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Jaymie ‘Pyxie’ Smith
We can’t stop squirming in our chairs with excitement; Jaymie ‘Pyxie’ Smith has joined our staff in the Expressive Arts department! Pxyie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and has kicked cancer...
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The Side Effect Tango
“I have attended a few events at Wellness Within and I admire the work you do. I’m currently getting chemotherapy, and the side effects are tough to take, as I’m sure you know… I’m experiencing some...
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Sandy Burgner, Yoga Instructor
Yoga has been an active part of Sandy’s life for the past 13 years. In years past, as a stay at home mom, she initially found yoga on PBS with “Lilias, Yoga and You” programs. Currently, she is a...
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The best horrible thing to happen to me.
March is my Cancer Anniversary month. March puts me in a funk. I was diagnosed with breast cancer thirteen years ago. It may seem ridiculous that it took me that long to realize why I hate March....
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Following Happiness
First comes love…then comes marriage…then comes a baby in a carriage! That phrase loops in my head as I look at my work calendar. Engagement session here, wedding there, newborn session later. It...
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Music & Motion
Ready? Set. Dance! My heart speeds up whenever I hear music. Whether it’s a popular song on the radio, an acoustic guitar player at a café, or the raucous made-up songs my husband belts our while...
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Humble Holiday
Short days, cold wet weather, lots to do and heaps of added responsibilities … as if there wasn’t enough on your plate already! December and the run up to the holidays is crazy time, let’s face it....
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Redifining My Life
It all started six years ago, my optometrist found a spot on my eye after I started seeing flashes or flickers of light. He sent me to an ophthalmologist who told me it could be one of three things –...
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A Safe Place
Last (month) was the last in a series of four Expressive Writing for Healing classes at Wellness Within in Roseville. It is an amazing healing place that I have immersed myself in over the past few...
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Healing Cycles
A familiar cycle has appeared in my life since cancer: weeks come where life is exciting, body feels energetic and the future looks so sweet. I’m so happy in these times and can see all the gifts that...
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I Can Face This
HERE’S MY STORY: I have always loved being active, enjoy being outdoors, living life to the fullest, as an adventurer. I challenge myself to be the best that I can be and have been blessed with a...
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Look to the East
Being a mom has taught me about me. I have learned to stand strong, while still being nimble and on my toes. I have learned how to juggle more than I could ever imagine and do it while smiling…and...
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Summer Camp Days Ahead
These hot June days take me back through the years to the days of summer camp. My first experience was a YWCA camp on the shores of a Michigan lake. It was all foreign to me; morning reveille, raising...
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Kristen’s Testimonial
If you were to ask me what the best day of my life was, the answer would be easy. There are two: December 18, 2009 and February 4, 2012. These were the days that my children were born. I think that...
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The Presence of Absence
For many folks, December means peppermint treats, Christmas carols, lights, presents, family and fun. For me this is all still true, but in December I also spend a lot of time thinking about my Dad. I...
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Letting Go
Letting go of the perfect image of what life should be. Letting go of everyone’s expectation of me. Letting go of what was and embrace the what is. Letting go of the perfection I expect myself in...
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Time for Change
Earlier this year we held our annual overnight retreat. We were awed and touched by the heartfelt and moving sharing that came out of the Expressive Writing session. Below is a piece that one of the...
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How They Found Their Hill
We live in an area where there is a rich abundance of freshly grown food. When we met Shanon and Michael last year at the Auburn Farmers market, we were so inspired and excited by the work they do,...
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A Bump in the Road
In October, 2014, I was diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening pancreatic tumor. Like a grain of sand in the oyster, I believe the tumor grew out of my work experiences. The pancreas relates...
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A Holding Space
A cacophony of sounds erupted as I entered the store. My attention turned to one sound in particular, a screaming child pleading with his mother to hold him. “Mommy p l e a s e pick me up, hold me...
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