P-Dub.

I'm not even kidding when I say that I have been walking this Earth for the past 4 days in a Tylenol-induced cloud. I have felt miserable since Friday evening, and even my appointment at the doctor's office left me feeling defeated (something about "we can't prescribe medicine to you because it won't help because you're already on 14 bazillion meds and we will take your $35 co-pay now k thanks"). 

But finally, today...a small glimmer of hope. And light.

And yes, I still feel like shit. It has nothing to do with me feeling better physically.

But emotionally? I'm stoked.

Pioneer Woman - the woman I dream of one day being (minus the farming, and the cooking, and home decorating) - has picked one of my photos for her recent photography assignment, Beauty.

I knew instantly what photo I wanted to submit...there wasn't a doubt in my mind. In fact, I even uploaded it twice so that I could submit it twice. It just means that much to me.

I took this photo of my Aunt Tracey while in California last year during this time. She was in the throws of chemotherapy and, obviously, had lost her hair. I wanted her to feel beautiful, though, and embrace her new look. When I told her I wanted to take her picture, she scoffed. 

Like, "Uh...why?"

But, I convinced her to bare all. Literally.

She has a towel on (that you can't see), but you can barely see the scar of her masectomy under the scarf at the bottom of the photo. She felt ridiculous taking this photo, I am sure of it. And she probably thought I was crazy.

But, I edited it. And I printed it. And I love it.

And I think secretly, she does too.

But being selected for Pioneer Woman doesn't excite me because my work is being recognized, it excites me because now hundreds and thousands of people can see her for how beautiful she is as well.

This photo of her is a statement of courage. And hope - like the word inscribed on her necklace.

I am happy to say that my aunt's hair is now growing back, and she is cancer-free.

Does it get any better than that?