Pink Ribbon Origami Bags

Do you ever get sick and tired of seeing pink ribbons?  I certainly do!  My mom is a breast cancer survivor.  One of my best friends lost her mother to breast cancer, and then her sister developed it.   Thankfully, her sister is also a survivor.  Last fall my aunt was diagnosed.  Following a double mastectomy, she'll be on oral chemo for 5 years. 

When breast cancer once again struck someone close to me - I got disgusted by the cheery little pink ribbons popping up all over the place.  My aunt's cancer was something I was trying to block out of my mind, and those damned ribbons kept intruding on my denial. 

I continued to eye the ribbons with mixed feelings until the other day.  I opened the Sunday paper - and there on the front page was a picture of someone I know crossing the finish line for the race for a cure.  She was sobbing.  It was impossible to tell if hers were tears of joy or grief.  When I read the caption, I learned she too is battling breast cancer.  We work together.  Not in the same building, not in the same division - but I've known her for 20 years.  I had absolutely no idea. 

There's just no denying it.  Its here, and it's extremely unpleasant - but it's also very prevalent, and we need to do all we can to beat the odds:

• Be mindful of family history
• Do monthly breast self exams 
• Give up smoking
• Maintain a healthy weight - lumps are harder to find in excess tissue.
• Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Get our mammograms done on time - later may be too late.

When I saw this fabric, I knew I should buy it and help spread the word.  I still sometimes cringe at the sight of pink ribbons.  But I've pulled my head out of the sand - far better to be alert and informed!  :)

There is But ONE Elvis....

...but MANY impersonators!

I've now used all of my Elvis fabric.  Could NOT find more of that awesome black & white zebra striped pattern anywhere.  Then I looked for a black & white stripe (think Jailhouse Rock), but struck out there too.  So I went with the rather tame musical notes.  They are certainly cute, but not as bold. 

The next challenge will be to decide who gets which bag....be it my friend Amy, whose retirement prompted me to send away for the Elvis fabric in the first place, or the give away winner(s), or the United Way Silent Auction in November, or the church craft bazaar also in November, or little old me!  I'm starting to think I need to order more Elvis fabric!  It also comes in blue...

If you haven't been following my give away, see my June 16 post.  The contest rules are simple: just read the post and offer a suggestion for what to put in the bag.  The deadline is less then 24 hours away, so don't waste another minute!  :)