for **starburst**.

I met an awesome woman when I went to flickr to set up my politcal, social and emotional protest against breast cancer. Her flickr name was **starburst**. She was among the first few to join the "beyond the pink" group and she opened a discussion with "is it all about breast cancer?" . She explained "BTW, my DX is adenocarcinoma, stage IV. I am at war!". During our discussion I googled "adenocarcinoma" as I wasn't familiar with this type of cancer. I got a very brief education but enough to learn that it's a toughass cancer- but nothing compared to the the kickass woman I was just getting to know. I began to follow her story on flickr and discovered that she created two other cancer support groups. I joined both flick cancer and too sexy for my hair. These groups are by far the most compassionate and supportive groups on flickr with great thanks to **starburst**. She was an amazingly genuine and sincere woman who wrote with raw tender honesty. Even during the most complex hours of her treatments she reached out to and for others.

**starbusrt** is Lori . She died Saturday morning October 27th and the world is less charmed because of her absence. I so badly wanted to use "is" instead of "was" while describing her but I know that I must deal with the here and now. When I ascended the stairs to the roof this evening I was hoping to see an amazing sky to photograph to place with these words. After all, the sky is where stars live. The view from the roof could not have been more vibrant, dramatic and almost surreal. This sky had a life and power all of its own that seemed to be LIVING while everything on the earth became still. It was one of those skies that I describe "if I were to paint it exactly as it is- the image would hardly be believable".

Lori also blogged at "too sexy for my hair". While we only corresponded a few times I checked in on her blog weekly- to make sure she was doing ok and often simply to see her words and be kissed by her strength, graceful vulnerability, joy and sometimes fear. Her blog exposed a life in its deepest, richest colors.

I know cancer seems so far away to some of you. But her words, her beautifully clear words unveil such generosity in their detail and hope. You deserve to go to them and be touched by them. There is so much life there.

Peace, Lori, in the sky and forever.

In Memory.

oh! just go find it!

If you'd like to support the Do It Yourself movement, as I do, and support crafters, designers and inventors alike then this is the place for you. Besides making things myself I often discover some creatively perfect garments and accessories to show off, embrace, honor and reinvent the terrane of my post mastectomy, non-reconstructed, no-prosthesis body. So, I'll be listing great finds and post them here at "oh! just go find it". Over at "etsy" where I sell my Rebel1in8 jewelry and a lil' bit of Rhea Belle clothing there is amazing creativity and invention happening. I have found that most sellers respond enthusiastically to custom work if something they make needs a little altering to make it the perfect purchase for you. A little communication goes a long long way...

For starters see what's available at the Rebel1in8 store.

I discovered asymmetrically printed t's that I think are perfect for a torso that cries for a reinvented center at stevester's store, avalove's store, circular accessories and LookForFiddleHeads.

There's some fabulously comfortable asymmetrical and familiar body embracing designs at treehouse28's store. She also creates a fabulous hat and headband too!

Recently upon discovering her "neckwarmers" I contacted JewelLace about a custom order. I asked her if she'd be interested in making one that trailed down the right side a bit longer to flow through my flat landscape. She loved the challenge and the purpose of the request and allowed me to choose the colors. Within two days she sent me a photo of one of the completed gardens. I've ordered two of them and when I receive them I'll post photos!!! I plan to wear them with plain fitted tops to keep the landscaping simple.

If you're still just getting to know your newly transformed body an accessory called a "capelet" might interest you. kyassib's store has some mighty fine examples in her store along with other beautiful wraps. They are usually shorter than a "poncho" and are similar to a wide draped-over-the-shoulder cowl neck. They can be placed over any garment including spring/summer tops depending on the material they're made of. They are nice to wear shortly after surgery as they usually have a button and are easy to put on without lifting your arms over your head.

Speaking of your head, does yours need some TLC warmin' this winter? The cosy knits (literally) store has some of the best knitting fixin's on etsy. Beautiful hats and mittens in just about every flavor can be found waiting for the perfect home.

