October 4, 2012
Writers Quote
The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe. ~~ Gustav Flaubert
September 29, 2012
Please Pray for Warrior Firefly
Dx IIIC in 3/09 with PPC, Ive been in almost constant chemo for 43 months….. only had 9 months off here and there. I forget how many recurrences I’ve had — 5 -6- -7-.
Theses last 6 weeks have been particularly difficult. The three months prior to that, my ca climbed to 4344 while on differerent chemos. Last ca was 5456 -still climbing.
I’ve beeen on cytoxin for the last 2 1/2 months… with lots of side effects. Mostly in bed the last few weeks. tired.
I get ascites drained twice a week —any where from 3 liters to 4 1/2 liters each time… Then I must go for hydration …. then I’m exhausted….just trying to help my body heal and praying that that the Cytoxin will finallly start killling the tumors.
I feel miminallly better than I did 5 weeks ago. but I can no longer clean my house, drive, shop, or even take my dog for a walk. I saved money for a trip to Israel and that is what is paying for these necessary sesrvices. even have disabillity sticker for my drivers…
I’m prettty tired, but fatigue is a side effect of cytoxin. The worst thing is the ascites….I get so full of cancer fillled fluid that I look 9 months pregnant and cannot breathe easily. Then relief after drainage, but not a fun procedure… 9 tiimes so far… I’m too tired to even go out to lunch!!! no fun!
Please keep me in your prayers that this Cytoxin will stop the Ascites and help bring my numbers down…..
Warrior Firefly lives here and is Loved!
September 27, 2012
Interesting Quote
Conscious is being aware of something;
Conscience is wishing you weren’t.
September 25, 2012
Firefly Health Update
As you know I have been very ill for many weeks. I have now had two rounds of Cytoxin and I do think it’s helping. But there are a lot of other very unwanted and new side effects that have joined in the act.
I now have to have almost daily hydration sessions at the doctor’s office. My abdomen is swelling up with liters and liters of fluid that must be drained twice every week….. but more on all that in another day or so. This little post is just to let you know thar Portland Firefly is still fighting her Warrior Battle bravely and consistently.
Please keep me in your prayers…….
September 16, 2012
Uplifting Quote
So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up.
August 30, 2012
New Chemo Regime Started
Well as you know, Portland Firefly has been very ill. My Cancer tumor indicator (CA- 125) numbers have been very high (30 is normal). My numbers have been hovering in the 4856 range for three months now ~ even chemo cannot bring the number down and actually I have been feeling very ill.
My Son accompanied me to my doctor’s appointment on Tuesday and the doctor drained an additional liter of cancer filled fluid from my abdomen (I felt much better immediately) and then started me on a new chemotherapy. We are praying that this one will work since my cancer has not seen it yet. It is called Cytoxin.
I am writing this on day two after this new chemo was administed and I am doing OK. I also recieve a ‘cocktail’ of other drugs along with the chemotherapy so I usually have energy for a day or so and then I crash about the middle of day three and stay out of commission for about a week. But since I have never had this drug… lets see how I react to it!
Update: Very tired…even missed phone calls due to my chemo coma (so tired I didn’t hear the phone). But in a weird way, I feel like it is working…. Very nauseated… very tired… very hopeful…. prayerful…
August 25, 2012
Difference Quote
You’re not like the rest of them; someday the best of them will realize they were wrong.
Be proud of what you are and remember, Difference is the most common type of Ordinariness. So you do fit in. Be Brave!
August 19, 2012
Chibi Form Andrew De Leon
Chibi Andrew De Leon used with permission of the adorable, talented artist, Mallory Gillentine. Firefly adores this one!
This young Andrew De Leon fan’s original art really tells a story. Andrew has given encouragement and confirmation to many searching teens. Self-doubt, low self-esteem, and lack of purpose are so common with this age group. What Andrew has done, by acknowledging his ‘freakness’, is confirm that it is OK to be different; that it is OK to be unique; that it is OK to be yourself and that you do not have to match anyone elses standards of beauty or acceptance. This young man has made an enormous positive impact on so many hurting, searching teens. His enormous creativity comes through in many areas and this confidence in his own creativity has made it possible for other creative youths to express their creativity in positive endeavors as well. Many of his fans are highly creative, writing poetry, writing and performing songs, making videos, and of course you have seen some of the art that has been generated by his inspiration to his fans.
Kudos to you, Andrew! For the encouragement you have given your many fans!!! And, of course, for your beautiful voice!
