Amazing sky (and orb)--around the Head of the Bay
First things first. Thank you all who welcomed Robin to the “living room” in our Little House in the Big Woods. I appreciate your friendliness so much. It brings to mind the first time I wrote a guest blog. It makes you kind of self-conscious and nervous. (OK, maybe it doesn’t make everybody self-conscious and nervous. Robin probably thought it was a piece of cake.)
I was so nervous that no one would say “hello”. That they would think, “What is THIS STRANGER doing on the blog?” But folks kindly said “hi”–and some regular readers from Lake Superior Spirit dropped by to give a “high-five” so the nervousness abated.
Thank you, Robin, for sharing yourself in my living room…and good luck on your 365-day outdoor commitment. This is no easy feat!
Yellow. Blue. Sky.
Speaking of 365-day outdoor commitments, tomorrow will be one year since mine ended. Odd, that I will be in the hospital for gall bladder surgery, on this auspicious anniversary.
It’s also odd having an inactive blog on WordPress. It’s interesting how many people still regularly stumble upon the posts. Or even those–like Elisa at Elisa’s Spot–have been reading some of the daily postings in that other lifetime and commenting steadfastly.
This past life still gets about one hundred hits a day. People who google “raccoons” or “vegetable scraps” or “Julie/Julia”. “Palm trees” is the second all-time search engine hit–go figure. Just what a blog from Lake Superior country needs!
Crossroads in the sky.
Sometimes I miss the outdoor focus of that blog. It was very simple. What was going on outside the front door. It really didn’t care what was going on in the Big Living Room in the Mind or the Lofty Attic of the Spirit–although, you know me, I tried to include them, as well.
Shimmering
I also have been missing the playful ease of taking pics with Ms. Sony Cybershot. I took her out to play again this weekend on the way to town. She is the best playmate! You can take her out without any trouble, without any fiddling, without any fuss.
She doesn’t take “perfect” photos some of the time (well, neither does Ms. Canon Rebel!) but she is always such a sport. She loves impromptu photo shoots in restaurants, public bathrooms, walks to the mailbox. She adores spontaneity.
What she lacks in polish, she reveals in creativity and shine.
My "home away from home" tomorrow--the hospital
You can aim Ms. Cybershot out the window of your car when driving–as long as you don’t focus or otherwise concentrate in a way that would take more than .12535% off your driving abilities. (It’s not texting, Mr. Policeman! I wouldn’t do THAT while driving!)
Map that hangs on the wall at the Sentinel --shows our hometown "Aura"
Barry had to stop at the Sentinel–the local newspaper where he is editor–and download photos. He’s trying to stay on top of his assignments so he can spend quality time with me in the hospital. I mean–quality time in the waiting room.
While he downloaded his photos, Ms. Cybershot and I took a gander around the office. What to photograph? A map on the wall? A frog on top of Nancy’s computer? (Nancy is one of the part-time reporters. She is also one of Barry’s ice fishing buddies. She is also my friend. She has a great sense of humor. I have tried to take lessons from her.)
Frog on Nancy's computer at the Sentinel
I can’t believe how well I am feeling. After feeling so ill for a while–things have sure settled down. It must be all the prayers and good wishes and positive energy. My liver enzymes dove by more than three-quarters to only mildly elevated levels. The gall bladder is hardly cranky at all.
The emotional energy of earlier this week has turned to a calm peaceful feeling. Sure, bits of nervousness arise–but not overwhelming.
One of the nice nurses called this morning. “Be at the hospital at 9 a.m.,” she advised. Surgery is at 10.
Will try to re-connect with you after it’s over. Don’t know if that will be Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. If something happens that I must have the “other” surgery (not laparoscopic) I’ll have to stay in the hospital several days.
In which event my Private Nurse (also known as daughter, Kiah, who is coming home for the holidays) will write a short blog & report to you. (You will do this, Kiah, won’t you?)
Hope everyone has a Happy Solstice. Three cheers–as we celebrate that the Light Returneth!
Lake Superior Spirit 
I love reading what you write Kathy! Following your outdoor blog is a sort of commitment to myself and keeping up with it, quite often kicks me in the butt, JUST WHAT I SEEM TO NEED! It also shows ups and downs with whims and wishes of the human spirit and helps to keep it real! I love you!
Elisa, aren’t the ups and downs of the human spirit an amazing journey? I am glad you are along for the ride…as we keep taking our turns at the wheel of life. Love you, too.
Kathy – I cracked up when you said, “It’s not texting, Mr. Policeman! I wouldn’t do THAT while driving!”
