Hi there, I’m Ashley of Lil Blue Boo.
Lil Blue Boo is all about encouraging others to find their creative streak. I love sewing, silk screening, painting, photography, journaling, and power tools. I have a serious obsession for color, fabric and trinkets. Lil Blue Boo sewing patterns grew out of a love of new and reclaimed knits. Lil Blue Boo clothing is an eclectic mix of original hand cut silk screens, vintage finds, recycled fabrics, and comfortable style. I love coming up with unique one-of-a-kind and limited edition knit clothing for adults and children and I love sharing the process with others. I write daily for Babble.com’s The New Home Ec on a variety of DIY projects.
A few of my favorite projects to check out:
Frida Kahlo in Buttons and the Mona Lisa in Buttons
Getting Organized
A Vintage Sign Using Canvas
Spin-spiration Folk Art
I recently have had some crazy curveballs thrown at me that have made me consciously decide to “choose joy” as a way of life. I’ve chosen to write publicly about loss, and the nitty gritty of unexpected surgery and chemotherapy in hopes that my experiences will help others. I was diagnosed with Choriocarcinoma in October 2011. Starting in the uterus, it spread to my lungs, liver and regrew in my pelvis area after an emergency hysterectomy. You can read more about all of this in The Cancer Chronicles. I recently shaved off my long, long hair too.….it was a great experience.
I’ve always loved creating things. I grew up with a very crafty, creative mother and I have two very crafty, creative grandmothers that I was fortunate enough to spend a little time with at a young age before they passed away. I love creating with my daughter.
DIESEL
How could I forget Diesel! Diesel is our 2.5 pound Yorkshire Terrier. He will be 9 years old this year. He is so small sometimes I think he could be the smallest dog in the world. You can read more about him here.
A couple things that people are surprised to learn about me:
:: I used to fly airplanes…I was so close to getting my pilot’s license….solo flight and everything…..but decided I just didn’t “get it” and having to take Dramamine before flying was not a good sign. (I can’t even drive a stick shift, should I really be flying a plane?!) My dad flew as a hobby and wanted us kids to be able to land it if something happened to him. You can read about him here, talk about someone with an abundance of energy…..
:: I love reading memoirs….of anyone, famous or not.
:: I once met Johnny Cash in a dream. I swear to God it was really him.
:: I used to show horses competitively and regret selling my thoroughbred Andy when I went off to school because I would probably still be riding.
:: I love being a mother but never had any desire to breastfeed or experience labor and I could not stand being pregnant. I’m a little scared my daughter will inherit my OCD, ADHD, stubbornness etc and be impossible to control.
:: I love being a wife and taking care of my husband. Sometime amazed that he puts up with my OCD, ADHD and stubbornness.
:: I eat 1 of two things every morning for breakfast along with a diet coke…..cheddar goldfish or McDonald’s bacon, egg and cheese biscuit. My mother made us eat a lot of organic, barley, super-green algae, aloe juice etc growing up….and I think it backfired.
:: I studied abroad in China during college to learn Mandarin Chinese.
:: I can recite all the old testament books of the bible in under 14 seconds.
:: I can’t stand to drink water. I drink about 5 diet cokes a day and only drink water when I run. I’m trying to change this. (Update: I haven’t had a soda since October 21st!)
:: I have thought about opening a gun range. I am a really good shot….even with a heavy M-4 (similar to an M-16).
:: I love watching movies while I paint and as a result I have seen thousands (once I had Blockbuster print off movies I had rented from them…..it was a roll of paper about 10 feet long…I’ve switched to Netflix now to save money). I love movies that are based on true events.
:: I love donuts, mustard, bacon, broccoli, brussel sprouts, vinegar, deviled eggs, onions, chips and salsa, pancakes, peanut butter, chicken tenders, movie popcorn, nachos……but not together.
:: I hate asking for help…..for anything. I also don’t like feeling indebted. But I love helping people and giving things away.
:: My daughter and I LOVE to make dance videos:
(photos by Paint the Moon and Bloom)
Visit my workspace and behind the scenes!
I have a serious obsession for color, fabric and trinkets and I’ve pretty much taken over every available work space in the house and we are working on expanding a larger workspace. I love peeking into other people’s work areas. You can see the evolution of my painting and sewing studios here. My workspace changes almost daily as my business changes and grows and I have to find more room!
