INGREDIENTS:

1 oz. Lemonade

1/2 oz. Orange juice 

Handful of diced Cucumber

2 thin slices of Jalapeno

1/2 oz. Fresh Ginger Syrup

1/2 oz. Sweet sour

Fresh Ground Black Pepper

***If you would like to add liquor add 1-1/2 oz. Cachaca or Karma Tequila

In a mixing glass, place cucumber, Jalapeno, Ginger syrup and Sweet & Sour and start mudling. Throughout the mudding process, keep checking the level of spiciness and STOP muddling when you feel the spiciness is at the level you will enjoy most. Now, let's add the Triple Sec and Tequila (if you want to add alcohol) and shake it hard for 5 fast seconds. Next, strain and pour into a long drinking glass on the rocks . Before serving, top it off with a little fresh ground black pepper. 

The taste is uniquely refreshing and addictive because each sip leaves your mouth with the tingly sensation from the jalapeno...leaves you thirsty for more!

I'm starting a new blog series this week:  "Jewelry on Q Street".  

I chose 7 items:  two from Diamonique, & one from Silver, Bronzo Italia, Carolyn Pollack, JAI John Hardy & Steel by Design. Then I went to the streets of Q to see what our office peeps liked best & why.  We shot 7 "man on the street" videos. (Thanks to my social partner, Eva, for capturing the moments on her trusty iPhone!). Look for a new video blog post every Friday for the next 7 weeks. 

I hope you enjoy getting to meet some of the fabulous people who are behind the scenes working hard for you...oh &, of course, getting to see what's happening in the world of jewelry! 

Let me know if you like the series. If so, I'd love to bring you more!

Lots of love,

Nancy 

The bracelets are coming in July and here is a sneak peek of the other great pieces on my tray that you will be seeing soon;

J293554 - Epiphany Diamonique Round 100-Facet & Bar Tennis Bracelet

J287030 - Bronzo Italia 1" Ribbed Twist Oval Omega Back Hoop Earrings

J287031  - Bronzo Italia 1-1/2" Twist Oval Omega Back Hoop Earrings

J159362 -  Steel by Design Set of 3 Stretch Glitter Ankle Bracelets

Many of you know I'm training for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk in September.  I've wanted to the walk for the last couple of years, but it just wasn't the right time.  This year seems to the year...I'll be 5 years cancer-free in Oct & I turned 50 in June!  So, why not do something BIG!  :)  My friend, Carolyn Pollack (who has walked it 8 times) is walking with me.  It should be a wildly fun 3 days!   

Anyhoo, for motivation & shameless advertising, I decided to make a few t-shirts to wear while I'm walking & wanted to share my "works of art" with you.  (I'm NOT crafty, so don't judge! LOL!)   

I went to Michael's to pick up the supplies I needed.  My first attempt was a bit disastrous.  I chose to use stencils & fabric spray paint.  Boy was that messy! Plus, I didn't have all the numbers and letters I needed; so I improvised.  

After the paint dried, I put a breast cancer ribbon on the front of the shirt.  (Not sure if the placement was fabu.)  

In the end, my first attempt, wasn't so disastrous.  In all honesty, I don't care what it looks like, it's fun to wear!  :)

My 2nd attempt was much easier.

My friend, Kristen, suggested I use a bleach pen & just write the info on the back of the shirt.  SHE'S SO SMART! This picture was taken before the bleach had the time to set in; but it worked great! 

 Of course, I ironed a breast cancer ribbon on the front on this tee as well. 

Many of you have asked how you can support my walk and training.  I would love if you would send me a picture when you see a "spot of support" like the waste can I spotted a while ago. 

It will be like your training with me, which will bring me great joy!  Can't wait to see what you find!! 

Lots of Love...Nancy

There is no exact recipe, I just put these ingredients together one day - and my husband loved it!  You will need more or less depending on your palette.  And you use this with any of your fav veggies, just substitute the mushrooms for spinach or squash...OR...just add the spinach or squash to the mix!  Yum!

