Blissful Escapes - Moms of Children with Cancer Kickoff Event

Inspiring, hopeful, empowering, full of tears & and laughter ~ it was all that it was designed & and created for!!!

 Blissful Escapes began with the creator of this event arriving after all the moms!!! They were very excited to get this weekend going! I had been chatting away with a mom that I picked up to carpool with. I missed the exit!!! We finally arrived at 5:45. In a way I was thankful. It was very humbling to see all the women gathered around the table at the Caring Cabin when I arrived. I sensed it was the beginning of not just a very restful and restorative weekend but many, many more to come for Moms of Children with Cancer.


A yummy assortment of gourmet pizza and Caesar salad was provided by the Pelican Brewery and Pub. Wine, water and juice were provided by The Inn at Cape Kiwanda. After dinner we sat down around the table to begin an art project. Kirsten Carpentier with Art Creates Hope kindly guided the moms through a Mandala art project. When deciding this particular piece of the weekend I honestly was hesitant. I am not an artist, however Kirsten works with cancer patients and she mentioned that art tends to bring out deep emotion within us that gets stuffed. She was right. One mom commented that she also had been hesitant. . . she ended up in tears twice. I along with a few other moms went for the tissue as well. The art began to open up a healing that needed to take place.

After our time with Kirsten we gathered around the fireplace, vino in hand and began to play a game called, Be the Gift. Be the Gift is a card game with questions specifically designed to get to know each other. It felt good to laugh and think about bucket list items after the emotion gushing art project! Our first raffle ended the evening together which was donated by Tina Eiffert of Red Door Studio. She is also a boot camp instructor. She donated a boot camp to a mom. I also wish to say a special thank you to Tina as she donated her time and photography to Blissful Escapes this weekend!

Saturday morning we had a blessing – sunshine!!!! It was so beautiful! Mediation was first on the list and the few that made it to bed early attended! Jill Getty provided a very calming, soulful mediation for the moms. This was followed by breakfast and then spa time! Liza Tapp offered massages to the moms while Danielle Watkins from Sorelle Spa offered haircuts and styles.

During this time a few of the moms took an opportunity to visit their childs rock. A rock is given to the child with cancer when the family stays at the cabin. The rocks line a path from the cabin to the lake. It has the childs name and date on it. I had not yet seen Austin’s rock since we had been at the cabin in April. Our stay was last minute so they had not had time to prepare his rock. A temporary rock was placed in the meantime. I learned another mom had the same situation happen to her. So we were both there visiting our childs rocks for the first time. A third mom went in search of her rock as well – same situation. . . . however she could not find her rock. So Kacy went to look in the box and YES, it was there!!!! So Dayna took her daughters rock down to the path and found a home for it. A fourth mom also had the opportunity to visit her son’s rock. She was visiting for a few hours on Saturday – she was able to spend a few moments as well, just opening up and healing.

We had a special visit from Lori Falkner Volkman with Lens of Hope. Lens of Hope was created by Niccole Wallom and Lori Volkman. Niccole had been taking photo’s of a close friend, Vikki Jensen and their family while their son fought cancer. Vikki shared her journey and how grateful she is to have those photo’s of her family. Lens of Hope provides photography services to those families that are affected by cancer. Vikki was so kind to bring a gift for the mom’s, a new tradition for their families. A glass jar with rocks to write gratitude notes on. Lori brought a gift from a local artist, Michelle with michellemybell, a piece of artwork that has the word Hope on it. I was surprised to learn at how many of the moms had “words” that they “held on to” during their child’s cancer journey. For Vikki, it was Hope, for another mom it was Courage and myself, Joy. These word’s help carry us through.

Lunch was provided by The Riverhouse. The ladies had time to journal and reflect during this time.

Early afternoon provided an opportunity for Restorative Yoga by Kathleen Finn. I heard words of hesitation from the mom’s when they learned it was an 1 ½ session, however, they walked away feeling restored, calm, and strengthened!

Andrea Hirsh Nakayama from Replenish PDX brought dinner prepared by Andrea Caplan Livingston with Phyto Foods. We enjoyed Kale Coleslaw, Curried Butternut Squash and Pear Soup topped with Coconut cream and for dessert Raw Cacao Tart with Strawberry’s. It was delicious and healthy! The moms learned so much about health and how vital it is to be aware of our eating habits. Andrea generously answered questions. One mom asked her, “If there is one thing we could do for our child and their eating habits what would you recommend”. Andrea suggested to remove sugar – I know I will be contacting Andrea for some healthy recipes to replace sugar!

