow, Oh TV Pillow

You ease my pain slightly!

Oh TV Pillow, Oh TV Pillow

I plan to use you nightly!

You help me breath, when my pleurisy hits

You ease my pain, during coughing fits!

Oh TV Pillow, Oh TV Pillow

You ease my pain slightly

Oh TV Pillow Oh TV Pillow

I plan to use you nightly !

You prop me up so I get air

Into my lungs, during a flare!

Oh TV Pillow Oh TV Pillow

You ease my pain slightly!

Oh TV Pillow Oh TV Pillow

I Plan to use you nightly...

Now that you see how wonderful the TV Pillow truly is, and we have properly honored it (That's right... That was just an ode...a tribute, if you will...To a TV Pillow...Welcome to CHRONICLYsILLy...for those of you that are familiar and read on a daily basis, this does not surprise you...if it is your first time reading the blog...hopefully I have not scared you off! ) Now, I would like to share something with all of you, with regards to my page of Hope and the Butterfly Gala. I have an incredibly inspirational story...If you so choose to venture over to the Page of Hope today and check it out... please make note of the last donor...Hannah...She is 8 years old, and has contributed the most funds of anyone to date! How did she do it? and who is she you ask? Well I am friends with Hannah's mom through one of our support groups for Lupus, Hannah and her mom read my blog daily and always left extremely sweet messages and posts for me to return to, and some days those posts were all I needed to feel a little better or to get me through a not-so-great day. Well, Hannah, upon seeing the information about the Inaugural Butterfly Gala on my Blog, decided she wanted to help. She set out with the help of her mom and dad, and created beautiful butterfly pins, she then walked from door to door to her neighbors with her dad and collected donations (and gave out her pins to those that donated $5 or more!) She raised a ton of money, and I am so blessed to have made her acquaintance... Hannah did this out of the pureness and goodness of her heart, and it is something that I will forever take with me and hold dearly. I'd like you all to find inspiration and hope through Hannah and what she has been able to accomplish (she also messaged this morning and wants to help more! She is holding a lemonade stand this weekend...if that is not dedication and determination I don't know what is!) So, if you will, do me a favor and either stop by the Page of Hope, or The facebook fan page, and leave a "Thank you message" for Hannah it would mean the world to me... She did this not only for her mom, but for each and every one of us that deal with a chronic illness day in and day out...and I will not let her amazing achievements and selfless acts go unnoticed! So check out which ever page you wish, and leave Hannah some love! Thank you Hannah, and thank you all for all of your support and encouragement! I'll leave you now with our page of hope, " Nothing is KimPossible" page where currently all funds are going towards the Butterfly Gala (All proceeds to the LFA for research!) and of course the buttefly gala tickets and tables (if you are interested in attending or being a corporate sponsor for the prestigious event!) And of course I would not part ways with you (even though I am in dire need of a refill on my super-sized cup of Joe!) without our daily Jolt-of-Java ( a throwback!) , which is inspired today, by our dear friend, Hannah:

Page of Hope: Nothing is KimPossible!

Butterfly Gala Tickets and Tables (on the pulldown bar where it says LFA committee member, select Kimberly Lehanka)

Jolt-of-Java: "Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world, Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has, and remember, the future depends on what we do in the present.." - and adaption from Margaret Meade & Gandhi

The CHRONICLYsILLy Times- Fun & Games Section

Good Morning and hello Giant mug-O-Coffee!

After another night sleeping (please, I do not even think what I did would count as "sleeping" maybe more like tossing and turning around in every which way is more suited for what I did, but for our purposes, "sleeping" will do) on the big (recliner-like)chair downstairs, I seem to be feeling a bit better than yesterday, but about the same as the day prior. The pain in my chest has calmed down a bit and it is nice to have a little bit of relief there... it seems to be more coming and going, than constant (hey, I'll take it!), and the pain deep in my left lung is still there, annoying me with every breath (like it just did as I was typing that sentence, as if it was saying, "don't forget about me!"), but does seem to have improved a bit too (assuming I do not move to quick, take a deep breath, and/or twist the wrong way (every way is the wrong way). Nonetheless, I will give the doc a call and check in with my Lupologist to ensure everything is A-okay! So, if you could not tell by now, I have a slight case of the Mondays, after a long and uncomfortable weekend, I suppose it was inevitable...But with my Cup-O-Joe by my side and the Monday edition of The CHRONICLYsILLy Times...Wait!... You don't know what that is? It's only the most acclaimed Newspaper in all of Lupie-Land, with all of the latest and greatest cutting edge happenings from all over the globe! I must share it with you, I'd be doing you an injustice if I didn't...(and to give you an idea of just how popular it is, Let's just say that The New York Times has got nothing on The CHRONICLYsILLy Times...Yes, it's that big of a deal!) And what better way to share my all time favorite Newspaper with you (all the Droopy Lupies at the CHRONICLYsILLy Candy Factory read it daily as well(see older post, "CHRONICLYsILLy Candy Factory!)), than to post the entire "Fun & Games Section" for all of you to enjoy!

