Dtphx | Be Still My Heart Blog

Every time I think of my tender hearted and dear friend, Michele, The Beatles song enters my quirky brain, “Michele, ma belle, these are words that go together well, my Michele.” In fact I often associate people with songs, or maybe the other way around, but either way she is my spirit sister. We met years ago at American Express when we were both working corporate America. Not that there is anything wrong in that. We are both just done with that phase of our life now. She’s blessed with two beautiful boys and has blessed me with a Godson that I often gush about.

After going to bed yesterday feeling kind of crummy, my Michele text me and as shown below, this is exactly why I love her. Tonight we are going to have a candle lit dinner à la rooftop, makeup free, laughing above the beautiful desert and cityscape of Downtown Phoenix. We may even cry a tad because that’s what we do and then we’ll laugh a little more. But all in all, thank you, my Michele. You don’t know how much you impact my world.

Here’s our loony conversation, telling her to show the lady at the Vietnamese restaurant my picture because she knows me and will therefore automatically know what we want. Brilliant if I do say so myself. We’re like Miranda in Sex & the City, except with Pho. Always a laugh, with my Michele.

PS- Don’t bitch at me bc I know The Beatles version of My Michelle is with two ll’s but MY Michle is only one. So there.

Bon appétit and cheers,

Britt x

Cancer has opened my eyes to so many things over the past several months, but most of all it has taught me that people are genuinely good and the value of human kindness is immeasurable. I’ve been fortunate enough to make acquaintances with so many beautiful, kind and caring souls within the last year and with each fare, I have come to acknowledge and appreciate the practice of human kindness in this world.

Today I received a phone call in the middle of the day from Steve, which is not unusual, however he told me that we had somewhere to be at 5:30pm and to get myself together. Of course being impaired to any self-control or “secrets”, I was foaming at the mouth to know what was planned. All he was able to share with me was that someone reached out to him earlier in the morning and that there was a surprise waiting for me. As the afternoon went by, I was running through anything that it could be and whom was behind this so-called surprise.

Shortly after Steve arrived home from work, we left the house and soon after arrived at the destination. As we pulled up, I was completely puzzled as to why we were at the particular destination, but thought it was perhaps a stop on the way. He held my hand as we approached the door of VOX, a local store that is full of vintage and vintage inspired items, as well as home to my recent obsession. I had been to the store a handful of times since discovering it a few months prior. Each time I visit the store I love it more and more and drool over certain things that I MUST have. Being a bit of a spendy shopper, I have been trying to downsize my addiction in lieu of having to pay off medical bills and the bills of every day life.

As I walked into the store, Tricia handed me a bag, which had written on it, “Cancer is SO last season!” I couldn’t believe this was my surprise; I was so touched and shocked. I opened up the bag and removed the purple tissue to find a clear clutch that I had been lusting after for the last month or so. Tricia proceeded to congratulate me on my recent remission news and said how inspired she and the store were by my story and journey through cancer. This was hands down the utmost and ultimate gift and I will always remember the thoughtfulness every time I wear my new clutch.

It goes without saying that I am extremely thankful for such a kind act, but moreover I am resonated with the fact that in the end only kindness matters.

Thank you, Tricia and VOX for making me smile from ear to ear. I am a forever customer of your lovely shop.