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that link doesnt seem to work but it was the best i could do

the link works!
BLESSINGS WITH YOU ELLIE

Hi all!

My procedure went well and now I just have to wait for the results. I am feeling well and wanting to get out and about--that is, I want to travel into the city. I'm just trying to get myself on the subways. I hated them before the pandemic and now I'm no longer used to taking them. I've been spoiled--Katie drives me anywhere I have to go, so getting back on the trains has been tough.

My next goal is to get to the movies. I really want to see In the Heights--I grew up right at the border of the Heights and my high school was in the Heights so I'm invested. And it seems like a good movie to see in the theaters, dance numbers are good when seen on a large screen.

Magdelanye, hope the yoga is going well. I haven't been able to do much since the procedure but this weekend I can get active again. I went to my breathworks group (it's not the alchemy of breath) but the leader was doing some very mild body work and I felt not-good the minute I started so I left.

Petra, I'm glad you enjoyed Dombey. I know how you feel though, I was happy I read it and happy when I finally finished. It took me a year (after trying for several years before that to read it!).

Glad you are ok Ellie ‍♂��
Even though some of my happiest times as a child was traiing my dad on his Sunday rounds,.ever since my last big traumatic experience in the hospitl here i can see what a scary place a hospital can be.
Wonderful that you can anticipate doing most of the things that you have missed

The EYP masterclasses are amazing as promised. I hope everyone has had a chance to check it out. I still have to take it easy(not my style) so Ive limited myself to a couple of poses a day. For someone who is not really into yoga, i am stoked abot this practice.

Petra ive been missing your upbeat updates here. With your tai chi experience i am sure you would find this right up your ally.

And how is May unfolding for the rest of our little crew?

Ellie, it's good to hear that the procedure went well. Hope the results are good.

I read Dombey as a group read in the Dicksonians! group. They have very good discussions and limit the reading to one chapter a day. I find that pattern easy to follow and the story is always fresh in the brain.

I've been quiet on-line this month. There's just nothing new happening around here.
We're still clearing out the backyard of a lot of crap. We had a stump grinder come in to grind the palm tree stump. A rock flew into the solarium, so we're now waiting to see about a window replacement. Sigh.
Once the yard is emptied of the junk, we'll start trying to design a simple, no- or low-maintenance yard where we can relax and not have to do too much upkeep work. We may need some help with this step.

Magdelanye, I'm glad you found the yoga site and are enjoying it so much.

Looking forward to hearing what everyone is up to in June? How are the restrictions in your areas?
Ellie, New York must be fairly open if the movie theatres are running again. I think ours are still closed.

Petra, the city is opening more and more. I'm going to have to start taking the subway soon!

I had some bad news--there's no good way to say it. I have breast cancer. It seems to be small and hopefully it hasn't spread so I'm hoping to ultimately share good news here.

I wasn't sure whether or not to tell you but I feel like we're all friends so I did. I'm doing ok; I have a lot of support from my kids and my brother and my friends. One day at a time.

I actually am reading a lot so I'll go now and post in that section!

Sorry for the bummer but sometimes life goes that way. I'm hoping to ultimately share the best of news. :)

Thanks for the openness Ellie, just to say my wife survived breast cancer for over 40 years from when it was first discovered.

Thats hopeful Ice. That will put you over100 Ellie. Hopefully you have discovered this early enough. And you have great support. Glad that you "an find that here too.
You did get a 2nd opinion?

Thank you Ice. That's very helpful. And kind of you to share.

Magdelanye, I'm going to Sloan Kettering on Wednesday (I don't know if you've heard of it up there but it's one of the leading hospitals for cancer treatments in the U.S.). So they will be doing more testing and I'll find out a lot more.

And as I said, I have been feeling great love from family and friends. And of course I found a book to read with this--First, You Cry by Betty Rollin. Old but very well known. And I looked her up--that was back in 1975 and she's still alive in her 80s. And she's a good writer.

Ellie, we're always here when you need to talk. I'm so glad that you are surrounded by love of family and friends.
I've recently heard of Sloan Kettering and it's reputation. It's the place to go for this. You're in good and intelligent hands. It will be good to hear what they say.
Stay positive, my friend. We are here whenever you need to talk.

