tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post2781207331166226293..comments2024-01-06T05:44:45.740-08:00Comments on The Secondhand Years: A yellow dress for FrocktoberCurtisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10362184504889147455noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-74992910969375632872013-10-27T06:54:24.069-07:002013-10-27T06:54:24.069-07:00Very thought provoking and moving post - it must b...Very thought provoking and moving post - it must be devastating to watch a loved one suffer and die from cancer. This made me think of an article I read about breast cancer and how the language around it had changed in a way that negated peoples fear and suffering. You had to be a fighter, a survivor and nobody was allowed to wallow in very human reactions to being diagnosed with something horrible, like fear, anger, distress and mourning.<br />You do look wonderful in that chiffon gown! A fitting tribute to the memory of your dear friend.<br />Veshoeviushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03435514642440232185noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-47511984985527413442013-10-22T15:34:35.280-07:002013-10-22T15:34:35.280-07:00Darling ...so sorry for your loss. Sorry also I&#...Darling ...so sorry for your loss. Sorry also I'm so late in telling you so. It is refreshing to hear your thoughts. We need a cure.<br />Over here, women's health issues are being set back half a century and we cling to hope that the bastards won't win the battle. So many of us have no health care at all and are priced out of the insurance market. We are on the verge of some improvement with the Affordable Health Care Act, but it isn't enough. Someday, we'll catch up and have universal healthcare. Perhaps then, more women will survive. <br />Love to all of you there.<br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12630135395645059302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-14357863969034318202013-10-22T11:04:19.540-07:002013-10-22T11:04:19.540-07:00First, you look gorgeous and love your ethereal dr...First, you look gorgeous and love your ethereal dress!<br />And second, I'm also supporting and encouraging many friends to have a mammogram, ultrasound scan or colonoscopy or whatever improves an early detection!, because that's the way I express my rage over cancer!. I'm not in the 'bravery' team, I prefer to support the Science!!<br />besosSeƱora Allnuthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01403540346998939207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-60141888632739650192013-10-22T03:01:08.922-07:002013-10-22T03:01:08.922-07:00You have just put into words, the most PERFECT wor...You have just put into words, the most PERFECT words, exactly how I have felt, but not able to describe, for years. My mother died from cancer and I have struggled with the 'bravery' label ever since. <br /><br />Cancer sucks. I'm so sorry your friend died and I'm so sorry she was scared and in pain and I'm really glad you were such a great friend to her in being there with her and being honest. <br /><br />You look absolutely beautiful in your tribute frock. I love it and I love you. Shut up. I do. <br /><br />Sarah xxxAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16235255775524330362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-36695316948638332652013-10-21T12:49:51.260-07:002013-10-21T12:49:51.260-07:00What a truly beautiful and dreamy dress to wear in...What a truly beautiful and dreamy dress to wear in tribute to your friend, Curtise. And as always, you're insightfulness and honesty are impressive. The combative vernacular that surrounds many ideas and things, from drugs to terrorism to cancer, often makes me cringe (is it an American thing, mostly?). Call me cynical but I think of it as marketing, which - true - may very well enlist people to endorse/donate to whatever the cause, but which sadly may do very little justice to the reality of the experience. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-38872637567275331102013-10-21T07:56:46.581-07:002013-10-21T07:56:46.581-07:00Oh, that gown is amazing! What a lovely tribute to...Oh, that gown is amazing! What a lovely tribute to your friend. Sending you good vibes.Sheilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735339885677950350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-76247046982728524382013-10-21T01:52:39.668-07:002013-10-21T01:52:39.668-07:00Just look at you floating about in that ethereal g...Just look at you floating about in that ethereal gown Curtise! Not sure if it's a practical dress for eating flakes in though - if you're anything like me you'd no sooner look at a chocolate bar and there'd be gruesome looking brown stains all over it!<br /><br />You're right about the way the media writes about cancer but man has been weaving stories around death since the beginning of time in an effort to make sense of the seeming senselessness of it.