August 18, 2012
Advice from Howie for Singers
While critiquing a singing group a few weeks ago, Howie, one of the America’s Got Talent judges, gave every singer some valuable information.
He said that the voting is basically a popularity contest.
And that the more the singer is liked, the more votes he will get.
Also when the song is known and liked by the voters, (past voting has revealed that) then he will receive even more votes.
Ah yes, once again confirmation of what American Idol judges(on another network) have said for years… Song choice is critical to winning any competition.
August 16, 2012
Andrew De Leon’s Twitter
Ok, now that it has been announced that Andrew De Leon has been chosen as a Wild Card for America’s Got Talent, many of you will want to follow him on Twitter.
There are several fan clubs with his name on it and you might want to follow those as well, but there is only one true Twitter account of Andrew De Leon; he has given Portland Firefly permission to publish it here.
Ready for it… here it is: AndrewLeoDeLeon. If you go to this twitter account, you will see a picture of him standing diagonal in the photo with a greenish background. Be sure to click Follow so Andrew can keep you up to date.
This is what you’ll see at the correct twitter account: Andrew Leo De Leon@AndrewLeoDeLeon
Singer, Metal head, LOVE horror films! LOVE classical music 
(Real Andrew De Leon)
To follow his official Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndrewLeoDeLeon
PS: This drawing is by Lauren Buitte and is taken from Andrew’s Twitter Profile Picture. Lauren, you are an amazing artist!
Used with Lauren’s permission.
August 13, 2012
America Wants Andrew Back!
Andrew De Leon has been a crowd favorite since he first set foot on the stage. America wants him back!
August 10, 2012
America’s Got Talent Wildcard Show
Andrew De Leon drawing used by permission of the artist, Lauren Buitte. Well Done, Lauren!
There is a lot of speculation as to AGT’s Wildcard show. The biggest question is who will be called back? Of course, we all want Andrew De Leon back. Firefly believes that with the YouTube performances being held this week, August 14, 2012, that the Wildcard choices have to be announced either that night, Tuesday, August 14, 2012 or the next night Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at the latest.
The next big question is when will the Wildcard show be held? Well, Portland Firefly has done some research and I believe that the AGT Wildcard performances will be held the week after the Wildcards acts are announced. That means they would be performing on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 with voting that same night and elimination the next night, August 22, 2012.
So….Andrew De Leon fans… plan to watch Aug 14 /15 to see who the wildcards are and definitely plan to watch on August 21st, and then vote immediately after the show ends.
Let’s hope Portland Firefly is correct on this call!
August 9, 2012
Another cute Andrew De Leon picture!
Adorable picture of Andrew De Leon used with permission of the Artist, Lauren Buitte.
August 7, 2012
What About Andrew De Leon?
Andrew De Leon original art by Lauren Buitte; used with permission from the artist.
Everyone wants to know what has happened to Andrew De Leon? Portland Firefly hopes to bring you up to date a little bit and to give you hope!
As you know, Andrew was sent home from the AGT competition in Las Vegas and we have not seen him since. But we know and he knows that he has not been forgotten by his many adoring fans. Here is what Firefly does know….
Andrew has been relatively quiet on his twitter account lately; so that must mean that he is very busy.
Andrew “has been up and down a lot lately.” (that is a direct quote from him). We do know that he feels great, and is extremely pleased with how well his singing is progressing. So his ‘up and down’ probably doesn’t refer to his emotional state. As a former Flight Attendant, Portland Firefly takes this to mean that he literally has been up and down (as in airplanes). Now where could he be going on a regular basis? Hummmm…..?????
Did he get a recording contract? Are they flying him somewhere to record his first album? That would be Fantastic!
Did he receive a callback to America’s Got Talent for the Wildcard show and are they flying him to New Jersey for rehearsals? That would be Fantastic!
Did he get picked up by an opera company and are they flying him in for training and rehearsals. That too would be Fantastic!
Did he audition for American Idol and is advancing in their preliminary rounds?
Then there is The Voice! Is he going into competition for that show?
So many possibilities…..
But the one that his adoring fans are hoping is the correct one is that he indeed will be called back as a wildcard on America’s Got Talent. And, of course, we are all waiting for that first album to be released so we can bathe ourselves in his heavenly voice as much as we want! Well, whatever the answer may be, Andrew has given Firefly permission to quote him as saying: “I haven’t slowed down and though I can’t give much away about my next step (and there is one trust me), just know that you haven’t seen the last of me.”