This was fun to read
Ashley
My name is Dana Mahoney and my husband and I are friends of your mom and dad. IWe are golfing buddies of them and I have had your Mom on my mind and not sure how to reach her, all I have is your dad’s old email. would love to find out how she is and get in touch with her. So many of us are so fond of her and a bunch of us are together this weekend for golf (I know you know how that is) and we were remembering fond memories last night. Could you please give her my email to contact me danamahoney56@gmail.com.
Also, I just found out about your surgery and we all send our biggest hugs and best wishes to you and your family. We have you in our prayers. You have wonderful family support and I know your Daddy is right there with you. Please give Mom a big hug as well.
Fondly
Dana Mahoney
PS I remembered the night in Guadalajara that your father showed me the Lil Blue Boo website, that id how I am finding you, he was so proud
I just found your site and I'm in love… with your ideas! I think I should learn to sew better. Your little girl's hair reminds me so much of my baby girl Jocelyn's. Thanks for all the fun tutorials and ideas! Keep posting!
Um… I'm feeling a bit like an underachiever. What a colorful palate you have of life experiences.
Clearly, God has blessed you abundantly.
you sound like a pretty interesting, fun and loving person.
nice to meet you.
lisa renata
ok, how am i just reading this now!? so fun to read. love all of the little random facts about you
I just recently found you blog and I love it. I also like to paint and have just recently gotten my first few clients. I alos do children's nurseries and canvases. I really enjoyed reading about you, love you sense of humor. I kept reading it out loud to my hubby while he was trying to watch a ball game, I think I was driving him crazy, ha! Anyway thanks for being so inspiring!
I just found your site and have read almost all of it already. You are so talented, amazing, and so, so generous! Thank you for your tutorials. I am getting super excited to go brush off my piles of empty canvases and try some landscapes. Your blog is my favorite kind, the kind that lights a fire under me. Keep up the awesome work, and thanks again!
WOW! it sounds like you've had quite an interesting life, and are extremely talented and generous! how kind of you to not only share your tutorials, techniques, ideas, etc. – but also your private life! i spent the last year of my life learning to do all kinds of fun things that i swore i would when my younger when started school – i started with spackle and paint, and moved on to learn electrical and plumbing too! i am now inspired, in part by you, to have hemmed my first pair of pants (by hand) bought my first sewing machine – even though i don't know how to sew! next up is a class i think, and then some creative refashioning, and maybe costumes, home dec…. thank you so much for sharing so much with all of us!
I think we would be the best of friends if we lived next door! Finding your blog only yesterday, I have got through it upside and down. You are inspiring me to put my ideas to work for me. I am also running to my purse to purchase your dress patterns for my little people. I, too, search for finding 'cool' patterns for boys. My son humors me and wears tshirt pants and shirts with appliqued ties on them. I will follow your post faithfully! Keep it coming!
I think we could be best friends . . . except for the gun part. Guns scare the dickens out of me. And at one point in my life I drank so much Diet Coke that I had to give it up cold turkey. No caffeine now for 10 years! It didn't help with the water consumption though.
I am off to shop in your Etsy store!
Wow i just stumbled across your website and am amazed at how talented you are! You have also done so much in your life – you seem like a beautiful, down to earth, energetic and brave soul!
I cant wait to try out some of your projects. I am very creative (so i'm told) myself but always need a boost for ideas. I have a 2 yr old son and am a stay at home mum.
I am looking forward to making loads of things. I will show you what i make (if you like) as it progresses.
Oh my, you are amazing!! You can absolutely see from your blog that your daughter has inherited your energy! I love to sew too. I much admire the combinations of pattern and color in the clothing you make. It's inspiring me to wonder how to create similar combinations in clothes for myself even though I'm not a child, I'm 42! It must be possible — even to combine prints and color, and woven fabrics with knits in a unique T-shirt or something. I also love to fly, my husband has a pilot's license and a plane but I have no desire to be a pilot. I'm too distracted looking at what's on the ground from above. LOVE your blog.
I love love LOVE the dance videos!!!
Reading this made me feel so much better about my chaotic and all-over-the-place ambitions. My family and friends give me a really hard time because I’m a Deaf Education major (who wants to use ASL but not necessarily in the traditional classroom), dancer, writer, aspiring traveler, crafter, interior decorator, etc, who can’t wait to get married and be a mom. I’m determined to find a way to harmonize all of these things into my life-story, though.