I am slogging along. The initial meeting at Sloan went very well but it looks like they may have found another spot, which is very discouraging. I'm going for more tests tomorrow (unfortunately they have to see me in Westchester, a suburb of the city & it's going to cost a lot to Uber there--Katie is still working & can't drive me and there's no other direct way there without taking a train AND a bus)

I'm obviously hoping that nothing more shows up. Thanks for being willing to listen. People have been wonderful, sharing their own experiences or just being there for me.

Sorry I haven't posted.

The prognosis seems very good but things have changed since I first went and I'm going for more tests today. Keep your fingers crossed, metaphorically of course, that nothing more is discovered.

I'm doing pretty well. A few mood swings but that's to be expected I think. It's all a little scary and filled with uncertainty. Of course, that could be said of life in general and I guess I'm just being forced to confront impermanence, etc. now in a more urgent manner than I have been before.

Hope all are well. Petra, how is your injury healing? The weather? It's hot here but my kids and I are going away for the weekend and the house has a pool and is near a beach so I'm happy!

Ellie, the uncertainty must be weighing on you. My fingers are crossed that nothing new is found and I am sending healing and healthy vibes your way. We are all by your side through this, Ellie.

It's wonderful to be going away for the weekend. Have fun with the kids, the pool and the beach.

It's going to be a scorcher here this coming week. If it goes as forecast, the temperatures will soar to 40C (104F). That's unheard of around here, so I'm not sure how we're going to manage this. My hope is that the forecast is wrong.

I'm all healed up, Ellie. Thank you. I've been for a couple of runs again and things seem to be fine. Hopefully, it stays this way.

We're still clearing the backyard. We found someone to take away the pile of railway ties and concrete footings that we dug up. I'm so glad that's gone.
We are still waiting for the solarium window to be replaced. The company found a window to match the tint (they are old windows and that tint isn't made anymore). The window has to be sent from Calgary and it's taking quite awhile. I'll be surprised if the stump grinding guy will pay for the window repair. He said he would but he's hasn't returned any update phone calls or email.

In the backyard, we found a number of larger tree roots just below the surface of the dirt. We'd like to till the yard, then try to level it a little bit and they are in the way, so we're attempting to dig them out. The trees aren't in our yard and should still be okay without these roots.
Is it bad that I hope the laurel tree next door won't survive?

Ellie, have a wonderful time this weekend. I'll be thinking of you.
My thoughts are with you today as you go through testing. May the results be positive. Hugs.

Petra said it well, Ellie. And I'm so glad you have a beach interlude. Keep us posted!

Petra I'm glad your able to do your runs again.
Did you try the arnica?
Your back yard!

I am feeling a little dispirited about the garden.
The critters- slugs, deer, are chomping everything.
Between watering at 6 and slug patrol at 8 the tops of the peas were munched. The beans never get a chance,

Magdelanye, I didn't use anything. Whatever the leg pains were, it cleared up. Maybe I strained something? I'm keeping a careful eye on things, though.

Have you tried a saucer or plastic lid filled with beer for the slugs? I haven't tried it but they apparently really like beer and go for it above the plants. They do end up drowning in it because they can't or won't leave it.

How is everything else in your new home?

Rest is a wonderful healer Petra. I'm glad you are enjoying your runs again. If you will forgive me for one last tout for Arnica, it's a good thing to have on hand. Even my mom and skeptical Dr dad were convinced after one demonstration. So, research it :-)

I'm trying the various suggestions to deter the slugs. The problem is I like them when they are not eating my vegetables. The beer approach is drastic. I remember trying it and it does work and its not pretty. I have eggshells surrounding the zuchs and I put up a scarecrow of sorts in whats left of the pea patch.
Ice and MaryAnne might have something to add.

Its gorgeous here everything drenched in light shining though the green. Prime time for reading on the grass
I hope everyone is experiencing this delight

As I am spending most of my time outside, and cant do much heavy lifting I am happy to just focus on regular upkeep for now. I'm enjoying being able to hang the laundry up to dry in the sun and working on the sorting a bit when I need a break from reading. It's not like I have many visitors. Bless this mess!