Ingredients;

White mushrooms (sliced) - 4 cups or so, rinsed

Onion (sliced) - 1/2 a med-sized

Butter or margarine (a couple of Tbsp)

Garlic (I love a lot)

Worcestershire (3 Tbsp)

Teriyaki sauce (2 Tbsp)

Soy sauce (1 Tbsp)

Directions;

Sauté the mushrooms, onion & garlic until the onions are transparent & the mushrooms have a slight softness to them.  (I like cover them for about 5-7 mins to allow the water in the mushrooms & onion to escape in the pan.

Next I add the Worcestershire, teriyaki & soy sauces. Let the ingredients soak into the veggies by keeping it covered for about 3-4 min.

Next, remove the cover & reduce the heat to low.  I like to let the liquid reduce down to more of a sauce. I stir it throughout to make sure I don't overcook it.

I hope you enjoy!

-Nancy 

Here are my next two additions of Jewelry On Q Street. Let me know what you think. You get to meet one of our Interns and Alex who is jewelry shopping for his wife's birthday.

If you are not able to view them, some people are having trouble viewing on their iPhones or iPads, you can click here and see them on my facebook page: Nancy Hornback QVC. 

Here are a few of the beautiful pieces of jewelry on my tray that are available now;

http://qvc.co/EpiphanyDMQTennisBrac
http://qvc.co/BronzoItaliaHoopEarrings
http://qvc.co/bronzoItaliaOvalEarrings
http://qvc.co/steelByDesignAnkleBracelets

I wanted to share this beautiful post from one of my Facebook Friends, Linda R.  She wrote this during the Black Hills Jewelry show on Memorial Day.  (BTW – the Black Hills Gold Guy is Jim Whittaker. J) 

Enjoy!

“I am so enjoying the Black Hills Gold show.  I would so have loved to speak to the Gold man as my mother's wedding set from the 1930's was Black Hills Gold. I don't know whether she knew what is was as her method of getting it was a little different. It was during the depression and she always said they were married after church one Sunday morning with a cigar band as that was all they had. (I never knew whether she meant a real cigar band or a small ring!). One of my aunts had married Harold Smith, Sr. in Reno and he invited all of her Texas brothers and sisters to come out there and work. He had plenty of jobs for them. My dad went out there and my mother and I followed (I was less than a year old.)

Mr. Smith thought my mother deserved a real ring and so told my dad that someone had lost a wedding set at the tables in his casino and he wanted my mother to have them. And that is how my mother had a Black Hills Gold wedding set.

As a child, I was fascinated by those rings as I had never seen a gold ring with pink gold roses and green gold grape leaves around it. The engagement ring was also set with tiny ruby and diamond chips, all in all a very appropriate depression wedding set.

When my dad bought her new rings for their 25th anniversary, I have no idea what he did with her original rings. I never saw them again, although they may be put away in the box her granddaughter was given at her death.

Wherever they are, I never knew what they were until I saw Black Hills Gold on QVC whenever they began many, many years ago. I have since bought several pieces for myself and always look at it and remember my mother and dad and their story and their love together.”  Linda R.

You have been asking about the bangles in the video & THEY'RE HERE!!  Woo, Hoo!  Extraordinary Life is the QVC trademarked name for the collection. We picked the name because we felt that each person has a story to tell, and these bangles help share their story. There are 9 different inspirational bangles, each with a different meaning. Each comes gift boxed and has the inspirational message written on the insert.  Our bangles are made of 925 sterling silver!!!  They aren't plated over base metal...they are the real deal, silver!  I hope you love them as much as I do!

Share your story with us....Lots of Love...Nancy

Here is my next installment of Jewelry On Q Street. When we need styling tips we don’t walk – we RUN  to Toi. She is the fashion guru for hosts. She’s amazing and I can’t say enough good things about her! She snagged the Steel by Design ankle bracelets off of my tray and shows you how fabulous they look. 

J293554 - Epiphany Diamonique Round 100-Facet & Bar Tennis Bracelet

J287030 - Bronzo Italia 1" Ribbed Twist Oval Omega Back Hoop Earrings

J287031  - Bronzo Italia 1-1/2" Twist Oval Omega Back Hoop Earrings

J159362  -  Steel by Design Set of 3 Stretch Glitter Ankle Bracelets

If you are not able to view the video, some people are having trouble viewing on their iPhones or iPads, you can click here and see them on my facebook page: Nancy Hornback QVC. Or just come to my page and say hello!