Who says you can’t do it all, right!? You gotta fill 80-something years with something!
Anyway, your story is inspiring!
I love your site. and I love your honesty! I saw your tutorial on Dharmas site. The one with the snowflakes across the bottom of the dress. I want to know if you have tried this technique on silk. I need an idea on a technique for using the dynaflow dyes on silk glasses cases. I teach Seniors (citizens) here in Big Bear Lake, CA. I made a promise long ago that we would NEVER do “gramma crafts” (pom-pom and googley eyes) in my classes..I thought the reverse stenciling was a great idea, using the freezer paper and snowflake paper punch! any ideas?
just came across your blog….I think I am forever hooked! LOVE LOVE LOVE!
For months now, I have been faithfully following your blog! It is so therapeutical and so motivational, thank you! Your energy and creativity have pulled me out little by little out of my “lazy-fear-what-if” mode.
Congrats on your To Be News!!! That is sooo exciting! May only happiness and health surround you and your family!
I just found your blog via a “pin” on Pinterest. I don’t know where you’ve been all my life!
I’m going to enjoy reading your posts (old and new) and learning from you. We have similar interests, but more importantly, you inspire the hell out of me! What an amazing person you seem to be!
Looking forward to spending time here. You are my new virtual BFF
Lol…didn’t know you were a sharp shooter. Niiiice! I took a firearms course and was a dead shot in the prone position with my Glock…I miss those days.
I just stumbled upon your website… I think you are amazing and realized that you just have what I’d love to have: EXCELLENT TIME with your kid, doing craft that you like. I’m a working mommy in Bolivia and still hate myself for not to be brave enough to quit my job and enjoy my little girls’ little company.
I LOVED YOUR SITE And will be around. you inspired me
Cecilia
I love those videos! sooo cute! your little girl is adorable, and you seem like such a cool mom, so great to see!!!!
I’m new here! And I just wanted to say that you’re the perfect girl! As in, every woman wants to be you and every guy wants to marry you! lol. But for real. I’m excited to “meet” you!
One of my friends is an Investment Banker, and she only dreams of a day when she will muster up the courage to quit that job! 100+ hour work weeks are her life! I’m not sure how y’all do it!
I discovered your blog less than 2 weeks ago and have already tackled (in a good way), three diferent projects. I tried the popsicle stick puzzle tonight and am having a problem. As I’m peeling off the paper (last step), I seem to be peeling off too much of the actual photo. What am I doing wrong?
I used:
Liquitex matte gel medium
plain photo copies (black and white on regular paper)
waited for the gel to dry
had to keep wetting the paper to rub it off
I love your site. I’m having a problem with the popsicle stick puzzle. As I peel off the paper (last step), I seem to be peeling off too much of the actual photo. What am I doing wrong?
I used:
Liquitex matte gel medium
plain photo copies (black and white on regular paper)
Thanks.
Just came across your site and it made me smile–being a North Carolina native and a workaholic scientist it makes me happy to see someone that is just like me! I love to sew and am getting back into it now I’m don with school (for now) and your daughter is so precious! I can’t wait to see what else you come up with
I loved reading this. You are so talented and an inspiration. Thanks you
Hi Ashley,
My daughter follows your blog and called me this morning to tell me about your post of October 14.
I am 69 years old and a cancer survivor of 47 years. I had choriocarcinoma when I was 21.
I live in Arizona and my husband and I went to Chicago, IL, Passavant Memorial Hospital, where I went through my chemo therapy with about fifteen other girls from around the world who had choriocarcinoma. We were tested for various chemo treatments to see what would work best. I guess you could say that we were “guinea pigs”.
I knew that what we were going through would help women in the future but as it was such a rare cancer, I never thought I would actually hear about it again.
My daughter, my three granddaughters and I traveled to Chicago last year. It was the first time I had been back. Passavant Memorial is no longer there as I knew it, but Northwestern Medical Center is going strong. They were having a fundraiser there the evening we arrived for Cancer Research.
I had wonderful doctors at Passavant, in fact I found that one of my doctors, Melvin V. Gerbie is still affiliated with Northwestern Memorial Hospital on East Huron St.
