Category Archives: deep thoughts

some sweet relief

Folks:

In the very fine university hospital once again, this time with some surgery looming–tomorrow, perhaps, depending on how fast the grinding machinery that is medical bureaucracy moves in my direction.

I am cozily situated with my ASUS laptop, a gorgeous bouquet of flowers from my garden (arranged by Catgirl in a wee blue vase that was a gift from Brooke and always makes me smile). As I speak a massive dose of antibiotics are entering my veins, and I am looking forward to the sweet relief that they will bring (we won’t talk about the 8 different pokes that preceded said infusion–easy peasy, I say).

Big thanks to Amy, Ginger, Rebecca and all who are holding down the fort at our home. Huge hugs and kisses to John, too, for hurrying home from San Diego to be at my bedside. Nearly 20 years ago he sat by my side and nursed me through a mysterious ailment. I was awed by his bedside manner then, and remain so–feeling so buoyed by his strength and goodness.

🙂

fingers


fingers, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

This pic was taken nearly a year ago, showing a finger wound that CatGirl bandaged with some lamb’s ear and a sprig of flowering Mexican sage. So sweet.

I ambled out towards the garden tonite and had conversations with nearly a dozen different neighbors. We spoke about death (one friend recently lost a colleague), about how I am watering my tomatoes (too much), about housing costs in Irvine (too high!), and about what a beautiful night we were having. Too lovely!

🙂

dancing


dancing fuschias, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

We ought to dance with rapture that we might be alive… and part of the living, incarnate cosmos.
~D.H. Lawrence

This fuschia plant is one of several outside outside my kitchen windowsill. When I see bright fuschia flowers I always think of ballet dancers–with their bright tutus, pirouetting on one leg.

Have I told you that when I stand at the sink and wash dishes, I put on my iPod and dance? It’s such a great way to make an unpleasant chore fun. 🙂

resemblance

About halfway during my son’s swimmeet today I had an “aha” moment. I was working at the head table (entering stats into the team computer) and was continuously interrupted by people asking me about their volunteer jobs for the meet (which I knew nothing about–at all). It took about two hours for me to realize that they were confusing me with the Parent Volunteer Coordinator.

So I asked a person sitting next to me whether I resembled the PVC. He replied that I do–so much so that he had assumed that we were related.

Wow. That’s just kinda weird.

So I asked John if we look alike. He said we look about as alike as any two suburban, anglo, brunette women with ponytails and wearing the same outfit (standard Mom uniform–crops and a tank).

Heh.

meditate


IMG_0144.JPG, originally uploaded by mind on fire.

John snapped this pic of me this morning as I was doing yoga–arching my back and opening my shoulders. We have this weird room in our house that’s adjacent to the bathroom (well technically it’s part of the bathroom, because it’s where the sinks are). It’s nearly as big as a bedroom and it’s where I store and use exercise equipment–balance ball, yoga mat, handweights, pilates reformer, mini trampoline.

Sure it’s odd to be doing yoga in the bathroom, but I suppose we all have to make the best of whatever space we have available…

today


like velcro, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

Today I woke feeling like wearing a long swishy skirt and burning candles on the back porch while reading poetry.

But…

I have to work two shifts in concessions at GameBoy’s swim meet (for the next 4 hours) and then grade 40 midterms. And we won’t even talk about the household stuff that needs doing (laundry, laundry, and more laundry).

Sigh.

My Independence

)

About two years ago I bought a bike, and not just any bike–it’s a tricked-out bright red tricycle. This bicycle allows me much independence. I can ‘commute’ to work far more cheaply and quickly than by driving, I can keep up with my kids when they’re on their skates or bikes, and I can have the joy of getting places with my own muscle power.

Because I have a disability that limits my mobility (especially preventing me from walking long distances), my bike facilitates my independence in so many ways.

This evening I took a 30 lb load of compost to the garden in my basket along with some seedlings. I routinely carry a week’s worth of groceries in my “trunk.” Tomorrow morning I will pedal to the local Farmer’s Market and return home with several bags full of tasty local produce.

my garden ride

when bad things happen to bad people


Wounded, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

I suspect that many of my LDS acquaintances have thought that when bad things happen to me or my family, that we’re reaping the consequences of leaving the church, breaking the commandments, and/or reneging on covenants. (As in, “If only she had been wearing her temple garments, they would have protected her from injury.” Note to my non-LDS readers–said holy undies are offered with the promise that they will be a “shield and a protection” to the wearer.)

I suspect that some of my LDS acquaintances have thought that if only I had gotten a priesthood blessing from Mormon elders, my recent ailment would have cleared up much sooner.

While I can understand this line of thinking to some extent (given Biblical precedence and all), I wonder if any of my readers believe that God works this way? Do you think that God punishes nonadherents? Would he purposefully smite one of his children with an illness as punishment for wayward behavior or for not wearing godly undies? Or would he withhold healing from a person until they submitted to a a priesthood blessing?

the office

This morning I picked up the key for my summer office. It turns out that, for the first time ever, I won’t be sharing an office.

You know what this means? I can make all kinds of bodily noises and scratch myself whenever and wherever I want.

This is huge, people.

You know what else? Guess what I found on the wall? A map of the “Camino de Santiago” pilgrimage route.

The universe sure knows how to make this pilgrimgirl feel right at home…