From the book, After the Ecstasy, the Laundry by Jack Kornfield, page xi: "To bow to the fact of our life's sorrows and betrayals is to accept them; and from this deep gesture we discover that all life is workable. As we learn to bow, we discover that the heart holds more freedom and compassion... Continue Reading →
Ice skating and other new, joyous things
The one-year mastectomy anniversary came and went, and my annual health exam and labs (so far) passed in pretty good standing. My ANA titer was elevated, indicating autoimmune activity of some kind, or worst-case scenario, an early indicator of metastasis. My other lab results were good, though (some were their best ever), so the hope... Continue Reading →
43 years
This is 43. Yesterday I turned 43 years old. In a way, it felt like my first year of a brand new life--my second chance, my first year after cancer. I am grateful beyond measure for the gift of another year in this beautiful world, and also for the gifts of health, love, faith, hope,... Continue Reading →
Wearing Face Masks Strongly Confuses Counterparts in Reading Emotions
Full study available here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.566886/full While mask mandates have relaxed in some areas, many people continue to wear masks for various reasons, even when not required. School children are still mandated to mask up for school, although unmasking could be warranted due to: -Transmission and infection rates in schools are lower than in the general... Continue Reading →
The Well of Grief
by David Whyte Those who will not slip beneaththe still surface on the well of grief, turning down through its black waterto the place we cannot breathe, will never know the source from which we drink,the secret water, cold and clear, nor find in the darkness glimmering, the small round coins,thrown by those who wished... Continue Reading →
Mask mandate ends in Minnesota
Just like that, on Friday, May 14th, 2020, our governor lifted the statewide mask mandate. Alan and I went on a date to a local restaurant yesterday and didn't wear a mask inside. None of the customers or employees were masked. I couldn't stop smiling. I almost felt giddy at the sight of everyone's beautiful... Continue Reading →
One year
One year ago today, I received my initial diagnosis of breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in-situ, a non-invasive form of breast cancer in my left breast. Initially, the news was not that bad. It was the least harmful form of cancer and was highly treatable. I underwent a core biopsy, called my family and friends to... Continue Reading →
Sunshine, downtime, and happiness on Easter
Things are a lot better in my world this week. Everything has improved, or, at least my perception of it has improved. A luxurious amount of time was spent lying on the grass in the sunshine and in the hammock this weekend. In addition, there was the usual lovely Easter celebrating and joy. Good food,... Continue Reading →
Baloney detection
Wanted to share this great article from Psychology Today on how to be an intelligent consumer of media and how to get beyond our own biases/ beliefs to access what is actually true. If I were still posting on Facebook, I would share it there, but would likely be told by at least one or... Continue Reading →
