Twin-Cess-Diaries Records the Thrilling Release of Mysterious and Miraculous

It's been a very exciting week for those of us involved with the Book Series of Mysterious and Miraculous. After a labor of love from hard working scribes, editors, photographers and publishers, I am thrilled to announce the release of Mysterious and Miraculous, Book II.

This book series is intriguing to say the least. Several writers share their true stories of the mystical, mysterious and miraculous. Each series (1 & 2) - consist of twelve true stories and experiences that have forever transformed the life of the author and those close to them.

This review is a glimpse into the soul of Mysterious and Miraculous. Can you remember a time in your life when your perception of reality was shaken to the core? The stories you will read here will fill you with awe, inspiration, hope, and spiritual healing.

Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank the exceptional team that made this book series possible. Through their hard work, passion and dedication to this endeavor, this legacy of stories will continue.
A special thanks to Michael Friedman of Mockingbird Books Publishing, Angelia Phillips, Gail Sobotkin, Maria Jordan of Marcoujor's Musings, and Alicia Jaye Phillips of Sibling Synergy, as well as all the talented authors and contributors.

* 70% of the Proceeds from the book will go to Support Homeless Veterans Organization.
*E-Books can be purchased at: http://storykeepers.weebly.com/book-shoppe.html or Amazon.com

Happy Thanksgiving From Me and the Peanuts Gang 035

My Lung Cancer Story for the American Lung Association

LINDA R.'S STORY

From Minnesota – The story of how I figured out I had lung cancer:

 Early February of 2004 I was having extreme anxiety and panic attacks. I ended up in ER twice because of it. The second time the anxiety was so severe, I thought I was having a heart attack. The doctor said that my heart was fine but the x-ray revealed a small spot on my right lung. She asked me if I was a smoker and I told her I had never smoked. She told me that anyone can get spots on x-rays, especially in Minnesota because of the melting and freezing temperatures. She suggested I follow up with my primary doctor, although she didn't seem too concerned about the spot. After seeing my doctor, I was set up for a CT scan. The scan revealed that the spot had gotten bigger since my trip to the ER. I was quickly scheduled for a biopsy, and sadly, the results revealed I had non-small cell lung cancer. Later I learned that the pathology report showed the cancer had spread to my trachea and bronchi lymph nodes. This result changed my stage 1 A diagnosis to 3 A. I underwent surgery to remove the middle lobe of my right lung followed by five months of chemotherapy, and finally radiation. Those were scary, difficult days but I fought hard and won. I am happy to say, I will be ten years cancer free this coming St. Patrick's Day. I thank God every day for the gift of health and life. My cancer journey, although difficult, taught me how precious every day is and not to sweat the small stuff.

I feel grateful to the American Lung Association for letting me share my lung cancer story with others. I hope my story will help educate people on this type of cancer. I also hope my story will help reduce the stigma that often comes with a lung cancer diagnosis. No one deserves cancer, and whether you are a smoker or non-smoker, you deserve support.

Beacon of Light

She listens to the steady pitter pat
on what is another dark and dreary day

Even the dogs tire of nature's tears
too wet to go outside for walk and play

Jazz rings out in the background
hoping to soothe a dampened soul

Melancholy dripping like raindrops
pulling me down a endless hole

Wringing me dry of energy and joy
 hopelessness winning this fight

Until  a beacon of light breaks through the fog
and darkness gives way to Open Link Night


Written for dVerse Poets
Week 118

Lightening Strike at the U.S. Open

The day will be forever etched in my mind
as news of your tragic death traveled 

When I got the dreaded call that day
I fell to my knee's; My life unraveled

Who knew your adventure at the U.S. Open
would be the last day of your young life

You were only 27 with so much left to do
the loss so unexpected, it cut us like a knife

A thunderstorm came out of nowhere
golf spectator's started to flee

You and Scott headed for safety
thinking it would be best under a tree

You wore old worn out shoes that day
which made the hit more frightening

The energy traveled through the hole
your life cut short by lightening








Written for dVerse Poets Pub
MeetingtheBar Night

We were asked to write a tribute to friendship
or to the beloved man and fellow Poet~Dave King
who sadly passed away recently.

