It’s that time of year again (Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in case there’s one chance in a gazillion you do not know) and I am wondering exactly how you are feeling about it this year. Do you plan to get extra ‘loud’? Do you plan to hide? Do you plan to deck yourself out in pink? Do you plan to shun anything and everything pink for the entire month? Do you plan to take things day by day, or even hour by hour?
It’s a tough call sometimes I know.
As I do every year, I will again take the ‘opportunity’ October brings with it to be a little louder, a little more ‘ornery’, a little more angry (‘cuz really, it’s okay, even necessary to get angry sometimes), a little more of whatever I feel like being from day to day or hour to hour.
I am even planning to churn out extra blog posts this month, but we shall see how that goes.
I will also be keeping you up-to-date about the release of my upcoming book which is hopefully still happening this month. Maybe I’ll share an excerpt or two with you; that’ll be a little diversion for us all, right?
No matter how you feel about Pinktober (I don’t even like this term anymore, but…), ready or not, it’s back.
Undoubtedly, it’s going to be a bumpy ride month. Again.
How do you feel about Pinktober this year?
Do you plan to be more vocal?
Or do you plan to hide until November?
(Either is perfectly okay)
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Image via The Little Pink Book of (mostly) Cancer Cartoons Facebook page & used with permission
Beth L. Gainer
Monday 19th of October 2015
Hi Nancy,
I'm playing catch-up on your terrific blog; I fell behind -- sorry! Anyway, if I were writing this on October 1, I'd be telling you I'm planning to bury my head in the sand and try to be a hermit. But as of this date, October 19, I'm feeling pretty good because the Pinktober madness seems to be abating. (I also don't like the term "Pinktober" anymore). This is the first time in a long time that I'm not noticing too much breast cancer awareness campaigns. Yes, there are still stupid images out there, and I saw a flag with a pink ribbon, but I have a feeling there's a slight sea change, and maybe marketers are hearing the collective complaints.
Anyway, I'm enjoying the beautiful colors of fall thus far.
Nancy
Thursday 22nd of October 2015
Beth, You know I was just saying to someone the other day that I don't think I've seen as much craziness this year either. Or else I'm just harder to shock these days. Who knows? I am enjoying the fall color show even more this year. It seems to be lasting longer and I am loving it. Thank you for reading. Life gets busy, so I totally understand on the falling behind thing. Please don't worry about that. xx
Eileen@womaninthehat
Thursday 8th of October 2015
Last year I ranted and spoke out. This year I want to put my head in the sand. I'm over-satiated and have had enough of the party spirit, the tasteless sexualization, etc., but I am pleased about one thing. It seems Komen has listened to at least some of the criticism. I like its "I am Susan" campaign. At least Komen is acknowledging those who are metastatic and that its very own namesake was metastatic. This hopefully will bring them back to their original vision and motto: For the cure.
Nancy
Thursday 8th of October 2015
Eileen, That was a great rant. I recently re-read it. I am feeling slightly hopeful about Komen too, but only slightly. Maybe our rumblings are starting to be heard. Thank you for reading and sharing some thoughts.
Kathy
Tuesday 6th of October 2015
I'm newly diagnosed with breast cancer. I have been a supporter in the past and was going to embroider something on my jacket for awareness. So many cancer patients seem to be so against wearing the gear, etc. So, now I'm a bit confused.
Nancy
Tuesday 6th of October 2015
Kathy, You should do what feels right to you.
Carrie
Saturday 3rd of October 2015
I personally don't love all of the products that come out around this time. I was online looking to see what products people make and party stores sell breast cancer awareness items and that stung a little bit. That people turn this into a money making party. Now, I know people use parties to celebrate life, to lift spirits. They use walks to do that as well. That's great if it makes them feel good and I'm glad that there's a time of year they can look forward to to make that happen. But, for me, it seems fake. It's a farce. I just feel yucky.
Nancy
Monday 5th of October 2015
Carrie, I'm with you. It feels fake. And way too party-like. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Kathi
Saturday 3rd of October 2015
Heaven help us all. I managed to maintain my snarky sense of humor last year. Not sure I'm up to it this year. Pinktober just seems so irrelevant this year, just an obstruction, really. Just taking it a day at a time, and maybe I'll be able to work myself up into enough of a lather to write something useful.
Very excited for you about your book!
Love always, my friend.
Nancy
Monday 5th of October 2015
Kathi, Yes, heaven help us. I think many of us take it day by day. I hope you do work yourself up to writing that post. We need your snarky and very wise voice. Thank you for being excited for me about my book. It is finally happening. I think. Love back. xo