<br /><br />Vicky xVicky Hayeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17057849686973439797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-49535671787525013362013-10-20T19:28:26.020-07:002013-10-20T19:28:26.020-07:00Very inspiring words, accompanied by an equally in...Very inspiring words, accompanied by an equally inspirational ensemble. You float off the screen in your yellow chiffon maxi. <br /><br />Thank you for your thoughtful post about disease, the response to tragedy and pain, and your feelings of loss regarding your dear friend. I agree that the use of the word 'fight' is inadequate as a term to describe dealing with cancer or any other devastating illness. Your insights ring true.The Style Cronehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03760710805926873206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-467893982172319762013-10-20T18:19:21.182-07:002013-10-20T18:19:21.182-07:00I have a great friend that is in remission from ov...I have a great friend that is in remission from ovarian cancer. She is 3 years cancer free.<br />It's a serious kind of cancer and can be hard to diagnose in a timely manner<br />Brettsilvergirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05965789269309703010noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-26054491541218417592013-10-20T17:55:57.271-07:002013-10-20T17:55:57.271-07:00Wow Curtise--what a powerful post. and dead on. I ...Wow Curtise--what a powerful post. and dead on. I personally am SICK TO DEATH of all the pink breast cancer merchandising. It cheapens it.<br /><br />My mom is 2 years breast cancer free...and my dad had throat cancer. <br /><br />And a dear friend died this week at the age of 42 from pancreatic cancer. <br /><br />Cancer isn't a battle--it's a journey that is different for everyone involved. Some "fight", some don't--doesn't make anyone better than another. Tamera's Craft Palacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03216078292585512252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-6163378853817141382013-10-20T10:58:23.826-07:002013-10-20T10:58:23.826-07:00My friend Vera died of ovarian cancer too. She was...My friend Vera died of ovarian cancer too. She was always grateful to the one young doctor who was completely honest with her and said she only had a few weeks. The others fudged round trying to make out that there might be hope of a bit longer with treatment etc etc when there clearly wasn't. She didn't want to die either but It meant she didn't have false hope and was able to set things in order and do what she wanted to before she died. Miss Magpiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10899889154015378547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-10155873647582843662013-10-20T10:27:28.877-07:002013-10-20T10:27:28.877-07:00You made me thinking about this subject and I must...You made me thinking about this subject and I must admit that I've never seen it like that but now I can say: You're completely right with this thing about bravery. Sometimes bravery doesn't help. The only thing that's left is accepting fate no matter how cruel or heart-breaking it is. That's the bitter side of life.Miss Maplehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08864381202412749804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-55155159238252220152013-10-20T07:44:34.241-07:002013-10-20T07:44:34.241-07:00Well said, love! I am uncomfortable the "War&...Well said, love! I am uncomfortable the "War" references (Battle, victim, survivor) when it comes to disease for similar reasons as you. Some people choose not to "fight" their illness, but that doesn't mean they are any less courageous than the one who chose to keep trying different treatments til the bitter end. We all deal with illness differently, and friends and relatives that keep telling you to "fight, be strong, don't give in", don't realize that the person who is sick may be too tired and is only hanging on for them, not for themselves.<br /><br />That is a beautifully floaty, sunshiny dress - perfect for celebrating the life of a dear friend.Forest City Fashionistahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04428940427287921203noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-61242263129828706032013-10-19T14:17:27.884-07:002013-10-19T14:17:27.884-07:00That dress is stunning! And you wear it so well. ...That dress is stunning! And you wear it so well. You remind me of the women who used to present "Houseparty" back in the late 60's. Great honest post as ever - I think Carol would have loved your blog. My pal was in Sheffield Star the other day - she did the midnight walk in Endcliffe park as she is getting over Ovarian Cancer. xxxxxDianehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11269721218424514656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-48091576051504608212013-10-19T12:53:29.405-07:002013-10-19T12:53:29.405-07:00Beautifully eloquent post Curtise and you are abso...Beautifully eloquent post Curtise and you are absolutisation right about how the media portrays the battle against cancer.<br /><br />You look stunningly floaty and beautiful very Flake lady.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-23068276752750102612013-10-19T11:20:04.911-07:002013-10-19T11:20:04.911-07:00I've typed and erased here several beginning l...I've typed and erased here several beginning lines...uncertain that I can articulate my thoughts. I too have differing viewpoints about cancer than what is well publicized. You've spoken honestly, and with great heart here, and I appreciate that very much! Although pensive in your photos, you do look very pretty! Sue @ A Colourful Canvashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15509898677660889672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-14275754681564223472013-10-19T10:32:53.422-07:002013-10-19T10:32:53.422-07:00Curtise you are so very special......I have big te...Curtise you are so very special......I have big tears rolling down my face reading this post.