Anyway, if you ever feel like you want to talk to someone who has gone through what you are going through, I’m here. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Wow! I think you have done everything
I grew up showing horses to all over the US until college as well 
Fun! We still have 3 ponies for fun . Enjoyed reading your bio 
HI,
I just featured your video of the Mona Lisa being made on our Facebook page. Glad I found your wonderful Blog, stop by and say “hey” sometime!
Hi,
I just featured your time lapsed Mona Lisa on our Facebook page! So glad I found your wonderful Blog, stop by and say “hey” sometime!
Wow! From Mandarin Chinese and flying planes to making G6 mash-up videos. I feel like I need to do something else right now LOL
Great bio!!
Ashley,
If you have not heard about this site, I wanted to share it with you
http://amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com
She has lots of great recipes and information about fighting cancer with nutrition. I am so glad to hear your treatments are working. You are in my daily prayers.
Love to you and your family
Cindy
Wow, Ashley. I bookmarked your children’s art site a while ago for inspiration for my own business, I just love your site and layout, your blog and style. Thank you for the inspiration, I launch my business tomorrow, dec 1st! But then I linked here to find your Choose Joy mantra and what has brought you to this place, I just wanted to thank you for sharing your life struggles with “us” and for reminding me personally to choose joy in the ups & downs of life. Thank you, you are much more than a great artist. I plan to visit you more often. Please check out my site too, you will see we have much in common~
~April
sunshineborders.com
I just stumbled on your website on a sleepless night in Charlotte, NC and have fallen in love with your blog. I share your obsession with doughnuts and am constantly searching for the perfect doughnut. So far the Bavarian Cream from Oscar’s Doughnuts (now deceased… moment of silence please) in Leesburg, FL where I grew up is the front runner and I can’t get it anymore. Very frustrating to find the holy grail of doughnuts and not realize it because you’re sixteen and not in tune with your doughnut love just yet. Now that I’m musing, the KrispyKreme Apple Filled doughnuts hot on the way to International Marketing Class in Gainesvills FL might be a contender as well…… Sorry, I can get a bit “oh ,shiny” when i write it’s the Gemini in me. Anyways, just wanted to say hang in there and let you know that a blog friend in Charlotte is sending positive, healing vibes across country for you. The big question is… are things simpler in Palm Desert?
Hi, just a quick compliment on your wooden pendants/necklaces. One of my passions is woodwork. Coming up with something that is small, unique, meaningful, and useful has been challenging. Christmas is near and what a great gift to give. Thanks for the inspiration ! Just as I express my unique thoughts freely in music, I’m already brewing up something similar to the long/latitude idea. I’m gonna get more serious putting a site together too after seeing yours…cheers…but right now to the wood shop!!
I know that you must be busy and exhausted, I follow your blog and pray for you and your family and admire your spirit through your difficult times. That said, I have a question. We lived for a year in CA and bought the Disney Mickey Mouse ears ornament to remember it by. This weekend, the tree fell over and of course it took the brunt of the fall. The front with the Mickey emblem and one ear is still intact as one giant piece. I can’t bear to just toss it and was wondering if you have any recommendations. I thought if anyone could brainstorm the perfect solution – it would be you! Thanks in advance for any time you spend on this and keep your wonderful spirit.
Jenny
Hello! I visit your website from time to time but this is my first comment. I love all of your crafty things! I think my favorite right now is the little fairy village. It’s so cool! You and I have a few things in common, I also like crafty things, mostly sewing, and I love reading autobiographies/watching biographical movies. Some of my favorite books are those by Maya Angelou, Johnny Cash, Eleanor Roosevelt. Speaking of Johnny Cash, he once said that his older brother used to visit him in his dreams and always appeared a few years older than Johnny Cash was in real life. I thought that was interesting since you said you met him in a dream! Anyway, if you haven’t seen Thirteen Days its a great movie I would recommend it to you. I also wanted you to know I will keep you in my prayers, that the Lord will give you the spiritual, emotional, and physical strength that you need until this time passes. You have such a wonderful, positive attitude! Remember He is always with you. =)
Hi, I stumbled upon your website via Pinterest, and reading this just noticed you live in Palm Desert. I live about an hour and a half from you in always sunny El Centro. AKA the desert next to Mex. lol. I just have to say after reading about your Dad, and your recent curveballs, I admire your choice. to choose Joy. Keep your chin up and I will continue to pray for you. I have since I found your blog about 2 weeks ago
Your a Star! Love your blog. I was a creative person who now sleeps when I get free time. I’m a new mother of twin 3 month girls and a 1 year old son. I’m tired. I’m making some of your art work, one of these days. My son is currently in that stage of knocking down everything on a table bookshelf, etc and I’m returning to work on Tues. But I have your Blog as one of my Bookmarks and I follow you on Facebook. I have a brillant idea for family Journal/madlib kinda book ideas I got from just looking and bouncing of your thoughts and doings. Your awesome.
