I have exciting news
2 and I have the DOC to thank for it. First bit of news is, I have a cello performance scheduled for September 10th at DuPage Medical Group in Glen Ellyn. I'll be sharing my solo cello compositions, and my crazy health adventures, woven together into a one-woman performance called
A New Beginning.
I've been performing about my health adventures for several years. My first show was called
Weaving: An Inspirational Journey. In
Weaving I shared how I was diagnosed with MG, and cancer, and what life is like as a disabled person. During the show I demystified disability through humor, and truth, and music. Between short talks, I played 10 solo cello compositions I composed.
Weaving was well received.
Marie Smith is a remarkable woman. She plays cello artfully. She composes
evocative music. And she tells an incredible story of overcoming two
life-threatening illnesses. She joins cello, original music, and her story
into a powerful, even mythic performance: Weaving: An Inspirational
Journey.
... It's a triumph of the human spirit that from which every
person will benefit.
Weaving is more than good, it's extraordinary."
— Rev. Edward Searl, Unitarian Church of Hinsdale
"Weaving"
is a culmination of talent, humor, music and living life. There really
is no better combination than that, and Marie brings it out in each of
us.
— Hannah Alkire, cellist in Acoustic Eidolon
From
the very beginning, I found myself on a visual journey of a life that
has walked through the valley and the shadows and survived. The
narration of Marie's journey was so descriptive, moving, and involved
that I felt caught up in each moment and felt like I was able to feel
every experience personally. ...May the wind always be at your back.
Thank you for sharing your life pages with us.
— Linda Eastman, Diversity Days in La Grange Illinois Co-Chair
After this morning, I left church wishing that everyone (in the world!) could hear you speak and hear your soulful music.
— Holly Lydigsen
Dear Marie,
I am not a musician.
I am not a concert attendee.
I am not a cello enthusiast....
BUT
MY WIFE AND I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED YOUR PLAYING THE CELLO AND YOUR LIFE
STORY. WE HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO SHARE YOUR TALENTS WITH OTHERS. MAY GOD
CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND YOURS.
— Milt & Rosalie Honel
Well, I am continuing to share my talents with others, thanks to the DOC. For two years my cello was broken and I tried to save money for repairs, but the chronic illness dragon kept stealing it. I didn't think I would ever play Sir Barclay again, until the DOC reached out and helped me raise enough money to fix my cello. You can read about how I got my cello fixed, and my cello advocacy at
diabetesmine.comEver since my cello was repaired, my goal has been to share what I've learned as a person living with diabetes and myasthenia gravis. I want to use music, and humor, and honesty to bring healing and hope to people. Tuesday September 10th I get a chance to be the cello bard again.
@Cellobard is not just a twitter handle, but who I am at the core. I love being a bard. I am honored and excited to get another chance to do it again. Consider yourself invited.
For more information email me, thecellochick@gmail(dot)com

OK, that's the first exciting news. The second exciting news is...
My second book,
Life Etudes: Studies In Thriving At The University of Catastrophe, is published. It's on sale now at
amazon.com in print and for Kindle. You can also get a copy for your
Nook. The iBooks and the audiobook editions are coming soon.
Life Etudes: Studies In Thriving At The University of Catastrophe is about learning to adjust to life with diabetes and MG.
etudes /noun/ musical compositions practiced as a study to improve technique
life etudes /noun/ compositions about thriving after a catastrophe through changing perspective, finding meaning, strengthening endurance, reaching for transcendence, and making a difference
Life Etudes is in five parts.
Part 1: Perspective I need to keep stretching my perspective so I am not consumed with anger
and bitterness. Stretching a wider perspective reminds me I am not
trapped. It reminds me I’m not the only student at the
University of Catastrophe. I don’t face my problems alone. Neither does
anyone else.
Part 2: Meaning I need to continue to find meaning in my life, so I am not dragged down
by hopelessness and despair. On the surface, having both MG and diabetes
is a disaster. Fortunately, I can see below the surface. I can find the
sweet things in my life and enjoy them. I can share them with other
people. Knowing I am making another person’s life sweeter gives my life
meaning.
Part 3: Endurance I need to keep strengthening my endurance because this race has been long and I am not at the end yet.
Part 4: Transcendence Every day I need to build my ability to transcend disability and
diabetes. They are not the core of my life. They challenge me and create
tasks for me to do, but they are not a place where my thoughts and
spirit need to dwell.
Part 5: Shine I want to use my inner light to make a difference for others. I’m not the most important student at the University of Catastrophe. I’m not the bravest or the smartest. The lessons I’ve learned aren’t for me alone. I want to use them to make life better for my classmates.
Could you help me out and spread the word about my book on Twitter, Facebook, and other groups you belong to like Tu Diabetes and Daily Strength? I would appreciate it a lot. The show
A New Beginning is booking now. Have cello,
adapted bow, and will travel any where, any time. Please email me here: thecellochick@gmail(dot)com if you would like for me to perform for your group. Sir Barclay the Cello and I would be honored. JOY!