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Cucumbers and Celery

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Lisa here! Ashley is at Chemotherapy all day today, so the girls and I are here working hard to get the Spring line finished and photographed. Diesel could care less that I’m on a deadline…

 

 

 

Oh Diesel…how I love you so. This is D and I this morning. When Ash is at Chemo it’s just he and I in the office. I’ve been here over a year and he still bites my ankle every time I answer the door. I remind him every morning that I’m not going anywhere so he better just get over it.

 

Mommy…please hurry home and save me from her. -Diesel

 

As I was photographing the spring line I started thinking about how things have changed over the last year. It used to be Ashley up on the ladder taking photos of the clothing, and now it was me. I will never forget the one-of-a-kind Christmas dress photography disaster of 2010.

We did a large upload of one-of-a-kind/limited edition Christmas dresses, over 30 different styles. She asked me to photograph them. At that time we were using a white door as a background.  Ok, so we all know Ashley is  self-proclaimed obsessive compulsive, right?  Well, the dress had to line up perfectly with the indentations on the door. I could never get it right. Never. I shot every single Christmas dress and two hours later presented her with my photos. She retook every.single.one.

I wasn’t hurt that she decided to retake the photos. I kind of expected it (I really did suck at getting those lines to match up). She likes things a certain way, and well, that’s what makes her great in my opinion. I reminded her of this story yesterday. We laughed, a lot. Mostly, because it’s nothing like that anymore!  Ashley has had to let go of some of the control and delegate more.  I’m thankful she was able to hand over the photography and product listings to me, even after the Christmas dress fiasco, lol!

From the moment I met Ashley I knew she was strong. I never saw any weakness. When she got sick, she had to start relying on others, and she did so begrudgingly. For me, Ashley has been my pillar of strength. I go to her for advice and encouragement. If something is causing me anxiety she helps get me focused and eases my fears.

Last Friday was a rough day for Ashley. The chemo really kicked her bum. She came out to the kitchen to prepare a snack, and in a quiet voice she said “Hey Lisa, can you please finish making this, I’m not feeling too good. I need to lay back down.” Well, let me tell you, I sliced her cucumber and celery with tears in my eyes. She rarely asks for help, so to say I was thrilled is an understatement.

When your friend is sick, you kinda feel helpless. You want to do as much as you can to make their life a little easier so that they can focus on getting better. The hard part, getting your friend to accept your offer(s) to help. I think we are finally at a place where Ashley knows she can ask me for help without feeling weak, or a burden. What is the point of having friends if you can’t rely on them once in a while, right?

Even when she is stuck in bed, body weak, she is still that same pillar of strength for me. Even more so actually. I can’t wait for all of you to see the Spring line. It is very Ashley. Fun, unique, colorful, and full of life.

Hugs,

Lisa

 

About Ashley Hackshaw

Living a simple, creative life in #smalltownusa Bryson City, NC. Renovating a 1960s ranch house and an old train depot. Thank you for reading! Read more in my about section. 

Comments

  2. Jennifer Goldberg says

    Great post Lisa. You and Diesel look so cute. Ash is an amazing person and you are a truly amazing women to help her when she needs it the most, even though she doesn’t always ask. Love the line, can’t wait to see it all.

  3. Felicia says

    One of the best feelings is knowing you have friends you can lean on, even if you don’t want to lean!

  4. Kelli W-S says

    Lisa, you are a wonderful friend! I’m so glad Ashley has you and all the other loving family and friends in her life. She is an amazing woman, surrounded by amazing people. And she has thousands of people in various parts of the world praying for her.

  10. Tleshia Farrar says

    Once again Lisa, great writing!!! I know Ashley is just as lucky to have you as you are to have her…..what a rare treasure true friendship is!!!!! LOVE IT!

  12. Elayne says

    Lisa, Ashley is blessed to have such an amazing friend who obviously loves her unconditionally. You are lucky too as the more I learn about Ashley, the more I can’t help adore her! <3 Hugs

  14. Amy says

    Thanks Lisa! It is neat to have another point of view of the Lil Blue Boo world.

    Now I wonder what Diesel is thinking? 😉

    You are such a wonderful friend. She is so lucky to have you.

  16. Kirsten says

    Lisa~ You’re as good at making the tears flow as Ashley. *wink* She is certainly blessed to have you by her side on this journey. ((hugs)) from Indiana!

  17. Bree says

    Lisa, Ashley is lucky to have such an awesome friend like you. (And good job on the photo!) 😀 Adorable dressssss omw, can that come in my size please? 🙂

  18. heather says

    Lisa,
    ashley is very blessed to have you as a friend. hope she feels better and this round of chemo isnt too rough on her vut kicks that cancers ass. cant wait to see the new line!

  19. iza says

    great post! humble and humbling at the same time.. and its a perfect reminder of why friends are just as important as family.. i say, you are both lucky to have each other… God bless you in everything you do..

  21. Becky says

    Lisa, if you think you are lucky to have a friend like Ash (and yes you are), just know that she feels the same way about you too. Like you say, shes a lovely proud woman, and to know she is asking YOU for help can only mean that she values you lots…you both have a special relationship. God bless you xx

  22. Cathy Davis says

    That was so beautiful written and brought tears to my eyes with how hard it must be for the people surrounding Ashley. Thanks for being strong for her!