I Could Never Forget You

Hi Mama~will you tuck me in the way you use to?
You were only thirty-nine when alcohol took you.              

I Could Never Forget You

Dear Dad~you were my best friend
Wish Emphysema wouldn't have made your life end.

I Could Never Forget You

Hey Billy~My sister's one true soul-mate
What a tragedy lightening would be your dying fate

I Could Never Forget You
                                                                             
I miss you talented, charming brother
lost your life to addiction, just like our mother.

I Could Never Forget You

Cousin Mark~what a courageous man you were
I wish 'Pancreatic Cancer' would've had a cure.

I Could Never Forget You

To my friend in the Social Services Field~You struggled with depression for years
Taking your life after saving so many others, left us in tears.

I Could Never forget You

Written for dVerse Poet's
Open Link Night

The Homeless Man

An arctic bitter wind
blows angrily in my face

My cold body~ rigid
I walk at a snail's pace

The city life
isn't all it's cracked up to be

It drains your soul
like a used up  B--a-t-t-e-r-y                                

As I round the corner
out of the parking ramp

I notice an old man
He's shivering, cold and damp

His long black coat
hangs from his slender frame

His eyes look tired
yet his spirit holds no shame

Trying to warm his hands
he rubs them together

It's clear his cardboard home
has seen extreme weather

I threw down my things
and sat down beside him

Wondering how I'd help
a situation so grim

I huddled close
and asked him his name

He said I was special
the only person who came

I've sat here for days
looking for hope

But nobody cared
that I couldn't cope

Thank you sweet child
for seeing my soul

Beneath my appearance
that's taken it's toll

I watched in awe
at the blinding bright light

As man transformed into angel
and drifted out of sight

Written for dVerse Poets
Open Link Night
Week #106

Poem~A Mother's Heavenly Visit to her Youngest Child

Those first few months
felt like a blurr                                      

The longing and pain
of missing her

She couldn't erase
the image in her head

Of Mom in a coffin
and feelings of dread

Why did you leave us?
your children need you

Dad is a drunk
and won't know what to do

Night time was lonely
without mom around

She'd hear scary noises
that made her heart pound

She missed the routine
of being tucked in

And the maternal love
a dad couldn't give

The girl lay crying
feeling hopeless one night

She pleaded with God
to make it all right

I need you mommy
you keep me on track

Please help me Lord
can you bring her back?

Down the hallway she noticed
a light moving slowly

It grew brighter and brighter
she knew it was holy

A beautiful lady
floated above her head

And eventually sat
at the edge of her bed

Looking right at the angel
she recognized the face

It was her mother
glowing with grace

She listened intently
to the message conveyed

Through telepathic means
Mom said, "don't be afraid."

I'm sorry I left you
just know I'm still here

Watching over you kids
every day, every year

I love you my baby
your four siblings too

Make sure you tell them
of my visit to you

Let them know
I tucked them in tonight

That things will get better
it will be alright

At that very moment
her spirit-body lifted

Down the hallway I watched
as she gracefully drifted.

Written for dVerse Poets
Prompt: Atmosphere within Poem 

The Winds of Change

Can you feel it?
the energy changing form          

             

Can you see it?
the vortex of your storm

Lower consciousness
gives way to higher state of mind

Letting go of restrictions
negative ways that bind

Seeing the world in a clearer way
Don't need your approval of what I think or say