Hooray! Good News for everyone who is so taken by the evocative talent of this mesmerizing young artist.
More info on the Wildcard show to follow. (scroll up to see the post of 8/10/12).
August 6, 2012
Classy Bolt
“While respecting an opposing country’s national anthem is something you would expect any Olympic athlete to do, we know that is not always the case. Following one of his recent preliminary race’s in London, Usain Bolt was in the middle of an interview when the US National Anthem began playing as Sanya Richards-Ross was being presented with her gold medal. Bolt instantly stopped the interview — which was being aired live — to acknowledge the presentation and show respect for a fellow athlete.
For those of you who are thinking “what’s the big deal,” there are plenty of athletes who would just continue their interview without thinking twice about it. That doesn’t mean they would be disrespecting a fellow competitor or country intentionally, but the fact that Bolt didn’t think twice about it says a lot about his character. He may be cocky and even a bit clumsy at times, but Usain deserves credit for this classy gesture.” Steve Del
Portland Firefly salutes Bolt!!!
Encouragement Quote
Experience is the hardest teacher, because she give the test first and the lesson afterwards.
July 31, 2012
It’s a Blue Moon!
July 31, 2012 and it is another Blue Moon! A Blue Moon is the second full moon to occur in a calendar month and is a rare occurrence. Although the year 2012 is a rare year because there will be 3 Blue Moons occurring during the course of this calendar year… the most that can ever occur in one year.
So when someone says that something happens ‘Once in a blue moon” they are really saying that it is a rare occurrence.
A beautiful Full Blue Moon Night tonight in Portland, especially with the moonlight reflecting off of the gently flowing river.
July 30, 2012
I’m a Chemo Zombie
Last Thursday, my doctor increased my chemo dosage by 25%. It sounded like a bit much to me at the time, but I am only the patient so I deferred to his expertise…besides we have to attack this aggressive cancer! And I had been doing very well on the lower dosage.
Well, since chemo on Thursday I have been sleeping in bed ever since. That’s for four days and four nights…. I just can’t seem to wake up! Even though I try, I just want to go nitey-nite, day and night. Sunday, I managed to stay awake for four hours after I took a nice shower; but then I had no trouble snuggling back into my little bed cave and going fast asleep for a long sleep.
I just came back from taking sweet little Mercedes for a little walk and honestly, I feel like I am the living dead… a zombie …. It is all I can do to just take little puppy for a short walk.
My brain is so-o-o-o-o foggy and It feels like I just cannot wake up. And I’m not even on any drugs!
Still trying to get the cobwebs out today!!!!
This is a powerful Chemo…lets hope it kills the cancer!
July 27, 2012
The London Olympics Begin
The Olympic Games begin in London today. Tonight at 7:30 pm PDT (6:30 CDT) and 5:30 (Hawaii) we will be able to see the opening ceremonies. Word is that these ceremonies will be stupendous to watch! So get your dinner and your drinks and get comfy in front of the TV while you oohhh and awwww over the beautiful things you will be seeing.
Another reason that Portlanders will be watching is because the United States Flag Bearer is two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Mariel Zagunis from Beaverton, Oregon. Beaverton is a close suburb of Portland and there is a world renown fencing training center here with olympic class instructors and students.
For one night, Mariel Zagunis will turn her laser-like fencing focus to another important task with the world watching. “I’m just going to focus on not tripping, not letting the flag touch the ground and doing everything right,” she said at a news conference Thursday. Her mother, Cathy Zagunis, a former olympian herself, who is a friend of Portland Firefly is very emotional about this honor bestowed on her daughter by her US Olympic Teammates. Since the flag bearer announcement only came 24 hours ago, Cathy had to scramble to get to London in time to view the opening ceremonies in person (which she hd not planned to do).
Mariel won her first Olympic Gold Medal in the 2004 Athens Olympics in Sabre Fencing. It was the first time in over 100 years that the United States won a medal in that category. Mariel went on to repeat her Gold Medal win four years later at the Beijing Olympics, thus bringing home more Gold for the American Fencing team. She is the most decorated woman fencer in history.
This year in London, 2012 will be her third try for Olympic Gold. We do expect her to achieve her golden goal again!! For more about beautiful Mariel, go to www.marielzagunis.com or check back here in a few days for another post on US Fencing!
