Author: karenringalls

I am an author, blogger, and survivor. As a retired RN with a Master's Degree in Human Development, I bring my experiences with family dynamics, health, and social issues into my stories. I have written a novel, historical biography, memoir, short stories, and several health/wellness articles. I am a member of Independent Authors Network. All my books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble and I donate all proceeds to ovarian cancer research.

Cancer & Outshining It

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To outshine any challenge, even cancer, can be done. It is not always easy but applying the right tools will help you to learn, grow, and find peace and joy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9oozgXaaIs

Excerpt: I faced my diagnosis of cancer by using the same coping methods I have used throughout my life. I grew up in an alcoholic family where I was not immune to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. My methods to survive and rise above this frightening and oppressive environment were to use positive affirmations, put my trust in God, and have a burning desire to
live free of those types of people and behaviors. Then and now, I surround myself with family (some of whom I adopted) and friends who can be powerful sources of strength and love.

I learned from my grandmother and adopted aunt that attitude, acceptance, and determination are important factors in healing the body, mind, and spirit. Those women were, and still are today, wonderful role models
for me. They each succeeded in living healthy and productive lives through their positive attitudes, looking at life on earth as a stepping-stone to an even greater place. They worked hard and saw each obstacle as a challenge. Thanks to them, I have always used the word challenge instead of problem, test, or trial. I like challenges because I envision positivity, winning, learning, and growing.

The book is now in pre-sale. All proceeds go to ovarian cancer research. https://www.amazon.com/Outshine-Ovarian-Cancer-Memoir-2nd-ebook/dp/B0BVKYYVFZ/ref=sr_1

Thank you for your support.

SUNSHINE TO CLOUDS TO OUTSHINE

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Photo. courtesy of Canva

OUTSHINING

HAPPINESS AND HEALTH
RAYS OF SUNSHINE SURROUND ME
RADIATING JOY
STRENGTH, CONFIDENCE, FILL MY SOUL
PERFECT LIFE SUNSHINE ABOUNDS

HORIZON DARKENS
GREY CLOUDS OF DOUBT AND FEAR
A LIGHTENING BOLT STRIKES
CANCER BURNS DEEP IN MY SOUL
GRIM REAPER, DARKNESS, SHARP SCYTHE

PRAYERS, LOVE, AND FAITH
CHOOSING TO LIVE EACH MOMENT
SUNSHINE BRINGS HEALING
EACH SOUL’S BEAUTY CAN OUTSHINE
CHEMO, FEAR BRINGING BACK LOVE, JOY

The second edition of my first published book, Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir is now available to pre-order. https://www.amazon.com/Outshine-Ovarian-Cancer-Memoir-2nd-ebook/dp/B0BVKYYVFZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1X7KN4MSZD92K&keywords=outshine%3A+an+ovarian+cancer+memoir&qid=1677093503&sprefix=%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-1

Since my initial diagnosis in 2008 and the original publication in 2012, there are new medications, treatments, and awareness. My award-winning book is more informative and inspirational as the reader travels with me on my 15-year journey.

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO OVARIAN CANCER RESEARCH

HALLELUJAH

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When I first words and music from the song, Hallelujah, I was mesmerized by the music and words. I have listened to many renditions and these are my three favorite ones:

The Canadian Tenors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTx8IGPwrIk

By Leonard Cohen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrLk4vdY28Q

Here is a beautiful rendition without the lyrics. It is now one of my favorites. From FB https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=587745302694001 is this amazingly beautiful rendition: https://fb.watch/iqepx6omVI/

What is the story behind the great artist, Leonard Cohen, writing this song? There are over 50 verses and the artist much choose which ones to perform. I refer you to this interesting and in-depth article about Leonard Cohen. https://religionnews.com/2022/08/02/hallelujah-leonard-cohen/

Although Hallelujah is written as one word, its Hebrew original comes from two words, which (both the words and the concepts) have been merged into one. The first half of the word, from the verb hillel, means to praise, and it is used hundreds of times in the Bible. Praise what? Praise “jah.” “Jah” is a shortened form of the 4-letter Hebrew name for the Lord, YHWH, which is usually pronounced Yahweh. https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-is-the-meaning-of-the-word-hallelujah.html

Sometimes the word hallelujah is expressed in excitement and gratefulness for something a person has been waiting for. I recently loudly exclaimed, Hallelujah, when I finally received my first copies of my 2nd edition of my first book, Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir. This was my first book published in 2012. I have wanted to update it and give the readers current information about ovarian cancer and my journey. It is soon to be released…hallelujah! My thanks to Gary Geez of Fresh Ink Publishing for his expertise, creativity, and help.

