Friday, November 10, 2006

Brutal Honesty ~ Bare with me














I have found a community of very strong, optimistic, positive women who are battling and fighting their own wars. They are physical ones, serious health issues and we have become a support system to each, like no other, because it is daily, much like a journal, we get right to the heart of the matter. Those of you who don't suffer physical ailments, but some other trials, I can only hope with all of my heart that you have found your own like minded kindreds, Although, reading someone's story of hope benefits all trials. We are all truly blessed by this medium. I have gadgets galore that my husband sets up for me during my bad days, bed ridden days, but I am able to keep visiting you, which gives me hope. So when some of us post and comment, there are times that we are not in the best of shape. I joked with a friend that many times my profile picture that you all see makes me laugh because it doesn't always represent what I'm looking like when I am in bed. This picture here matches it better. A pale face, dark circles, frail, and often scared woman. BUT, I am smiling! And people who know me personally will tell you, "Darlene's always smiling." I smile because most of the time, I am content. I have my moments...don't get me wrong, but this is when I need your inspiration the most, whether I am reading what you have posted, or comments you have left me.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you......you can not imagine the difference you have all made in my life. Have a great weekend and don't let the picture scare you, I always recover :D

31 Comments:

Blogger mint and orange said...

you are still so beautiful, even in this raw picture.

hope you smile your way through the weekend!

6:19 AM  
Blogger Left-handed Trees... said...

Darlene,
I am so sympathetic to your experiences. Though my current health problems are nothing like the severity of what you have to experience, I have to admit that I am NOT always smiling through them. This post meant a lot to me because of your willingness to be BARE. I think there's a real pity-party for myself going on (not the sweet kind either)...I opted out of the SPC this past week because I thought, "Glam?" have you seen me lately??? I even looked at some old photos and thought about using them, but the fact is this isn't a "glam" period of my life. You inspire me because you are so upbeat and strong...Thank you!
--D.--

6:59 AM  
Blogger gerry rosser said...

You look great. You are brave and I hope all goes well. I hope when you stick your nose in my blog you get a lift--I certainly get a lift from you.

Tell more about your guitar playing. Are you able to do it currently? Music has always done so much for me. Sometimes when I idly play my guitar, I just get a lot just from its tone and its vibrations against me. Like tuneless humming.

7:37 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

beautiful woman.

you are a light.

you extend joy.

I wish I could take your health and shake it up and make you whole. But I know that you don't need me to.

inspiration.

hope.

7:55 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The light cannot help shine form you it seems, Darlene.

You are brave AND beautiful, beautiful AND brave, they inform each other, meet each other in your smile.

love to you sweetness
x x x x x

8:51 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lovely and inspiring as always.

I think when you smile people can't help but focus on its radiance. The smile doesn't end with your mouth but carries to the sparkle in your eyes.

"...for two are stronger than one." In bearing each other's burdens the weight is spread among many and reduced to a level which is manageable. Thank you for your love and support, Darlene. It is my pleasure to reflect it back to you.

9:22 AM  
Blogger Vanessa said...

I love your brutal honesty... admire it, and learn from it.
Thank you
Vanessa

9:38 AM  
Blogger Shaz said...

Kindred Spirit..........
Im so glad you touched on what I was trying to get to in my e.mail it helps not to be afriad of sounding constsntly gloomy as you know im not (or try not to be..he he)
Beautiful Sweet
(You look better in your P.Js then I do after getting dressed up..lol)
Blessings sweet friend
xoxox

10:30 AM  
Blogger Trish Ryan said...

The smile makes a big difference, for all of us - thanks for the reminder of what matters in picture. Bless you!

10:56 AM  
Blogger mareymercy said...

Your smile and inner spirit still shines!!

12:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Bare or not, your beauty radiates. Your spirit is strong and pure, and your smile and eyes dance. It is ultimately who you are on the inside that makes you shine like you do Dar.

xoxoxox

3:08 PM  
Blogger Lisa Oceandreamer Swifka said...

the picture doesn't scare me at all, in fact it's probably the most beautiful because it's YOU. I see strength in your eyes and the truth in that winning smile of yours. As hard as I know it can get for you some days you still manage to come from a place of sincerity and grace and honesty. You never tire of uplifting others and showing the path to what is right in front of us we sometimes ignore or take for granted. On my days that test meIand mine are emotional tests not physical) I think of you, what would Darlene do?
XOXO

3:12 PM  
Blogger Deb said...

