Bits Of My Weekend
the sign | biscuit making | water droplet beard | the kitchen, my best friend lately | a peek at new things | lighter hair | pretty LA on a walk
Well, where to start. I know this is bits of my weekend, but I’ll start with last week, when I briefly lost sight of perspective and positivity. The chemo started to finally eat away at Will and there was a low point of panic: “is this how it will always be? I can’t do this”, and since that moment he has not left the apartment. Slowly he’s returning to a state of alertness and moving around the apartment (thanking our lucky stars), but he’s too tired to stand for very long and isn’t supposed to be in bright sunlight, which is laughable in this summery weather we’re having. Yes, it snowed in New York and was 80 degrees that very day here in LA. So this means I juggle a monotonous cycle of getting a lot of work done, cooking every single meal at home, and all these little trips outside the apartment alone. You know how I feel about doing things alone, longtime readers. I realize I should force friends to drag me out of this apartment, but the catch is that I have so much to do. I’m so far behind on jewelry it’s pathetic, and little projects are piling up from my week of not being very productive. So this is a good time to hunker down and kick some ass (cut to me looking very boring on a computer, “kicking ass”), while simultaneously playing nurse. And bleaching my hair? I needed a break from the routine, I guess. I finally got the hang of what I needed this weekend – walking to all my errands, even if they’re not that close. Bring the New Yorker inside of me to the table. Whenever I walk somewhere here I think, “why don’t I do this more often?” as the sunshine on my skin makes me feel new and the silent walk lets me parse my thoughts. Oh and Phish food ice cream, lots of it. Cures anything.
Thursday we’re going to Palm Springs for 24 hours of being holed up somewhere else, at the request of Will, who I believe is getting stir crazy. Eating every meal at home saves you some crazy money, enough to squirrel away one super on sale hotel room through a flash sale site. I’m jazzed.
October 31st, 2011 at 9:12 am
gorgeous photo of you, kate. I can’t wait to begin working together soon. lots of love to you & will, who are both doing some serious ass-kicking, indeed xo
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October 31st, 2011 at 9:13 am
Ugh… I wish I could come over and hang out with you. But, alas, I live in Little Rock, Arkansas, which would be quite a drive, I imagine. Your trip to Palm Springs sounds PERFECT; enjoy!!! Oh, and I’m loving those little biscuits and YOUR NEW HAIR. (So pretty!) xo.
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October 31st, 2011 at 9:25 am
Hair looks great! Sending energetic thoughts your way.
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October 31st, 2011 at 9:58 am
Aw, the time away from the apt will be great, for both of you. I hope you guys enjoy your little get-a-way, and that Will is feeling much, much better by then.
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October 31st, 2011 at 10:09 am
A lot of us have seen that side of cancer. I’m so sorry for you guys, maybe Will will feel up to a warm spot away from the sun, like at an outdoor cafe soon. Hope so! Kate, I like how you fully admit you don’t like going out alone, I feel the same way though I never admit it. ;)
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October 31st, 2011 at 10:09 am
Your hair is gorgeous. And you are a superhero. Enjoy your much needed getaway!
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October 31st, 2011 at 10:57 am
so glad you guys will be ‘getting away’ together! splashing out on a supernice hotel is always worth it (esp. when there’s so much stress in your life!)…i hope you enjoy it to the max. :)
your new hair colour looks lovely! i thought i was crazy when my first reaction was ‘lighter hair!’ but then apparently i was right. heh. those new necklaces look sooo pretty, too…can’t wait to see them once they’re ready.
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October 31st, 2011 at 11:43 am
Your hair looks so lovely. I hope you and Will really enjoyed your well-deserved getaway! All the best to you.
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October 31st, 2011 at 12:34 pm
I can’t think of any two people who are more deserving of a Palm Springs get-away.
Have a blast!
Liking what I am seeing of your new jewelry styles very much!
xx
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October 31st, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Dear Kate. I don’t really know you, but have been reading your blog for a few years now, so I feel that I do, somehow. First of all, I love your hair-colour! And I know in my heart that this will gett better, and I hope your little get-away is good for you both. Sending good thoughts and prayers to you and Will.
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October 31st, 2011 at 2:16 pm
Have the very best time in palm springs. Hope that Will is on the upswing soon!