Lots of Love,

Nancy

Karen from our IT department (computer tech guru) picks herself out a beauty – JAI by John Hardy ring– croco design! Find out what she thinks in my newest Jewelry On Q Street video!

See other beauties on my tray here;

J293554 - Epiphany Diamonique Round 100-Facet & Bar Tennis Bracelet

J287030 - Bronzo Italia 1" Ribbed Twist Oval Omega Back Hoop Earrings

J287031  - Bronzo Italia 1-1/2" Twist Oval Omega Back Hoop Earrings

J159362  -  Steel by Design Set of 3 Stretch Glitter Ankle Bracelets

If you are not able to view the video, you can click here and see them on my facebook page: Nancy Hornback QVC. Or just come to my page and say hello!

Lots of Love,

Nancy

It's here! Another edition of Jewelry On Q Street – I (literally) ambushed Katina from our IT department. See these beautiful Bronzo Italia hoop earrings she chose from my tray. And let me know what you think and should I keep these videos going!

Here is info for the other goodies on my tray;

J293554 - Epiphany Diamonique Round 100-Facet & Bar Tennis Bracelet

J291721 -  JAI by John Hardy ring 

J287031  - Bronzo Italia 1-1/2" Twist Oval Omega Back Hoop Earrings

J159362  -  Steel by Design Set of 3 Stretch Glitter Ankle Bracelets

If you are not able to view the video, you can click here and see them on my facebook page: Nancy Hornback QVC. Or just come to my page and say hello!

Lots of Love,

Nancy

My dear friend’s mother-in-law created this yummy cheesecake and is sharing the recipe with me!  Easy to make.. and YUM! If you have any yummy dessert recipes you would like to share, please email me at n_hornback@qvc.com.  I am always looking for new ideas for snacks!

Ricotta Cheese Cake

Ingredients:

8-9” spring pan

(2) 8oz cream cheese bars

1½ lb Ricotta cheese

2 cups sugar

6 eggs

6 tbs flour

1 pint of sour cream

Steps:

• Cream the cheese and sugar.
• Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each one.
• Add and mix rest of ingredients.
• Put in Spring Pan (you can lightly spray inside of pan with cooking spray)
• Bake for 1 hour @ 350 oven.
• Shut off oven and leave in oven for 1 hour.
• Cool 1 hour.
• Refrigerate

Thank you Josephine for the wonderful recipe!

You can find me on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/NancyHornbackqvc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NancyQVC

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nancyhornbackqvc

I am a Graduate Gemologist (G.G.)!!!!  Woo, Hoo! 

I found out last week (while on vacation) that I had passed my 20-stone exam with the required 100% accuracy. I laughed. I cried. And then laughed and cried again!  What a journey…20 months, 100’s of hours of study, 3 trips to NYC & over 500 gems identified. 

I have always loved gemstones, but didn’t know anything about them.  In 2008 I was hired as a host for Gem’s TV.   My training for the position was less than 3 days & did not include training on gemstones.  My first day on air (day 3), the producer fed me enough information (through my earpiece) to share with the audience. It was crazy!  Needless to say,  that was not going to work for me!  And this is where my journey, education and real love for gemstones began.

After work that first day (and every day after), I began studying gemstones.  I would research 5 new gems every day.  I put my notes onto a 3 x 5 card and popped it into a file box.  My little gem box was my lifeline to provide accurate information to our viewers.  (Secret:  I kept it off to the side so that when the camera was on the jewelry, I could peek at the cards.)  It was a great start, but it wasn’t enough for me…I wanted formal training.  My friend, Jessica, told me that I could get a great education through the GIA (Gemological Institute of America). The GIA offered a program called the Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP).  It was exactly what I needed & I enrolled immediately!

