Raising Hope for Emma Lee Stewart

The Reason For Hope Compilation CD's can be ordered via email to TheReasonForHopeCD@Gmail.com payment can be made via Interact Email Money Transfer. Mail orders with payment by cash or cheque can be made to :
The Reason For Hope
170 Temperance Street New Glasgow, NS B2H3B1 ($20.00 Includes shipping)

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Shhh

So Jim's birthday is the 6th. I will not be able to get him a card or anything, let alone remember that it's his birthday. The kids will be home I've got to get them involved! Chocolate cake for sure. Peace, Emma Lee

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Part 2 Down

Part 2 of the optional chemo is down and my oh my oh my.

Yesterday was brutal, but VON are the angels they are painted to be. Eddie. Remember that name.

Anyway, will be talking about what the third part of this silliness is before getting them to perhaps take it down a notch? I don't know. Enough said. My pressure is climbing back up and I'm feeling better a bit.

Don't want to be complaining.

Anyway, so is Irene on the way? Looks like a trop storm to move Lee HOME!!!! After all the work that has been done on this little cottage on Temperance - Lee will have to be gentle. With luck I will have him with me starting tomorrow night. Isn't that crazy? We have to get some sort of bed down here in the "dining" room, so Jim and Lee can spell off to make sure I'm okay and have what I need in the night. Starting to match pain killers to pain.

Thinking of Liz and all her animals as they get ready for the storm, knowing they will be safe too!

And watch Lord of the Rings. There are so many things said in that movie that give me inspiration. I did watch Jack Layton's memorial yesterday. Goes without saying. But it was a really, really bad day.

Alrighty then. Watch out. There's a storm on the horizon! There's a storm a'comin'! People there's a storm a'comin'! Don't be scared. You're not alone!!!!

Peace, Emma Lee

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Friday, August 26, 2011

A Few Things


Don't know whether I told you all how delighted I was to arrive home the other night - oohs and aahs as I passed from room to room. Love and light.

The next morning Jim and I were sitting at the computer and Jim spilt his entire cup of coffee everywhere. So, needless to say . . . . .

Blood work went okay yesterday. Treatment today - aredia and the new chemo. I'm aching from head to toe so here we are on the pain med cycle, at long last some might say. I gave birth to both my children by natural child birth and I do believe that I have a high tolerance for pain, but it's not quite as high as what's coming on I fear.

I have all the gear right here. Yesterday when I returned home I must have slept for hours and hours . It felt wonderful, and we shall see if that now becomes the trend. Lee will be home this weekend. Mary can't get here til next.

BTW, Mary's event? Almost $3K!!!!!!!!!!! Can you believe that little gal? We are approaching the $10K mark folks. The goal will be reached and we will keep you informed. I thank you all for keeping those sale requests coming in and Jim is hoping to get your orders out the day we receive them.

And now again, my thanks to you. We keep coming around to that. My heart is so full of love and thanks and gratitude. What would I do without my family and friends? I am asking for patience with myself. So, if you could spare a prayer for patience, that would be great too. And, more importantly than all that, take time to express your gratitude and love for all.

Please love each!

Peace today,

Emma Lee

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Good Morning Thursday!



This is the sunset Tuesday night from Janice's at Seafoam. Very fitting I thought.

Seems like ages. So much has happened in the world. And in this little house. And in this little body of mine. I need to regroup. Seems anything can upset the apple cart. Bloodwork this a.m. and then rest. I will have to get in touch with my gals I was going to have luncharoo with. I really don't think I can. I'm very, very tired and aching all over. Will they forgive me? I'm on it right now. As soon as I feel well again!

The house is amazing. I need to relax now. Lee is moving home this coming Monday. Mary and Dave are coming for a visit and Tessa is coming too. The whole family will be here for a few days together. I will like that. Quiet time with my family.

Alright. They say there's a storm a coming. Be careful friends. Hopefully much ado! But if not have lots of water,etc. You will need it and be kind to your little friends. And Buckets (previously known as Puff) is an outdoor cat now!!!!!!! Yay for Buckets. Freedom - we're talking about freedom. How wonderful. Thank you Deb and Alistair!

Peace today to Jack Layton and importantly to each of us as we seek our fire, our flame and our destiny together in the light.

Emma Lee

Monday, August 22, 2011

Women Alike Photo



Women Alike at the Dragon Boat festival. Beautiful picture ladies!

This could be inspiration for today.