On a much deeper level, the word has sung in my heart and soul many times. When I accepted Christ into my life at the age of 17 years. The birth of each of my sons were miracles and such blessings my heart swells with love. Hallelujah rings in my soul each time I look at, talk to, or think about my husband. There are mornings when I watch the sun rise above the horizon, I quietly express a prayer of gratitude, hallelujah.

What are your hallelujah moments?

ONE WORD FOR 2022

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As you look back at the year 2022, what one word comes to your mind? What did you experience?

My one word is SAD. Though a sad year, it filled me with more love.

As I reflect on the past year, it is hard to remember anything before the month of June. The sudden and unexpected death of our son-in-law impacted me quite deeply. Jimmy was young, vibrant, always smiling, giving, positive, and loving. He was a specimen of perfect health. Yet, he died of a sudden massive heart attack.

My beloved Aunt Arleigh left this earth in her 90s. I first met her when I was 12 years old and knew I wanted to be just like her. She always smiled, laughed, and had wonderful advice for an immature teenager. She was an actress and worked at Capitol Records. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf0T0IecP50

I said farewell to several of my cancer sisters. Each of these ladies impacted me in a special way: their laughter, enthusiasm, love, gratitude, spiritual beliefs, smiles, and their tears. I am all the more motivated to spread the word about any of the GYN cancers.

I have moved from sad to grateful. Though I miss each of these people, I reflect more on how blessed I am to have had them in my life.

BOOKS ARE FRIENDS STORIES ARE LESSONS

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My grandmother introduced me to books when I was a little girl. Her small apartment was filled with books which she called her friends. She always asked me what I learned from the story. Reading stories with the mindset of “what am I learning?” was very helpful in making decisions throughout my life.

D.L. Finn’s poetry in Just Her Poetry Seasons of a Soul is a book I read in 2019. However, because it was so beautiful and powerful even now I often open the pages randomly and gain some peace and joy.

In this short story, Mountain Laurel Christmas, the lesson that fame and fortune do not bring happiness is taught. The author, Jan Sikes, brings the important message that only family can fill a heart with love.

Is money the answer to happiness? When it comes to love, do age differences matter? These are questions central to the short story I’ll Be Right Back, by Maura Beth Brennan.

No Such Luck, by Staci Troilo, is a story of a young woman who returns to her hometown after a significant absence. A short story with a powerful message of the importance of choices, people, and events from which we can learn.

Happy Reading! May each book enrich your life.

GIFTS OF 2022

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THIS BLOG IS IN MEMORY OF SO MANY WHO HAVE PASSED ON TO THEIR NEXT LIFE, DIMENSION, OR ADVENTURE…THEY EACH TAUGHT ME SO MUCH. THEIR LIVES ARE THE GREATEST GIFTS I RECEIVED IN 2022.

My 3 gifts from 2022: are no further loss of eyesight, celebrating and appreciating my life and those who have passed before me, and living my life’s purpose each moment.

EYESIGHT

A GIFT SO SPECIAL
FADING, BLURRING, SENSITIVE
TOO PRECIOUS TO LOSE


LIFE



INHALE, EXHALE, BREATHE
LIFE FORCE FLOWING IN AND OUT
 A NEW LIFE BEGINS
WHEN SOULS SOAR TO THE HEAVENS
OUR LOSS WE GRIEVE THEY LIVE ON



PURPOSE



TO LIVE FULL OF JOY
TO BRING JOY TO ALL OTHERS
A PURPOSEFUL LIFE
EXTEND YOUR HAND, GIVE YOUR HEART
LOVE RETURNED A JOYFUL LIFE

MY WISH FOR YOU IS THAT 2023, BRINGS YOU JOY, GOOD HEALTH, PURPOSE, AND LOVE. EACH DAY, EACH BREATH, AND EACH MOMENT IS A GIFT AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO BRING JOY TO OTHERS.

Christmas Gifts

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In ancient Rome, from December 17 to 23, a festival called Saturnalia was celebrated with a sacrifice, banquets, and gift-giving. It was a time of giving thanks to the god of agriculture, Saturn. Extravagant gifts were in contradiction to the spirit of Saturn, so the lowliest, silliest, or mundane gift was considered the best.

