I’ll never forget the look in my patients eyes when I had to tell them they had to go home with the drains, new exercises and no breast. I remember begging the doctors to keep these women in the hospital longer, only to hear that they would, but their hands were tied by the insurance companies.
So there I sat with my patient giving them the instructions they needed to take care of themselves, knowing full well they didn’t grasp half of what I was saying, because the glazed, hopeless, frightened look spoke louder than the quiet ‘Thank you’ they muttered.
A mastectomy is when a woman’s breast is removed in order to remove cancerous breast cells/tissue. If you know anyone who has had a mastectomy, you may know that there is a lot of discomfort and pain afterwards. Insurance companies are trying to make mastectomies an outpatient procedure. Let’s give women the chance to recover properly in the hospital for 2 days after surgery.
This Mastectomy Bill is in Congress now. It takes 2 seconds to do this and is very important. Please take the time and do it really quick! The Breast Cancer Hospitalization Bill is important legislation for all women.
Please send this to everyone in your address book. If there was ever a time when our voices and choices should be heard, this is one of those times. If you’re receiving this, it’s because I think you will take the 30 seconds to go to vote on this issue and send it on to others you know who will do the same.
There’s a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It’s about eliminating the ‘drive-through mastectomy’ where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.
Some time ago, November to be precise, I was fortunate to attend the press conference at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale for American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell. The conference included a tour of the exhibit. What a treat, right? Well, I was prepared for delightful illustrations by Norman Rockwell, most of which I had seen and enjoyed since childhood. In fact, for the most part it was delightful, however, I did not prepare for the social commentary in paintings like the one above, The Problem We All Live In and Murder in Mississippi. This last painting and the one above touched me so deeply that I found myself in a state of voyeurism, where I wanted to understand the sensibility of the artist thus understanding that Norman Rockwell was greater than what I expected, but worst of all, that I was not prepared to write a post on my blog. I felt tiny next to his grandeur, incapable of finding the right words. I felt like what I am, an amateur writer. Was the goal of the painting to transmit such humane emotions to engage its audience at that level? That is yet to be learned.
Two days ago, I sent a blast of my latest post (which has nothing to do with this subject). Shortly after, I received a response from the kind Roberto Santiago, Director of Communications and Strategic Marketing for the museum, and the person who facilitated my media pass back on November. He wanted to know if I ever did something with the Rockwell exhibition. So here I am, amateur writer on the spotlight. Shamefully, I must admit that mere fear has prevented me from posting this article before (saved to my drafts until today) and just three days away from closing the exhibition I launch this post:
“There must be tenths of adjectives to describe the art of the late Norman Rockwell. In fact, many people can claim having seen his illustrations on the cover of New York’s Saturday Evening Post. However, one thing is for sure, Rockwell’s illustrations will take you by surprise because beyond the expressions of American culture, his ouvre is simply extraordinary, socially engaging and thoughtful.
Homestead MediaJive had the opportunity to attend the media conference and preliminary tour includingThe Saturday Evening Post collection, many known pieces and even the lesser advertised works as well. Often, we perceive Norman Rockwell as an Americana illustrator, an entertaining artist for his naïve interpretation of average life, yet his art was that and more. This exhibit demonstrates that he also used his art to comment on America’s racial divisions and invites his audience to civic engagement in a racially tense society in an era of turmoil and patriotic awareness, respectively. One impressive painting is Murder in Mississippi, a painting that will lure you in to experience what life was like in the South just a little over three decades ago. You will be amazed by its theme, you will be chilled by its darkness and feel fear for the main subject depicted. The story behind it will haunt you for days.
For this, Norman Rockwell’s ouvre, is not just entertaining but a frank and poignant American tale.
Rockwell, the multifaceted artist, promises a wonderful ride were you will smile, reminisce and stare in awe for every careful and thoughtful stroke on every single canvas.
Once again, Krome Avenue staged the annual rodeo parade. Hundreds of people arrived early this morning to secure a spot on the sidewalks of downtown Homestead. Children anxiously waited for candy while the floats made their way through the streets of Homestead and cheerfully greeted everyone.
Okay, let’s face it, this is like our Macy’s parade. It doesn’t get any better! We don’t have the elaborate balloons or Taylor Swift hosting the show, but it is a wonderful family event sponsored by the local commerce and government. It is all about the horses, big trucks, the Mahi Shrine members on go-carts, children from local schools and the infallible poop-scooper. Oh yes, horse are beautiful but they must eat a lot before the parade. God bless the poop-scooper boy!
The highlight of the parade, a Florida Panther. Not a hockey player, but the real thing. It was an amazing sight and surprisingly not as big as imagined. Hardly ever we have the opportunity to see one of these creatures up close. So it was a real treat to the Homestead audience.