Saturday evening we were entertained by “Time Out! The Mother of all Comedys”. They are a group of professional and new performers who are moms of all ages and family configurations. They deliver clean and intelligent entertainment that puts a hilarious spin on parenting. We ended our evening again with staying up late, very late, connecting and lending support to each other.

Sunday, again we woke up to sunshine!!! I woke at 7;45, late. . . . I went to do the dishes, Rosemary and Jill went to meditate. I was going to send the moms their way when they woke up. . . . ten minutes later, Jill came back and said she was going to finish the dishes after mediation that I needed to come join them. . . . .the mom’s were still sleeping!!!!! God is so amazing. I needed that time to clear my thoughts and just be with him. I had struggled the night before. This weekend is bittersweet, bitter because it is almost over. Sweet, because it is here and it has been perfect. I was clearly shown, just follow Him, like the lamb with a shepherd, just follow. So I will. . . . . . . . back to the main house. . . . ahh now we have a few moms awake! By ten am I awoke the last mom from her much needed sleep. Sleep that is so precious to us moms yet so rare! We began one more inspiring talk. Rosemary with Rosemarys Solutions had come to share with us about antioxidants. We learned about a product called Zeolite as well as tasted some yummy antioxidant chocolate. That was heaven! Healthy chocolate!!!!

The final event was the Wellness Circle. I summed up their weekend events offering valuable questions for them to think about as they go back home. We worked through body, mind and spirit, discussing each and ideas on how to create wholeness in our lives as women while our children fight cancer.

I did happen to forget all of the other raffles except that first one so we had a grand finale!! I often had wondered why I was so incredibly forgetful last year while Austin was at Doernbecher. I learned there is a name for it, “Doernbecher Brain - lol”. . . . . . Four more raffles were handed out – Photo Session with Red Door Studio, 2 facials with Spa Above and a 6 month coaching session with my business, Empowering Grace.

Well I thought the weekend had come to an end, however I soon learned that NONE of the mom’s wanted or needed to leave. So we had left over’s for lunch and talked some more. We stayed until 3pm, connecting, laughing and truly embracing being together as moms of children with cancer. We found a deep connection with each other. Now moving on, there is more support for each other. I realized this weekend was as healing for me as it was for them. I am truly thankful to each one of these moms’ for stepping away from their families for 2 days to restore and connect.

I am truly humbled and in awe over this weekend. I really could not have asked for a more perfect weekend. There are so many to thank that contributed in some other way – I want to note those below - without them – this weekend would not have been the same awe inspiring weekend!!!!!

With Love and Gratitude ~

Sharla



Childrens Cancer Association

Tami Nonamaker with Natural Awakenings

Becki Neuman with Sensaria

Anew Perspective

Cliff Ellis

Kacy Dressler

Arbonne

Be the Gift

Caryn Plinksi with Scentsy

Gretchen Gettles with Stella and Dot

Chantielle Johnson



Fundraising thank you to Sorelle Spa and Blessed with Cancer

Blissful Escapes

~Blissful Escapes ~

 For Moms of Children with Cancer

Inspired by my son Austin who was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma I created “Blissful Escapes”, for Moms of children with Cancer. The Escapes are designed for moms to get away for a weekend and focus on themselves. The journey of having a child with cancer has many unknowns of physical and mental challenges. It can weaken the strongest caregiver. The weekend will bring hands on tools for moms to take back home to continue to nurture themselves while they nurture their children. They will receive art therapy, massage, yoga, laughter, life coaching and much more. They will walk away with a “bhappybag” designed for them to keep “bhappytools” when their mental and physical strength are running low.

These escapes are designed to not only help them during this journey of cancer with their children, but with any other difficult challenge they may come across.

Our first Blissful Escape is January 21, 22, 23 – 2011. Ten moms will be gifted a weekend away, all donated by other women and kind contributions in the Portland area. Just a few short weeks ago another inspiring and giving non profit joined our contributors, Lens of Hope. They have written a wonderful blog about the Caring Cabin that our moms will stay at. I could not have written it any better so chose to just link you to their blog. Thank you!

With Love and Gratitude ~

Sharla Vellek

www.Empowering Grace.com

sharlajune@empoweringgrace.com

360-980-0941

Sharing Wisdom amongst Women

It is almost the end of yet another year. During this time many of us reflect upon the year past and what might be in store for us in the year ahead. For my family it has been a year of what most would consider immense sadness and fear. Our youngest son Austin, age 5 was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma in October 2009. During his journey, he lost his right eye to cancer and was treated with six months of chemotherapy. Aside from this we were also faced with several other challenges that would cause most to willingly commit themselves to four white walls. Those of you who know me personally have often commented on my strength and joy during this time. This I consider my “past”. A new year is dawning and with it comes a new discovery of “what I want to do when I grow up”. LOL!