Before the winds of change came
she was an obedient 'Yes' girl

Until life-blood drained 
and caused sanity to unfurl

No more people pleasing
out of fear of rejection

Now acceptance of authentic self
Mirrored in strong woman's reflection

Gone are days of tireless trudging                           

in darkened muck of oppression

I choose a freedom dance
that lifts me from depression

Shedding the unproductive layers
breathing in a new liberation

Letting go of old baggage 
brings about soul in celebration

Can you feel it?
the transformation it can bring

Can you see it?
no more puppet on a string

Written for dVerse Poets
Open Link Night #102

Being a Twin

It's hard to fathom
a life without you

Your my heart and soul
a friend that is true

Your my rock
when life's tough

Give me hope
when it's rough
           
        ~

What a miracle it is
we were sent here together

A bond like ours grows
and goes on forever

Traveling life's road
on this earth is our fate

It's a gift from God
having you as my soul-mate

Written for dVerse Poets Pub
Prompt: Entwin(n)ed

Tribute to Dad and all who Graciously Serve

Tribute to Dad and all who Graciously Serve

Dad on bottom row, far left with his comrades of the 489th Bomber Group

I am a daughter
and a veteran's biggest fan

Dad was only twenty-two
what a brave, courageous man

He fought the good fight
so we could live free

All those in uniform
sacrificed dearly for me

His missions were flown
over Germany and France

So we could enjoy freedom
and have half a chance

Thirteen missions flown
by the eighth Army Air-Force

Halesworth, England
would be their 'said course'

Many close calls
would threaten their day

They kept persevering
and made sure to pray

Remember to thank those
who fought despite fear

Not only on Memorial day
but everyday of the year

This is a re-post of a Poem I wrote in May of 2011

Re-Post for dVerse Poet's OLN #98
Thank You to all Veteran's whose courage entitles us the freedoms we are afforded.

Twin Prank on my Old Boyfriend

This weekend I'm on vacation for the Memorial Holiday. Every year my sister and I and her two kids stay at a resort in Northern Wisconsin. It's a trip we look forward to all year long.

Last night we went to a restaurant that we've been going to for many years here. We bumped into my ex-boyfriend's mom and dad and started chatting.  I instantly had butterflies in my stomach, wondering if my ex would soon walk in.  A few moments later his mom said, "Ryan is on his way here, he should be walking in any minute." I put on a a big smile and said, "great, it will be so nice to see him." Like a school girl I whispered to my sister, "I'm so nervous, even after all these years."

Ryan and I met each other at this very restaurant about fifteen years ago. The Beechmoor was just a block away from my sister and her now~ ex-husband's cabin. The break up between Ryan and I was mutual but not easy. We were very attracted to each other and had a lot of fun, but it wasn't enough to make up for the big differences. Through the years I've never forgotten him~ and knew someday I'd eventually bump into him here where his parents have a cabin.

Be it my nerves mixed with a few beers~ and you have twin sisters hatching a plan for the reunion. We thought it might be fun to pretend Laura was me when he showed up. My heart started beating fast when I saw him walk in the front door. He headed right over to his parents~ just across from sis and I. Once Ryan's parents told him sis and I were there, he came right over. Laura immediately says, "It's been a while~ so just a reminder, I'm Linda and that's Laura," "I know your Linda, I dated you, how could I not remember that." I started feeling guilty right away. "She's just kidding, I'm Linda and that's Laura," I said.  It went back and forth with Laura continuing to say she was me, and me trying to convince him that I was really Linda."

 The plan to trick Ryan ended up snowballing because I wimped out. The minute I saw that handsome face, I just didn't have the heart to play out the rouse, which in turn backfired and became a bigger prank. The poor guy looked so confused by the time we wrapped up the conversation. I plan to make it right next time I bump into him.

Moving through the Darkness

The Dark, Dank  tunnel
encloses her like a tomb                                                                

'What if's' echoing
off walls of  desperate doom

Whirling, Swirling, Twirling
getting sucked further down the hole                

Bloody from white knuckling
  fighting for control

Breathe...Release...Live
a voice speaks in the night

Every day's a precious gift
no matter what the fight

Light slowly returning
to the vessel, that was home

Spit out like a piece of chewing gum
she no longer feels alone

Like a movie in slow motion
the messenger began...

Everything looks good

no cancer on your scan





Update on my latest scan: Hi all, I am happy to report that my scan was good. The oncologist did see two itsy bitsy spots on the right lung but this is common for me. It seems that every other scan has spots of some kind. She said the spots are probably due to my allergies and she's not worried at all.

