Currently I am planning the October issue of flaire for women. It will be an issue dedicated to breast cancer and awareness.

I want to hear from any of you how breast cancer has changed your life and what you’ve done to stay strong. I also would like to hear from men how the disease has affected you.

The issue will feature faces of breast cancer survivors (so if you or someone you know is interested please e-mail me at cynthia_ellis@thetelegraph.com.)

Recently I’ve been reading a series of books by author Jen Lancaster. I started the first one during my vacation and I didn’t know quite what to expect ( I picked them up at a yard sale.)

Let me say that the first book Bitter is the New Black was hilarious. It’s a memoir about the author’s life and rather than being your typical “chic lit” it’s a tale of one woman’s survival in Chicago and her upbeat outlook on life. She truly is inspirational. I’m currently reading Bright Lights, Big Ass — her second book.

What I’ve enjoyed about both books so far is that Jen doesn’t sugar coat anything. She is honest about who she is and what she likes and doesn’t like. I also like the fact that she brings up weight issues and as women we constantly struggle with them and why should we always have to apologize for being who we are.

I’ve recently checked out her blog too, Jennsylvania, and let me say it’s just as clever and funny as her books. Hope you all in joy.

I’ve been bad. Really bad. I haven’t been keeping up on my blog. Shame on me. The reason is that I’ve been so busy. Yes, busy!

Between work and Cole’s marching band schedule it’s been a little hectic at our house. Although it’s exciting staying busy. I would rather have a ton of things to do then nothing at all (I don’t mind days like that, but not all the time.)

I’m getting excited though because in one week I will be attending the Reflections of Style Fashion Show that is being sponsored by flaire and Community Hope Center. The event is being held to raise money for the center. I volunteered for the organization committee and it’s been a lot of fun, but now the pressure is one because Jill Moon and I have one week to makeover two women. It’s exciting to be able to give these women an opportunity to feel good about themselves.

I am a true believer that when you look good you feel confident about yourself. I don’t think a woman should wear clothes she is not comfortable in, but she should find something that flatters her. There’s no greater feeling than getting dressed up and receiving compliments. I mean come on why else would so many of us be addicted to Clinton and Kelly on “What not to Wear.”

We sometimes know the person is a wonderful woman, however they may be stuck in a style rut. They’ve worn their hair the same way for so long they don’t know how to go about changing it or they wear a uniform to work and often forgo putting on “dress clothes” to go out.

One of the things we wanted to do during this makeover was showcase the clothing that are donated to the center. Many of the clients need clothing, especially women who are looking for work. All the items are donated and there is no cost to clients.

There are so many of us who clean out our closets and take our clothes to second hand shops and thrift stores. I commend anyone who does this, but if you’re not sure where you can take the items then why not donate them to a local organization that is truly giving back. The Hope Center is always in need of nice clothing, especially womens plus sizes. Another great place to take items is the Caravan on Broadway in Alton, which benefits the Oasis Women’s Shelter.

I’ve returned to work after a much needed vacation. Although I didn’t go anywhere I did enjoy my time off.

While on “holiday” I did a few things, which included: having friends over for the Fourth of July; going out for drinks; spending a lazy day in the yard reading a book (I finished it and started another;) eating at the Brass Door in Carrollton with my family on boneless pork chop night; and spending time with my family.The last days of my vacation proved to be the most enjoyable and the most difficult.

I had my niece and nephew come over and we spent the day outside, played in the fountain at Riverfront Park before retiring to the house to watch a movie. (Really I enjoy this part because I get to see all those Disney cartoons that I’ve missed since my son has become a teenager.) Soon after sitting down to watch a movie I was required to take a break. Why? Well my niece, who is the sweetest thing came over and said “Aunt Cynny, I choke.”

Of course I had no clue as to what she was saying. She’s 2 1/2 years old so her language skills are developing. She repeated herself again. “I choke.” This time I understood and though maybe she swallowed something. About the time I started to check her mouth she projectile vomited all over me and the couch. Not once, but twice.

She even apologized, “I s-o-r-r-y Aunt Cynny.”

“It’s OK,” I said. “I’m alright. Do you feel better now?”

“Yes,” she said.

We both took a shower and then returned to the living room to watch the movie. She feel asleep soon after and my 7-year-old nephew and I watched most of it together before he nodded off to dreamland. I carried my niece into my room and was walking back into the living room I heard a noise. The poor thing got sick again. (I had to strip my bed and wash my sheets, but that’s OK.) I just wanted her to feel better. However it didn’t work out like that. The rest of the night she was up around 45 minutes getting sick.

I’m a sound sleeper and since Cole’s reached the age where I no longer have to worry about whether he is breathing or not in the middle of the night I don’t hear much once I’m out. However, with a little one next to me I didn’t do that. I woke every time she moved. By morning though she seemed fine.She was all smiles and asking for breakfast. Within 30 minutes of eating the routine started over again. I drove her home and she didn’t get sick at all. It’s a 30 minute drive from my house to my brother’s so I though this was good. She was home for at least four hours before she got sick again.

At the Park

OK, why am I relating this story to all of you? I was thinking about all the children out there who are sick everyday and what their parents are going through. I recently interviewed a woman, Rachel Waters of Rosewood Heights, whose son was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Through the whole process of being first diagnosed to his treatment she has remained positive. (Her story will be featured in the August issue of flaire.)

I believe she is a real inspiration to others out there.

I went through one night. I had others when Cole was little, but it’s been years since a child’s illness has kept me awake through the night. If I had to deal with it everyday I know it would be hard. There is no imagining what I would do – I would deal with it and hopefully have a support system like Rachel and her husband, Brandon. They are able to survive through their polygon of support – family, friends and faith.

I posted the fireworks video on The Telegraph earlier this week, but for all of you who haven’t seen it check it out. It’s the second year I’ve been to watch the show in Bethalto and let me say it’s a nice one. So if you’ve got plans to go somewhere for the Fourth of July then enjoy the festivities if not check out the show.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July.

Did you know that it’s only 176 days until Christmas? Wow, it will be here before you know it.

So why did I bring up the holy holiday? In nine days Hallmark will premiere its ornaments. If your a collector then you look forward each year to getting your hands on the newest tree decorations.

Many years ago I used to work for a local Gold Crown Store and let me tell you that premiere day for some is the same as someone who finds a designer handbag for half price. There are squeals of excitement and joy if they get their hands on one of the Keepsake pieces. While I worked at the store I collected quite a few, but my favorite are the snowmen.

Every year I used to unpack and repack the ornaments during the holiday season. It took quite a bit of time and to tell you the truth I got tired of it so I stopped. I still have my ornaments and since I moved into a new house this year I just may get them out again. Don’t you think the saying “What’s old is new again?” could count for living in a new location?

During a tough economy many of us will start getting ready for the holiday’s earlier than usual and Hallmark is just there to remind us that Christmas starts in July.