Galiena wanted to change the outcome she saw in her dreams. Vivid pictures flashed through her mind, instantly chilling her to the core.

Ur insisted she didn’t mean to do it. That she never thought her callous action would change the fate of the world.  Sadly, she could not have been more wrong.

100 Word Song is a writing challenge from Lance based on a weekly music prompt. This week’s challenge was inspired by ‘Revolution‘ by The Beatles.

The anxiety is creeping further, filling every void. I swallow back tears – I must stay strong – terrified of being perceived as fragile or weak. The minutes click loud and purposeful through my brain like a metronome, pushing me closer to the edge.

Silently I take a step back, trying to focus amidst the chaos – this too shall pass.

The challenge of 100 words is to write a post, only using 100 words. Velvet Verbosity is back!! Her word for the week is “Fragile‘.

Molly methodically followed along as he read them off, refusing to breathe for fear she may miss one. She quickly thought back to the days she was with Jack and his thriftless ways. How he made absolutely sure she had nothing but what she could fit in her small suitcase the day she left him.

But this would change everything. With that realization, Molly finally exhaled.

The challenge of 100 words is to write a post, only using 100 words. Velvet Verbosity is back!! Her word for the week is “Thriftless‘.

In an effort to increase the public’s understanding of skin cancer and motivate people to change their behavior to prevent and detect skin cancer, the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) today launched the new SPOT Skin Cancer™ public awareness initiative. The campaign’s simple tagline – “Prevent. Detect. Live.” – focuses on the positive actions people can take to protect themselves from skin cancer, including seeing a dermatologist when appropriate.

“Unlike other types of cancer that can’t be seen by the naked eye, skin cancer shows obvious signs on the surface of the skin that can be easily detected by properly examining it,” said board-certified dermatologist Daniel M. Siegel, MD, FAAD, president, American Academy of Dermatology. “The goal of SPOT Skin Cancer™ is to help save lives by educating the public on how to protect themselves from the sun and how to examine their skin for suspicious spots.”

SURVEY STATISTICS:
The need for a comprehensive skin cancer resource is evident based on the public’s general lack of understanding of detecting and preventing skin cancer. In fact, the Academy conducted an online survey of adults nationwide which showed:

• Almost three-quarters of respondents (74 percent) did not know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S.
• Only half (53 percent) of respondents knew how to examine their skin for signs of skin cancer.
• Thirty percent of respondents were either unsure or did not know that skin cancer can be easily treated when caught early.

“When it comes to skin cancer, our survey demonstrates that knowledge is power,” said Dr. Siegel. “For example, respondents who know how to examine their skin for signs of skin cancer were more than twice as likely to have shown suspicious moles or spots to a medical professional as those who did not know how to spot the warning signs of skin cancer on their skin. In some instances, this knowledge can mean the difference between life and death, which is why it is so important to see a dermatologist if you notice a spot on your skin that is changing, itching or bleeding.”

SKIN CANCER FACTS:

• More than 3.5 million skin cancer cases affecting 2 million people are diagnosed annually.
• Current estimates are that one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
• The five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 98 percent.

So, long and short of it people – DO your homework, go to your dermatologist annually and never second guess a mole.  I am forever thankful for my dermatologist catching what could have quickly been, a fatal mole.

Molly glanced around the house one last time. She grabbed her bags, took a deep breath and shut the door to her old life behind her.

“Where are we going?” a little voice inside her queried.

Hmmm, she pondered. The open road awaits and my soul longs to be set free. Today, I will let destiny set the course!

The challenge of 100 words is to write a post, only using 100 words. Velvet Verbosity has been on hiatus but my desire to be challenged lives on. My challenge word for myself this week was ‘Journey‘.

For Molly, these functions held even greater meaning. These outings were a chance to escape her life and get a glimpse of the outside world. They were a diversion, a momentary liberation from the confines of their penthouse. It was a time for her to shine, to engage, to be noticed. To not just be something that was dull and useless, something that harbored no true joy.

But all this freedom came a price. Molly knew she had to be on her toes, mindful of every word, thought and even glance. For if anything was perceived, even in the slightest, as unacceptable – she would have to endure the wrath. She alone would be made to suffer for her inadequacies. He was a man of his word and she had learned long ago to never question or doubt him.

The mirage of perfection was difficult to sustain. While Molly flourished and thrived in the company of others, the stress of the production was often too much to bear. She had given up hope years ago that he would ever change, that the loving and charming man in public, would ever be the man she went home with.  That the affection and kindness he showered her with in the presence of others would ever be heartfelt  and real. She had given up on being loved.

This weekend I had the amazing opportunity to visit New York for my very own personal make over and photo shoot. And let me just say, it was as awesome as it sounds.  The wonderful people of PaloVia treated us like super stars. We had a scrumptious dinner at The House and had the pleasure of sitting next to Tim Tebow.  Did I mention he bought us drinks. Oh, he did and my boys are beyond jealous! Foxy bingo? Yep, it was in New York too.

I also had the opportunity to meet some amazing women from around the country. It was great to extend my circle of ‘In Real Life’ blogging friends and watch everyone transform from beautiful to drop dead gorgeous! I will add that it didn’t take much work for these women – they were beautiful on the inside and out!

Then it was a day of beautifying, hair and make-up. Here I am mid-process:

Curious what the end product looked like? Well, you are just going to have to tune in to see the final result.  They were quite stunning if I do say so myself. As soon as I have those fabulous pictures in my hand you will be the first to see. Well, actually the second – after me of course!

Next stop on my Bucket List Trail? Crossing out #9 in T-minus 17 days. Who wants to catch a wave with me??

The countdown for my surfing trip has begun! I truly can’t wait and think about it every day. I have to admit, it may be affecting my productivity just a wee bit. But who could resist thinking of sand, sun and surf all day long?!?

How was your week in six words?

Be sure to head over to Lou’s to read what everyone else is haikuing about this week.

I pressed my back against the door, grasping for any bit of of support I could find. As I slid to the floor, the realization that my world was quickly crashing around me took me by such force that I was left gasping for air.

Fierce pain seared through my heart, leaving burnt remains in their wake. Her son who called me ‘Auntie’ for years, was actually the son of my husband. A house of cards built on lies.

100 Word Song is a writing challenge from Lance based on a weekly music prompt. This week’s challenge was inspired by ‘Of Lillies And Remains‘ by Bauhaus.