Finding Hope After A Loved One Dies

It's been awhile, my friends. Shortly after my last post I received news a dear friend of mine (40 plus years) had cancer throughout her body. The news hit me hard--it hit all who knew her hard especially her family. Betsi was the poster girl for living life with gusto, passion and sheer enthusiasm. She left us about 8 weeks after her diagnosis to wear a sparkly suit and eternal smile.

I went to CA to be with her in her final days. I didn't have time to chicken out traveling due to my PTSD. There was no time to hesitate. When Betsi woke up in the hospital and saw me standing beside her bed, her face lit up like a sparkler. She said, "Wow! Wow! Wow!" over and over again. For a few days she rallied. I told her over and over she had given me courage to do what I never thought I could do by leaving my safety net of home. She gave me a gift I could never have imagined--freedom from my mind's prison of PTSD long enough to be there for her, and her family helping them out. Hearing her tell me she loved me will never leave my thoughts. I can hear her say it as if she were in the room with me and it's always followed by her magical laugh.

It's been difficult for me to resume life as "normal". I've felt incredibly sad even though I have a wonderful life. I haven't been able to paint, play my guitar, sing, write, or do many things that bring me joy. It's as though I felt guilty to simply "go on with my life". How can one when your heart aches for it to just be a bad dream and not real? Betsi wouldn't like hearing this. She's always been one of my greatest fans in life and cheered me on in living my dreams great or small. She would want me to continue sparkling, shining and splashing color on every corner of the world.

Betsi's occupation was an HR Specialist , but she changed it to being an HR specialist for Hope Rocks. She was my right hand on my Hope Rocks page on Facebook--my faithful admin. The Hope Rocks she made (literally hundreds of them) and left for others to find gave her great joy her final months on Earth. She had no idea she'd be leaving us so soon--none of us did--she just did what felt right even though she didn't feel well physically. Here's a message she sent to me Valentine's Day 2011.

" Hey, 60-75 Hope Rocks left at high school for Valentine's Day! I put out all I had done and am doing more now. You gave me hope back and I love you for it! Well, I love you anyway but you know what I mean!"

Yes, Betsi, I do know what you mean, and looking back on these dark days, and months of grief, I see it's time to allow HOPE to light my way again and warm my heart just like your laugh did. You gave me my hope back that I could be even somewhat "normal" living with severe PTSD. I won't waste that gift. I'm shaking the cobwebs off my monkey pants and art supplies. My guitar needs me. Life needs me to re-boot and find more ways to spread hope. I'm grateful to carry the torch for all who need a little hope, and the only way hope grows is when you give it from the heart just like Betsi did and still does every time I think of her.

I love you, Betsi, my HR specialist. Until we meet again... Sparkle on, Cosmo Betsi, Sparkle on~

Little Birdie Sings About Hope Rocks

Rachael from The Little Birdie Blog has a beautiful post up about Hope Rocks. It's inspiring to see how Hope Rocks continues to grow, spread and build momentum. Rachael's blog is full of creativity, and she hosts Tutorial Tuesdays that features 'how-to's' for adorable handmade crafts. Plus if you've been looking for a unique baby gift, Rachael's company, Little Birdie Baby Shop on Esty is the bomb!

If you like Giveaways, Rachael has one on her blog right now featuring OceanBelle's lovely trees made out of precious stones on a hoop much like the dream catchers. She is featuring several trees of Hope on her Etsy page to help show support for Japan. These would make amazing Mother's Day gifts! Check it out for a chance to win. You can find OceanBelle's art on Etsy. Just click on the name or head over to Rachael's Little Birdie Blog to find the complete rules/entry suggestions.

Please join in on the love spreading Hope one rock at a time. use the Mr. Linky below to sign up. It helps me know who to go visit and link back to when you sign up. Or you can leave a comment letting me know you're participating or have a post up about Hope Rocks.

Thank you Rachael for sharing Hope Rocks with your readers and fans~

Royal Mail From the UK-- Hope Rocks

As soon as I saw the postal markings on the large, white envelope Superman brought into the bedroom for me this past week, I got excited. The package said "Royal Mail". Receiving mail has always been a Christmas like experience for me for as long as I can remember but once I realized who had sent me the package I squealed like a kid opening presents on Christmas morning.