I use to break down whenever I was told I had spots but I am learning to let go more and more with every year I am cancer-free. I do have to go back in six months instead of 12 which is protocol with any abnormal scan, but better safe than sorry and I like knowing they are on top of my lung health.

Thanks to all of you that have supported me throughout my cancer journey. Your thoughtful messages and comments mean the world to me.

God Bless and Remember~ Live Every Day to the Fullest.




Written for dVerse Poets
Open Link Night #97

Waiting is the Hardest Part...

Emotions race up and down
like a crazy roller coaster ride

This week of waiting~hard...
leaves body and soul feeling fried

Trying to find ways
to forget about the fear

Prays to her dear Lord
"keep it at bay," ~wipes a tear

Every cough, wheeze or cold
creates visions of darkest doom

Even after nine years clean
swallowed in a cloud of gloom

We can do this...
just two more days

of walking around
in a zombie-like haze

I have too much to do
too much to say...

To let this disease
take it all away

I am loved and needed
people count on me

That's the hardest part
of this cancer  j o u r -n e y

I'll walk into that office
with head held high

Hoping results show...
it's not time to die

Written for dVerse Poets
Open Link Night~#96




  

Reflections of a Beautiful Mother's Day

What a perfect Mother's Day for my sister and I. This year we decided to 'really do' what we wanted to do. It's easy to fall into doing things the kids want to do, out of habit. For example, cooking a family favorite meal for the kids or going out to eat where they want to go. This year we stuck to our guns and did exactly what we wanted.

Our first stop was at a local grocery store/gas station~ for a coffee or soda pop. Next we headed out to the Farmers Market in Minneapolis. There is something so exciting about walking around the grounds and taking in all the sights, sounds and scores of people. At the Market~ we shopped, ate, people watched, and I even danced to a live musician. The talented singer and guitarist was singing Bob Marley tunes and I just couldn't help myself. Our favorite food stops include:  Deep Fried French Fries, Roasted Corn, Brats and Grilled Tortilla's~ topped with favorite sauces from the taco bar.

Next we drove to the 'West End' area which is a fancy block with upscale stores and restaurants. We did a little shopping and then stopped to have a bite at a Mexican Restaurant.

When we arrived home we all sat outside on lawn chairs. The weather was a perfect mild 68 degree's which is dreamy for us Minnesotan's. The kids pulled out two cards: one for Mom and one for me, Auntie Mom. I read my card out loud first, then sis read hers. Talk about touching cards that got us all choked up. As if the beautiful cards weren't enough, now the kids handed us a pretty pink flowered 'Bath and Body Works' gift bag. It was filled with a peach candle, great smelling body lotions and body sprays.

It was a special Mother's Day for my sister and I because we did what we wanted most: We spent quality time with the kids. What a blessing it has been to help raise my sister's two children these past nine years. They have been some of the best years of my life.

Farmers Market

Hot Caramel @ Cinnamon Rolls

My niece on left w/best friend

My Handsome Nephew~ taken @ Prom

Sis getting Roasted Corn

Soul-Mate

You wandered in
and caught my eye

Ordered a Mocha

from the Caribou guy

Jet black hair
with eyes of blue

Made my heart
skip a beat or two

Faded blue jeans
tight t-shirt

Couldn't help myself
and wanted to flirt

How can I meet him?
my plan was in store

I carefully placed
a pen on the floor

When the time was right
to make him my own

I turned off my lap top
and grabbed my fresh scone

Made my way to his table
with plan of mishap

I tripped on the pen
and fell in his lap

The rest of my story
'is history' as they say

Been married for years
and in love till this day

Written for dVerse Poets: Open Link Night

My Nephew's First Prom

I can't believe the time has already come when one of my twin sister's children is attending their first prom. Jacob is not just my nephew but my Godson as well. I've been a big part of raising Jacob and his younger sister, so you can imagine how emotional it was seeing Jacob off to his first prom. 