Hi Ashley,
I have read that you may begin loosing your hair. My mother went through chemo and although her hair grew thin, it never completely fell out. It’s just hair and will gorw back, beat cancer! I would encourage you to check out a friend’s site and read the home page as to how she started her business. http://www.marigoldcaps.com . If you go to the Press link, the gal on the far right was the inspiration behind my friend’s creations. She is a breast cancer survior and said that wigs were itchy and so my friend searched for the softest fabrics for her. The hats are awesome and such a beautiful story to go with them. Sadly my friend suffered her own tragedy last year and her mother continues the business.
Go, FIGHT, WIN!
You are a beautiful and courageous woman! I was drawn to your website from a blog that I am a part of. I check your blog regularly to see how you are doing. You are such an inspiration and am happy you have such fabulous care
Take care Ashely and keep up your beautiful spirit. You have a lot of cheerleaders
Your are fabulous, beautiful, warm, loving and so inspirational I adore you … I am serious God Bless you and your family.
I have had many dear friends and family members with some type of cancer some who have survived yet some who have gone on to heaven their spirit lives deep in my heart.
I love to craft as you will see if you venture over to my web site but I also love to crochet and knit so if need any hats or scarves you just let me know I will make you want ever you want.
I do funny ones too like sock monkey, hello kitty etc
Each and every day Ashley you will now be in my prayers..
Sincerely Rachel
Hi Ashley,
I just discovered your blog and have spent the last hour reading the
cancer chronicles. Just want you to know I’ll be praying for you and your family. You are an inspiration and a blessing to all.
Business Owner – lilblueboo.com
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So, I first came across your blog through pineterest because I loved your nursery embellished paintings. I too paint random creations for friends having babies, but have always just painted on canvas, so I stole your hardboard/framing idea!!! I was just starting my first one today and wanted to glance back at some of yours, well it’s been almost two hours and I have yet to look at the paintings. I am sitting here, almost frozen, at all you have been through last year. What an amazing woman you are!! Your courage and confidence are beyond words.
The other thing that struck me is that when I was just reading your “about me” section, it was almost as if I were reading about me, the person I wish I could be. I too am beyond OCD, ADD, a bit bossy and controlling, slightly opinionated and have the nickname stellanator at work. I am a nurse In L/D and in the icu. I love nursing because I freaking rock at my job and the reason I am so good is because it is “outlined” and very clear what an outstanding nurse is and I can become whatever it is my patients need. I know how to make them like me and be whoever they “need”. The key with nursing though, It holds very little creative risk, it is very dependable and guaranteed. 5years into my career now and i have yet to feel fulfilled, like I am supposed to do something else, something bigger than a twelve hour shift. I have ideas oozing out of my ears but have such a fear of failure that I keep these ideas to myself. Just recently, I started showing some friends things I paint, sew, create and feedback is positive. But without guidelines, orientation or a mentor/preceptor, how will I measure how well I am doing compared to the next. That’s just it, there is no one to compete against, to be better than…it’s all on me…and that frightens me the most!!!!!!
Reading how you were in a very rigid, straight laced job and left it all to show off your unique talents…this is so inspiring to me. How exactly did you get started? How did you get up the courage to take that leap? Were you, at one point, uncomfortable with others seeing your work? Having a negative opinion of what you created? Sometimes I also think, what I do isn’t that difficult, why would anyone want to pay me to do such simple projects. Aaaaaaaaahhh, why do I need some policy/procedure manual to feel comfortable or a team to be better than. I have had my toes at the edge of this darn cliff for over a year now. I don’t feel fulfilled because I feel so restricted but yet to have more freedom terrifies me.