And if you missed the parade, you still have a chance to enjoy our rodeo at Harris Field until tomorrow. As for next year, well, let’s ll cross our fingers for an awesome host, or better, an awesome concert associated with the rodeo weekend. Hey, why not? Maybe if we all wish for it, it comes true. Okay, so it would take more than just a wish, but wouldn’t it be something to have Taylor, Tim, Martina, Keith, Toby and even The Dixie Chicks heading down south to spice up the Southernmost Rodeo in the Continental U.S.A? Why not? Make your wishes come true and let it be known to the Homestead Rodeo Association.
At first glance, the obvious. Three men with bright tight gear each armed with an iron horse, water bottles, bags, sunglasses, a bob trailer and a GPS. Undeniably, a bike touring group, but as they get closer, a big yellow banner on a trailer calls attention to the eye. It reads “Pedaling Over 1200 miles . . .” It finally clicks, these guys are on a mission.
The three cyclists, touring and working their way through the Redland section of Homestead this morning, were Isidro and George Mendes, and companion guest, “Buzz” Beilharz who flew from Hendersonville, North Carolina to accompany his friends for a few days as they headed to Key West earlier this week. Meanwhile, the Mendes’ have been on the road since January 17 when they parted from Venice, Florida, on the Gulf Coast, to raise awareness and funds for the cure of cancer. Check out their route here!
And that’s not all, the most impressive aspect of this great ride, also known as, Tour de Isidro, is that Isidro is George’s dad and is a warrior battling cancer. This morning, short of their 600 mile mark, twenty two road kills and one gator sighting later, the Mendes duo and their riding guest, met up with me at Kraus Berry Farm for cinnamon rolls, milkshakes and a little chat. As it turns out, Isidro cycles since he was first diagnosed on 2006 and shortly after George challenged himself to do a transcontinental ride across the U.S. And he did it as a one-man-show, riding solo to raise awareness and funds while his dad battled cancer.
Isidro is originally from Fatima, Portugal. He is a fit and young looking 75-year-old man with a great smile and determination to enjoy every moment that life has to offer. Cheerfully, he points out that, life is not over because one is diagnosed with cancer. In fact, this is a challenge he takes very seriously and he defiantly faces it as he rides coast to coast and North-and-South the Florida peninsula. And George, is a man with great love for his father, friend and cycling partner, and together they resolute to defeat the disease.
Undoubtedly, this ride is special for both and for everyone who encounters them. As George asserts, it started as a ride to honor his dad but along the way he has been humbled by the many people he encounters on they way. People who are either under treatment or know someone who lost to cancer. For this reason, Tour de Isidro is now more than just a ride for the cure or a proclamation of faith and life. It is a journey to honor all of those people who live with cancer or lost the battle. It is an unmeasurable mission of life, love, courage and strength and a journey one cannot help but think that life is simply wonderful.
As the Mendes duo leaves town we wish them well and a ride with no dog chases, pleasant weather and good food. Buzz is now on his way home to the Blue Ridge Mountains and father and son towards Jacksonville. In a few days they will head back triumphantly riding Southwest and leaving a print over central Florida as they head home to the Gulf coast. We wish them a safe ride back home. We hope to see them again soon and we ask them to keep us all posted of their adventures on their awesome blog. Good luck boys!
I don’t think I ever felt this cold in South Florida. Last night the temperature dropped in Homestead to an unimaginable 35 degrees and raining. But that did not stop Carlos Franco and Natalie Prieto from the Children’s Gallery and Arts Center, whom along with Romy Capote from Lullaby Learning Center joined forces to bring us an exciting new exhibit, “Big Artists with Little Hands.” Last night was an amazing time to view, interact and admire the talent of our little Homesteaders. The paintings are a spectacle of color and imagination. The artist children were present to talk about their paintings and explain details about their choice of color and subject. I assure you that, at a minimum, you will smile and who would not? The paintings are a vivid representation of their talent as their art mentors cultivate the seeds of culture in these young minds. This is a triumph for the children whose paintings attracted many visitors and a triumph for the gallery and learning center staff who ignite curiosity in the children every day. I invite everyone to go by. In fact, to make things more interesting, the gallery is screening a showcase of photographs of the kids during art workshops and a video Homestead MediaJive humbly produced, in order to show their amazing inventiveness and talent. This is a definite must see exhibit that everyone will enjoy, kids and grown-ups, and why not, maybe you will even take one of these wonderful paintings home. Good luck children, see you soon!