I'd been resting in bed after my knee surgeries with Opie Taylor lying right beside me when Superman brought the mail in for me to open. He must have sensed my excitement because he perked right up, ready to see what had caused me to sit right up. I could see his tiny, pink nose twitching like a bunny's trying to catch a whiff of the object getting my utmost attention. Here's the story lined up in pictures as we open the package.

These are action shots so they may be a little fuzzy
(just like Opie)

The ribbon gets his attention right off the bat.

He takes it in his mouth.

He tugs, and pulls on it.

Inside the blue & white carton is a bundle of
purple tissue covering a small hard item.

Opie works until he gets it in his mouth.

Success! He then pulls it out of my hand
and drops it to the bed to further investigate.

Inside the purple tissue paper is a Hope Rock
with a delightful feather attached to its side.

The card inside reads ,
"To my adopted big sis, Lille"

How can a kitty resist??
They simply cannot...

Thank you, Dee Champion, my little sister across the pond,
for showing me some love Hope Rock style!
I am tickled, loved and healing!

I have mailed several Hope Rocks to friends who needed a little or a lot of Hope in their lives. I had no idea how amazing it feels to open a package and find a Hope Rock someone had lovingly made for me. I held it in my hand and thought of all my blessings, plus all of the things I had to be thankful for, and how loved I am. How could one not heal with a bundle of love like that??

My challenge, or encouragement depending on how you choose to look at it, is for you (whomever is reading this, whenever it's being read... today, next week, a month from now, etc) to make a Hope Rock and mail it to someone you know who could use some Hope. All you need is a rock and a Sharpie pen. Or you can get as creative as you wish. Fancy or simple does not change the message or detract from the messenger's intention. It is a powerful gift either way. Take a picture of your Hope Rock like Judith, from Renton, WA, did below before you mail it and post it on the Hope Rock Fan Page on FaceBook. Thank you so much for spreading Hope to the people of Renton, WA, Judith!

On one side Judith McWilliams Collins painted happy, silly faces
and on the other side she wrote the word Hope.
Very fun, and creative!

Sign up below to play along or leave me a comment to let me know you are participating. If you have a blog, I'll link back to you so others can see your Hope Rocks and where you hid them. That's the whole point of Hope Rocks. Paint them, hide them for someone to find and sleep well knowing you gave someone a loving blast of Hope! New visitors to Woodstock Lily's, you may read the Hope Rock story above at the top of the page listed right under my colorful header. The Mr. Linky below also lets people see the link to your blog. That's a good thing so sign up and play along.

Hope Rocks Week 8

This Hope Rock was made by Andrea from Falling Ladies Blog's mother.
Check out that sassy handmade cover!!
Thank you so much for spreading Hope in such a creative manner.

Starting the week of March 21, I'll be moving the Hope Rocks posts to Mondays. I'm having surgery on both knees on the 15th of this month so may miss next week's Hope Rocks post. I'm relieved the doctor is able to take care of both of them at the same time. I'll definitely be taking some Hope Rocks with me to the hospital. One for me to hold onto and some others to leave for the next patients or staff.

Regardless of my posting or not next week on my blog, you can always go to the Hope Rocks page on FB to leave your pics and comments there. Click HERE to get there. Just let me know if I miss your posts on your blogs so I can link up to you in the next edition of Hope Rocks on Woodstock Lily's.

This weeks players are....
Ummm bet you didn't know you were players did you?

OK... How about this?
This week participants in Hope Rocks are....
Drum roll, please!

Well, you all saw the snazzy Hope Rock above created by Andrea's Mom and Dad. They saw her posts about Hope Rocks and wanted to get in the action, and boy they sure did just that! I tell you this just keeps getting more and more spectacular seeing all the creative ways people decorate their Hope Rocks. Andrea and her Mom both hid their Hope Rocks in a similar location. Caring runs in your family, Andrea, and I am honored to have you and your parents onboard with us here at Hope Rocks. Thank you, Thank you, thank you!! Go check it out to see where they hid their Hope Rocks. Falling Ladies Blog

Andrea's Hope Rock this week.

I have a prayer request for 2 people.