MY AJP required 3 courses:  Jewelry Essentials, Colored Gemstone Essentials, and Diamond Essentials.  I was able to do the work online and finished the program within 3 months.  I never dreamed I would one day be a Graduate Gemologist (GG)!  Enter Christine Webb from the Smithsonian Institution.

I joined the Q family in 2009.  In 2012 I met Christine Webb.  Christine is a Graduate Gemologist and was the on-air guest for the “Smithsonian Institution – National Gem Gallery” shows. Low and behold, she was a gem geek, just like me!! Following the show, I mentioned that I would love to get my GG, but felt it wouldn’t be possible.  (My thoughts:  I work full time: I have a husband & 3-year old;  it would take years to complete.) 

Christine quickly shot my excuses down & said, “You can absolutely do it!”  As soon as I got home that night, I went to the GIA website to see if she was right.  And she was!  Because I had already completed my AJP, I was only 6 classes from my G.G. (3 online courses and their corresponding gem labs, which I would have to take in NYC.) 

Next steps:  get the blessing from my husband & approval from QVC.  Both gave me their wholehearted support!  So, in October of 2012 I enrolled in my first course!

It’s been a fascinating journey! But I have not been on this journey alone. There are several people who have been by side and were instrumental in the completion of my GG:

Q Friends & Viewers:  Thank you for your constant kindness and encouragement on FB!!

QVC:  Thank you for pouring into my education &, ultimately, to the people who matter most - our customers!

Jack, Rich, Mary H:  Thank you for allowing me time to take the 3 required lab classes in NYC and for supporting my passion!

Debbie R:  Thank you for proctoring every single exam (& there were a lot)!  How I appreciate and adore you!

Sue K:  Thank you for being my teacher, my coach, my cheerleader & my encourager!  Thank you for access to Q’s gem lab & all of your cool gem books.  Having a fellow GG as my guide was invaluable.  You are a GEM!!

Jim & Isabella:  Thank you for allowing & supporting my passion for gems.  I couldn’t have done it without your support!  All the hours away from you over the past 20 months could have been hard for us; but, “Team R., Rocks”!

I hope you find yourself becoming inspired to learn about gemstones.  A great place to start is our Gem Guide on QVC.com.  QVC, Peyton Kelley (GG & another one of my teacher’s & cheerleader’s) & the Q Gem Team partnered with the GIA to bring you the most accurate gem information available.  Check it out!

Every book represents one exam.  Each folder represents a comprehensive exam.  The silver box is my traveling gem lab.  I used it during my Gem ID class in which I identified more than 500 stones:  natural, synthetic, imitation, doublets & triplets.  Seeing it all laid out like this, kind of freaked me out!  LOL!  Still to come: the official paper degree from the GIA.  I’ll post it when it arrives!  

You can find me on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/NancyHornbackqvc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NancyQVC

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nancyhornbackqvc

Here is info for the other goodies on my tray;

Here's my latest edition of Jewelry On Q Street and I get to chat with the lovely Victoria. She went straight for the bling of this gorgeous Diamonique necklace that will be available soon. The great thing with Diamonique is, you can dress it up or dress it down as Victoria shares she thought it, "classed up" the t-shirt she wore to work that day. Enjoy!

Here is info for the other goodies on my tray;

J293554 - Epiphany Diamonique Round 100-Facet & Bar Tennis Bracelet

J291721 -  JAI by John Hardy ring 

J287031  - Bronzo Italia 1-1/2" Twist Oval Omega Back Hoop Earrings

J159362  -  Steel by Design Set of 3 Stretch Glitter Ankle Bracelets

If you are not able to view the video, you can click here and see them on my facebook page: Nancy Hornback QVC. Or just come to my page and say hello!

Lots of Love,

Nancy

Do you believe in the theory that everyone and everything is six or fewer steps away? This theory is referred to as six degrees of separation.  It’s a chain of friend of a friend and that a connection can be made to connect any two people in a maximum of six steps… 

Here is my 6 Degrees of separation..

My sister Cindy's hair stylist, another Cindy, met Molly (a former Clarisonic guest) in the Chicago airport. They began talking & the conversation led to what they do.  Molly told her she worked for Clarisonic& that she was an on-air guest for QVC.  Cindy said she had a client whose sister was a host on Q.  Molly asked who it was.  And it was me!