I did do something amazing this morning. I might have mentioned the embodiment circles before. There are weekly on line offerings on various topics and I have been immersing myself in one in particular, embodying peace, facilitated by Paul Linden the akido master, which has actually been quite volatile. Today there was one on playing like a bee and I attended. It was a small group and for some reason I felt safe enough to participate when requested to make some sounds I let it out, channeling the Tibetan monks, and everyone copied me for the exercise. I ended chanting may peace reign. I do chant in the bathtub and when hiking and waiting for the bus if no one is around. I was flabbergasted.

I need to catch up again on my runaway currently reading list.
Halfway through the year and its a looming issue, like the overflowing buckets in the sorcerers tale. But first I need to eat lunch!

Ellie sending you love and equanimity.

Magdelanye, I'm going to have a look for Arnica cream the next time I go to a drug store. This may be a good item to have in the medicine cabinet for the next time my muscles start aching.

It's wonderful that you found a safe group to participate so fully in, Magdelanye. What a rush it must have been to lead the group in the chanting and finding a common embodiment towards peace and serenity. That must have been very empowering. High five!

It's so hot here this weekend. I'm staying indoors, and only venturing out around 7pm to water the plants. I'm ready for cooler days already.
Much as I love the summer sun, greenery. beautiful flowers and wearing shorts, I don't like extreme temperatures like what we're having this week.

Thinking about you, Ellie, on the beach and in the pool. Enjoy it all.

Petra, thats a wise decision for an essential medicine cabinet item altho i prefer the gel to the cream.

Sorry you arent enjoying the heat more.
Well you are such an active person I can imagine it might be discouraging for a runner. The estate where Im living is like a park and there are always pockets of deep shade. A bonus: slug patrol just now spotted no slugs. I think they dont like the extreme heat either

too hot for hugs but maybe a virtual hug will do:
Petra in the park!
Ellie on the beach!
Ice in the garden!
others please fill in the blank

did not the month whip by FAST

I'll look for the gel, then. Go with the tried and true, I say. Thanks, Magdelanye.

Yay, no slugs. That gives your peas a bit of a chance to get ahead of them.

It's probably much hotter here than on the Sunshine Coast. Being a bit more inland usually adds to the heat. It's brutal.....but then....I don't do well in the heat anyway.

I like that you are living in a park-like setting. That's lovely.

June has really zipped by.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful month.

I posted this in the wrong thread, thinking it was another discussion thread for July. Sorry. I deleted it (in case you saw it for that minute it was up) and am copying it here:


Happy Canada Day to all Canadians!

I started the month with a Tai Chi session in the park. It is a really nice morning to be outside.
We got there plenty early enough to get easy parking but when we left, the parking lot was full and large family groups had staked their spots in the park.

I get my second vaccine this afternoon.

And I plan on digging out some more of the back yard because tomorrow is garbage pick-up day and I want to ensure that the green waste container is full. It's been so hot this week that we haven't done any backyard work. I'm not going to give up even one garden waste pick-up day, if I can help it. LOL.

What's everyone else up to today? How's the weather holding up in your area? What's new in your lives?

Ellie, how are you doing? Did you enjoy the beach get-away?

Ice, how's the garden? Are you planning any get-aways for the summer? Can you travel within the country?

Magdelanye, what are your weekend plans?

Megan and everyone else, what's happening in your lives? I hope you can all check in soon.

Petra it is crucial that you rest and take excellent care if yourself after that flu shot. No more dyigging for now!

Oops! Too late.
I went out and did a bit of digging. Not much. Although it seems coolish when sitting around, it get hot when digging.
But I got enough into the green waste container to make me happy.

I'm going to relax and take it easy for the rest of the day.
Thanks, Magdelanye, for the caring.

The mini Lillies are out, the Day lilies and larger ones just emerging. Potatoes are flowering, Rhubarb is almost picked for the Season. The 24 hour Red Hot Pokers are living up to their reputation - eg the birds eat them within a day of flowering. Peonies are almost done, Dhalia's emerging. It almost sounds as if I know what I am doing !
The Fox has been a regular visitor.