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October 31st, 2011 at 3:10 pm
Yes, Palm Springs is definitely what you need. If you aren’t staying at The Parker, you should definitely check it out. The grounds are lovely, as is the bar. Right up your alley, I think.
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October 31st, 2011 at 3:16 pm
thanks everyone for the healthy wishes & hair compliments!
Erin – sadly no, we definitely cannot afford the Parker right now, that place is crazy expensive. Though I wish we could, I hear it’s amazing. I got a deal on the Movie Colony as a room with a patio or deck was at the top of my list of needs right now! Ha.
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October 31st, 2011 at 4:17 pm
The lighter hair looks great on you! Have a nice mini trip to Palm Springs, a change of scenery will be a relaxing change.
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October 31st, 2011 at 4:44 pm
aw you guys definitely deserve a little getaway, and i can completely understand the going stir crazy thing. it’s horrrible feeling cooped up!
i love the hair colour! god i wish mine would go that colour haha
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October 31st, 2011 at 5:55 pm
You don’t know me, I know a little about you- but I just want to say that I think you are wonderful x
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October 31st, 2011 at 8:17 pm
you guys totally deserve a fancy night away! and so glad to hear will’s starting to feel better. :)
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October 31st, 2011 at 10:58 pm
It feels like far too long since we last saw your pretty face, love the new colour! It sounds like Will’s being a trooper, no wonder he’s getting stir crazy. Enjoy your much deserved break x
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November 1st, 2011 at 6:21 am
so, i just wanted to let you know that i’m sending so many postive vibes your way… i’ve been a longtime reader (especially when you were still blogging from nyc). easy does it. and know that love is a crazy healing force; i’ve come to realize this in my own life. may the universe hold you guys tight… enjoy the mini-vacation!
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November 1st, 2011 at 6:43 am
Enjoy your Palm Springs visit – I’m sure it’ll do both of you a world of good. There’s something rejuvenating about trips like that, even short ones.
I also wanted to say that I received your print today, and it’s beautiful! Thank you! I liked the look of it in your shop, but in person it’s just even better.
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November 1st, 2011 at 9:15 am
something about palm springs always works – that calming oppressive heat. new hairs look lovely, and thinking of your little will & wendy family often.
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November 1st, 2011 at 2:05 pm
I am a fairly new reader and a new chemo patient myself. I have to say I love your posts and your pictures (and jewelry). I am pulling for you both!
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November 1st, 2011 at 3:07 pm
Loving the hair and your cute little friend! Hang in there-things will get better. Enjoy your mini-trip :)
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November 1st, 2011 at 3:27 pm
When I had cancer one of the most difficult things to deal with was admitting that I needed help. When I finally did I felt immensely lighter, and realized that refusing a kindness was an unkind act in itself. Like denying a deserved compliment that took someone courage to voice.
Hold a fundraiser for those that want to help and expect nothing in return, throw in something in your thank you note (if you write one) if you want to. Your situation is a hard one, let those who would like to help with no strings attached. Not a criticism, just a thought. I’m rooting for both of you.
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November 1st, 2011 at 7:57 pm
Cute hair, but I was wondering if you are still doing the “no shampoo”? I am thinking of starting it myself.
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November 1st, 2011 at 9:39 pm
Lindsey – oh noooo, I stopped that months ago. It was awful, so not for me. I gave it a good go though!
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November 1st, 2011 at 10:42 pm
Hope things will be better soon! Tomorrow is a new day!
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November 2nd, 2011 at 7:36 am
have a blast on your little getaway! you two deserve it. love your lighter hair, just did the same thing. do you mind if i ask where your glasses are from?
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November 2nd, 2011 at 3:05 pm
We can’t afford to stay at the Parker either, but I hoped you’d found a way in. We did go for breakfast though, and we pretended that we were staying there ;)
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November 2nd, 2011 at 7:14 pm
First time by your blog… I can’t imagine what you’re going through but I hope you have a fun little night away, even if it is just to get out of the house. And I love this set of photos, great blog :-)
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November 2nd, 2011 at 7:23 pm
Kate,
I’m not sure if this is the appropriate place to share this, but I figure it might be easier to skim over comments than it is to check email.