I guess I have rambled long enough. My point is, I wish I had your courage to do what you have done, to Have the courage to get out there and risk failing. Yet as I continued to read and discover the level of courage you hold on a daily basis, it makes me see that my “fears” are just stupid. I have nothing to lose, but maybe the opportunity to take that leap. Thank you…
I stumbled upon your site through Pinterest and I am so glad that I did! At first, I thought that I was just going to get some really cute organizational and DIY ideas. When I came to The Cancer Chronicles I had to see what that was about. I am touched by your story. I was diagnosed with lung cancer in April 2011. Never have had a cigarette to my lips! I am blessed because it was a complete fluke (or miracle) that it was even found. I had my left upper lobe removed and hopefully that was the end of my cancer journey. But I think that it started me on another journey. Although I am extremely blessed to have had such a wonderful outcome so far, my attitude toward life has really changed. I too am choosing joy each day. I am not so judgmental. I just try to be a better person. In the back of my mind I constantly wonder why I was so fortunate when there are so many others who are not? Hopefully I will find that answer one day. I have a blessed life with a wonderful husband whom I met in the 5th grade, and the best 10 year old son a mom could ask for. Maybe I am just meant to be the best wife and Mom that I can be.
I will continue to follow your story. I have purchased a pack of choose joy bracelets and will pass them out as a reminder that happiness is a choice. I wish you a healthy, blessed 2012. Keep your courage!
It’s now ten pm and I must stop reading….I worked last night and have yet to sleep. Your blog is the best “book” I have ever read. All my questions I mentioned in my first looooong post, you have answered in some way, in some post already written. So many quotes I have written down to help me in my life and future. As posted by you quoting someone else , THE MOST INTERESTING PEOPLE, HAVE SOME SORT OF PAST (or something along those lines). I swear to you, a coworker said to me as I was leaving my shift, after we got on the subject of me back in the day, (before they knew me)…that I was one of the most interesting people she knew and hearing about my past (just a scratch on the surface I might add) left her hanging for more…lol. I cant wait to read more!!!!! I don’t even make sense now, I can’t get my point across effectively…to many moments during the past 6+ hours of reading that gave me chills d/t shocking similar events and ways of thinking and endless advice you provided me yhrough your stories and post, so many of these long standing questions were answered.
hello
just a quick note of Alsace in France you want a good years 2012to you and your family!!!!!!
good years
Aude
Sorry for my English
Love your positive energy and consciousness!
Hi! i love your stuff!!!! would you mind if i linked you on my blog???
I loved reading this Ashley. I too am from Charlotte, NC but we have lived in upstate NY (just outside of Syracuse) since 2004. My hubby and I were also married in 2001 and I LOVE Diet Coke…way too much!
I love that you speak Mandarin, how amazing is that. I wish I could learn. I keep telling myself that i am going to try to learn it but I don’t seem to do it. My hubby and I have two daughters who were adopted from China and I would love to learn how to speak Mandarin so I could teach them one day.
You are an amazing woman. I stuMbled upon your blog via one of the other blogs I follow. I was immediately mesmerized by your strength. Having just gone thru some crappy months of life, your “choose joy” attitude hit home. I got out of bed that morning and decided THAT would be my mantra also. I almost ordered the purple bracelets and then decided I needed a more permanent reminder. Choose joy is now tattooed on my wrist. A constant reminder. The problems in my life are not nearly as tragic as the ones you have/are facing. Nonetheless, they brought me down and turned me into a person I am not. Thank you for reminding me what life is all about. (I wish I could figure out how to attach a picture so I can show u my tattoo!!!!)
wow i love your blog! so inspiring! we live really close to palm desert too!
I too stumbled upon your blog thanks to a forum friend and cannot quit reading. You are very inspiring and so full of life. I love that your daughter is always by your side and is full of energy with you. Keep up the good work with all your projects!
Hi Ashley,
There isn’t anything I can say that hasn’t been said above. I’m thankful to have stumbled on your blog through Pinterest and I will certainly be following you on your journey! I have many dear friends, fighting the fight, over the past two years and I know without doubt that prayers works. You will be in my prayers and I look forward to reading more of your inspiring posts! Take good care and God Bless!
Hi Ashley. My name is Marion Dewar and I am from Charlotte too. I live in Raleigh now. A friend (Angelica Herman Adams) passed your website to me b/c i am fighting breast cancer and am 34 too. I also was diagnosed Oct 2012. I am bald now too!
loved watching your video. truly a blessing from God to me. It helps not feeling alone.