Looking for a fabulously knitted scarf for the winter and you also LOVE putting your money towards an incredibly important cause? Here's the dilly for you!!! Warm cozy scarves are being knitted and sold to support BREAST CANCER ACTION! BCA is the absolute best breast cancer advocacy organization out there. Despite the fact that I'm not too keen on the store's name I'm super keen on their cause- so its' all good... go check out KnittingForKnockers' store.

be a rebel bird. spread seeds.

If you'd rather not lick a million yogurt lids and stuff them in an envelope to return to their manufacturer, buy over priced postal stamps, walk 5k, wear a pink ribbon on your lapel or dangle one from your key chain, wear a "tata" or "save my boobs" shirt, buy pink detergent, soup cans or m&m's, or prance around with breast cancer BARBIE and you would like to do something during this month of "breast cancer awareness"...
then go to Kimberley Klein's blog "The Merits of the Case" and make a difference in the life of a woman diagnosed with breast cancer. Your vote will take only a few seconds and relieve the financial burden of her diagnoses by investing in her future.

It is as simple as a click.

m.i.y.o.d.s.

Why settle for only what's offered at the overpriced department stores and boutiques? If finding the right garment is difficult and you'd rather "make it your own damn self" from scratch or by renovating an existing garment then here's the list for you! I'm posting ideas and references to designs that not only embrace the terrane of the post mastectomy, non-reconstructed, no-prosthesis body but these designs thoughtfully celebrate and honor it. I'll post photos of handmade garments and basic "how to" instructions so check back in often if you're interested in the Do It Yourself approach to your wardrobe solutions. We'll start with the obvious... Rhea Belle designs at Rebel1in8.
"The design and marketing of items of wear for one-breasted women is only a question of time, and we who are now designing and wearing our own asymmetrical patterns and New Landscape jewelry are certainly in the vanguard of a new fashion!"
Audre Lorde, "The Cancer Journals", 1980

Rhea Belle designs.

The DIYNOTDIE star reconstructs a sweater.

"Cut up yer shirts!!! sez Pocketina."

Take charge! Go knit somehthing!

Two Dutch warriors rock out a post mastectomy clothing line in the late 90's!!!

ideas.

On the adventure to replenish your wardrobe with garments that embrace your bi-lateral or single post mastectomy, non-reconstructed, no-prosthesis body there are some simple, practical clothing tricks to look out for. I think the following inspirations are just a sampling of design techniques and elements that can either embrace and honor your body or soften the new terrane. Like Rhea Belle garments these designs create visual balance, re-create symmetry and invite women to simply embrace their natural architecture through design. There are many sides to comfort and every day is different as a woman's transformed body gracefully invites buttons, zippers or gathered falling fabrics. Key words to search online department store or designer clothing for various garments are "asymmetry/asymmetrical, ruffles, cowl, drape/draped, pleats/pleated"... I'll add to this array whenever I find a delightful design that may nudge towards inspiration. Get inspired. Explore. Re-invent. Re-define.

a cashmere cowl.
cashmere cowl/capelet.
comfy drapey shawl.
comfy grey wrap.
sweet drapey shirt.
sweet drapey dress.
sleeveless drapey cowl halter.
dandy sweater with lapels.
flowing cardigan.
flowing fabric blouse.
kickin' fabric ways.
orange pleated goodness
embrace that asymmetry!
ruffle it.
simply just cool!
ruffle it even more!!!
bow it.
cowl dress it.

spreadin' the rebel love.

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I discovered more great press for Rebel1in8 at ReadyMade Magazine!!!

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HAPPY RHEA!

The program in which I was included is now online!

See "Breast Cancer: New Thinking & New Therapies", WABC TV, Channel 7, NY (American Cancer Society).

And don't forget the CALL TO ARMS!!!.