Thriving Pink

I haven't talked about my breast cancer journey on the blog in quite awhile. Radiation ended in August, which was a big milestone to celebrate, but I wasn't prepared emotionally for the struggles I would have in the following months. I was diagnosed with Frozen Shoulder Syndrome and lymphedema, both fairly common after breast surgery. I started on tamoxifen to block any hormone-positive cancer cells from accessing estrogen; that came with a litany of unpleasant side effects. My quality of life was significantly worse and I had a lot of anger. I struggled with depression for the first time in my life. Despite being surrounded by my wonderful friends and family, I felt profoundly lonely. 

My physical therapist (who treats both my shoulder and my lymphedema) recommended that I connect with an organization called Thriving Pink. It's a non-profit that supports women during and after breast cancer. I was desperate for anything that would help. I first attended one of their monthly walks in January and it was life-changing. I cannot express how much I needed to spend time with other women who knew exactly what I was going through, who knew the terminology without needing explanations, and who were able to support me in a way that only a fellow survivor can. 

I've attended all of the workshops and walks Thriving Pink has hosted since my first visit in January. It has helped enormously. I've made some wonderful friends and emotionally, I feel like myself again. I am so incredibly grateful for Thriving Pink. 

Thriving Pink (affiliate link)

I made this layout during a Fast Scrap challenge for National Scrapbook Day. We had two hours to use half a sheet of cardstock, half a sheet of patterned paper, and half of something else. I chose to do half a foot (6 inches) of handwritten journaling. 

Everything about this page makes me happy. I'm so glad to have it in the album. 

Best Friends Forever (Bonded Bunnies)

I am thrilled to have been able to make a page about our bonded bunnies. For a long time, we weren't sure if they would ever bond. Thank goodness that they are now best friends. 

Best Friends Forever (affiliate link)

This page was inspired by a National Scrapbook Day challenge called 'Put a Little Love in Your Art." We had to include at least five hearts on the page. But there was a catch. You couldn't use five heart stickers or five punched hearts. You had to have at least five different types of heart. I used die-cuts, stickers, a rub-on, washi tape, and enamel hearts to make my page. I love how it turned out. 

Family Birthday Brunch

Each year, we celebrate five family birthdays at once. Steve and his dad have late January birthdays, Steve's mom and his sister have late February birthdays, and I have a March birthday, so we usually find a date in late February or early March that works for all of us to get together for a nice meal. This year was particularly special, as my mother-in-law turned 80. We celebrated with Champagne Brunch at the Grand Island Mansion. It was wonderful.  

Family Birthday Brunch (affiliate link)

This layout was inspired by a color challenge. The requirement was to make a page using tints (colors that has been lightened by adding white). I enjoyed working with pastel shades that I don't normally use when scrapping. 

Brayden on the Stairs

This is one of my all-time favorite photos of Brayden. His mane is looking particularly stylish and he's giving me the cutest quizzical look.  

Brayden on the Stairs (affiliate link)

I took the picture on the landing of the stairs, which used to be one of Brayden's favorite places to hang out. Since adopting Tulip, we've blocked access to the stairs. Brayden has found new favorite locations in their shared territory. He's adaptable. And such a sweet boy. 

I made this layout for one of the easiest challenges during the National Scrapbook Day crop. The only requirement was that the page has a picture of your pet. Check! 

National Scrapbook Day 2025

Saturday was National Scrapbook Day. It's literally my favorite day of the year. I love all the challenges, competitions, games, giveaways, and inspiration. I love hanging out (online) with other scrapbookers who love the holiday as much as I do. 

Last year, I discovered the amazing National Scrapbook Day event hosted by A Cherry On Top. I had a great time, so that's where I celebrated again this year. 

 

The event itself was Friday through Sunday, but the fun is still going on. There are approximately 60 scrapbook challenges and most don't close until May 18. I love that there are so many challenges, as it lets me skip the ones that don't appeal to me and focus on the ones that excite me the most. 

And speaking of exciting, I've had so much fun with all the games this past weekend! I loved all the trivia, word puzzles, riddles, gallery and store searches, guessing games, scavenger hunts, and icebreaker activities. It's a good thing the challenges don't close for two weeks, because I spent a big part of the weekend on all the fun games! I did manage to finish seven layouts; I'll be back tomorrow to show you the first.