Marion
Dear Ashley,
. I must say your video of the experience is great. My family cried when my hair started to fall out. The treatments were awful but everyone pulled together to give me love support and I am happy your family is loving you and supporting you too. It’s a tough journey but you will also meet incredible people and discover wonderful things along the way. The Lord will help you through it and you will become even stonger and more beautiful than you are today. I will be praying for you daily and keeping up with your progress!
I have been reading your blog for awhile and love all your projects. I am a breast cancer survivor and also chose to shave my hair off….I made my husband do it (much to his horror)
Blessings from Miami, Florida
Thank you for sharing your video and your decision to live joyfully! My friend Ashley LeMaster posted this on her FB and I in turn posted to my wall. I watched your video while bawling! You are so brave and have a beautiful family! I am so excited to have met you via your post, I will be praying for you and look forward to hearing that you’ve been 100% restored! God Bless!
Hi AShley!
I found your inspiring video of when you shaved your head. My company has a clothing line for chemotherapy patients that make treatment a little more bearable. Our clothing has discreet access for the treatment site that won’t let you be exposed to those around you, keeps you warm and covered, as well as giving enough access to nurses. The clothing can be worn before, during, and after treatment. I’d love for you to take a look at the site and let us know what you think. Your blog is wonderful and we’d also be honored to use some content about you or have you a guest blog poster, and possibly a guest for us on our tweet chat that we hold twice a month on Twitter! Please let me know
Take care
Hi Ashley,
). Thanks for sharing your inspiring story with all of us that don’t know u but after reading all seems like we know u for long time. I love you posted you decided to “choose joy”, and Im on your team, everyone should embrace this attitude to a better world. I read a book when i was kid Pollyanna, It remind me of the attitude, looking the good things in life. I watched your video and what a inspiring moment, it got me to tears. Thanks again to share this moment with us. You have an amazing family that seems like r supporting you in everything. We will be praying for you to get well soon, and continue to follow your story. Love and take care of yourself Melissa
My name is Melissa, I have been following your blog for long time, I absolutely love your projects, you have so much creativity and talent. Im also a mom, i have 3 years old twins a boy and a girl, (Gustavo and Sofia) they r 3 now, and after i had kids i got so much inspired in Crafts, sewing (Im learning i love your tutorials) and photography, kids bring the best of us my husband says
I just discovered your blog and I am so happy to have ‘met’ you. You are one inspiring lady and I am so looking forward to spending some time looking through your blog. I have a feeling I’m going to gain some serious inspiration in so many ways from you.
Hope you have a wonderful and joy filled day
Amanda
Thanks for such a great and inspiring blog. I’m praying that you will go into complete remission! Take care and thanks again for helping others to remember to “choose joy”.
Lisa
hi, i was looking at your pictures and i must say i am inspired by all your creations you have a true talent i have a few question and would love to speak with you through email if you could please email me as soon as possible i would really apperiate it so much my email is flowertree0000@hotmail.com thanks
….
Hi there.
I was just introduced to your blog yesterday. I spent hours reading it and am in awe at your strength. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October at the age of 39. I have 11 year old triplets and a wonderful husband. I am currently going through chemo. Even though I put on a happy face, it has been very difficult and I can relate to many of your feelings of not feeling well on many levels. After reading your posts, I finally had the courage to shave off the remaining patches of hair that I had left. I don’t think I look as beautiful bald as you do…. but it does feel good to have it finally be gone. Thank you for sharing your experiences. My new mottos is “I CAN do hard things.”
Tiffany
You are such an amazing woman- keep up the blogging. Your bosts bring sunshine to my days!
I miss Palm Desert. My grandparents lived at Del Webb and Aunt lived down the road. I grew up in Yucaipa, right off the 10 freeway, but have been out East since 18. Thanks for the pics of the palms when taking a walk with your mama!
dear ashley,
i just wanted to tell you about this peppermint tea that i get at traders joe’s.
its herb peppermint tea.
it has to say herb peppermint tea.
i tossed the box away so i don’t know the exact name.
but it helps you go poop.
it’s the peppermint in the tea.
Please try it.