Ice, your garden sounds really lovely. It's ever changing. I hope my garden is like this one day. It's an art. Well done!

Thanks all for your good wishes. And Ice I am enchanted by the description of your garden.

A belated happy Canada day to all Canadians here!

I am keeping busy (despite the intense heat and now equally intense storms and flooding). My daughter and I have been to the beach several times and yesterday we went to a lovely tea shop (very authentic teapots and cups, a tray of finger sandwiches and scones). On the way home, unfortunately, we got caught in the big storm. We hydroplaned but Katie is a wonderful driver.

We've also gone to the Van Gogh Experience and the Alice Neel exhibit at the Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art). They were both wonderful in very different ways.

All this is to distract me from the fact that the second mass is also cancer and I can't see my doctor for another week. All this waiting is very hard. I think about your wife Ice and the experience of many of my friends (it's amazing how many have had this experience!) and hold on to hope. I'm getting so much support right now it's very touching. I feel lucky and grateful.

Only one friend has disappeared. I guess, unable to deal with it. And another, very dear one, has stayed present but does feel obliged to tell me about everyone she knows who has died from every kind of cancer.

I've posted more happy shots on Facebook in the past 10 days than in the last 2 years combined since I rarely post or even look in. Someone I know commented that I was "living my best life" this summer. I hope it's only the best for now.

Oh well, one has to keep some sense of humor although at times I feel challenged to do so!

Ellie, I am glad you are having a good summer, with plenty of time on the beach. Any distraction is a good distraction and enjoying yourself in the process is a major bonus.
I wonder if the Van Gogh Experience in New York is the same immersive experience that is going on here in Vancouver? I want to go see that.
An experience such as this touches everyone. I know you'll give your friend the time to come to terms with her feelings. With luck, she'll come back. Sometimes it takes some time. The other friend may need a friendly slap to the side of the head, with a reminder to focus on the positive. :D

Keep smiling and having the experiences, Ellie. I am waiting with you for this appointment to occur. I'll be at your side, holding your hand. Hugs.

I think my wife found similar issues, particularly amongst her own family. However other friendships deepened.

I am moving to the opinion that we are all doing the best we can.

I was so frustrated yesterday because nothing was working.
I want you all to know that even when I cant actually post something here I carry you in my heart/

Love to you all. And thanks for the support.

I saw the doctor. apparently i can still have the simpler surgery but now i do need radiation. But my prognosis is excellent.

And Magdelanye even though I'm posting less, all of you are definitely in my heart as well.

Excellent sounds excellent Ellie.
I am sure that your immersion in meditation helps. Hope that you are comfortable and able to read. we are always glad to hear from you.

Last week I had another attack of sciatica and down for 3 days this time. Trying not to leap back into the same mistakes of doing too much . Also must keep up on the hydrationed your upbeat which takes some effort.

Petra Ive missed your upbeat commentary. And Ice, i was scrolling through one of our old threads, i missed our marathon chats.

Ellie, you are also in our thoughts and hearts.
It's good that you will be having the simpler surgery.

Magdelanye, how is the sciatica? Are you over the episode yet? I hope you are able to get out & about again and enjoy the summer.
Hydration is important.....as I found out when I overdid it in the garden one day last week. I got overheated and dehydrated. I was dizzy and nauseous for the rest of the day.

I've been in and out these past few weeks. It's been very quiet here.

Is anyone watching the Olympics? I found the opening ceremony rather sad. These people have trained so hard and so long and are finally chosen to represent their countries, then there's no one there to see them. They walked into an empty stadium. How deflating!
Sad.

What's everyone up to these days?
Ellie, stay strong. Hugs.

Magdelanye, I also hope the sciatica is better.

No, Petra, I haven't been watching the Olympics. The whole thing seems sad to me.

Today, my daughter is taking me to the new Harry Potter store. Yesterday my son took me to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (we focused on the Dutch masters' exhibition. Even though it's part of the permanent collection, I don't remember going through it. I probably have but a long time ago. My children are spoiling me, keeping me busy (although sometimes I have to break other plans to be with them!). Katie and I also went to the beach again this week. It helps, I'm dreading the pre-op procedures I have this week.

