Update from Nicole

Hi everyone,

I've been on the run since my return from Hippocrates Health Institute. I was feeling so good with chemo finished and the major detox at Hippocrates that have not wanted to even think about the rest of the treatment. Fairfax has been my hang out. Awesome little Hippie town I hope some day to possibly live in ( or maybe Petaluma! ) . The shaded summer day's with a nice warm breeze have been a life saver from the damp cold fog of summer in San Francisco. There is super good raw food restaurant, Lydia's raw food Kitchen, where Kaitlin and I spend hours. Than off to the creek park. Fairfax has a great play ground that's shaded for the hot summer day's. We stay all day, sometimes until dark. I LOVE warm summer nights.

I have been enjoying my time so much with Kaitlin and Kevin, especially after being sick from chemo, that I just keep going and going.

Today was my first visit back to Doctor's after postponing for last 3 weeks. My surgery is scheduled for Monday June 27th. I really needed time to clear away more fear and resentment, so I'm glad I took these last weeks to just kick back in Hippie ville having fun with snugs.

It really prepared me for today's visit. I felt less fearful talking with Doctors, and less victimized by my resentment. As of now, I will be going through with the operation which will be a lumpectomy followed by radiation.

I just clicked on FB and saw this amazing Cigar Box Guitar Jason Farthing made. A big Holy Cow You rock to Jason! Thank You.

Once again, I am so impressed by all of You. Everyone has been so helpful and kind in the own unique way. I would never be able to do this with out your help!

Let's have a blast at the show! The Bands that are playing are AWESOME.

Love,
Nicole

Less Than Two Weeks to Showtime!

Let's all go get some tickets, and get ready to rock.

From Nicole

I just read Kevin's blog. I was so inspired I needed to write myself. Yes, a huge thank you to all the bands, Tom Gaffey, Matthew and Lila.

Thank you to all my friends and family who have supported me through this battle. I really sank into a self pity/ resentful state last week that took me down harder than the chemo.
I have found through this journey continual support which has assisted me to get up and out physically and mentally. It is to easy to slip into depression, which in itself can be fatal, so I am extremely grateful to have made it to the other side. I could not have done this without you.

Also, I wanted to express a major THANK YOU to Kevin. I can't imagine what this is like for you, but I assume it is very difficult. I have been extremely challenging to be around since you've known me, but more so lately with the added stress.

Love,

Nicole

Off to Spring Training

Yesterday was an eventful day. I practiced with Siren for the 1st time in 15yrs, and we prepared for our trip to Arizona to watch the World Champion San Francisco Giants get ready to defend their title (it still sounds good to say that).


As you can all see from the attached photo's, Kaitlin is ready to swim, and Siren is right down to business. Funny how resilient kids are. She was so sick the past few days, and today it's like nothing happened.

I need to give a huge thanks to Melody & Andrea at Satori for coordinating the event on March 13th.

Kaitlin is ready:

Siren is getting there

Benefit at Satori Posted for RSVP

Satori Yoga Studio is doing a great event for and with Nicole on Sunday, March 13th. The details are now posted Here

Please register early if possible so we know how many friends to expect.

A visit with Josh Staples and Sara Sanger

So, something amazing thing happened on the way to the benefit. The Velvet Teen agreed to play at the show in Sonoma County on June 25th. I ran into Josh Staples (The Velvet Teen & The New Trust) and Sara Sanger (Photographer & Guitar player in The New Trust) tonight at the Great America Music hall. I had a great time talking with them, and being reassured that every thing is going to be ok. They also told me that their band The New Trust will be playing a week of shows with the Smoking Popes in March, check out tour dates at the link above. Totally amazing people, as well as amazing and creative artists and musicians. I could not help but share the joy!

event at satori is in 3 weeks

So the gifts for the auction keep coming in. I just got a list from one of Nicole's oldest friends, Gypsy. This is quite amazing: 1. Relaxation/Tea gift basket with tea cup, teas, incense, candles, and such 2. Coffee basket with organic coffee, french press, maybe biscotti and reuseable coffee mug and reuseable cold cup/smoothie cup 3. Vintage kitchen basket with vintage kids cookbooks, recipe box, retro apron, dishtowels, tools and maybe I'll add a baking mix in a cool retro box or something 4. Reuseable insulated grocery tote with a $50 Trader Joe's gift card 5. Guatemalan-style hand bag/basket 6. "Wine" basket with wine or if that's not kosher- sparkling juice or something and cobalt blue wine goblets or maybe these cool handmade clay ones I found while thrifting with some chocolate snacks (let me know about the wine idea please) 7. Gluten-free baking basket with handthrown pottery mixing bowl and stuff to bake it up.

I am not joking, this is from one person! I am posting a photo of Nicole & Gypsy from 5th Grade (note they are wearing matching outfits), these two are connected like very few people I have ever met. They are like sisters. The first time I met Gypsy I was almost as nervous as when I met Nicole's Dad for the first time. They have lived together, shared great times and great tragedy. Thank you Gypsy!

Events

As I mentioned before, there are two events planned to help offset the cost of some of the treatments that are not covered, co-pays, etc. The first one is at Satori Yoga Studio in San Francisco, March 13th, 1-3pm. See previous post for details. The second is going to be at the Arlene Francis Center for Spirit, Art & Politics In Santa Rosa on June 25th. The Event in SR is shaping up to be monumental! Confirmed So Far, The Velvet Teen, Jeff Ott, The 50/50's. Ton's of great auction and raffle items, a community yoga class taught by the woman of the hour herself, Nicole Trust me there will be some surprises at this one. Very Exciting Stuff!!!

Benefits

We are holding two benefits, one at Satori Yoga Studio where Nicole will be teaching a donation-based class. This should be a fun day, click the photo for detials. The second is in Santa Rosa on June 25th, and will feature The Velvet Teen, and some very special guests, at the Arlene Francis Center.