Well, here I'm packed and I guess I'm leaving for a while. The place will be ready when I get back from bloodwork on Thursday. Always tired. Beautiful weather on the way. I'll miss Mary on BT tomorrow. Sad about that. Hopefully she can report on tonight's release. Can't wait to hear all about it. Kissing booths, dates, etc. They're having such fun. They had kind of wanted to try to stream it.

Sunshine golden. Sunshine golden. Sunshine golden.

Emma Lee

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Three Days Since First Part of Treatment



This is a picture of Doris singing for me at the Dragon Boat opening. I was supposed to sing, but simply was too weak! Thanks Miss Mason - you are a true gem.

Things are going well. Just some edema in my legs, but nothing to be alarmed about says trusty VON. Cup of coffee per Jim - beans from Maui ground and very, very nice. Slept a bit last night.

I'll keep you updated but I'm feeling good. Pressure is coming back to normal I think - maybe today. Flu-like gone. Coronation Street on. Kids having fun.

Maybe a drive in the future today. CDs at H&R. They're not open on Sundays, but don't be shy. All my information is there!

What song is going to sing in my heart today? We heard a lot of IZ in Maui - What a Wonderful World is one we heard again and again and it is indeed a beautiful arrangement. Perhaps that. Also listened to a Susie Vinnick CD yesterday - her and her acoustic - just amazing as well. She has some rocking' style!!!

Mission - good day today. Mission to be accomplished. Marching orders tomorrow - back for blood work on Thursday and next Aredia and treatment on Friday. I'll let VON know where I am! Girls will care for little cottage on Temperance Street. I need to get back to my story and will take my laptop to Seafoam.

Janice is the most gracious of hosts. Thank you dear lady. What a grandmother!

Peace to you all today,

Love and light and powerful energy into the world we go!

Emma Lee

P.S. Stop at LORDA - fundraiser needs your help - Shaun and Gwen and Lloyd and a host of others - should be awesome!

Saturday, August 20, 2011

H&R Has CDs and our Contact Information!

Yay. Downtown New Glasgow is selling Reason for Hope CDs - H&R. They have our number and some CDs so drop in and get your copy today!!!!! Located at Glasgow Square Parking Lot! Great store - friendly people - lovely day. Good day!!!!

Emma Lee

Sounds and Looks Like Fun



This is my good friend Jakki Rogue who played wonderfully at my Emma's Excursion, prior to our Maui visit. Thank you Ms. Rogue - you lovely woman!

My friends are going to take over my little front room for a period of hours for me- and while they do - I'm going to the beach at Seafoam! Won't that be fun? Won't take long - this little house is indeed a wee little house and with all hands on deck it will be done before you know it! How sweet. It was one of my wishes that I get the place set. Cleared of cat and dog hair. A hospital bed arrived yesterday, just to get ready and the front room will become my sanctuary, complete with piano, guitar, CD player, TV, close to washroom, wireless, cordless phone, what else - oh yes - friends and Jim and kids and light and love! There. Completeness. I have to watch out for germs. Jim is becoming my Gandalph. If there is a Gandalph picture posted at either door, you know my resistance is down and we have to be aware of germs. If you have a cold, you certainly should just call.

Friends coming for lunch next Thursday and David was here for a great visit yesterday.

CD comp sales are going well. Information still posted here - tell your friends. This is big. Will have to make one big concerted effort to reach target though. Mary is on BT on Tuesday! Breakfast Television.

Treatment seemed to go well yesterday. Just a hint of flu-like, which I am sure will dissipate as the day goes along. Next treatment next Friday. Blood work on Thursday. Pressure still down, but I'm okay. VON will be around today if needed.

Okay. Cloudy, but still nice. Lots of bird activity out there today - must have a look around and then breakfast. Jim will be a busy boy today.

Peace to you all. Have a wonderful Saturday. It is indeed a great Saturday.

Emma Lee

Friday, August 19, 2011

Happy Friday


Happy Friday

Used to have a very different meaning! Yahoo! Happy Friday and every one seemed to share in the same lament. Regardless - it's still another beaut day out there and I intend to enjoy it.

New chemo at 10:00 a.m.

I'm looking forward to it. Will report back. I'm having a small cup of coffee. Can you believe it?

There have been found to be a glut of sharks in the waters off NS this summer. I send this shout out to Lee Stewart, who for many years read about all things sharks and told us repeatedly about the hundreds, perhaps more, sharks that reside in our waters! Good for Lee. And good thing the pool is fixed.