Molly gave her guest pass to Cindy to give my sister, Cindy, to give to me!  And here it is...crazy!  I just sent the picture to Molly. Molly's response:  "Awesome!!!! Hi! Pretty ladies. Nice to meet you Cindy! I sure do miss you! Xoxo" 

Whew…

What's your story of "6 degrees of separation?"

You can find me on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/NancyHornbackqvc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NancyQVC

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nancyhornbackqvc

My daughter had never met her Uncle David, Aunt Kasi and their two youngest children, David & Tommy.  In fact, I hadn’t seen my brother’s family in over 7 years!  NOT good!  So, my brother, thankfully, pushed for the first ever Hornback Family Reunion this summer.  And it was a blast! 

We descended upon my parents place in Indy on Saturday for breakfast and ended the gathering on Sunday after breakfast.  What ensued in between was one for the memory books!  My sister-in-law, Kasi, put together a whole day of competition and prizes for the winners and losers.  LOL!  Here is just a snapshot of our time together.  Enjoy!

My immediate family together for the 1st time in over 7 years!

Team Tommy

Team Isabella

Donut race

Golf challenge

Sponge Dodgeball

Boo-boo's happened...no worries, we had Indiana Univ. Band-Aids!

Cannonball contest

Closing Ceremony & Winners - Team David

Messages on the prizes

We had loads of fun thanks to my sister-in-law, Kasi! Can't wait until the next one!

-Nancy

In March, my husband headed to Newport, RI to build & open our own pretzel shop. 

Jim designed it, created the recipes and, literally, built the store’s interior with the help of friends and family (who happen to be contractors).  It was, & is, a labor of love.  (If my husband allows me, one day I will share the story behind the business and why I call it a “labor of love”!)  We have no idea if it’s going to sink, tread water or swim.  Regardless, I couldn’t be prouder of Jim! 

Man, oh, man have we missed him!  Skype & phone calls were not enough.  So, Isabella & I headed to Newport for a week to check out the new biz, Newport and give Jim lots of hugs and kisses.  Here is the tiniest glimpse into our beautiful week together! 

Newport beach.

Daddy's pretzel shop.

Crab cakes and clam chowder.

Iz & I trying to rescue a guy in a wave lol.

Saying goodbye at the train station going home.

-Nancy

Many of you know Carolyn Pollack and I are walking the Susan G. Komen 3-day, 60 mile walk, for breast cancer on Sept 12th.  We couldn't come up with a good team name around our love for gems & asked for your help!  You responded with amazing ideas! Thank you so much!!   I have to say it was tough to narrow it down to just 3 choices - let alone make a final decision.  So, we're asking for your help, again!  Please vote on your favorite team name.  Voting will be open until Noon on Saturday August 30^th, 2014.  Here are the choices:

We'll announce our team name during the Carolyn Pollack Jewelry Show on Sunday, August 31st at 1am ET!  I hope you will join us then!

And thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your kind words, support and motivation over these last months…. I think we are ready!

Lots of Love,

Nancy  

It’s October, which means Fall is here! But it also means that it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.   I am sharing with you a two part blog on my training for the 3 day, 60 mile walk in support of breast cancer awareness.. this is part 1.. look for part 2 on October 16th! Thank you for joining me on my journey!

I’m a breast cancer survivor (5 years cancer-free this month).  When my friend & jewelry designer, Carolyn Pollack, found out I had battled breast cancer, she asked me to do the Susan G. Komen 3-day walk with her.  She had already walked 420 miles (that’s 7 walks) and I promised her that one day (that was 3 years ago), I would walk with her.  I was working at the kitchen table in early February, listening to 92.5 WXTU (my fav country station), when I heard the ad for the 3-day.  I immediately sent a text to Carolyn to see if she was “in”.  She said “yes”.  So, this year, I made good on my promise.

Carolyn Pollack & I tailgating (with coffee & Gatorade) before our training walk:

Look at my cute tshirt Carol Orkis made this for me for my 3-Day BC Walk training. I love it! Thank you Carol!