1. Dee, who you all read about here on my blog. She needs some prayer warriors to storm the hospital doors to get a surgery to remove a cyst on her ovary. The staff hasn't been too cooperative and Dee needs some peace in her heart about this. Please pray for peace of mind for her, strength, for the cyst to shrivel up and die, and for her to feel each and every prayer sent her way. ((((Dee)))) feel the peace, love, and cyst shrinking! We've got your back!

2. Rita, she's the best friend of my best friend's daughter. Rita was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in December. It spread and has been growing rapidly after a surgery she had. She's in the hospital now recovering from a nuclear blast of chemo. She's having another scan this next week to see how the tumors responded to the chemo. Her husband's name is John. Pray for him, too. They are a super couple and need a break NOW! I sent them both a Hope Rock last week. Rita's been handling her illness with humor and great faith. She's an inspiration to all.

Meanwhile, keep the Hope Rocks coming. The world needs HOPE. Pray that people who need hope find it and those who have it, hold on to it. There are times we are called to stand in the gap when others are tired. This is why making Hope Rocks can and does change lives. It's a tangible form of Hope they can hold onto.

Don't forget to sign up on the Mr. Linky below so I know you're participating this week. Thank you!!

Hope Rocks Week 7

Carole Bryson Wood from the UK made these Hope Rocks
and hid them in Rochdale, Lancashire, UK.
Carole's Hope Rocks have a special message on back
to remind people about breast cancer awareness.
Thank you, Carole and welcome to Hope Rocks.

Our fan page on facebook (click here for the Fan page) keeps growing, and growing, thanks to all of you who have helped spread the word. The Hope Rocks people are making just blow me away, and the stories they share with me make me want to squeal with glee because so many people are giving, kind and want to help others feel inspired or hopeful again about whatever it is in life they need or have been praying to happen.

I've seen story after story about people who have huge needs yet choose to make a Hope Rock so someone will find it and feel hope in their hearts. I'd say this is paying it forward, as Betsi Procter, wrote on our Hope Rock FaceBook page.

Here are a few more wonderful people and the Hope Rocks they've made.

Tina Mansfield from OK made this beautiful Hope Rock.
Thank you, Tina! Let us know where you hid it on the fan page!

Andrea from Falling Ladies hid her Hope Rock on a sidewalk leading to a lake.
A few days later it was gone...
Her detective work to see where it ended up may surprise you.
This woman is dedicated! Thank you, Andrea!

Sandy Coleman from Creations by Coleman made this Hope Rock and added some bling to it. Look at the picture closely before you hop over to her blog to see where she hid it to see if you can guess where she hid it. I love the creative places people, like sandy, are coming up with to leave a Hope Rock at.

Sign up in the Mr. Linky's box below to help me know you are playing along this next week. I'll look for your pics on the Hope Rocks FaceBook page, too.

Let's Keep Hope Rockin'!!

Hope Rocks Week 6

My wee friend, Andy from Scotland, Living a Simple Green Life, made this Hope Rock in memory of Wonder Dog, our beloved Black lab who passed away in January. If this isn't just the coolest gesture ever, I don't know what is! Thank you, Andy!!

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More cool Hope Rock Stars Stories

Bonnie Pederson, founder of Magic of Depression workshops and webinars, is spreading Hope in Haiwaii. If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with depression, please visit her site to get more information and help. Bonnie's powerful story can be read by clicking on the picture below of her Hope Rocks she made. Thank you, Bonnie for participating in Hope Rocks!

Bonnie's Hope Rocks (click on picture above to get info)

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Dee Champion's Hope Rocks Story

You may remember Dee from an interview I did with her previously. Dee is one of the sweetest women I know. She's battled breast cancer head on with remarkable bravery, and is now facing the removal of a tumor on her ovary. Dee tackled this recent discovery by choosing to spread hope to others. She's been busy making Hope Rocks to take with her to the hospitals and doctors offices. Plus, she gathered up an army of people in the UK to also participate with Hope Rocks. Thank you all so much!!

I'm asking each one of you who lands on this post to stop right now and send Dee some love, healing and HOPE for great news as she undergoes this surgery. Your prayers and loving thoughts will encase her body, her mind, her indomitable spirit, and will help her heal after the surgery. Dee, we are with you in spirit, in LOVE and in mind. We are your army marching ahead of you, beside you and behind you. Close your eyes, and soak up this powerful, healing love, girlfriend!!

Click on Dee's Hope Rock pic below to hear the interview with her.