Jim is getting ready to deliver some CD compilations to Liz for this weekend to work her wonder. We will soon be planning a full scale County sale - and you know who you are who will be helping with this! We will need media - radio and print and posters and locations and, and, and - net proceeds to metastatic breast cancer research. Your support is the only way. Mary will have her event this weekend and I think by then, after expenses (manufacture, etc.) we might be approaching mid-way and so that means we will make it because now it will just be CD comp sales and this CD is good! $15.00 and all the ordering information is contained on this blog.

I sent a note to our local member of the legislative assembly yesterday - I want to have Oct 13 designated as metastatic breast cancer awareness day. Strip the pink for a minute. See what's happening. We need the pink, but we need to see what's behind the pink too! It's big, bigger than we want gals, sisters, my dear friends.

Enough about that. Today will be a good day - we have the power unless something earth shattering happens! Which it will not. Unless we open our mouths and talk about something, NOTHING will be done. Is that our legacy?

The above picture is a shot of me taken by Lisa MacDonald when I was performing during the songwriter's circle at the 2004 Jubilee - on stage with me is Steven Bowers, Arthur Godfrey, Thom Yutes, Clarence Deveau, Ann Oakley and Colin Smeltzer. The song was written by Simon Underwood and I, called AM I A Fool? Many times that question has been asked by both myself of myself and by those who have verbalized to others their need to understand good old enigma Emma Lee. That's good - keep asking. Keeps me grounded in the light of my life! Where you should be too. Our light is our energy - it will increase love and peace in this world. Use it for good and get ready to let it go!

Can't not tell you that PUFF the magic kitty is doing well at Debbie's!!!! Yay. Thank you universe.

Peace to you today! Love, Emma Lee

Thursday, August 18, 2011

BT Interview with Mary

On Tuesday morning! Yay. Went well. she said! Yay. Can't wait. Thanks all!

Blood Work


Another beautiful breezy day - the windows are opened and life smells pretty nice right now. I'm seeing Honey for lunch. She's my darling. Thanks Auntie Liz. Bloodwork went great, I think - cause no news is good news. 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning for the new chemo. Fingers crossed guys. Prayers for me - but ones with lots of light in them please. The kids are all headed to the city today. I envy them - what fun we would have if we were all there. I'll be there in spirit. Maybe even Seaform cottages for a couple of days next week if all goes well. Jim will love that. VON will have to track me down!!! Just kidding. These are my musings, which I pray will come to fruition.

Don't you love meeting positive people? Isn't it something when a negative person enters a room and sucks the life out of it? Have you felt that recently? Last night when Jim had to do his Gandalf impersonation to protect me!

Make sure that you watch BT in the morning - Miss Mary Stewart will be on, sometime!

My friend Megan is off to a Las Vegas wedding. Now that's something! It would have been been neat to get married in a little chapel down there. But our little chapel was great too! I cried for some reason, the entire time. Jim had his Stewart garb on and I was wearing the most adorable little pink dress and hat. Don't know why I'm going there today.

Okay - have a blast today - it is a wonderful summer day - rest in the breeze, let it caress your face - it feels just some kind of wonderful; just some kind of wonderful!

Peace to you all,

Emma Lee

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Back to Too Early




Honey, courtesy of Auntie Liz at the latest Emma-Day-US at Aileen's!!!!

So, You will see the change in the format. Mary sat that up. I will take mail orders for the CDS - Pictou County's goal is still 200 but if I can do better! Metastatic Breast Cancer Research right? Also I can take through gmail and it's all printed out there.

VON says no to germs today. So, I'll be singing from across the street. Mary will be taping for BT on Friday - so watch up - she'll be talking about the event in TO and the CD in general. Time to order another batch of CDs I think.

Peace to you all today. The humidity is gone. Pressure still down. Nice to have the breeze though. The cleaning gang is rallying and Janice MacNeill has offered her Seaform place while the cleaning goes on. Am I blessed or what? I'll keep you updated. Love to Mary Boulter, where ever you might be driving right now! Be careful with those wonderful kids!

Peace, Emma Lee

Up Too Early



More will follow - just lost two entries Back to sleep with my angels - 14 of them - they guard us all. Peace to you, Emma Lee

Up Early

Monday, August 15, 2011

Update



I'm a lucky gal - two great doctors and wonderful nursing staff! And Jim with me.

We're not going back to Xeloda. Psychologically, too much for me having experienced what I did. But there is another intraveneous drug they are recommending. We have thought it over. I'm going to give it one cycle. I start on the 19th. Vinorelibn. My tumour markers are flying upward. This drug will not penetrate anything in my brain, where activity is high. But it will "manage" other places. My liver is having a hard time. That's all I'm going to say for now.