Super cute boots Carolyn Pollack found for me:

60 miles is a long way!  Having run the Disney Marathon in 2000, I knew training was key.  My goal was 2-fold:  to finish the 3-Day & finish it without injury.  I downloaded a training app specifically designed for the event to keep me on track.  In mid-February I began to walk & walk & walk & walk some more!  I was so grateful for all the people who walked with me over the 7 months!  Albany, Carolyn, Janice Marie, Kristen, Susie, Cindy, my mom, Sarah, Becky, Shelly & even Isabella shared tons of time & miles with me.  Beyond training, it was awesome to have all that girl time!

Albany Irvin had just met me for a walk. We did 14 miles this day. Bless Albany for her company!!! 

Albany Irvin had just left, she just sprayed bug spray in her eye. Goofy girl! She left with a laugh & a smile. So, I think she's going to live! . I have to do aAnother 9 miles or so...so Natalie Grant is going to keep company with her album Awakening!

More training with Janice who met me to walk at Q!  

The most important part about the 3-Day is to raise money.  Each participant was required to raise $2300.  I’m the worst fund-raiser on the planet!  So, I thought I should make “training” t-shirts to advertise the walk.  My hope was that people would ask about my t-shirt & offer to make a donation.  I ask you, did that happen?  Not even once!  LOL!  I’m guessing there were no inquires because they looked like they were made by a 3-year-old.  Oh well, it was a fun project, & it makes me laugh when I look at them.

Fast forward to August. Carolyn & I decided we should have a team name & reached out for help from our FB Friends.  They offered suggestions (which were so fabu) & ultimately voted on Gemtastic Q-Ties!  Because I was already experienced in the art of t-shirt making, I set out to make the “real”, “official”, “perfect” shirts for Carolyn & me.  (These actually turned out pretty well!) 

Once the t-shirts were made, we turned to our FB Friends again.  This time to find out for whom you wanted us to walk…a survivor, someone in the middle of the battle or a loved one who had lost their battle with breast cancer.  Unfortunately, there were so many names. We filled the back of 6 shirts. Suddenly, it became clear why I was walking.  It was for you & those we love.

You can find me on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/NancyHornbackqvc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NancyQVC

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nancyhornbackqvc

toGather:  www.gather.qvc.com/member/NancyHornback

The FFANY Gala was a dream! By far the best moment for me was during dinner when it was announced that both the Gala & Shoe Salon broke fundraising records!  That means we are taking another step towards a cure for breast cancer!  Let's make the FFANY broadcast on Q a record-breaker, too! Check out this fun video: 

Pictures of the Gala.. and these uber cute Ugg Slippers… I will have a super awesome opportunity for you exclusively on my FB Page on Wednesday, October 15^th  it will be first come, first serve at midnight. Jane and me at the “great wall of shoes” …. Every woman’s shoe dream come true!

While walking on the “red carpet”, Jane Traecy asked me to spin around, so she could see my dress completely and here I am, captured at the end of my spin. 

One of the many magnificent chandeliers (pre pink) in the ballroom at the Waldorf Astoria.

Ta Da! The chandelier after done up pink for the FFANY celebration.

This is where guests had pictures of their shoes taken to be entered in the varying categories to be considered for a prize. Ex: “sexiest shoes”, “most unusual shoe”, etc. Of course, I was hamming it up wearing one flip flop and one strappy high heel. No chance of me winning, but it was definitely a lot of fun and laughter is oh so good!

My secret was I was wearing two different shoes …… only for the picture though. 

I kicked up my heels in my boots while getting ready,  I then wore my flip flops during the walk to the Waldorf Astoria and I rocked away the rest of the night in my strappy heels. 

Your friend and mine, Sally Combs, from Earth Brands. She looked totally amazing in her leather top!

More pink for the FFANY celebration.

Enjoying great conversation with CEO Mike George and friends.

Our cameramen helping me look my best. I sure wish Mike Cooper could follow me around everywhere with that portable light. 

The delightful, Linda Davies, came as a guest of the Wardrobe Warrior, Renee Greenstein. 