I had my first acupuncture session--I loved it. Slept 8 hours without waking up once--I can't remember the last time that happened!

Acupuncture is a blessing and a boon! I am thrilled to hear that you are availing yourself.

Thanks for your well wishes. The big sciatica attack in June was a huge wake up call. This last episode was a not so gentle warning that I have to be more constant in my basic self care. I am up and about again and trying to take it easier with the heavy lifting. This has been seriously frustrating as I am so close to finishing the library that I am constantly tempted to fiddle with it. Mindfully, little by little I will get it done.

I nave managed not to be aware that there was an olympics. Last I heard it was being boycotted? For all the right reasons I presume.

Time to go water the plants.
Lovely evening

The surgery went very well. I'm feeling surprisingly well but overdid it a little and am now very tired so I'm going to bed. I'm very happy it's over! Next is getting the biopsy results to see if it's spread. Then radiation and finally medication. But for now, I can rest and relax a little.

Thanks for all your support folks! :)

Blessings be! Ellie its good to hear that you are doing well and lets kep praying that thats that.
Do listen to your body's signals. Repond to the first signs of fatigue, the hunger and thirst. (i am only repeating what i tell myself lol)
Wondering what Petra is up to and how Megan is doing. In fact Ive gotten another request to share the group in a dedicated space. I would prefer a more personal approach, like recruiting a friend.

Ellie, thank you for checking in and letting us know you are through the surgery. I've been thinking about you lately. I'm so glad to hear that you are home and things went well.
Have a wonderful night's sleep and wake up rested.

Magdelanye, things are chugging along here. I am wilting in this heat. Much as I enjoy the sun and warmth, this amount of heat drains me.
We're now removing the lawn from the backyard. It's mainly weeds and moss. It's also sloped a bit and I think we can level it out a little bit. The dirt is too high by the house. I think we can lower it a foot. I don't know whether that will help the slope much but it'll make it nicer around the house and easier to take care of.
This heat is really slowing us down, but we'll get it done.

We're also cat-sitting for the month. The cat has stayed here before, but it's been at least 6 years since that happened. But she remembers us and the house, so she settled in quickly.

I've been watching the Olympics. I am enjoying it this year, although the schedule is rather jumpy because of the time difference between here and Japan. I just watch whatever comes on the TV.
Magdelanye, I haven't heard that the Olympics were boycotted. There was some issue about whether they should proceed because of Covid worries, but they went ahead and it seems that things are working out well.
The opening ceremonies were sad. No spectators, no cheering, not all the athletes were allowed to march into the arena (because of Covid restrictions on crowds). It all seemed like a sad start.
But the games have been interesting.
The closing ceremonies might be sad, too. The athletes have to leave the country within 5 days of finishing their competitions. There won't be many left to participate in the closing ceremonies.

I'm not sure what is meant by sharing the group elsewhere. You'll know the right thing to do, Magdelanye. I like our little group.

I do miss those who haven't checked in in awhile. I hope they drop by soon.

Hi all, including those who don't come often--I hope you're still touching base here!

My daughter (whose 31st birthday it is today--unbelievable!) and I went to a beautiful AirBnB for a few days up in Hudson Country which is a gorgeous area just north of the city. We stayed in a cottage which was decorated with exquisite taste (I felt I became a much more elegant version of myself while there!) looking out over a lake, with a huge garden and swimming pool. Because of my incision I couldn't swim (which I can only barely do a little of anyway) but it was still good in this 95 degree heat to stand up to my waist and my daughter loves swimming so that was great for her. My favorite part was sitting at this positively Edwardian desk writing poetry, followed by sitting outside the house watching the sunrise.

