Amy Willoughby-Mabey

Writer. Singer. Flutist. Philosopher. Conflicted Appalachian. Ex-Mormon. Ohio State grad. Silver-haired chick. Belly dancer. Cancer survivor. #CLL

[Amy Willoughby-Mabey @Call_Me_Mabey]

@P_D_Robinson Paul, now I will recall the day when my favorite philosophy professor, not so old, but wise, shared these words from his professor, which I need to write down and reference when I ponder the most frightening of bad things…

[Amy Willoughby-Mabey @Call_Me_Mabey]

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month!

I was diagnosed with CLL on May 28, 2024. I created a Light the Night fundraiser and will attend my first walk on September 27. I set a goal of $500. To celebrate reaching it last week, I set a new goal: $1000!

https://t.co/cMswFWMgh9

[Amy Willoughby-Mabey @Call_Me_Mabey]

@P_D_Robinson Well, that’s a sentence I never imagined coming from you. How is Montana?

[Amy Willoughby-Mabey @Call_Me_Mabey]

It’s been over 3 months since my last post and a diagnosis was confirmed. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. CLL. Everything has changed even though technically nothing has changed. I’ve probably had this for years, possibly a decade. At least knowing allows me to have some control.

[Amy Willoughby-Mabey @Call_Me_Mabey]

#NewProfilePic

[Amy Willoughby-Mabey @Call_Me_Mabey]

I’m going to hear @CherylStrayed speak in Frederick this week. Maybe I’ll gain some perspective on how to make sense of swirling emotions.

If anyone wants to offer positive vibes, good thoughts, prayers or anything like unto it, please send them my way.

[Amy Willoughby-Mabey @Call_Me_Mabey]

A week and a half ago, I had an appointment with Hematology Oncology. A battery of blood work was run and results have been trickling in, along with notes from the pathologist. A week from tomorrow, I have my follow up appointment and I am fully expecting a concerning diagnosis.

[Amy Willoughby-Mabey @Call_Me_Mabey]

I have one more week till I know for sure if my life will dramatically change, slightly change or if I’m given a reprieve. Regardless, it’s giving me a lot to ponder and a lot to write about.

[Amy Willoughby-Mabey @Call_Me_Mabey]

@P_D_Robinson I’m with your wife on this one. How do you mispronounce it? 🤣

[Amy Willoughby-Mabey @Call_Me_Mabey]

My mantra for 2023 was #2023BelongstoMe. I think I did a decent job creating the life I want.

This year my theme is #MuchMoretoExplorein24.

I don’t believe in resolutions but I can get behind and build on a good theme.

[Amy Willoughby-Mabey @Call_Me_Mabey]

What an unexpected and shortsighted decision. Liberal Arts college? I think not. Boo to President Bob Iuliano and Provost Jamila Bookwalla.

[Amy Willoughby-Mabey @Call_Me_Mabey]

Dear @premierprotein, I asked 2 years ago about a chai latte flavor. Atkins now has one. Will you give it a go?

[Amy Willoughby-Mabey @Call_Me_Mabey]

What a beautiful way to look at aging. This was a response to a question asking if when you’re “old” will you look at a 70-year man and think he’s hot.

[BigCrafter @BigCrafterTv]

I'm 78 yo..as I've gained my decades, at 30, teenagers looked like kids but 20-30 looked good..40 looked old..when I was 40's the 50s yo started to look pretty darn good..and so on, but when I was in my 40s I realized if I didn't see some wrinkles they didn't look finished..now at 78, I see beauty that is that's hard to get into words..like a great work of art it takes my breath away, life is written on a body, hard labor, sorrow, even joy, happiness, fear..it's all right there in front of me..and I swear to God, the beauty, the price we pay in our physical appearance, it's like when you look at a newborn, you admire the perfection..in old age you admire the work it took to get there..and it's beautiful.. Hope that helps.. 😌

[Amy Willoughby-Mabey @Call_Me_Mabey]

I’m the happiest girl in Frederick, MD!

[Amy Willoughby-Mabey @Call_Me_Mabey]

Gum Drop grapes from the Grapery are back in my grocery store. Time to clean out the ice box so I have lots of room for frozen Gum Drop grapes. They are like tiny spheres of grape sorbet. Better than ice cream. Thanks @graperygrapes

[Amy Willoughby-Mabey @Call_Me_Mabey]

I should have followed my head instead of my ❤️ in selling my home. My sentimentality used against me. Buyers were less than truthful. Doesn’t matter now. It’s done. I think that I’ll be wiser the next time but I know my ❤️ will override my head every time.

[Amy Willoughby-Mabey @Call_Me_Mabey]

My house will be sold next month. Divorce to follow. My ending will be a couple’s new beginning. I’m far too sentimental to broker a cutthroat deal. I’m content knowing my house will be filled with love and babies. In a month I’ll be saying goodbye to Ohio and hello to Maryland.

[Amy Willoughby-Mabey @Call_Me_Mabey]

@P_D_Robinson Lucerne is beautiful. Am enjoying seeing photos of your trip.

[Amy Willoughby-Mabey @Call_Me_Mabey]

@hail2thetealeaf Hairdressers would lose a lot of money if more women embraced their silver hair. I don’t like hearing how “brave” I am for letting nature have it’s way with my hair. It’s not brave. I just think it’s beautiful.

[Amy Willoughby-Mabey @Call_Me_Mabey]

Rainbows during Pride in Frederick, Maryland. How fitting!!