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Thank you to Terah, from Cowgirl Red for encouraging a new follower, Creatively Sensitive to Woodstock Lily's to participate in Hope Rocks, too. Below is the rocks she found on the beach, and if you click on her pic below you can see how these Hope Rocks were transformed into works of art. Plus you see the clever place she selected to hide one. Thank you, Creatively Sensitive, for joining the Hope movement in your area.

Creatively Sensitive Hope Rock Before pic

Click on the pic to support us on FaceBook! Thanks!

Sign up for this week's Hope Rock's play along below on the Mr. Linky.

Hope Rocks Week 5

My dear friend, Pamela Barrett, from CA made the beautiful nature and music video film above . I love the happy ending and almost felt like I had been there in person soaking up the sun. Thank you, Pammy! Hope Rocks has made its first west coast beach appearance!

Southern California is rockin' and rollin' Hope Rocks all over the place.
My new west coast HR specialist, Betsi P, has been making 100's of Hope Rocks.

We'll be taping a video this next week
to share her heart warming story
how making and hiding Hope Rocks
has changed her life.
If you live in the Ojai Valley
you've probably found one of her masterpieces.
This woman is leaving no stone unpainted with HOPE!

Another beach on the other side of the world has been adorned with a lovely Hope Rock made by Sally Hope, singer-songwriter from Wales. You can track her Hope Rock having breakfast, then taking a ride to the coast where it ended up finding its perfect place in the sun. Andy, from Living A Simple Green Life has the pictures on his blog to prove it! Thank you, Sally, Andy and Mel! Please take a few minutes to head over to Andy's place to see this creative tribute to the Hope Rocks fever that everyone's catching!

Help spread the word about Hope Rocks and join us in this week's play along. Sign up below on the Mr. Linky. Find some rocks. Paint or write the word HOPE on them, then hide them in fun places for others to find. Take some pics of where you hid your HR's, send them to me or post them on the official FaceBook Hope Rocks fan page. Or you can make a short video!

Thank you all for the get well wishes! I finally kicked that cruddy crud of a flu out the door for good. 2 weeks is long enough for it to be trying to rob me of my precious life! Get out and Stay OUT! Pffftttt... sure told it how the cow ate the cabbage, didn't I?

Theme Song in the Works

Tera from Olive Hue Designs wrote an amazing poem for Hope Rocks! Seriously, it Rocks!! So much so, I'm working on some music to turn it into a theme song for Hope Rocks. My goal is to make a video of me singing it. First up though, is getting over this flu crud that walloped me in my chest and sinuses. Everyone tells me it can take up to 4 weeks to get rid of it. Now that is simply NOT acceptable! I vote for an immediate kick to the curb!

Please go read her amazing poem & take a look at her art while you're there. Did I tell you she is an amazing artist & one of her pieces was just selected to be published this year in a new book called, "100 Illustrations". Congratulations, Tera!!!

Click HERE To Check her out.

If any of you have seen the sunshine, would you please ask it to come visit northern OH for an hour or two? Please? Pretty please?? I just want to wear my sunglasses and be dazzled by its brilliance for a little while. Anybody else feel the same way?

PS I removed a bunch of my widgets that may have been making it hard for my blog to load on a lot of people's puters. I'm sorry I didn't do this sooner. Those widgets can be an addiction to add more & more stuff to your site. Let me know if it's better now, OK?

Hope Rocks Week 4

Hope Rocks! Join in today. See the Mr. Linky below??? Please add your name to the list so I can link back to you and your blog after you post your Hope Rocks pictures. Make sure you link back to me, too. Spread the word!

Email me at hoperockstars at gmail dot com after you've posted your pics.

And thank you all for your loving words about Wonder Dog~ Our family appreciates your love and kindness during our loss.

Hope Rocks Week 3

My dear friend, Betsi, floral designer extraordinaire, whom I've known since she was 13 growing up as my little sister's best friend in Ojai, CA has been painting Hope Rocks like crazy. The Hope Rocks above are hers. Betsi will be sending more pictures of her newest ones this week. I'm adding a flickr page for us to contribute to plus they can be found on the Hope Rocks page on FaceBook. Please go hit the Like button today, then share the link on your blog or Facebook page, too. Thanks!!!