When I was “free” to be a normal mom again and reopened my coaching business I realized that my coaching practice needed the expert advice of a business coach. During this process I discovered my heart. Not only is it for coaching women, but women who’s lives have been touched by cancer. I want to share the many tools that I have discovered that helped me maintain the strength and joy during my son’s fight with cancer. I have created an amazing program that will help other women journey through the challenges of cancer yet sustain an inner peace and heartfelt joy. I have also established retreats for “moms of children with cancer”. The first retreat will be held in January at the Caring Cabin owned by the CCA.


I have been blessed with many words of wisdom which brings me to you. I have a request for the New Year. I would be honored to trade services with a woman who’s life has been touched by cancer. I need to have my existing website changed to Wordpress utilizing the existing design. I would donate my time, a journal and new hope to a woman and would appreciate her time to update my website to Wordpress. If you feel that you are to help, even if your life has not been touched by cancer and still would appreciate coaching I am open to this as well.


As we begin the New Year together in spirit I encourage you to always begin your day with this question: At this moment, what is good, beautiful or funny? This is one tool I utilized each day with Austin. We chose to start our day with goodness.


With Gratitude and Joy and Abundant Blessings for the New Year!


Sharla Vellek

Labyrinth - A Meditative Practice

Before I share my story I wished to include information about the labyrinth.

“Unlike mazes, labyrinths have a single path, no dead ends, and one way in and out.  But the process of proceeding in and out of a labyrinth is surprisingly profound. "Embedded within each design is a pattern that somehow quiets our deep inner being so we can hear our own wisdom and the wisdom attempting to reach us. Whether walked or traced in sand, the labyrinth pattern is a powerful tool for reflection, meditation, realignment, and deeper knowledge of the Self."

 The eleven-circuit labyrinths include the circular design of the Chartres Cathedral, whose design is from the tradition of the Knights Templar, which according to legend was carried from King Solomon’s temple to France.  There is even speculation that Chartres -- noted for having the distinction of no one being buried within the cathedral -- is also the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenan

I have been on a journey in the last two years of learning about the labyrinth. My early study was by Kathleen McGowan.  I fell in love with the Chartres through her writings. When I began to read “The Sacred Path” I was overjoyed! Kathleen wrote a beautiful book on The Lord’s Prayer and how it correlates with the petals of the labyrinth. “In THE SOURCE OF MIRACLES: Seven Steps to Transforming Your Life Through the Lord’s Prayer, McGowan uses the ancient spiritual practice of walking the labyrinth to guide the reader through the process. At the center of the labyrinth is the Rose with Six Petals, and each petal of the flower corresponds to a teaching of the prayer: faith, surrender, service, abundance, forgiveness, and conquering obstacles. The center of the flower represents the essence of wellspring of love, as love is the uniting factors in all aspects of our lives.”  When I read the instructions for the assignment, my first thought was, “I have to walk a Chartres Labyrinth.”  I was delighted to find one close to my home!  

The sky was grey, the air dense with recent rain and cold. I was bundled and warm.  As I stood at the entrance to the labyrinth I was silent, my eyes closed, breathing, breathing, attempting to clear my mind of my racing day, knowing that my intent is to release bondage of money, a bondage of poverty that has been in my family for generations. My intent is to release this bond and leave its capture by the time I enter the center, to no longer return to it. My intent is to no longer be captured by it’s haunting shadow that causes so much distress, anxiety, worry, sadness. . . . the list of shadows are many.   My hope in exchange is to have enough money to give away.  I do not ask to be wealthy, just enough to live off of sot the rest I can give to help others.  As I take the first step in to the labyrinth I am apprehensive, never walking a labyrinth and wondering if it will really work – I quickly release this thought from my mind, leaving it behind with each footstep.   I begin to hear music, “Oh, precious is the flow, that makes me white as snow No other fount I know  nothing but the blood of Jesus, nothing but the blood of Jesus”.  I sensed an angel had come to sing to me. I realized it is only through the blood of Jesus Christ, His death that releases us from bondage. My bonds broke free as this new truth came in to replace it.  I walked with those thoughts, with that song in my mind. Thankful to Him, so ever thankful. As I continued walking, slowly, intently breathing, continuing to release and be thankful another angel came to sing to me. This time it was,