It's hard to be back in the city. I'm still waiting for the results of the biopsy which I had hoped I would get at least by Friday. The longer I wait, the darker my fantasies of the results. Luckily, I have a lot planned for this week: Katie's birthday and dinner out, a Broadway show exhibit tomorrow, a meeting with Michael Monday and a virtual reality Harry Potter experience (at the new HP store) Tuesday morning. All before my doctor's appointment Tuesday afternoon where I will almost certainly get the results (which will determine whether or not I need chemo). If I'm up to it--either to console or celebrate--we're planning on going to the new biopic of Aretha Franklin (I love both Franklin and Jennifer Hudson, who plays her). And Wednesday we're all going to the Botanical Gardens to see the new Infinity Mirrors installation (Kusama). It was hard to get tickets for. My son and I stood in line for over an hour to see her last Infinity Mirrors in Manhattan back on a very cold day in Manhattan last winter and you only got to stay 3 minutes! But it was totally worth it.

Then acupuncture on Thursday. And resting up and reading on Friday. So a busy week to distract and keep worry away.

How is everyone else doing? I love when other people come by but I also love, as Petra says, our core group. I consider you my friends.

wow Ellie sounds as if you have been in a whirlwind of activity. Hope Katie loved her birthday. 31 is the just the beginning of what i consider the best decade. Also I am hoping that you had another great acupuncture session today. And that youve received good news!

Every once in a while I get to thinking that other people not everybody fir sure, might benefit and have some fun playing with our categories.
Now that our library is more organized (I do have some titles to add or maybe you might like to Petra) it occured to me that it might be a good time to open up a bit. Thats how we found you Petra! Its just a thought that periodicallly surfaces.

I have gotten quite involved with the course i am doing and the community forming around that. Its interfered with my reading and reviewing for sure amd im online mor than i like to be, but it's also quite exciting
I have finnally taken up the stratagy of naming my inner critic. Actually I may have more than one but Ive named my predominant critical one and its amazing the interaction weve had

Just about to take a short break with family, I am reducing my working hours and increasing voluntary activities - the garden remains under control as much as nature allows ! A winter of house clearing coming up as I still have 2 rooms plus of 'stuff'. Going to learn to bowl (indoors) from September. Waiting for the over 50's fitness club to restart. Church opening up 'in person' services in September so much preparation. So very quiet !!

Magelanye: I agree about "best decade:" I loved my 30s.

Ice: Sounds like life is pretty calm at the moment. I was very happy when my church finally opened up to in person services.

I have to have another surgery on Thursday but this one is supposed to be much shorter. I'm hoping it goes well and my treatment can continue as planned with no drastic changes.

Ellie, you've had a busy week! How are you feeling today? I hope you enjoyed each and every day.
I'm sorry about the second surgery. Hopefully it means that chemo won't be required. I'll be thinking of you and sending good vibes and healing.

Ice, it's good to hear that things are opening up soon. I hope you get into all of these groups and activities.
We have started cleaning up our rooms, too. It's amazing how much accumulates over time.

Our recreation centre is offering a few courses starting in September. We'll see how it goes. Nothing is certain in these Covid days.

Magdelanye, it might be fun to see who pops in if the group was opened for awhile.
You can add books to the library shelf, if you wish. But I'm also happy to do it. It may be easier coming from you as you can add your thoughts and sort the categories better.

I bought some prune plums yesterday. They are in season for only a short while.
Today I baked with them. Wow! I didn't realize how far they would go! I made 2 plum tarts, 2 plum loaves and a pan of plum squares (with crumb topping). I've portioned things out, wrapped them and tossed everything into the freezer.

Unlike Ellie's week, mine has been quite quiet. I've been enjoying time in the yard, going running, meeting up with friends in the park and practicing tai-chi.

Hoping to hear from Ellie re Thursday. I cam imagine that the last thing you want to do is be online but I hope to hear from you soon and good news.
Today on the Kingdom the featured guest was a woman named Sharon Brock. She has written an amazing book....well she is pretty awesome....after her journey with breast cancer.
Have you encountered her? The book is just being released and its called the LOVE E Method...i hope thats it. If you are interested, the whole episode is available.
This is not to todays show but is a general link I think
The Love E method is actually for everyone who wants a neat way of working on stress. Label, Observe, Value, Embrace and arrive at equanimity. My favorite place.

