First Shimmering Snowflake of the My Wellness Season

Technotini-PINK

Looking back at the early days of my diagnosis, everything seems so gray and dismal. Maybe it’s because our region was literally covered in dark clouds and super-storms that first week or maybe it’s because it seemed like my world was crashing down around me.   The one shining star, or as  I like to think of her, the one shimmering snowflake was the visit of my aunt the weekend of my biopsy.

My aunt is my lifestyle icon.  She retired to Vermont and , at age 80, still goes skiing weekly.  She enjoys apres ski with a nice glass of scotch or a classic cosmopolitan.  She is the perfect balance of sophistication and goofiness (me-I’m still trying to add a hint of sophistication to my goofy-nerd chic) and most importantly, she’s a breast cancer survivor.

Just by sheer serendipity, my aunt and cousin happened to be coming to town the day of my biopsy.  Although I physically didn’t want to move, I knew there was no way I was going to stay home, wallowing in worry and dread.  So, me and my ice packs (and husband and kids) headed across town (in DC rush hour) to see them.  The extended car trip (two hours) was worth it.  Just seeing her face, I knew everything would be OK.  She’d been where I was standing twelve years earlier and was stronger than ever.

It’s funny how when people know you’re sick, they want you or want a piece of you to hold forever.  All of a sudden, everyone wanted me to be the focus of their camera.  Cameras were flashing and flashing all night.  After my draining biopsy procedure, the last thing I wanted to do was to pose for pictures.  As I said, that whole first 48 hours seems like a cloudy nightmarish blur, but I remember distinctly thinking “I might not make it through this–maybe I should just suck it up and smile, give my daughters something to remember me by.”  So I did.  And looking back I’m glad because I know I’ll make it through and the pictures actually came out pretty well.

Meanwhile, all I wanted was a picture of me and my Aunt Til.  Maybe I was craving her positive energy, maybe I was hoping her survivor-self would heal me through osmosis, maybe I just wanted to take some goofy pictures.  I kept thinking of the long road ahead. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew I wanted Aunt Til in my iPhone and in my heart.

Having lived in Colorado for so many years and being a true-blue ski bunny, the end of October/early November, always makes me think of snow and the foundation for a great ski season.  My aunt’s visit to me represents the start of my own special season of wellness.  Her zen-like calm and positive energy gave me the lift I needed to break through the clouds and conquer the steepest, darkest, double-diamonds which I knew lay ahead.   I could see myself  43 years from now (age 80), zipping down the slopes, skiing all the fresh powder then finishing off the day with a fabulous cosmopolitan- Apres Ski, Aunt Til style.

I’ve put together a little video of the pictures from that weekend–the first snow of my season of wellness. Enjoy!

Technotini Pairing

What else?  The Classic Cosmopolitan. This recipe is a favorite among my family.  It’s our go-to drink at all festive family occasions.

1 1/2 parts vodka

1 part triple sec

1 part cranberry juice

1/4 part fresh lime juice

admin

HI! I’m a Shana, self-proclaimed Media Mixologist, wife, and mom to two little girls. I love to mix up cocktails of crafts, recipes, wellness, family and business with just the right amount of sparkle to help you shine everyday. So, grab a glass, and let’s celebrate the cocktail of life!