The CHRONICLYsILLy Times: Fun & Games Section

Test your crossword skills with our CHRONICLYsILLy Crossword Puzzle! Monday's puzzle is offered here, and there is a link so that if you wish to do your puzzle the old fashion way with a paper and pencil, you can click the link and print it out (make copies for your family and friends too! They'll surely want to join in on all of the

CHRONICLYsILLy fun!)!

CLick here to print: (This will redirect you to my FB fan page, the attachment for the file is there! I suggest printing this its a bit smaller on the blog!)

WORD JUMBLE:

Not a Crossword Puzzle person, or finished it in a jiffy? Check out our word Jumbles and see if you can solve the riddle in the picture, by taking the letters in the circle

(once you have unscrambled the words of course) and using these letters to fill in the rest of the answer to the riddle! Good luck!)

"Why couldn't the Lupus patients play MLB Baseball?"

COMIC STRIPS:

More of A Reader? Then you'll be sure to fall in love with our daily Comic, "Living CHRONICLYsILLy!" Check it out to see what kind of trouble this Lupie Lady is getting herself into!

HOROSCOPES:

What was that? Of Course we would never leave out your daily horoscopes! Check out your horoscope on this lovely Monday and see what the constellations have in store for you!

Aquarius: You should keep an eye on your prescriptions, it might be time for a refill!

Pieces: Monday will bring you good health, and lots of spoons, be sure to use them wisely.

Aries: Listen to your body today, it might be trying to tell you something and it always knows best.

Taurus: Expect a call from one of your specialists today, they are carrying good news.

Gemini: You may need to borrow spoons from your spoon bank to get through today, do so with caution, and take it easy.

Cancer: Be ready for a fun filled day, but be sure to stay out of the sun!

Leo: Reach out to a friend in need today, you will offer them more help and comfort than you know.

Virgo: The Spoons have aligned in your favor today, go out, and make the most of the day!

Libra: Take your time and appreciate the things you truly love to do, then go out and do them.

Scorpio: Do not push off what you can accomplish today, you may not have spoons to do it tomorrow.

Sagittarius: Enjoy the day and make the most it. Perhaps call an old friend and grab a bite to eat together and catch up! Your friendships are truly valued.

Capricorn: Spend time with loved ones today, they are the ones that will always be there for you when you are in need. Appreciate them.

And that wraps up our Fun & Games section of the Monday, July 26th, 2010, edition of The CHRONICLYsILLy Times. I hope you all enjoyed this paper as much as I do (especially with a good cup of coffee beside me!) And of course we will part ways now, I have some phone calls to make to various doctors (I still get confused as to which doctor to call for what...) But before we part ways I will leave you with our Page of Hope, Nothing Is Kimpossible, please feel free to stop by and sign the guestbook, take a look around, and if you'd like make a contribution (click the make a donation button under my picture, safe and secure checkout!) to the LFA all proceeds to the LFA (also the Butterfly Gala! First ever to be held in NYC!) I will also leave you with the link if you would like to directly purchase your own ticket or table for the event or donate a ticket or table to my Committee, by selecting my name on the pull down menu, after you have clicked on "purchase tickets and tables." And of course, I would not dare leave with offering you our words of witty wisdom for the day, our Daily Jolt-of-Java:

Make a donation-Page of Hope!

To purchase tickets and tables for the Gala

Jolt-of-Java: " The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life, by altering his attitude..."- W. James

The Magic School Bus: Explores Autoimmune Diseases!

Good Morning (ha! I can barely say it with a straight face) Well I hope for all of you it has been a good and pain free morning, my lungs are still acting up and I'm in a bit of pain when I breath (which is unfortunate because I kind of need to breath, as does everyone else, but I'm not complaining...) And it has been quite a morning so far...I woke up stiff and achy on our big (recliner like) chair, where I slept for the night because laying down was too uncomfortable) I went into the kitchen, put on my coffee (obviously!) and proceeded to open the fridge, get my greek yogurt out, and then knock over an entire shelf of the fridge in all of my clumbsiness... yes that's right...And you know it had to be the shelf with all the glass jars of jams and jellies on it (of course!) So it has been quite an eventful Sunday morning over here, and I hope each of your mornings has gone a bit smoother than mine. So, I too, am in need of some good laughs this morning and I'm feeling my creative juices flowing (or maybe that's just my second 20 oz cup-O-Joe hitting me, but nonetheless...) so we are going to take a trip on The Magic School Bus! That's right! One of my all time favorite childhood book-turn TV series, is now back and better than ever, and The Magic School Bus has geared up for a trip inside the Human body...To learn all about Autoimmune Diseases... So hold on to your seats and get prepared for a journey through the immune system with The Frizz!

Come on The Magic School Bus!

Good Morning Class!

Good Morning Mz. Frizzle!

Ah and what a lovely day it is! Oh look a letter from one of our friends! Lizz would you mind getting the letter for us, so we can read it!

"Dear Mz. Frizzle's Class,

I was wondering what Autoimmune Diseases are, and what causes them?