You can find me on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/NancyHornbackqvc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NancyQVC

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nancyhornbackqvc

toGather:  www.gather.qvc.com/member/NancyHornback

It’s October, which means Fall is here! But it also means that it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

I’m a breast cancer survivor (5 years cancer-free this month).  When my friend & jewelry designer, Carolyn Pollack, found out I had battled breast cancer, she asked me to do the Susan G. Komen 3-day walk with her.  She had already walked 420 miles (that’s 7 walks) for folks like me.  I promised would, one day (that was 3 years ago).  I was working at the kitchen table in early February, listening to 92.5 WXTU (my fav country station), when I heard the ad for the 3-day.  I immediately sent a text to Carolyn to see if she was “in”.  She said “yes”.  So, this year, I made good on my promise.  Here is part two of my 3 days/60 Miles…

On the morning of the walk event, I was really nervous & doubts filled my head. Was I prepared?  Would Isabella be okay without me? Would we be safe? Would I finish?  Would Carolyn be ready to find a new teammate 10 miles in?

Anyway, the opening ceremony began at 6:30am on Friday at the Willow Grove Mall.  It was bursting with energy, excitement, and a whole bunch of people decked out in pink – pink boas, pink tutu’s, pink bras, pink wigs, pink socks, pink eyelashes & more!  What a hoot!

There is so much I’d like to share about the walk itself, like the sites, the 10 mile trudge in the pouring rain, the amazing people who came out to cheer us.

I could fill up a million pages; but, I’m guessing that would be a little excessive.  So, I’ll pare it down to two stories. The first is about the closing ceremony & the second is about Amanda.

The closing ceremony was at the Navy Yard.  Friends and families came to be a part of the celebration. (Kristen, Isabella, Chris - Kristen’s boyfriend & Janice Marie came down to welcome me & Carolyn home!)  Before the ceremony began, the participants were asked to line-up in this order:  volunteer crew members, walkers & then walkers who were survivors (we were given pink shirts).  As a walker, Carolyn walked in with the second group, & as a survivor, I walked in with the last group.  It was the strangest sensation to have Carolyn pulled from my side after all those miles.  It didn’t feel good at all.  Because this wasn’t her first walk, she knew I had to walk in with the survivors. As we (the survivors) made our way into the celebration, on the sidelines, was the crew.  Not standing, but kneeling.  Clapping for us.  Cheering.  Sending us hope.  Healing.  Blessings.  I was immediately humbled and felt so undeserving. My tears could not be contained.

These were the volunteers who helped us cross streets, who fed us, fixed our blisters, gave us water & made us laugh!  (I should have been on the sidelines, not them!) 

And then…I saw the sneakers.  These people who walked 60 miles on my (our) behalf, raised their sneakers in honor me & all the survivors.  My heart was so full of gratitude & the tears kept coming. 

I am so grateful to each and every one of you!  But it’s to Carolyn Pollack…my dear, sweet, beautiful, amazing friend…I am most grateful for as I write. I wouldn’t have done it without you.  You made every step fun.  You make this world (especially mine) a better place!

Now to Amanda.  There was a poster that came with the 3-Day registration packet that had a picture of two women, fists in the air with the slogan “I found my inspiration at mile 37.”  I found mine at 52.  Carolyn & I found ourselves behind this t-shirt on the 3^rd Day, 8 miles to go.

When I read it, I was overwhelmed.  I thought about Isabella; I thought about her daughter; and, I needed to know her story.  So, I asked.  She was diagnosed at 30 with a very aggressive form of breast cancer.  She had chemo & a double mastectomy followed by radiation.  She is 31, closing in on one year cancer-free and awaiting reconstruction.  I was grateful to walk into the closing ceremony, hand-in-hand with Amanda, the Panda, my inspiration! 

The Susan G. Komen Philadelphia 3-day was an amazing event that raised over $3 million for the fight against breast cancer. But SGK isn’t the only way to fight this disease.  FFANY Shoes on Sale broadcast is on Thursday, 10/16!  

Let’s take breast cancer down & out!

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