<br />You are so right, I to think the media makes battling cancer some sort of crusade will that have a good outcome if you fight it bravely. It's a killer!!! It takes people we love and leaves heartache. It turns strong, healthy, beautiful people into withering leaves........autumn comes quickly and for many winter takes them. <br />Your beautiful yellow dress is a perfect tribute to a friend who bought life, love and sunshine into your life.........she floats around you always.<br />Sending love to you always....thank you.<br />Love vtwo squirrelshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06505995515859299458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-77809153835297954242013-10-19T08:49:49.631-07:002013-10-19T08:49:49.631-07:00Your post is wonderful Curtise and you are wearing...Your post is wonderful Curtise and you are wearing the best dress everrrrrrrrrrr.<br />You are a true fairy.<br />XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXmispapelicoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11209220366975722334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-3090311321611764162013-10-19T08:09:51.360-07:002013-10-19T08:09:51.360-07:00What a knockout dress. Vix is a master! The artist...What a knockout dress. Vix is a master! The artistic composition of your photos added to your lovely words makes such a good tribute to your friend. Thanks for making the very good point about bravery. And I also dislike the pink focus some cancer charities take xxxRachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12542227084829463384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-29827343690189420742013-10-19T05:27:55.364-07:002013-10-19T05:27:55.364-07:00I'm so glad I have found your blog. You have g...I'm so glad I have found your blog. You have got fabulous style and look so elegant. I'm still camera shy and hide behind my sunnies! :-)Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04091316384209330776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-50170481755043486732013-10-18T23:14:49.991-07:002013-10-18T23:14:49.991-07:00As a cancer survivor, I can tell you that getting ...As a cancer survivor, I can tell you that getting that diagnosis was a body blow and I found it difficult to breathe, and was literally winded. So you have no choice but to be brave, because the alternative is to be a gibbering wreck. Having said that, I am not heroic in the least.Indigo Violethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09370412819941447206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-69964255970389960402013-10-18T20:57:48.071-07:002013-10-18T20:57:48.071-07:00You look beautiful in your frock in honour of your...You look beautiful in your frock in honour of your friend. I dislike the way the media and campaigners talk about cancer too. It suggests that those that die didn't fight hard enough which is really offensive. I watched a great documentary recently critiquing the way breast cancer fundraiser is treated as an industry with very little of the money that is raised being put into research for treatments. Camelia Crinolinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13255747263262874628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-65376672290780408282013-10-18T19:25:01.094-07:002013-10-18T19:25:01.094-07:00You can write the most hilarious posts and also th...You can write the most hilarious posts and also the most profound. That's quite a range. <br />That yellow dress is a lovely tribute to your friend Carol.<br />I was 'cut open,' 'poisoned' and 'burned' as a way to rid my body of cancer, but I never felt I was in a battle. I just felt that I was doing what I had to do. I, too, read all of Dana Jennings' blog and was grateful that there was such an eloquent 'spokesperson' for those of us who've had cancer.joyatrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02460272074875273228noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-34544285270738218972013-10-18T17:40:28.603-07:002013-10-18T17:40:28.603-07:00You're a showstopper in all of your posts, but...You're a showstopper in all of your posts, but I have to admit, you wearing this dress takes my breath away.<br /><br />My hubby is a kidney cancer survivor, and he's not too fond of the "hard battle fought" metaphor either. Sometimes I think about sharing some of the awful experiences we've had on the bone marrow transplant unit, and then I think that no one wants to hear about that part, so I don't. So you are right on the money.<br /><br />Carol would have loved your blog, because she loved you.The Goodwill Fangirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05845712888337339929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489237810886177584.post-28599674166953651982013-10-18T17:31:57.794-07:002013-10-18T17:31:57.794-07:00Beautiful frock and I applaud your efforts to rais...Beautiful frock and I applaud your efforts to raise funds. I do also understand your comments about being "brave" in the face of disease. People just do what they have to do in difficult situations. Treeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07319274204951528344noreply@blogger.com