What happens in the body that makes Autoimmune diseases different from just being sick?"

Does anyone know what an Autoimmune Disease is? Dorothy Anne? Well, According to my research, an autoimmune disease is an inflammatory disease where the immune system is over active! What does that mean Mz. Frizzle? Ah... I sense a Field Trip! Come on Class! To the Bus! I knew I should have stayed home today! OH ARNOLD!

Everyone be sure to buckle up, we are going on quite an adventure! Through an Overactive immune system to explore Autoimmune Diseases! Let's go bus, do your thing! Class we are now entering the body of a chronically ill person! That means they have a disease that cannot be cured, and are repeatedly sick, but that does not mean they do not feel well all of the time, sometimes doctors can control the disease enough and the person can lead a normal life with minor (sometimes major) adjustments! Oh Look Class! We have entered the Immune System! Look! Mz. Frizzle! What are all those things attacking the body's tissue and organs?! Ah! Good question Ralphie! In Autoimmune diseases the immune system attacks its own body tissue as if it were a foreign invader and mounts an attack on its own body! This system them becomes confused over what should be in our body and what should not be, and over does its job! Is that why its called an overactive immune system? Yes very good Arnold! It causes the body to always be on high alert, when it should only be on high alert when the body is injured or when we are sick! Look class! The antibodies are attacking the body tissue! Mz. Frizzle! What should we do! Why are those antibodies attacking! Well like we just explained, the immune system mistakes its own parts for foreign invaders and attacks, it then produces these antibodies against its own body tissues! Now, the immune system gets confused and cannot recognize what is the heart, liver, cartilage tissue etc... And it attacks with these antibodies, this is what creates and causes an Autoimmune disease! But Mz. Frizzle? Why did you say autoimmune diseases are inflammatory diseases? Good Question! When the immune system attacks it causes inflammation in these organs, joints and body tissue, this inflammation is what causes the pain and swelling associated with Autoimmune Diseases! Come class! We're going to stop those antibodies and inflammation! UH OH! I don't like the sound of that! OH ARNOLD! Come on it will be fun!

Be careful where you step class! We don't want to upset the body anymore than it already is! Here everyone take one of these! What is this Mz. Frizzle! Some of you have immunosuppressive drugs while others of you have been given steriods. These are two types of medications commonly used to treat autoimmune diseases! If you see those antibodies coming around, zap them with these! Sounds Dangerous! Arnold, you'll be fine, just stay close to the bus! Oh wow! Look Mz. Frizzle! Those antibodies are attacking the lungs (sound familiar?) we need to stop them! Alright class, everyone on the bus! Bus do your thing! Mz. Frizzle what is the bus doing to the antibodies! UH OH mz. Frizzle the bus is getting attacked, what are we going to do! Don't worry class, just buckle your seatbelts and hold on!

WOW! The bus beat all of those antibodies and destroyed them and stopped them from

attacking! How did it do that Mz. Frizzle? Well class, the bus sent a wave of steriods at the immune system's invaders and these steroids stop/slow down the process that attacks the body's tissue! Way to go bus! Alright everyone make sure your holding on to your seat, where busting out of this joint! WOOHOO!

Thanks bus for another great adventure! Alright class

back to the classroom to discuss what we learned today! I'm sure we all have lots of questions about our trip! Yes, Arnold? Mz. Frizzle if all of that is going wrong in someone's body, doesn't it hurt the person?

Good question Arnold! Well, yes! With autoimmune diseases a lot of people feel fatigued, achy all over, have a fever, and have pain in their joins and some even have trouble with some of the organs. Mz. Frizzle... If all of these things are going wrong why don't they just take a medicine that cures it? Well Keesha, there is currently no cure for autoimmune diseases because scientists and researchers are not really sure what causes them to occur in some people and not others. So these diseases are treated with medications that limit the symptoms and hopefully ease the pain for those that are chronically ill! RING! RING! Ahh! The bell! It's been a wonderful day class, I hope you all have a lovely evening, and I cannot wait to see what tomorrow holds in store for us! I CAN!... OH ARNOLD!

I hope you all enjoyed our adventure with the magic school bus! My, that Mz. Frizzle is always up to something! And now of course I will leave you with our usual partings, first, the page of hope, Nothing is Kimpossible, where you can stop by, sign the guest book, and if you'd like make a contribution to lupus research and towards the Butterfly Gala (All proceeds to the LFA!) So check it out! I will also leave the Gala link directly, where there is more information and an area where you can buy tickets or tables for the event, under my name (under the committee member pull down tab, select Kimberly Lehanka!) If you have any questions you may contact me via email (emails are on the right side of the blog!) and of course I would not dare leave you without our daily Jolt-of-Java (which is one of my all time favorite excerpts)!

Page of Hope- Nothing is Kimpossible!

Tables and Chairs for the Butterfly Gala

Jolt-of-Java: "...Grant me the Serenity, To accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can... And the wisdom to know the difference"

Sources: Id like to thank our friends at www.aboutinflammation.com for the research and information provided in this post!