Well, oh well. I am staggered to see the resilience of our Southern Floridians. This Saturday morning the temperature seemed to promise a warmer day than what we experienced this past week, but at 8.00 a.m. it felt colder than the 60 degrees registered at 7:00 a.m. and I heard temperatures will continue to drop as the day progresses.
So here I am, at the Homestead site of Baptist Hospital. The event went on, as we usually say, rain or shine, but did anyone mention if the temperature drops more than 20 degrees of the usual should the runners go on with it? Let’s just say I am glad I am not one of them.
I stood out to get some shots of the runners as they made their way to the finish line on this hazy, rainy, nippy morning, the small crowd cheered vigorously to the runners crossing the line to the beat of the B52s and David Bowie. it is hard to imagine anyone would want to even be out here. I know all I wanted to do is crawl back into the warm seat of my car.
The temperature continues to drop. Forget about it, I am heading to my car, get my jacket, scarf and I am going to write my blog and maybe get a picture of the front of the hospital to post on this blog. It’s much nicer watching the runners from this cozy site. As I walked back to the parking lot, I spoke briefly to two of the runners, one drove from the Keys and the other one was a hospital employee, they told me they did not expect to have such cold weather and one of them expressed how hard it was for him to breath in the cold air.
Having moved to South Florida from New York over seventeen years ago, I can say this is COLD. I used to run and cycle in the cold and I know it is harsh on your upper respiratory system. I cannot imagine what these happy, sunny people experienced this morning. Nonetheless, all of them are winners, you ought to be crazy to be running around in shorts and scarfs.
The good news is that this is only another proof of our South Florida strength to overcome just about anything that comes our way. Bring it on, winter, bring it on!
Homestead MediaJive, out; and to all of you, snuggle up.
Saturday, December 26th through Sunday January 17th. You can recycle your Christmas tree by taking it to the Eureka Drive transfer station or a designated drop off location at the South Dade Landfill. To recycle, remove all decorations including tinsel. Curbside recycling is available from January 7th ONLY. Remove all decorations. Recycled Christmas tree chips will be available at the Eureka Drive station in late January. Eureka Drive Trash and Recycling Center is located at 9401 SW 184 Street. It is open daily from 7am to 5:30pm. The South Dade Landfill is located at 24000 SW 97 Avenue. Gate A. from 7 am to 5 pm. For additional information, visit miamidade.gov/dswm/recycling_trees.
Recently, we were invited to go into the country. I attended Farm Day sponsored by Redland Organics, an annual open house event for the farm. Everyone was encouraged to bring a dish to share in the potluck. Additionally, there were hay rides, veggies, honey, fresh herbs galore and an opportunity to go into a modern “out-house.” Yes, you read it right. As a city mouse, an out house is simply not part of my vocabulary but after drinking two cups of lemongrass tea, which by-the-way was very refreshing, I had no choice but to tinkle the tea away. Let’s say it was an experience far from what I imagined. Thank goodness for modern toilets!
This type of festivity only provides knowledge and awareness of our local environment and produce. I strongly encourage people to keep this festival in mind for next year as it is a family oriented atmosphere filled with great people, delicious organic foods, beverages and music. This year, Jennings and Keller, of Homestead cheered Farm Day with beautiful and environmentally conscious tunes, a la fusion folk Americana style.
In fact, Bee Heaven collected a voluntary $10.00 donation at the gate. This helps Bee Heaven sponsor artists in residence from D.A.S.H. These young artists who live in the farm for four days during Art Loves Farm program, learn about farm life and apply it to their art.
One of Homestead’s two main events this past weekend was RibFest, a hog haven for big rib eaters and other carnival junk foods (I particularly like funnel cake). As usual, it took place at the Air Reserve Park grounds and Homestead MediaJive arrived late in the evening (to avoid all traffic, and we did!) to check out the closing show. Well, we heard Homestead was about to get punked, and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts rocked the night away!
WOW! Speaking about a blast from the past, Joan’s classic look in tight leather pants and awesome haircut. The concert was filled with a bunch of generation X-ers, ex-punk music lovers and now mommies and daddies looking to reminisce those rebel years with a little punk rock, by legendary sexy rebel.
As usual, Jett rocked, opening with I Don’t Care About My Bad Reputation and singing a repertoire of old tunes like Love Hurts, Dirty Deeds, Crimson and Clover, Do You Wanna Touch Me, and of Course I Love Rock-n-Roll.
Only one complain: Joan, this is not Fort Lauderdale, I know it makes no sense, coming from the big apple South Florida may seem like one huge chunk of America’s great outdoors, but sorry to disappoint you, this is Homestead. Fort Laud is 90 miles North. We still like you and hope you are back to rock us out of our flip-flops!