“Fall on me ever so gently washing, washing my filthy stains. Shower me in your love Breathe on, breathe on these dry bones, these dry bones and break these chains And break these chains  Set me free, Set me free, Set me free Lord,  Set me free.”     As I listened I realized I was being set free from my thoughts of bondage under money.  I continued walking, listening, accepting a new identity.  I would occasionally pause at each turn, breathing, releasing, accepting this new truth.   As I came to the center I paused and prayed. I thanked Him first for being there on this walk with me. Then I thanked Him for being ever so present in my life and being there when I needed Him.  I entered and stood, just focusing on breath.  Silence.  Then I began my return.  Slowly returning,  straightening, feeling empowered.  A new angel, a new song came to visit. This time, “Where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.  Where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.  If you're tired and you are thirsty there is freedom.  If you're tired and you are thirsty there is freedom.  Freedom reigns in this place.  Showers of mercy and grace, falling on every face, there is freedom.”  Ah, such sweetness. Then a realization. . . . . I recently had a money change with my husband. It placed him in a position of authority, something I had wanted for a long time.  I also realized that I was being released from managing the money so that I could focus on my gifting of coaching women.  I was being released in other ways beyond the generational bondage of money.  I really felt “lighter”.   Freedom. . . . .  as I looked up I saw a squirrel, it’s back high, regal, with a nut in its mouth. I immediately thought of myself and how I felt, like the physical aspect of the squirrel, it’s back high, regal (thus the straightening and empowerment)  yet my husband was the active part of the squirrel, the gatherer for things to come, the saver and provider for its family.  I almost found it funny.  I continued my walk being thankful for the symbolic picture that was given to me.  Again, slowly, breathing, always focusing on my breath to help keep my mind clear, I looked up to see a tree that had lost most of its leaves.  The leaf I noticed right away was red and in the shape of a heart.  I thought – WOW,  that is so like what I am supposed to be doing with my life.  Coaching women who have lost so much of themselves – focusing on their hearts, finding love again for themselves. Learning to nurture themselves, not just others.   I had to restrain myself from stepping out of the labyrinth to pick that particular leaf.  I had to be intentional about not thinking about the leaf from that point on because I did not want the wind to take it away from my much needed grasp.  It was symbolic.  As I continued my walk, my back continued to get straighter, my breathing easier, my confidence and thankfulness surmounting.  I stopped at the entrance, the entrance to my initial request – that of releasing the money bondage in my family that has been passed down from generation to generation.  What was so sweet was that God gave me an extra gift during my journey of release.  A gift of my husband as a provider and caretaker of money. 
For labyrinths in your area, please check out this website: http://labyrinthlocator.com/


Much love, peace and joy to all of you!


Sharla

Faith, Joy, Peace, Love

One year ago today we were home, our mind's restless. Our 4 year old son, Austin was diagnosed with either Retinoblastoma or Coates Disease.  As a parent, how can one be given a potentially life threatening diagnoses of a child without flipping out?   I was numb. Or did I cry? I remember desperately trying to focus on only what is, not what could be. So what is, was Coates Disease or Retinoblastoma. My husband and I made an agreement to only research and focus on the topic at hand.  I remember as a child all I did was focus on the future. "What if?." I remember the feelings of depression, headaches, tears, sadness and loneliness that came with "what if".  Why as a child did I always over analyze everything? As I thought about the diagnosis that was given, I thought the one thing I can not do, is think about, "what it could be".  Today it is about living in the moment. It is about finding the positive in each moment.  I also knew that I could not question, "Why Austin".  I had to find FAITH.  God was in control this time, not me. One of the first blessings God gave to me this time was a dream. Long story short, the dream would sustain me throughout Austin's cancer. It gave me the ending to the story.  How many of us know the ending to our stories? God was super clear with me. In the end of our "turbulent waters" Austin would be ok.  Now as a mom you still freak out. I had many moments of falling apart anywhere and everywhere. I learned that the cancer community is large (sadly) and there was more than one occasion when the checker in my grocery line would stop and pray for me. She did not care how long the line was behind me or what her boss would say. She was not thinking of the "what if", she was living in the very moment.

We did learn Austin had ,Retinoblastoma a childhood eye cancer. A few weeks later, I heard the word JOY in my head. It was quite clear and I heard it more than once so I knew. I knew that somehow I was supposed to find Joy in each moment. Crazy. That's what I said, but what I knew was that I had to listen. My mind said one thing, my heart said another.  So Austin and I found many joyful moments. We nicknamed the chemo machine, we played video games with the doctors, we got his nurses to make crazy faces for photographs, we had cakefights on and on. I later realized that there is a scripture that says, "The Joy of the Lord is my Strength. God knew that if I were to find Joy, it would give us strength.