The parents and kids started the night out together~ for picture taking. It was held at a Country Club in the area. Between sis and I, we got many incredible photo's. We took group shots as well as couple shots. 

After pictures they all headed out to the Carlson Towers for the prom dinner and dance. Jacob drove the family Kia, Sedona,  for he and Andrea and two other couples. After the dance, Jacob's group headed to a friend's house. Sis and I were happy to hear the parents were there. They ate snacks throughout the night and played various games. Jacob didn't get to bed until 3:00 A.M.~ but that was ok with Mom and Auntie Mom~As long as we knew there was no alcohol or drugs, we didn't care how late he stayed up. 

Jacob/Andrea

Jacob and his Two Mom's

Jacob/Andrea

My Handsome Nephew/Godson

Jacob and Good Friend Rollie

The Group Photo

Time really flies by, so remember to live each day to the fullest. It seems like just yesterday that I was holding baby Jacob in my arms.

Happy May Day Minnesota

HAIKU

Rain, Sleet Snow and Slush
May Day in Minnesota

Real, or Just a Dream?

Written for Dverse Poets Pub (Prompt: Spring)

Monster

Not all mankind can see you
the darkness in your soul

It hides behind the charm
the evil takes a toll

Like a spider spins the web
awaiting treats of flies

The monster feasts on minds
by tricking us with  lies

Hundred's walk among us
with angry, vile wrath

Let me introduce you:
'white collar psychopath'




Written for dVerse Poet's Pub
The prompt was 'Monster'

Alzheimer's Can't Come Between the Sacred Bond of Sister's

The priceless moment when Muggs and Franny remember their sister's

I would like to share a deeply moving experience I witnessed this past weekend. I was attending my Uncle Bill's funeral. My uncle was eighty-five years old and in great shape. He and Aunt Franny have always been very active and loved the outdoors. He was recently diagnosed with melanoma. He underwent radiation treatment and given a clean bill of health. Shortly after this, he began having severe hip and back pain. The doctor's news was not what he expected. The cancer had come back with a vengeance and was spreading quickly. My uncle was given just days to live. In true Bill fashion, he handled the news with courage and strength. He has a strong faith and a loving supportive family.

My Aunt Franny (Uncle Bill's wife) and her sister Muggs, are both living with Alzheimer's Disease.  When we reminded them the day of the funeral that they were sister's, the reaction was priceless. There was a short pause, then Franny said, "Your my sister" and Franny said, "Your mine too." Then Aunt Franny confidently proclaimed, "Well what do you know about that." After this realization, Aunt Franny began pushing her sister around in her wheelchair. She wore a look of pride and joy knowing she was spending time with her sister. It was one of those moments in my life I'll never forget. It really showed our family that nothing can come between thesacred bond of love.

Facade

He watched, waited and studied

for his possession yet to be

Like a leopard ready to pounce
this meal would set him free

Sinister were his intentions
charm would be the front

Peering from the forest
this beast was on the hunt

He finally found his victim
a beauty through and through

She took him at his word
believed his love was true

Soon the tales unraveled 
she could read the clues

The darkness soon revealed
it was all a rouse


© Linda R 2013



Written for dVerse Poets-Open Link Night~Week 89

Cinquain Prose

Beautiful Blossoms

Blossoms
Sweet aroma
Bring senses to new heights
Dear Majestic Crab Apple Tree 

Free me

This was a prompt from dVerse Poets: Cinquain Syllabic Poem is 2, 4, 6, 8, 2.