Petra I want some of those plum tarts.

y

I met up with the carving group yesterday, in the park. One of the group brought everyone a bag of apples from their yard. Today, I made an apple pie, a blueberry-apple pie and a blueberry-apple streusel cobbler. The kitchen smells so nice right now.

The freezer is filling up with baked goods!!! We don't usually have so much of it on hand.


Ellie, I hope all went well and that you are healing comfortably.

Ice, how are things?

Magdelanye, are you curled up in your cozy home, reading on this rainy day?

I went to the park this morning for tai chi and we lucked out by missing the rain. It was starting just as I got home after picking up some groceries after the park.

I hope everyone else is doing well. Please check in when you can.

whats shocking to me is how fast the time is going.
I too am needing to hear from Ellie but I also believe it is good for her not to go online. I am starting to think that a good part of our problems are caused by electromagnetic disturbances to the earths field. It affects our immune systems, our sense of regulation, our computers amd probably our energy levels. Everyone I talked to complains about computer problems, or cash register problems, or fone issues.

On my fone all of a sudden, some hours after samsung forced an update, there was a spate of notifications that a few people had gotten messages from me....sent in June!!

Thanks for your generous thoughts Petra.
Ellie rest well and allow your kids to pamper you as much as they want. Now might just be the perfect time for audiobooks. I remember falling asleep every night to Pema, when I had my broken foot. And some of you will remember that.

Ice thats splendid that youre starting to disengage from work. I can imagine your garden will be happy. I have some things for the garden section . The extreme weather shifts have not made the vegetables happy. But the tomatoes are ripening, there are still peas, and I have four different kinds of squash.
I am hoping that you were able to enjoy a carefree vacation with your family Ice.

I am listening to Dhafar Yousseff as I write this and can't remember if I shared my playlist with you all. I am certain that you all would love this music.

I am finding it challenging to keep up with my 40 days to transformation, I am 5 or 6 lessons behind. I just made the decision to reduce my commitment to write 2 GR reviews a day to one a day. (note to self: do you detect a pattern here?)
I have also reduced my reading time by going on the computer after lunch instead of losing myself in a book.

Petra I am sure you will find something to fascinate you among the community centre offerings. Do you want to carry on to the next level with your carving or are you happy with your skill? Are you keeping it up with the spoons?

Ellie may you be well
well, well may everybody well but in particular calling on the spirit of healing for our darling E

I'm not sure where to put this so I'll try here:

My doctor visit went very well: no more surgery! So one fear is allayed. A big one.

Next will be radiation but I'm not meeting with the radiation oncologist for a month (and not with a regular oncologist--my first visit) for two weeks) so I'm giving myself an emotional rest period. :)

great news Ellie!
Giving yourself a rest all around sounds like a plan. Eating super well and following your practice, maybe you wont even need the radiation.
minimuzing screen time including the fone also important but i have to say, keep us updated.

I complted the 40 days to freedom meditation program this morning, right under the wire. I love my new mantra and the many different breathing techniques. As much as it was difficult to show up every day i know i will miss getting that community going through the same process.
Its gotten chilly and its already getting dark not much after 7.
I am doing my best to stay positive but in fact it may be perfectly appropriate to feel a bit melencholy as we pell mell into another winter.

Ellie, I'm so happy that you've received this good news. Relax for the next few weeks. You're in good hands with your Health Team.

Magdelanye, congrats on finishing the meditation program. Forty days is a big commitment. Well done!
It has gotten chilly in the evenings. Our days have been fairly warm and muggy. Today was deliciously cool. I went for a run and thoroughly enjoyed the coolness of the air on my skin.
It is getting dark earlier these days. That is a bit of a shame.

We've been cat-sitting and today she was picked up by her owners. I'm going to miss that noisy little furball. She is a cat with personality and loves being around people. She followed me around like a dog, sat on my lap, was curious about everything I did. Sigh.....she's a sweetie.

Petra I seem to remember this happening before when you were cat sitting. Maybe you need your own kitten!
Today was cool here too with the addition of wet which was actually not so delicious
What helps ive found is singing loudly and pretending I'm walking downhill.