In 312 AD, the Roman emperor, Constantine, converted to Christianity. The gift giving as represented by the magi gradually replaced the gifts from plain to the best or richest. Nickolas of Myra was known for his love of giving gifts. After his death, he was named Saint Nicholas, the saint of gift-giving. As Christianity spread across Europe, various traditions and interpretations emerged including the story of Santa Claus.

When one gives gifts from the heart, there is a natural benefit to the giver: the heart is healthier, stress is reduced, and endorphins are released. The giver does not expect anything in return.

Wishing you each a blessed Christmas.

Christmas Ornaments

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Have you wondered where and how the tradition of decorating Christmas trees came from? According to the Old World Christmas website, the tradition started in 723 while Saint Boniface was traveling through Germany, he met a group of people who were dancing around a decorated oak tree. They were preparing to sacrifice a baby in the name of Thor (a pagan god).

He was angry and very upset. He copped down the oak tree proclaiming the act in the name of Jesus Christ. When the oak tree fell, legend states it revealed a small fir tree. The priest explained to the astonished group that the fir tree is a symbol of the one true God. Its leaves are forever green and will not die. The needles point to heaven. The evergreen trees were then brought into the homes and decorated in the name of Jesus.

The first decorated trees were adorned with apples, white candy canes, and pastries shaped in the form of stars, hearts, or flowers. Glass-blown ornaments were added in the mid-1500s.

Many people put a star or angel on the top of the tree, Lights are added as symbols that Jesus is the light of the world and the star that led the three Wisemen to Bethlehem.

christmastreeworld.co.uk(opens in a new tab)

Families have favorite ornaments that have special stories or meanings. We had three stars of red, white, and blue that were hung next to each other in honor of our WWII veterans.

Our exchange student from Switzerland was surprised that we decorated our tree 1-2 weeks before Christmas. His family always decorated on Christmas Eve and used lit candles. (They never had a fire)!

What ornaments have special meaning for you? Are there special traditions you follow when decorating the tree? Please share your stories.

Christmas Trees

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Why do we have Christmas trees at this time of year? How did this tradition start?

In ancient times, before Christianity, many people believed that those plants that remained green during the winter protected them from evil spirits. It was a common belief that the sun was a god who became ill and weak causing cold and dark days to remind them that the sun god would soon be well.

In the early history of Egypt, the sun god, Ra, had a hawk for his head and a bright sphere in his crown. The people used green palm fronds during the winter solstice to celebrate life’s triumph over death.

The anticipated return of green farms and orchards in early Roman times was celebrated by decorating their homes with evergreen boughs.

In northern Europe, the Celts and Scandinavians celebrated everlasting life by decorating their temples with the greenery of evergreens.

From a cancer patient: On that Chemo Christmas Eve of 2014, I made room for that sparse little tree in our portrait because no matter how crappy I felt, I wanted to capture the promise it symbolized in the moment — it’s cold and dark out now, but green survives. I will survive…Even during my personal season of darkness, I never stopped searching for the smallest hint of green in a world with cancer — and with that green, a promise of life. https://www.froedtert.com/stories/together/o-chemo-christmas-tree

Please read this article about a man who helps cancer patients get free trees for Christmas. https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2020/09/16/christmas-trees-to-help-cancer-patients

According to Dr. Jill Sidebottom of NC State University, there is no higher risk for cancer for those living in or near the forests of NC. In fact, cancer rates in NC mountain counties are for the most part lower than other counties in North Carolina. This has been true since the 1990s. Read more at: https://christmastrees.ces.ncsu.edu/faq-health-concerns/

When you decorate your home with a tree, wreaths, and garland, think about the promise of new life, healing, crops, and sunshine that evergreens have represented for thousands of years. Due to the arctic blast affecting most of the continental USA, we need the warmth, smells, and promises of Christmas trees and garlands.

THANKSGIVING & CANCER

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THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SENT OUT YESTERDAY. HOWEVER, THE MESSAGE IS PERFECT FOR EVERYDAY.

You might think, “I do not want to read or hear about cancer when this is a season of joy, family, food, and gratefulness. THOSE ARE THE VERY REASONS WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT CANCER AS WE PREPARE FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

Wishing you each a blessed Thanksgiving filled with love, compassion, peace, and gratitude.