My Twin Sister is a Rock Star

I'm like a proud mom sending off my child to her first day of school. My twin sister just started a new job today and I was so excited for her, I walked her out and sent her off with a bag lunch like she was starting Kindergarten. I had a hard time sleeping last night because I am so relieved she found a new job that will treat her with the respect she deserves. She recently left a position she'd had for nine years. She was given a new supervisor who should have never been in a supervisory role. She was inexperienced, unprofessional and hostile. Instead of being straight forward with my sister about changes she and the Executive team wanted to make to her job, she went about it sideways. She was manipulative, pushy and down right abusive. I would call her a work place bully. It got so bad, my sister was barely able to go into work and was taking all her sick and personal time. She was depressed, had migraines and didn't have that twinkle in her eye anymore. I watched her get progressively more and more depressed and hopeless. Just walking in the front door of the agency was a huge accomplishment for her and it took every ounce of her strength. It became even more difficult to get motivated to go into work after she had the courage to file a HR complaint against the woman. Although Laura made a complaint, the agency was not willing to do anything about it. They told my sister that she had to deal with it anyway. My sister is a woman of great faith and immense integrity. She was clear with HR that  if they wouldn't give her a new supervisor, she would need to resign. In the end, through many difficult days, Laura did resign. It was very risky for her to do as the primary bread winner, but she knew it was something she had to do.
Laura just called me on her first dayfrom the new job. I got tears in my eyes when I asked her how it was going and if she felt good about the new position. She said, "I'm home Linda, this is where God wanted me." Laura trusted all along, from that first day she left as Director of Volunteers at a Human Service Agency. She listened to her gut and had faith in God that it would all work out. Her courage is such an inspiration to me as her identical twin. My sister is a great example of what it means to be a christian with a strong faith. She never wavered; leaving a stable job because she knew she deserved more.  My sister is a rock star to me. After just a few months of being unemployed, she now has a dream job that she earned. She is the new Director of Volunteers for a Senior Housing Agency. She's earning significantly more money, has her own Administrative Assistant, but most importantly, she is being treated the way she should be treated. She is being respected as a professional that's worked in the Human Services Field for many years.
There is no amount of money worth dealing with a work place bully.
My twin sister is a rock star that I greatly admire.

Happy '50th' Birthday Twin Sister

Here we go again friend's-another birthday for the twins. Not only are we excited to celebrate the day we came into this world, this is the big '50th' birthday. I don't know where time has gone to be honest. I guess time flies when your having fun and I always have a blast with my sister and best friend.
Laura and I have been through many life experiences together which makes us even closer. We lost our mother when we were only nine years old and our father when we were thirty-five. Knowing we always have each other for support makes the ups and downs much easier to handle.
When my sister was going through a difficult divorce, I was right by her side, reminding her things would get better. Laura, a single mother at the time, took me into her home when I was diagnosed with cancer. She never gave it a second thought to be there for me at a very scary time.
I thank God every night that he brought me into this world with a twin sister. I can't imagine how different things would be if I didn't have a built in best friend. She is my confidante that I trust with all my heart. It's a blessing to travel down the uncertain road of life with a twin. Our bond is one that no one can put asunder. It's an unconditional love that we try to role-model to other's.
Happy birthday twin sister! We're not getting older, we're getting better.

Year in Review

What a year 2013 was for my family. It was a year of change and many life lessons.
My twin sister left her job of nine years as a Volunteer Director at a Human Service Agency. The decision to leave was difficult as she loved the mission and her co-workers. A hostile and unprofessional supervisor helped her see it was time to move on and move forward.
After some financial difficulties which included a work furlough, we are now in a foreclosure situation. We'll be doing a short-sale within the next few months. We've been looking for 'homes for rent' that are in our price range.
As a cancer survivor I am grateful to say I continue to be cancer-free. Sadly, I lost too many friends this year in their battle. Two neighbors in my culdesac passed away as well as a friend who joined me in the "Relay for Life" walk just a year before. I am a grateful survivor but also miss my dear ones that lost the fight.
Sis and I finally bought a second family car. Not only are we grateful for the extra car, it's a convertible that brings us lots of joy. Our puppy Spooky had her first ride in the car and learned the hard way not to jump out when the top is down. She is fine but will be safely restrained in the future.
This is just a little snippet of the past year of my life.  I am reminded every new year how precious life is. I have everything I need: God, Family, Friends and Gratitude for all the Lord has blessed me with.
Happy New Year  and may God Bless you