Please know that tomorrow I will have you “zipped in the pod” — you’ll have to wait until early January (on Speaking from the Heart) to know exactly what I mean by that.
Laughing, imagining saying that to a policeman! I’ll bet I know what you’re talking about Laurie. I’ll bet the letter “Z” in your alphabet has something to do with Zipped in the Pod. I already like that very much. Thank you!
Kathy, tomorrow might be an auspicious anniversary which might seem to contrast or conflict with having Ms. Gall Bladder removed, yet it’s also the Solstice with full moon eclipse, as we have been saying here, which is also pretty auspicious for making a major change!
VERY happy to hear about the peacefulness and the quietness on the physical front, hooray hooray!!!!!!
OK, will focus on 10 AM tomorrow. That will I think be 8 AM my time. Actually that is the exact time of the start of the Gaia Minute weekly worldwide conference call meditation so I shall place you in THAT circle!!!
Here’s to a “nominal” mission and easy-peasy recovery!
And you are in my Heart,
Love, OM
It’s so strange, OM. I feel like I didn’t arrange this surgery. That the Universe simply decided it was Time, and then arranged all the details. I am liking the Solstice and full moon eclipse energy. I am thinking that we might be three hours apart, though, if you’re on the West Coast. I am on Eastern time, same as Meenakshi. But would love to be placed in that circle of Gaia-love. Another friend just called and added a prayer to Silent Unity. And my mom stood up in church today to pray for me. This is INCREDIBLE! What incredible support and love! I am so humbled and can hope only to remember to pray this much for others in the upcoming years.
Kathy I will be holding you in calm healing light energy for tomorrow’s surgery. May the surgery proceed with uneventful precision. May you be home and well as soon as is possible… posting away and snapping shots with which ever camera suites you. May you relax and allow your wonderful family and friends to pamper you for awhile. It is a wonderful holiday gift you can gift to them 🙂
Much love! Terrill
Winter dawn soft and low within the stillness of giant firs. Small birds flutter at the feeder. Sunday
Terrill, thank you so much, still One among the giant firs. I hope it is exactly as you have said. Exactly. Thank you and love!
Hi dear Kathy,
It’s always a pleasure to read your blogs. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you for tomorrow. I’m glad you feel better and calmer. A little nervousness is quite normal I would think, but I have the feeling all is well.
He gurl when you’re all better, I have a webcam too so perhaps when Kiah is still there I can wave back at the three at you next week or so.
For now huggies and please say hi to Barry and Kiah for me.
Love Lucienne
Dear sweet Lucienne, I feel your prayers and love and energy. Thank you! Wouldn’t it be fun to skype when Kiah is home? It will be like old times–when we were all together in the Netherlands. Hope it works out! Thank you again.
Oh Sweetest Kathy of the Northern Lights, your musings are so welcomed by me. Thank you for your kind support of my blog and all the readers you send my way. I will be sending you love, vibing on the Full Moon and Solstice energy of this extraordinary week. If you have time, check out my friend Deb’s http://drdebkern.com/. She has posted a really wonderful guide about the Solstice energy…which you might find helpful as you journey this week. Every candle, every sparkle in the snow, every glimmer on sugared almonds is light being sent to you from me. Hugshugshugs and blessings. I look forward to hearing from Kiah! Gratitude to Ms. GB for all she has taught you, all she has aided you in growing and being during this time. Farewell Ms. GB!
Hugs to all who help you this week. Your cyber family will be in all of their hands, prayers and smiles. Yours, Suzi PS your photo “Shimmering” is extraordinary. Thank you for it!
Suzi, it is indeed a time of incredible energy. (I keep using the words “incredible” and “amazing”!) So glad it’s an extraordinary solstice and full moon week. So glad the Universe arranged the surgery during this pivetol time. I read your friend Deb’s blog and it sounds really hopeful! Love your sparkled candle snow sugared well wishes. And Ms. GB loves you too…
Best wishes, Kathy, for uneventful surgery and quick, easy recovery! Indoors or outdoors, you always have something worthwhile to give us, and we will be eager for whatever comes next!
Pamela, I am feeling a little embarrassed at all this attention and fuss–but sure hope it’s uneventful and an easy recovery, too. Thank yo for your kind words and best wishes. So appreciated…
There you go. The GB departeth and the light returneth. And thomeday thoon . . . No, wait – someday soon you will even be able to have a bit of butter. Sink of sat! No, wait . . .
A gentle hug from me, and soulful gazes from Miss Sadie and the Cowboy.