Here are pictures of Puff from Debbie. Puff is being a good boy! She thinks he will settle down eventually. Isn't that great? Two lovely cats there boy.

I will be conserving energy at every angle. May not be able to make Everett's funeral but will do my best, if someone can give me hand. Talk soon,

Sunday was another beaut!


Almost all plans yesterday came through, and I was sleeping before the last episode of the The Office, which I am finding quite hilarious. Lee called in. Mary and Dave are here. Jim made a wonderful dinner. I had a candy craving. Janet dropped off a gift certificate for Ming's. Judy picked-up her Cd's. Reg and Joan dropped off the kids and left organic eggs, cheese, coffee, etc. etc. etc. Jim picked up a new ladder for the pool and dropped off Phee's wonderful clothing she loaned me for Maui. Wow. I had hammock time. We listened to IZ, the CD we bought in Maui. It's beautiful. And Julie and I had a great big visit and shared lots of stories and thoughts! She's doing good and the sun - the light - was shining!!

Doctors this morning. I'm anxious. Will report. Mary is staying over tomorrow night and then Jim will get them somehow to the airport on Wednesday. They will be meeting Lee and Tessa in TO. The kids are going to have such fun. I will be with them in spirit but hopefully they will let loose - and wear their Maui gear we loaded them up with!!! HaH!!!!!

My body. My time. My listening to my heart. My yes. My no. All those lessons I've been picking up since chemo started in early July 2010. Quality. Love, light, laughter and feeling as well as I can! And having those I love around me. Two weeks and counting til my room gets ready for me here at the little cottage on Temperance Street. Extract all unnecessary - PLEASE. No dust. Just clean and beauty. That's what I want. A rocking chair?

Peace today, pray I can make Everett's funeral on Wednesday. If pressure is good.

Open your mind. Fill your heart with the light. I can feel it now. It's free for the taking and there's lots of it.

Emma Lee

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Amazing Breeze, Amazing Light



The breeze this early morning is incredible. It must be touching people throughout the Maritimes and I hope it is and I hope you can appreciate its touch. Yesterday was busy. John my brother and his wife Mary were here. We had a feast. I had a rest. Then Jim and I went to the Dairy Queen and for a drive! Magic again because the sky was so blue it was amazing! Thank you for that. Today a friend is dropping by and perhaps some others. Thanks for the CD sales- Jim will get them out to you as soon as he can. He has to go to an open house on Tuesday in Halifax and then a turn over on Wednesday noon and then he's on compassionate leave with me.

My dear, good, wonderful friend Everett has gone into the light. His funeral is on Wednesday. I am asking God for the strength to go to his funeral. I love Everett Smith. He has been one of my greatest friends at Trinity. He has showed me the example of Christian love over and over and over again. I hope I can raise my voice for him on Wednesday.

Mary is coming home today, with Dave and I can't wait to see them. They will be travelling back to TO this week and Lee and Tessa will be going up to stay with them. Have a blast you guys! I will miss it to be sure. So will Jim, but I can't possibly make the trip and Jim is not going to leave me again! The 22nd should be a blast at the Horseshoe. Go in an visit Mary's site. I'll link it.

I am hoping for another drive, some visiting, some sleeping some eating, no nausea - higher pressure and love and light and sunshine and happiness and QUALITY of life! Get some of that in your pockets guys. That's all you need. Make a difference of good in the world.

Love to you all! Emma Lee

Thursday, August 11, 2011

I'm Taking Mail Orders for RFH CD Comps - See Below.


Reason For Hope CD Compilation - next release. Horseshoe Tavern, TO. Can you believe it? August 22nd. Mary is going great gusto to get this off the ground. (Jim and I won't be able to go.) As far as I can tell, cause an official accounting hasn't been given to me, we may be half way to our goal! I'm hoping anyway - but don't forget we can get more printed in time for Christmas delivery and the good work can continue. I have CDs here - I am taking orders by mail (well Jim is) - snail mail that is - 170 Temperance Street, New Glasgow NS B2H 3B1. $15.00 is the cost but we need to cover shipping which we are estimating at $2.00 for packing envelope and postage. Don't be shy. It's a great product and the funds are needed for research desperately. Blatant self-promotion - Listen to track 15 first - unreleased by me!!

