Author: Duchess Diaries

Middle Chicken, law school grad, is home. No one would know it from the time snatch that is studying for the Bar. She emerges late this afternoon to share a story. She thinks it has meaning for the days to come. ​​ She reiterates a fable a professor tells in Bar Review class. It is… Continue reading Ponies Are On The Way…

“You must remember that chemo is systemic.” The nurse explains the pain in my jaw, ear, side face isn’t from radiation. Radiation and all its gifts won’t kick in for a couple more weeks. So the tired, the barf-o-rama and the missing Middle Chicken’s law school graduation rests in the hands of the mighty bitch… Continue reading Week One…Chemo: 1, Me: WTF?

Friday morning finds old friends sharing iced tea. The Divine Miss S hasn’t been seen in quite a while. It’s my fault. My vanity at Wonky Face has kept all but a handful at bay. I forgot how much I enjoy her company—and the snark we conjure together. ​​ This particular morning it revolves around… Continue reading The Right Comeback…

Writing in bed. With coffee and a little white cat next to me. Jealous right? You wish you had my job. I know. It’s pretty badass. Don’t worry, in no time, chemo and radiation will be kicking my ass and the extent of the blog will be…Fuck this Day. ​ In the meantime, I accept… Continue reading Magic Brownies and French Pinot Noir…

In times of trouble, all manner of women are summoned for help. Mother Mary is the big kahuna—you know, the Catholic thing. There are also saints: Peregrine who helps those with cancer and, of course, Rita, who comes to the aid of widows in distress. ​​ But when the shit hits the fan, this girl’s… Continue reading It’s Take No Shit Day…

Turns out, cancer gives you superpowers. Who knew? De riguer for all patients is a PET Scan. As I have become a believer in too much knowledge is disastrous, I don’t fully research everything anymore. My imagination brings all the dragons and dungeons to life. I’d rather live in my own fairytale. They know me… Continue reading Cancer Has Superpowers…

Each spring there is an event infused with magic, kindness and generosity in Scottsdale known as The Fairytale Tea. Think silent auction and fundraising kicked up a notch with décor to die, a cause anyone can get behind and a group of women who can kick ass with the best of them. Mostly because a… Continue reading The Tea of Fairytales…

It’s the afternoon the lights went out in Scottsdale; a tale from the cancer chronicles. “Um, is this really necessary? I have plans.” I don’t want Wonky Face. Been there done that. Dr. H says local anesthesia will affect the facial nerve. This time the other side of my face will go droopy, really droopy.… Continue reading Gus Goes To Surgery…

Some days require thoughts to buoy us through. Middle of the night forays into Pinterest provide us with some light and love… The same boiling water that softens potatoes hardens eggs. It’s all about what you are made of not your circumstances. –inspiringquotes.com ​​ A mistake should be your teacher, not your attacker. A mistake… Continue reading Day Brighteners…

Hey Everybody! The Duke of Cars is back to remind you to check out the 2015 Dodge Dart. I’m sure you’ve seen the funny commercials and Internet ads for the compact sedan. But how much do you really know about the Dart? Allow me, The Duke, to give you the low-down on the Dodge Dart,… Continue reading The Duke Is Back…