A year has passed. A year full of so many, many tears, yet a year filled with so much joy. Today Austin was given a thumb's up, all clear in his good eye. We go back in 3 months. This is routine and will be for awhile. We also have Brain MRI's and blood work every six months to check for cancer.  I look back at how much I have learned in the last year. One of the most important is to not get ahead of myself. We often wish for a better relationship with our spouse, we wish we could be more patient with our children, we wish we had more me time. I wish I did not have to face this every 3 months, the not knowing.  If only we stopped wishing and started focusing on each moment you would be amazed at how much more focused you are in creating peace in your life. We are no longer overwhelmed with all that needs to happen or what you want to happen. We can simply focus on what needs to happen in the moment. A moment of joy, a moment of peace, we can then truly appreciate the time we have with each person.

Sea of Tears

I had the honor of attending a private event Saturday evening. Jessica Ketola sang 10 of her songs from her new album "Sea of Tears" for a group of 25 people.  As I listened to her introduce the evening with her story and begin her first song, I could not help but cry.  I thought of all the women out there that need to hear what she has to say. Not only was her music soulful and authentic, it was from her heart. She understands. She is willing to bare her soul and allow God's grace to shine through. As I continued to listen it seemed as though each song touched a part of my life in some deep awe inspiring way.  I truly am looking forward to the album release. Jessica has spent the last few years being a mom and working while her husband attended grad school. Her dream had been set aside to give LOVE to those she LOVES most. Two years ago God decided to give her a little present for all of her hard work. Not only that  - it gave her courage and hope to follow her dream.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYTEy9Pn--s

http://jessicaketola.com/home.cfm 

I decided to write about this today as she is a beautiful example of what most of us moms experience. We dream of that big white gown, children, dream boat of a husband. . . . .reality becomes something different. As moms a lot of us  give so much of our selves, we lose sight of ourselves and in the midst of that we also realize that our childhood is haunting us. We begin to swim, in deep dark waters. Yet, our dreams are still there somewhere. Our hope of being a confident, beautiful, successful woman is still there. . . . . so how do we accomplish what Jessica has done? How do we continue focusing on ourselves and focus on our family's needs? AND focus on the haunting of a childhood? For all of us these emotions are different.  What I do know, is that when we give LOVE, not just to your family, but to others, it comes back to us. It can't help but bounce back and say, I want you to experience this too.  It might say, you have some fine tuning to do. . . .but I still LOVE you. When we feel LOVE, we feel empowered. When we feel empowered, it is then that we can reach our dreams.

 

Women's Empowerment Circle

Women's Gratitude Circle

Reconnect with the smart, savvy, successful woman
that you are designed to be like in mind, body and spirit.

Event ~ Women's Empowerment Circle

Date ~ 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month ~ Beginning Oct 14, 2009

Time ~ 6-7:30 pm

Location ~Tommy O's 4101 Southeast 192nd Avenue, Vancouver -

(360) 892-2484

RSVP ~ Email - sharlajune@empoweringgrace.com

Cost ~ Group meeting is free, purchases at TommyO's are on u.

Wine and Dessert always on hand ~ Bring your favorite dish to share

Are you ~ unfocused, worn out, giving too much of yourself, unclear of professional direction, discouraged, feel frumpy, lack faith, overworked, exhausted, marital frustrations, parential direction, or losing your girlfriend connections? Yes, this list goes on and on and on!!

You will walk away with ~ Empowering tools to maintain the life you desire

Embrace a clear, detailed plan of action

Explore a visual affirmation of your values, goals, gifts

and dreams

Envision an unforgettable experience falling in

love with you.

A journal to EMPOWER yourself along your journey

Empowerment Circle led by ~Holisitc Life Coach, Sharla Vellek

Halo's and Horns * A New Perspective

Can you imagine staying centered when your spouse is irritating you? Can you place a difficult issue "outside the circle" so that your feelings remain lovable towards your spouse? Do you know how to support him on his journey in life and recognize it as such verses taking everything he says personally or analyzing it to death? What about sex? Does that now turn you off because he is acting onry? Join us each Friday morning at 10am to learn how to become centered not only for your marriage but for yourself, if you do not have a spouse but just want to learn how to become centered, this is for you too! The cost is free: Bring yourselves, another girlfriend, a pastry. Children are welcome too. Please RSVP and for directions #360-254-3509. . . .

Empowering Workshop

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall—A New Look at You

Date: Fridays 9-11

Begins: May 16, 2008

Cost: $30.00 for 15 weeks

¨ Do you feel you have a crazy, busy life and crave peace?

¨ Do you have “cyclical arguments" with your spouse?

¨ Are you struggling with you r children in any given area?

¨ Do you struggle with low self-esteem?

Come to a workshop that will empower you, give you tools and introduce you to new girlfriends!