Andrea from, "Falling Ladies" blog posted all the Hope Rocks she made, and wrote about a special person she left a Hope Rock to find... herself. Listen to the song, 'Concrete Angels' she has playing on her playlist while you look at her post. It fits the her theme so well and is a healing, feel-good song. Her idea for bringing some hope to her life is brilliant.

Terah from "Cowgirl Red" painted some Hope Rocks before she and her hubby went to Jamaica. Terah sent me a message she would be doing this, and told me if any place could use some hope, it is Jamaica. I agree! Go look at her pictures and she how she was given hope to try something she had become terrified of ever doing again. Terah, your bravery fills me up with hope~

Later this week I'll be sharing a poem an artist/blogger, and wonderful friend, wrote for Hope Rocks. She wrote it for me and gave it to me to share with all of you. I asked her if I could tweak it into a theme song for Hope Rocks. She said yes! I'm on it! I'll post a video of me playing guitar & singing it when it's done. Would you guys like that?

Andy from, "Living A Simple Green Life" made this awesome video below for Hope Rocks, and Mel, his sweet wife painted the Hope Rocks. They live in a really cool Black Bus and live off the grid traveling all over their beloved Highlands in Scotland. Pop over to check out their blog out. If you're like me you'll want to hop the next plane, boat, train or car to go meet them. Superman & I have it in our plans to do just that! We love you Andy & Mel!!

The beautiful voice on the video belongs to Sally Hope, a friend from Wales. Please take a listen to all her music on reverbnation. Click on her name above for a direct connection to her link.

Thank you and thank you to everyone participating in Hope Rocks. If I missed someone please email me at HopeRockStars at g mail dot com. Don't forget to add your name to the Mr. Linky below to let me know you're participating in this week's Hope Rocks play along.

Hope Rocks Week 2

Hope Rocks has literally taken off around the world! I'm getting emails and pictures from Scotland, Hawaii, Australia. Wow! Hope is a flame that cannot be put out. Above and below are pictures of where I placed a couple of my Hope Rocks. This bright purple bench was begging me to lay some Hope on it. I obliged. Happily!

The window below I found in an alley
also begged for a Hope Rock
to brighten up someone's day
who walks down the alley
and finds it.

Hope Rock Stars

Sandy Coleman, artist from Creations by Coleman found a clever way to bury Hope so it would find its way back to her just in the nick of time. She writes of how we use the word hope in every day ways, and how hope can be a prayer and an answer at the same time.

Leisanne from LeisanneArt wrote a powerful story about overcoming the fear to love again and shared how Hope had been restored to her when she least expected it to. Her Hope Rocks are angelic masterpieces and I know they will appear as angels to those who find them.

Vicki, from Nolly Posh Dreaming, spreads Hope while spending time receiving chemotherapy, and inspiring other people sharing the journey with her to hold Hope close to their hearts. Go sit for awhile, and read her posts, and listen to the music she plays while you read. You'll leave brimming over with Hope. Nolly Posh was my first follower here on my blog other than family. She gave me so much HOPE that I kept on writing this blog. Now look. There are 520 people following me and 540 regular subscribers. Hope Rocks the entire Universe.

Pamela Barrett, author of 'Tales of the Titmouse' and the blog Sister Gilby's Sayings also participated in Hope Rocks and shares a powerful post titled, 'Hope Rocks: Lessons In Letting Go.

The amazing people that painted these Hope Rocks could be the new Hope Rocks poster children, and adults. The faces and pure joy that oozes from each participant will inspire each and everyone of you. If these enthusiastic Hope Rock Stars don't inspire you to participate, we will need to check your pulse. Seriously, these guys ROCK!

Thank you, Stacy Fisher and her Taekwondo students
at Fisher's CTA Black Belt Academy
for your participation in Hope Rocks!

There are more wonderful people who've participated in this week's Hope Rocks. I'll post their links and pictures this next week. The way things are growing, I may need to do a mid week Hope Rocks post!

We are ready to launch Week 2 of Hope Rocks. Sign up in the Mr. Linky box below. Leave a comment to let me know you are playing or when your pictures are up on your blogs or if you need my email to send me your pictures. You may also become an official fan on the Hope Rocks FaceBook Fan page. Click the LIKE button! Watch the video here to see how it all started and what how to play along.