Jim has been flogging them in Halifax like mad. My friend Janet Ervin has six. Janet was here for a great visit yesterday. (Chicken soup!) Lynn and Linda have four. (There may be a dinner left from them today.) Megan MacKay has five. Megan was here for a great visit yesterday. H&R has 2 left. We sold over 30 last weekend! We have to account for all sales and get those funds into the Canadian Breast Cancer Network so they can do their thing. These CDs can't sit on shelves gathering dust - NO NO NO NO NO NO NO. Not my mandate nor wish. If they sit on a shelf they're not funding research and I will not stand for that - then they're off the shelf - If they don't move within one week, then find another tactic I say. I haven't gotten Liz Van den Eynden involved yet - and she can certainly help push any that aren't moving on shelves. Funds back to Reason for Hope - deposit made - cheque cut and on it's way! Okay - that's the rant. Net proceeds - after production(band alignment, bios, arrangements, artwork, etc.) manufacturing/production and release (believe me it's bare bones) costs - goes. This is my dream. As soon as sales are made, proceeds must be turned back in for deposit.

Okay. So, I'm ranting - you can tell that my pressure is nicely climbing. Karen spent the evening. Jim may be off on compassionate leave as early as next week, please God. Oncologist on Monday and we will talk Xeloda. VON checking in every day - seems a different gal every day. Busy gals. Wave to them! They are doing a good job.

Still a poor quality of life. Gone down hill considerably. My brother John and Mary coming by Saturday; Julie coming by on Sunday; Mary coming home on Sunday with Dave; Jim home tomorrow.

I'm going to rest and then try my hand at my story again - thanks Chris for guiding me - The Best Christmas Ever. Will give you previews if that's all I get! So there's your job today!!!!!!! Get your motor running!!! Forget about the rain and write, write, write.

Peace, Emma Lee

Sunday, August 7, 2011

So Many Friends, Where Do I Start?


I'm going to start with this one: I have had inspiration flowing into my heart over the past couple of weeks, as I learn to be the gal who cannot make a commitment. In that time, I've been searching for inspiration - oh, I know I'm know I'm not walking alone and all that, you don't have to remind me, I'm calling on the light and energy of all of you to fill me with good tidings. Here are some "awakenings" to go along with that. These are taken from a 2011 Calendar called Awakening published by Le Grange Centre Ministries: Ministry of the Arts, St. Joseph Press The Well: a Spirituality & Retreat Centre. Their Ministry: Through the arts we contemplate and express the universe and holiness of all creation. We affirm the power and prophecy of the arts and believe the arts to be an important ministry for hope and healing in a critical moment of world transformation. Many of the creators of the artwork here are local.

January: The day of my spiritual awakening was the day I saw - and Iknew I saw - ALL THINGS IN GOD AND GOD IN ALL THINGS. Art: Communion by Ansgar Holmberg. Each day then holds a message: My January: Regret is a waste of energy. Expect prayers to be answered.Put your heart in all you do.

February: Let yourself be loved. Fruitfulness, not success, bring true joy.
In a dark time, the eye begins to see.

March: Listen to your heart beat. Observe the grandeur of God in a tree. Grow herbs on your window sill.

April: Your inner resources are the treasure your carry. Make sometime from nothing.

May: Sit in silence at least 10 minutes each day. Feed your spirit with quiet time (Mary's birthday)

June: Have a courageous conversation with yourself. Write down your dreams. Believe that life is worth living. Courage is the price that life extracts for granting peace (Lee's birthday).

August: comes adorned with my friend Mary's cell phone number! Thank you. God's abiding prescence encourages new ways of seeing and doing. Make a plan, and then let go. Fear is a natural reaction to moving closing to the truth. Gather wildflowers. Arrange in vintage vases.

That's as far as I'm taking it. Don't want to turn the next page yet. Peace to you all today. Find inspiration - it really is all around you!

Thanks dragon boaters for making the remarkable ever more remarkable! You guys are amazing!

Peace today and always, Emma Lee

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Good Morning

Hey there Working away at getting paypal set up for CD purchases. Will give you more information in due course In the meantime, it will be going on sale this week at Dragon Boat Festival. I'll get to hear the festivities from up the hill. Take care all!! Concessions stage Friday night and Carnation booth on Saturday! Get'em soon - going like hotcakes!!!! More information on this site soon! Peace to you all today.

Aredia treatmnet and Dr Farrell in the morning.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Hello


Hey all. Sorry it's been so long. I've been fighting, fighting, fighting to start feeling like myself again. I think it's coming, but very slowly. It's such a beautiful day, I just wanted to wish you all the best. I'm breathing in the white light of the universe's energy, praying for healing and filling myself with hope. Please do the same! Find a wonderful place today and relax and breath it all in and just be amazed at all you have! Love to you all, Emma Lee