I know Will is undergoing chemotherapy at the moment but I was wondering: have you looked up Dr. Burzynski? He has had amazing results without chemotherapy. He uses antineoplaston treatment.
http://www.burzynskiclinic.com/
There is also a book that might be helpful to you both. It is called “Outsmart your Cancer: Alternative Non-Toxic Treatments That Work” by Tanya Harter Pierce
Take care!
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November 2nd, 2011 at 7:47 pm
Hi Jaime – thanks for thinking of us! But you’re right, Will is already undergoing treatment so there’s no reason to switch. Also, his type of cancer has a cure rate in the 90s with the type of chemo he’s on so there was no need to explore alternative types of treatments or doctors far away. We respect and trust his oncologist completely, we’re very lucky!
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November 2nd, 2011 at 9:39 pm
here’s to some much-deserved R&R in PS, dears.
xoxo
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November 3rd, 2011 at 1:22 pm
I didn’t think it was possible to upgrade your already awesome hair, but you did it! I let out a tiny gasp when I saw that pic of you, because you look SO DAMN stunning!
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November 8th, 2011 at 5:40 am
All of your photos of LA’s “foliage” – cacti and other succulents – REALLY make me miss home! I’m so sorry for everything you and Will are going through, but please know how privileged all your readers feel that you trust us enough to share this trial with us. You both are in my thoughts.
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November 8th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
Hello Kate. Like everyone, I hope that this storm you are enduring ends soon!! No one deserves to go through what you are going through. Will is lucky to have you. :)
Something that is on my mind: Your blog is often about very lovely and desirable things…expensive shoes, eyeglass frames, fingernail polish, clothes. All objects of desire you wish to buy or have bought. And you’ve lived now in two very expensive, desirable cities, which I’m sure has been enriching and wonderful. I would love to try it sometime, based on what I see in your blog!
And yet it begs the question, doesn’t it, if your experience of going through this health ordeal without health insurance will change the way you choose to dedicate your income in the future? Or not? (ie, needs over wants) How does one grapple with these things from the other side? Surely there are many out there who wrestle with the same issue.
Sending thoughts of sunshine and easier days to come, Darcy H.
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November 8th, 2011 at 3:36 pm
In response to above comment: This question was probably better left unasked. If sunshine thoughts are truly being sent (which I don’t question), then perhaps leave out the rhetorically-phrased financial tutorial next time. My apologies for the response but this blog deserves a huge high-five, not a back-handed compliment(intended or not). Cheers.
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November 8th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
Hi Darcy –
First of all I hope that you are not trying to be disrespectful or hurtful at all, as I can tell from the tone of your comment you seem like your intentions are kind, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t hurt my feelings. You are making an assumption about the way that I spend my income based on what you see on my blog, a very tiny slice of my life that no one should feel gives them a completely accurate view of who I am. You read my blog and assume that I have expensive taste because it’s your perception that these things I have in my life are expensive. You are also, in my opinion, insinuating that if it weren’t for my expensive taste perhaps we wouldn’t be in the ordeal of having bills we couldn’t pay. I don’t owe you any type of explanation of how I spend my money, but I can assure you that even if I had every penny from the few pairs of nice shoes (which to some are not even that nice) I’ve purchased in my entire life and the $15 nail polish I purchase on occasion, that wouldn’t have made a single difference in whether or not my boyfriend had health insurance or could pay the thousands of dollars bill he was slapped with for surgery to save his life. We had a savings account and are very responsible with our money, but we would have had to be pretty wealthy to be able to handle that, no amount of spending my money differently back when I had extra money to spend would have changed that.
This experience will not change how I dictate my income because I don’t spend irresponsibly right now, or ever. I don’t even blog about things I buy anymore besides the occasional book and if you think I buy all of the nice things I blog about, then you are very mistaken.
I want to find the good in your comment and not take this so personally, but I feel like you publicly asking me about my finances is so disrespectful that it’s hard not to be upset. But I do appreciate the sunshine you say you’re sending and hope that’s actually true.
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November 8th, 2011 at 5:59 pm
Thanks for your response. You’re right, I was misunderstanding your situation as you described it, somehow I thought you said something like you were uninsured. Depending on the year, I am someone without insurance who still goes shopping, out to dinner, and on vacations. That’s just me. So I thought a perspective from the other side would be truly interesting! might give food for thought, or change some minds.(but probably hoping it would change mine!) Anyway, the insurance thing was put out there. I surely would not have inquired if not. Peace, Darcy
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