I drink a cup every moring and the next morning i go poop.
so try it. it may work for you.
Hi Ashley! I just found your blog through Pinterest. Reading your story is like reading about my life. We have so many striking similarities. I lost my father very suddenly and unexpectedly, soon afterwards I had a still born at 20 weeks pregancy and then a year later 6 weeks after the birth of my son I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cervical Cancer. Against all odds, I chose life and 5 years later, I am still here and kicking and dancing with NED (no evidence of disease). I am so proud of you as a fellow survivor and the message that you are spreading in that you can’t control the circumstances but you can control how you deal with it. God bless you and your family!
Hi! I just wanted you to know that I’m praying for you. My daughter, Bethany, is almost 5 months old. She was diagnosed with retinoblastoma at two months old. She’s had 4 rounds of chemo so far and will continue with 7 more. I’ll be thinking and praying for you as we travel on our journey as well, and especially when she is having her treatments at St. Jude. If you’d like to follow our journey as well, you can visit caringbridge.org and search bethanyhenderson (all together). Also, I’ll encourage people to buy the beautiful necklace from The Vintage Pearl.
Hi,
Found your blog through Pinterest. Your perspective is uplifting and I just wanted to let you know that I’m praying for your healing and strength. God is doing great things through you. Blessings!
Rhonda
http://kelleyeidem.hubpages.com/hub/How-I-Cured-Stage-4-Cancer-in-Two-Weeks-For-Less-Than-The-Cost-Of-A-Night-At-The-Movies
thought this was interesting
many blessings
Julygal57
Hi Ashley,
I hope your going well. I have been trying to subscribe to your updates via email but its not working for me. Not sure if its my end or yours but thought I would let you know anyhow. When I put my email in and click subscribe it just opens another page that says,
NOT FOUND
ERROR 404
Hmmm….will ask my husband if he can tinker around with our computer and find out whats happening as I am keen to get your posts via email so I don’t miss any!
Take care of yourself, btw your eyes really pop so much more with your pretty little shaved head.
Warm wishes from Australia, Emma.
Hi Ashley,
I just found your site via Pinterest – you are amazing! Just wanted to send some prayers for you and your beautiful family from Arizona.
So, I just read through the last 4 months of your blog, and I can’t really put into words how inspiring/amazing/wonderful/er . . . yeah, so instead of exhausting thesaurus.com, I’ll get right to the point. I know you have a lot going on, but I have a small favor to ask – my friend Kat’s son, Zach, is having a tough time with his cancer right now – could you or Lisa-acting-on-your-behalf drop him a note? You’re just such a positive force in this often negative world, I’m hoping it will help him feel a little better. Thanks in advance. Here’s his Caring Bridge link: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/zacharyhartsell?ref=nl
Hello!
I don t speak english very well… I m brasilian. I found your blog and I don t know how, but I loved it! I want just to say that I love your history, I ll come here always now!!! keep posting!
Good luck!
Marcia R.
A friend recommended your blog! *New Follower* You are amazing! Praying for you every step of the way! ~Melissa Pagnozzi
You are an inspiration, and after reading your blog just made me realize how fortunate I am. My mom has had quite a few health issues an when I asked her what holds her together, she replied ~ Optimism. and I hope it keeps you going as well. Best wishes and prayers for you
Ilze
Just discovered your blog and I’m amazed at your strength and it just reminded me never to take anything for granted especially family and friends. Your “choose joy” message is something everyone should live by and your choice of leaving the corporate life for a creative path is very inspring. Stay strong and best of luck with everything! x
I received the bag of “Choose Joy” bracelets. I am passing them out to everyone who will promise to wear it or at least put it in a place of constant view and pray for you and your family EVERY minute they can! Pray for you healing and your family to be strong !! Thank you for sharing ways we can help you.
Ashley,
I look forward to your emails. I enjoy the updates on your family, projects and of course your battle. You are AMAZING and such an inspiration. Your joy is contagious and your positive energy – we who read I beleive are reflecting it back to you!
I decided to ride the PanMassChallenge and do what I can to help fight this battle against cancer. Yes, this not even 5ft hot blooded Portagee is getting on a bike and riding from Wellsley to Provincetown for 2 days! Aie! This will be a great experiece. I ride for you, and your family, and so many more. I look forward to crossing that finish line and thinking of you!
Theresa Schultz