Butter! To think, Gerry…someday, soon. Hugging you back–very gently–and maybe even a full-blown hug later this week!
Kathy, I wish you well. Will hold you in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow morning.
Thank you, Marianne. I feel so held in so much love. (And I am grateful to you, dear friend.)
Thank You for sharing your heart. Your writings touch me in such a way that I want to feel all Life’s wonder after reading them. Sending Love & Prayers for Comfort, Strength and Speedy Recovery. Warm Huggs, Jeannie
Hello, sweet Jeannie. Only when we share with our hearts does magic happen! (Glad you feel a little of the magic… I feel it every time you share, too.) Thanks for the e-card. It was so comforting and beautiful.
Kathy – Blessings and healing surround you. The energy of prayer and love will bring you back to us clear and with pain diminished. Then you can heal the rest of us with your beautiful vision, thoughts and photographic art.
Susan, how very sweet. I love the energy of prayer and love! (Also love the energy of dissolved pain and renewed energy. Oh won’t that be fine! Hopefully the best Christmas present of all.) Thank you also for your kind words.
Gorgeous photos! Wonderful writing/expression! Will be peering out my window in the direction of your “home away from home” tomorrow …. and sending love, light, a dash of laughter, and enveloping cotton-y soft hugs…. Thank you for you (again) ….
Susan D, didn’t Ms. Cybershot take some fine photos? I want to kiss her! lol…I am thinking it’s a good thing you will be across the bay in Baraga sending your light and love. Because those dashes of laughter might hurt for a little while! (And I guess we should just keep thanking each other for each other. Thank you (again).)
Kathy, I’m SO glad that Kiah will be there to pass on all of our hugs and blessings to you. And that Barry will be with you.
I loved reading your 365 day blog. It has a very special place in my heart, for very special reasons…..just like you.
Thinking about you….
Love Colleen
Isn’t it lucky that Kiah is coming on Tuesday, Colleen? So happy about that–and about Barry’s presence, too. And glad that you liked the 365 day blog, too. It’s funny how all blogs have their own unique energy–just like people. Thank you for your thoughts & love!
We’re all going to be sending you calming and healing vibes tomorrow. You are so not alone in all this! It will be over before you realize it…and you’ll be on to new and exciting things! Hugs.
My gosh, Dawn, I feel so surrounded. Maybe we are never alone in things like this. We are surrounded like a soft mist of the energy and thoughts of those we know. Can’t wait to be on to new and exciting things. (What do you suppose they will be?)
Best wishes for a successful and uneventful surgery, Kathy! Love the photos on the blog today. It looks a lot like here. Without the snow of course. I guess you could substitute snow for lots of rain and flooded streets. I’ll be thinking positive thoughts tomorrow!
Erin, thank you, so much, for those positive thoughts. I mean THANK YOU! I’m about to get weepy again feeling all this loving energy. Hoping it’s very uneventful… Glad you like the photos. and hoping you don’t have flooded streets any time soon!
Sending strong good energy and caring
and prayer as you live into and through tomorrow
and the days ahead…..
The word is: LET
as in: Let it happen as it will….the Universe is full of goodness……
Fountainpen
Agreeing with you so much, Fountainpen. To let, to allow…to open to the goodness of the Universe. I am feeling such incredible peace and love. Thank you for all you give.
Kathy,
I’m so very thankful to have you HERE. When I first started blogging “Opening the Door” was the first that I stumbled upon that connected with me and what I was dealing with in life…For me it was a beautiful reminder to open my heart, stop, look around, think, enjoy, and then keep moving FORWARD to the next adventure! I wish you all the best tomorrow and I know you will be chatting up all those you meet and will be back with some inspirational blog material when you return!
Karla, your words warmed my heart so tremendously. I am glad that the words and spirit connected with you and your life. To be real, and raw, and present with an open heart…that is my deep desire. (And I see that in your words, as well.) Can not believe the peace I am feeling this morning. It’s a gift!
Prayers offered in Lodge today for your successful easy surgery, and easy recovery. Take your time. No straining your incision, however small, with typing, now hear!
Carla, thank you for the prayers in the Lodge. I remember the deep sacred energy of the sweat lodge and honor it so much. As for straining the incision by typing: lol! I’ll probably strain the incision by laughing… no, no. I’ll be good. 🙂 Thanks again.
Cooking, cleaning, filling the wood room and blogging?! And I thought Christmas vacation was supposed to be about naps by the fire..