Hope Rocks Starts Today! Week 1

After you watch the video, sign up on the Mr. Linky below. Leave me a comment after you sign up. I'll be posting pictures of places I hide my Hope Rocks and will feature people here on my blog that play along. Make sure you link back to me on your posts for Hope Rocks!

Make sure you get your Hope Rocks posts up before next Thursday. Each Thursday we'll start a new round of Hope Rocks. Please let your friends know how we're spreading Hope at Woodstock Lily's.

Thank you all for participating!

You can read more about Hope Rocks on my links under my header above titled "Hope Rocks"! Plus there's some pictures of a few of my rocks I've painted to help give you ideas.

Fleas On My Dog

Opie's singing his favorite Christmas song. Around here, we all join in singing this silly Christmas song. I've been known to sing it in at the check out line at a store. Seriously. Out loud. Try it when you're getting a little stressed out from all the things you still have to do before Christmas. Sing it in while you're circling the mall parking lot for the 13th time trying to find a parking space. It will make you feel happier, I promise. It's good medicine.

Repeat song as needed.

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I just finished my first batch of Hope Rocks.

Read the post below this one
to get the info on what the Hope Rocks mean.

I recycled some rocks I had used in a fountain until it thaws enough outside for me to find some in the yard. These had a polished finish so I kept it simple and used metallic gold and silver markers by Pilot. On Monday I'm scheduled to get an EKG and while I'm there I plan to distribute my Hope Rocks. I have to get the EKG to make sure I'm ready for the surgery I'm having on December 29 to remove some nasty scar tissue in my abdomen that's been causing me a lot of pain and discomfort.

I'll admit it's a little scary, OK a lot scary. I had some adhesions removed during another surgery almost 2 years ago that had stuck my liver and intestines together but my doc said there's lots more, and referred me to a G.I. doctor. The G.I. guy told me when I couldn't stand the pain any more to let him know and he'd remove it. But after a recent C Scan he decided to refer me to a specialist. That specialist just happened to be the doctor that helped Christopher Reeves after his traumatic accident. I thinks it's a sign I will be in good hands seeing how he operated on Superman. But I'm still having some anxiety about it. I would certainly appreciate any prayers and good thoughts you could send my way.

My plan of attack for my anxiety is to use my Hope Rocks to help me get through it. On Monday while I'm at the hospital getting my EKG, I'll have a pocket full of Hope Rocks to leave in various places. I know there are people facing far worse situations than myself, and my hope is that they will receive the gift of hope when they find one of the Hope Rocks. I prayed for each rock as I drew Hope on them and visualized good things for the people who'll find them. I believe the Hope Rocks will manifest hope in their hearts and will be the answered prayer they'd hoped to receive. Giving to others when you are in pain or are hurting in any manner can help ease your own pain. I'll be humming Fleas on my Dog even though Christmas will be over.

I know Christmas will be beautiful this year. I'll be surrounded by people I love and they love me. I have so much to be thankful for. I just hit my 2 year mile marker for quitting smoking. I married Superman, my very own super hero, this year. I have beautiful grandchildren (Birdie loves each one of you!!) and beautiful children. I have the best family in the world and the most amazing friends. These are the things I will think about when I get scared, and of course Opie singing his favorite Christmas song.

There are several people playing along with Hope Rocks even though the official start date isn't until January 6, 2011!! How cool is that?! Thank you so much, Dee, Cowgirl Red, Sandy and Leisanne for joining me to share some Hope for the holidays. I can't wait to see your rocks and hear about where you placed them! Please leave a comment if you participated with me in the Hope Rocks play along so other people will know to go see what you did with your Hope Rocks.

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas

From the bottom of my heart!
Happy Holidays, my dear friends!

See singing silly songs does give you peace.
Just look at Opie Taylor below.
Feliz Navidad!

Oh and in case everyone missed the winners of my Caption Contest they are;
Lily from Blahwg! Life on, and Off the Farm
Tera from Olive Hue Designs
and
Relyn from Come Sit By My Fire

I decided to award all 3 people who left witty captions. I wasn't feeling well for a few weeks and dropped the ball on asking for people to vote for the funniest ones. Thank you for playing along, Lily, Tera and Relyn. Your prize of my Poppy Love set of four greeting cards will be sent out as soon as I get your mailing addresses confirmed. Muahhhhs!