July 26, 2012
Quote
The only reason for being a professional writer is that you can’t help it. ~~~Leo Rosten
July 25, 2012
AGT Fans ~ Firefly Apology
Well, Portland Firefly owes all of my readers an apology; she is completely human. I really thought that the judges would give us their Wild Card choices tonight, but it seems that didn’t happen. With the exception, of course, of Sharon’s comment that she would call back the male clogging dance troupe of All That.
Oh, how I wanted the suspense to end tonight! Oh, how I wanted to hear that Andrew De Leon is going through to the Wild Card round!
Andrew De Leon fans…. we just have to wait! And it could be a long wait because the Olympics are now taking television center stage and America’s Got Talent will not return until Tuesday, August 14th, 2012. It’s just too long of a wait. I hope that Andrew doesn’t give up… that he continues practicing; because we know we will see him (somewhere) again soon! NBC cannot ignore the popularity and the ratings that this young man will bring to AGT.
When will we know if Andrew is going through to the Wild Card round? Currently, AGT has been promoting the YouTube video acts. Maybe they will be seen first on Aug 14th with the Wildcards coming in the next week on August 21st, 2012. Last year, the wildcards were announced only one week prior to appearing on TV. So at the latest, I think the Wild Cards will be announced on Wednesday, August 15th, 2012. In any event, we all must play the waiting game….
PS: In the past each judge chose 4 wild card acts to perform again for a total of 12 wild cards.
Scroll down to read additional posts that give you more information on Andrew De Leon.
July 24, 2012
Ride, Sally Ride
A Stanford University physicist answering an ad for NASA Scientists, she was chosen to be the first Women Astronaut in Space. She passed away yesterday at age 61 from pancreatic cancer which she had for 17 months.
As a Flight Attendant, I once had Sally Ride on one of my flights. She was traveling in coach and looked exactly like her photographs. I remember thanking this very humble young woman for what she did and congratulating her on being the first American woman in space. The year was probably 1985 or so and she obliged this single mother by giving me her autograph for my children… Since I had collected several sports related autographs for my son, this one is addressed to my brilliant daughter.
In 2001, she founded Sally Ride Science, a which is aimed at promoting math and science for girls. One of her projects was to develop a camera that could fly aboard spacecraft and take pictures for middle-school students. The fruits of those efforts include EarthKAM on the International Space Station and MoonKAM on the GRAIL lunar probes.
“What might seem like just a cool activity for these kids may very well have a profound impact on their futures,” Ride said after the first student-requested MoonKAM pictures were released in March of this year.
“While she never enjoyed being a celebrity, she recognized that it gave her the opportunity to encourage children, particularly young girls, to reach their full potential,” Hawley, a friend of hers, said. “Sally Ride, the astronaut and the person, allowed many young girls across the world to believe they could achieve anything if they studied and worked hard. I think she would be pleased with that legacy.”
July 20, 2012
Aurora Theatre Massacre
This morning all of America awoke with news of yet another tragic shooting. A 24-year-old lone gunman, dressed in all black bullet-resistant protective gear with his face covered by a gas mask, entered the Century Movie Theatre #9 in Aurora, Colorado and fired more than 100 rounds of bullets from three legally purchased guns.
When it was over, there were 70 people who had been shot. Stories of heroism will be made known as the days and weeks progress. One such hero who protected a mother and her two babies (he was hit in the legs by bullets, which probably would have severely wounded or killed the children) had remarkable things to say. Not even 20 years of age yet, he said that he simply was in “the wrong place at the right time” and that he did not consider himself a hero. He also said that he had already forgiven the gunman who shot him. One psychologist remarked that “People are angry. and their anger cannot find focus”. I think our hero has the solution to that Anger…Forgiveness. For Forgiveness frees the hurting, not the one who did the hurting. Yes, Forgiveness is the magic key.
As of this writing, 30 are still in the hospitals; 11 are in critical condition; and twelve are reported dead.
Portland Firefly would like to commend the Aurora Police Chief, Dan Oates. He conducted an amazing press conference. He was informative, in control, and most of all well prepared (unlike the Colorado Governor who just rambled). He answered appropriate questions, others he refused to answer stating that they were part of the ongoing investigation or that he simply didn’t know. He closed the interview by telling us that there would be an update on Saturday at 2:30 pm. One of the best press conferences that I’ve ever seen for a tragedy.
Portland Firefly sends her prayers to those whose lives were changed today by this tragedy.
July 18, 2012
Hungry Firefly
Firefly has been so hungry today. I wonder why? Hummmmmm…. Maybe She is finally feeling better! I think that must be it! Thank you for your prayers.