  29. Morgan says

    I love hearing your point of view! (I also think you are awesome, Lisa!!) I think Ashley is amazing but so much so that I have wondered if she is even human at times! (In a good way.. er… ya know?) I couldn’t relate to being so amazing and strong all of the time. Hearing that she has you help her make a snack made me feel like I could relate to her again.. to see just another side. Thank you for taking care of your friends – I hope that we all follow your example when we are called to do so!

  32. Doris says

    Lisa, having had cancer myself I know how hard it is to ask for or accept help. I am usually the one doing everything I can for people. And being a single mom of two “Special Needs” young adults, it was very hard to realize that I couldn’t do all the stuff everyday that I used to do. Lucky for me a friend that I had known for 5 years over the internet and phone had come out for a visit and was here when I found out about the cancer. He ended up staying for about 6 months in my back house to help me out. God sends us help in unexpected ways. He was and still is my Guardian angel, just like you are to Ashley! God Bless you!! I have always included you in my daily prayers for Ashley and her family because I know what it means for her to have you their. That didn’t all come out the way I meant it too, but I hope you can understand the meaning behind it. After all no one can really know what another person goes through without having walked in their shoes. HUGS to you all!!! Doris

  33. Stephanie says

    Oh my goodness you touched my heart Lisa. Love you. So glad ash has someone as special as you with her every day.

  36. Toni K says

    Thank you for popping in to give us your perspective of things. It’s awesome that she has someone there to slice her veggies 🙂 You are so much more than that though you know. You’re an awesome friend!

  37. Cindy Click says

    Great post , Lisa. You are such a loyal friend and a pillar of strength for Ashley and her family. I’m glad you get to blog a little bit. I think it’s a good way for you to release some stress and we get to hear “inside scoop” that Ashley might think would be “a weakness” in some way because she has to ask for help. I, too, am one of those who love to give, help and care-give to others, but hate to ask for any favors or help or say no for fear of letting others down or burdening them. I found the world does survive w/o me in control and Ashley is learning that too, I’m sure.
    Thanks for all you do for Lilblueboo and for us.
    Hugs,
    Cindy

  38. Jenn E. says

    Great post Lisa. Good to hear Ashley has you (& many others) helping her. Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to see the Spring line :). Hugs to you and Ashley :).

  39. Erin says

    It is nice to put a face to the “Lisa” that answered my question to Ashley the other day. You are very sweet to share your heart and story.
    Thank you

  40. Tia says

    Lisa,
    Thanks so much for this post and your viewpoint. I’ve been down this road before with my mother, and now I’m just beginning this journey with my BFF and it’s not always easy to know what to say or do. I know that writing these posts is “not your thing” but your insights are so well written, precious and much appreciated.
    Thank you

  41. Tammy O. says

    Cute dress! Great picture!! Greatest friend ever!!!!! Yup… that describes you Lisa, in a nut shell. Hope all went well for you and Ashley today.
    ((((HUGS))))

  42. Olivia says

    We should all be so lucky to have friends like you in our lives Lisa! You are blessing to Ashley just as much as she is to you.

  43. Brandy M. says

    Oh Lisa…. {{{{{hugs}}}}}
    I can imagine how you felt slicing that cucumber… Ashley is really fortunate to have a friend like you, one that she can trust and let out her vulnerability. It was really good to hear from you today, Lisa! Take care. 🙂

  44. Megan - Newly Wife says

    First, I love the dress. Second, I remember you saying that you are a behind the scenes / occasional sponsor post writer and not good at lengthy words posts. I disagree. You are totally sharing your heart and Ashley’s in this. And you are awesome. And if you guys ever want some help, let me know. I live in the IE (actually my in laws live in Loma Linda) and would love to comet o Palm Springs and hang with you two for a day!

  47. Catherine O'Neal says

    You made me cry Lisa. (: Can’t wait to see that line. If there is nothing for my boys, I’ll just spoil my niece and my future daughter in law (yes, I already have her picked out! Isn’t that nice of me?). Sending prayers out to CA tonight.

  49. Kristina Busenitz says

    Lisa. I enjoyed your post and the dress. I had tears in my eyes… wishing everyone the best there

  50. Meagan Briggs says

    LISA, you sound like an amazing woman!!! And that is a hilarious story about Ashley taking all those pictures over again! It is amazing what trials can do of us when putting life in perspective. All those little things don’t mean much when we are fighting our hardest to be healthy. You two are a TEAM!

  52. Tammy says

    Lisa — I love your post, it is nice to see it from your side and it really reinforces the kind of person that I know Ashley is 🙂 HUGS to you all and maybe you can bring Diesel a treat and he will leave your ankles alone–lol

  54. Georgina says

    You girls are so amazing, you never cease to bring a tear to my eye! Sending you love and joy from the UK xxxxxx
    PS cute dog and good eyebrows!!!!

  57. Michele LIttlefield says

    Awwww Lisa….girl you done made me teary 1st thing in the morning. I’m so happy you & Ashley have each other. This reminds me of my Sister & I. Nicole is my best friend, my Sister & very very type A. I on the other hand am the Queen of the type B personality. If it’s not perfect I’m cool, the details? Blahhh. Nicole keeps me grounded & has been my rock. I hope you have a fabulous day! I look forward to reading more of your posts.

  58. Beth says

    I as well have tears in my eye. Well said Lisa! You are both so blessed to have each other. Thanks for the post.

  61. Heather G. says

    You’re such a great friend, Lisa. You and Ash are lucky to have each other.

    And is it wrong that it cracks me up that Diesel still bites your ankles? Little stinker. Love the dress, can’t wait to see more!!

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