Living with chronic pain for the past 4 years (resulting from a horrific automobile accident)I want to thank you Darlene for your honesty! Your postings have helped me through many days.
P.S. Wish we could walk the Labyrinth together.

3:42 PM  
Blogger boho girl said...

your bravery here inspires me.

you always look beautiful to me, sis...even when you are feeling your worst.

i love you and am reaching over and giving you a warm hug right now.

so glad you are finding your tribe. i can feel from here the strength and support they are providing for you. it gives me such a peace that you are being so well taken care of and nurtured by your lovelies!

snuggles and nuzzles,
denise xoxo

3:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You look like a ray of sunshine to me!! I will always pray for you and even through your weak/sick moments you have the power to give me strength with your words and touches of love in this crazy bloggie world. Shine on girl!!!

many xxxx and oooo for you today!

Teresa

4:05 PM  
Blogger Georgia said...

Darlene,

Even in this picture I only see your beauty. I love that you are able to be open and honest and raw about yourself. I love the sweet words that you always write to me, and want you to know that I truly appreciate them each time.

I hope that you will soon be back up on your feet and feeling well.

Loving yu, and sending you warm hugs,
Georgia

4:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

been reading and must comment on how great it is to read your words. they inspire me. take care of you, and sending warm, gentle hugs.poet

5:14 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You have the most radiant smile, and it lights up your face and the world around it :)

Having just met you, I didn't know you had health concerns, and no one would ever know by the joy that is always reflected in your writing.

Feel better, my friend! xo

5:51 PM  
Blogger JP (mom) said...

...and I can't imagine what my world would be without amazing women like yourself. In pain, in health, in happiness, in worry, in safety, in fear ... you are loved. What a gift we all give to each other through this amazing medium. Many good thoughts and a not-so-little prayer. Keep smiling precious Darlene. much peace & lots of love, deborah

6:06 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i just love you.

there's an ocean of things i want to say but can't right now...but know that i'm sending you peace, love, light, and happiness...just like i feel from you every day.

the connection we share dar, is priceless to me. thank you.

7:04 PM  
Blogger Deb R said...

You're beautiful and that shines through, even when you're feeling bad. Sending good thoughts your way~~~~

8:33 PM  
Blogger Amber said...

Your spirit always shines through, in your blog, and in the words you leave for others that I read... I wish you blessings and healing.


:)

9:15 PM  
Blogger Kim G. said...

A beautiful smile - a beautiful heart. What a gift you have, and what a gift you give in your words, your spirit and your honesty. Blessings to you and prayers for more good days than bad!

10:20 PM  
Blogger Brown eyed girl said...

Sweet Darlene,
Thank you so much for your "bareness". I have tears down my cheeks at this moment from this entry. I feel that I have found a kindred spirit in you! Since you are a new friend, I did not know you suffered in any way. THAT is a BEAUTIFUL testament to who you are! I've enjoyed your encouragement on my blog, and on Literary Girl's blog. I too, have health problems and was bed ridden for some time. I try so hard to pretend that I don't have any issues today, and just smile too! Thank you for this bareness to remind me, its ok to admit your frailty sometimes.....you can let down that smile sometimes. You are doing God's amazing work on this blog with your writings, and with your wonderful outstreched hand of love and encouragement to us other sister's facing the journey's of our own. I don't even know you, but I appreciate you so! You are exactly where God wants you be, its so clear.
Love endearing,
your new sister, Michelle

10:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

you are just so beautiful.

thank you for being raw.

it is a treasure.

3:14 AM  
Blogger angela said...

Hi,
Darlene, you look beautiful It's what's inside us that counts and shines out of our eyes.
Hope you feel better soon,
lots of hugs, Angela

11:18 AM  
Blogger Dot said...

Thankyou for sharing such a beautiful, and raw photo with us.
Your special soul radiates from the photo and your inner beauty shines.

You are a very special woman, and very loved.

Dotee xoxo

3:44 PM  
Blogger Footpad said...

As one familiar with loss and pain, all my hopes and prayers go with you, Darlene, and your anonymous correspondent.

-- f

10:25 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You are the most beautiful person.
Even when you are not feeling well!

There is nothing cutsie about your illness.. and absolutely nothing cutsie about a womens circle.

Womens circles are fierce and determined. Strong woman warriors... I am glad you have found the woman you require to help you on this journey.

I love you
Bx

2:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

oh sweetie, you always look beautiful to me, even when you do not feel your best.

you just amaze me.

11:38 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

beauty.
strength.
grace.
truth.
love.
that's what i see...xo

5:37 AM  

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