Hello Everyone:

Cancer.  Still everywhere and all kinds and types. I know I am one of the lucky ones.

I attended the funeral today of a friend of mine who fought valiantly and bravely but at the end, cancer won. He was only 34. All through his journey, my friend continued to have a spark and an amazingly positive attitude throughout. He never gave up hope that he would return to work and continue to live and experience life. I think it is our belief in the trust and hope we have placed in ourselves and an inner-strength that carries and helps us during these times.

HOPE. It is a good friend.
TRUST. Helps to bring the mind at ease.

Whatever any outcome is, keep Hope and Trust close by. We trust that we are doing the right things and hope that because of that we will be able to see them through.

I trust each and everyday that I am doing the right things to live a healthy and happy life. That said, I also hope that it stays that way. With the number of recurrences that happen, it’s hard not to think about it. Especially on days like today when I know that cancer has taken a friend away. Truthfully, I get a little frightened.

To my “office little brother”:
You have left us all some wonderful memories. Your care and devotion will still be a guide. And though we cannot see you, those who knew you will still have you by their side.

Be happy. Smile a lot. Trust and Hope.

Love, Winnie

Hello Everyone:
First off, Happy and Healthy 2014 to all. I know this message is a few days later than I wanted to send out as I wanted to have written 40 Winnie‘s Warriors messages by the end of 2013. Close though!

I’m sitting in a cafe in my favourite place – the City of Lights. And lights there are! It is still quiet festive here in Paris with buildings lit up in blue glow and Christmas trees hanging on wires mid street St Honore among others. The Place Vendome is as fabulous as ever, all while waiting for the Ritz Carlton to re-emerge from renovations.
I’m here with 5 ladies and what a blast. We had dinner at my favourite restaurant, L’Ami Jean and received 5-star treatment. We had the tasting menu and it was delicious! Not sure if it’s normal but we each got 4 dessert courses!! (Not including the cheese after the mains). We were all happy for the little walk back to the metro. The chef even gave us all a gift of a little cook-book of stories and recipes.

I ended 2013 on a high note. I went to see the Nutcracker with BFFs Chris and Jim. An older woman came through the crowds to specifically say that she had to tell me I was “stunning”. And that she knows a thing or two being that she was nearly 80 years old. How sweet and unexpected. I must admit that at the end of the day, no matter how much “hair envy” I get from time to time, this short crop really rocks. Most of the comments I get are from women and older ones. It’s wild. To think that not in a million years that I would have voluntarily done this (without reason as I actually did do it voluntarily….)

So needless to say, I’ll be staying with the short crop and go incognito every now and then when the occasion or outfit calls for some wild and fabulous long locks. (or blond ones). LOL.

One of the ladies in my Paris group is always saying that the present is a gift. She couldn’t be more right. The present is a true present that we get to enjoy every morning we are blessed enough to get out of bed and have our feet touch the floor (right Bernie?!).

May we all learn to appreciate and enjoy our present as we should.

See each and everyone of you soon and in 2014 (I hope!!). I am officially back to my pre-cancer illness fighting weight! 🙂

Winnie xoxo