Love you mama. Everything will be perfect tomorrow and you’ll be 100% before you know it! xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Nurse Kiah, Nurse Kiah! Get me some water, some food, will you fill the wood stove?, what’s for dinner?, will you write a blog, now?
ha ha, sweetie! Don’t worry, we’ll lay on the couch together and talk…
Can’t wait til you get here tomorrow. Just need to get this little surgery out of the way… Love you, too, bebs.
I second all those well wishes from your regular commenters Kathy. I haven’t been around much this season but I feel it’sgood timing that I popped over to your blog a couple of posts before this when you explained the need for surgery and offered surrender to the dietary route you’d tried for so long. I’m proud of you for trying the natural way to prolong good health and also for being bold enough to accept the surgery when health problems arose yet again. You’ll feel so much better in a “minute”.
Jessica, how very wonderful that you stopped by! I started thinking about you either late last night or early this morning and suddenly thought, “I must go visit Jessica’s blog and see what’s up.” Thank you for pausing to wish me well. I did try so very hard to heal Ms. GB by natural methods…alas. But, truly, I learned how to eat healthy and will not stop! It is all good…all of it…in the end.
I’m sorry that I didn’t get to the computer until this late. Please know that my thoughts and prayers will be with you. I have a feeling that everything is going to be sooooo smooth that you will have to hold yourself back from doing too much afterwards. Try to fight your instinct and trade places with Kiah for a few days. I bet she knows a lot about good mothering, she has a pretty good teacher!
Hi John! It’s OK…I’m at the Sentinel again this morning. Barry is finishing up a story or two before we go to the hospital. It’s still dark in L’Anse at 7:40 although the big “Pat’s Foods” sign is glowing. The moon looked so full on the way in. I wish I had the camera to take a picture of it. Will be happy when it’s afternoon…what am I talking about?…I’m happy NOW! Blessings to you and thank you.
Sending you lots of pixie dust (really, that’s not snow falling outside your window) for a successful surgery and fast recovery.
I think the pixie dust is working, Scott. Slowly..but surely! Thank you.
Take care Kathy! Speedy healing and we look forward to your return. xoxo
Dawn, still feeling a little slow and attached to the couch, but every day is looking better. Thank you!
By now you are probably out of surgery, whistling a tune and anxiously awaiting getting home. The only thing you must do for the next few days (at least) is enjoy the season!
Carol, it’s hard to believe it’s almost Christmas. I feel like Rip Van Winkle who just slept for all those years and is now shaking his head trying to put it back together. It’s nice to see the Christmas tree lights twinkling and to have Kiah home.
We’re all hoping it went well….and that you’re up and walking by now. They make you do that you know..walk way before you’re thinking walking is an option…
lol, Dawn. I am doing slow laps around the couch some days…still trying to get everything moving. Woke up this morning feeling pretty good and was sound asleep an hour later!
Hoping all is well with you tonight and that you are well surrounded by all the loving energy that has been extended from here at your blog.
Thank YOU for the opportunity to guest blog. It was not, by the way, a piece of cake. I was terribly nervous about it all (because, you see, I am the shy and quiet type). Everyone was very welcoming so my thanks go out to them as well.
I love, Robin, that you agreed to guest blog even though you were shy and nervous. What a gift it is to go outside our comfortable boxes and do something new or daring. You are daring, girlfriend. I can’t believe all this love. As one of my friends said…maybe we’ll start realizing that we ARE love. Really realizing that. Thank you.
I’m hoping that right now you are home and resting comfortably and that Barry is waiting on you hand and foot. Feel well soon! And don’t forget to move around a bit – it’s good for you! 🙂
Barry and Kiah are waiting on me, hand and foot. A person could get used to this! “What do you want?” “What do you need?” they ask. I am pondering a trip to the mailbox today. Or tomorrow. That will be a huge excursion. Thank you, Karen.
@Kathy: I like your photos of the sky. Keep it up.
I’m sorry to have missed your comment, viscountjan. It must have sneaked in during my time in the hospital. So glad you like the sky photos! They were fun to photograph that day.
I know I am way overdue with my wishes for a speedy recovery from your surgery, but please accept our best wishes nonetheless. We hope that you are feeling much better already, thanks to the excellent nursing care of Barry and Kiah! Hugs and happy thoughts from a warmer climate far away in the south.
Thank you, Reggie. It’s been 2 1/2 weeks now and everything is going very well. They say it takes 6-8 weeks to re-gain your full energy back, but I’m feeling pretty darn good already. 🙂 Thank you for your well-wishes!