English Literature

 Friends, I have had some extra time to read as I recover from my recent hospital stay....and I am happy to report that  I have a new favorite English author:  JoJo Moyes.  Love her name and love her books.

 You all know what this one is about by now. I, of course, refuse to go to the movie, because they just never measure up.  This book definitely made me think about how far the medical community should go to preserve human life?

The sequel is even better. Very entertaining and just as thought provoking.  Our heroine, Louisa, once again, is wonderful.

 Favorite quote:

"You don't have to let that one thing be the thing that defines you."

and a close second:

"I swallowed.  'Mum, you're not going to get divorced, are you?'  Her eyes shot open.  'Divorced?  I'm a good Catholic girl, Louisa.  We don't divorce.  We just make our men suffer for all eternity.'  She waited just for a moment, and then she started to laugh."

I really did enjoy this book as well.  I had a hard time relating to certain aspects of Jess' life...but I sure did understand the lengths she was willing to go to help her children.

Favorite quote:  "  You know, you spend your whole life feeling like you don't quite fit in anywhere.  And then you walk into a room one day, whether it's at university or an office or some kind of club, and you just go, 'Ah.  There they are."  And suddenly you feel at home."

and....

"Because she knew that something happened to you when your mother didn't hold you close, or tell you all the time that you were the best thing ever, or even notice when you were home:  a little part of you sealed over."

I am a sucker for any book about a mother's love....

Good Medicine

I was all set to have lunch here with two of my oldest and dearest friends on Wednesday.

Instead I ended up in the hospital due to complications from my new post cancer plumbing. (I will spare you the details.)  Sometimes I get so tired of having to deal with my "new stupid normal".

I am much better today, and as I took a stroll down the hallway, I realized that I am much better off if I can look at this from a more positive angle.   I am better today than I was yesterday, thank God and good medicine.

And this drug really did the trick.

And sister No4 and No5 drove me to this beautiful Northern Michigan hospital and stayed with me until Big T could fly in.  And my friends and family were praying for my swift return to good health.

There really is so much to be grateful for, and in the calm after the storm, I am finally able to see it. And that makes me feel so much better. 

The Long Letting Go

This past week B began saying good bye to summer....and I began the long letting go.

...the last beach walk, the last swim, the last instagram shot...

...the last ice cream on the last walk around the marina....

I was keeping it together as the zen woman I am (ha!), living in the moment, grateful for the time with my baby girl.  I know it is always brutal saying good bye, even when they are driving me crazy and I want my house back...but I have done this many times before. I am confident and prepared.

We drove down to ND, moved her in and organized her room, still keeping it together because, after all, I am a seasoned veteran at this by now.  I have a well-earned perspective.

And then there was the unanticipated, epic break down. I thought it would be easier this year.  I have survived a year of empty nest-hood and am actually liking it.  I was not expecting this nuclear meltdown.  While I was cursing time through a deluge of tears,  I realized that this is a process....a long letting go...

Thanks, Big T, for propping me up and hanging on tight, while I am a hot mess trying to let go....

A Good Legacy

The guys poured the garage floor this week.  It was my only chance to put our mark in the concrete.  What to do?

This was my first idea.  Big T and I have dreamed about building this house for so long...and we are finally doing it...so this is perfect, right? Then I started to think...but what if I die?  How can Big T move wife number 2 into my lake house with that in the garage floor?

This is one of the legacies of cancer.  You never again assume that you will live a long life.  You never again take your health for granted.  Is that a bad thing?  

I opted for this and decided that it is a very good thing.

Thank You God.  Amen.

Simple Seasonal Salads

It's summertime, and I would rather be walking the beach with these two, than working in the kitchen....so I am always looking for fast recipes that I can actually eat.  Friends, adding new foods into my post-treatment body can be frustrating and discouraging....but I am delighted to report that my diet is expanding and small salads are back on the scene.

Last night, Sister No5 ordered this beautiful plate at the Franklin Restaurant in Traverse City.  Even I can make this starter....Boston/Butter/Bibb lettuce with Green Goddess Dressing, candied walnuts, blueberries and cherries.  Up here in Northern Michigan, local cherries and blueberries are amazing this time of year....perfect chance to make this simple, yet elegant, salad.

Last week Sister No4 served this salad.  With tomatoes and peaches in season, now is a great time to  try this quick recipe....absolutely delish, totally unique, and everyone loved it.

 Two seasonal salads-- one simple idea: they are fresh, they are scrumptious, and most importantly, they are fast, so you won't have to miss a thing.

The Cocktail Cruise

Growing up in Northern Michigan, I lived on our boat all summer long.  At 50+, it is still my happy place.  There is just something about fresh air, sunshine...

...good friends...

...beautiful views....

...and enjoying the moment.  

B's Ireland Report

After running through two airports to catch planes, lost luggage and the ATM "eating" her credit card B is no worse for wear on the Emerald Isle.

Like mother like daughter...this is the first thing I would do upon arriving in the mother land too. 

Here she is in Belfast somehow earning one academic credit.

She seems to be enjoying herself....although I am sure she misses me terribly.

Signing the peace wall in Belfast....I am putting this on my bucket list.

Galway....she has not run out of money yet....

Peace in Every Step

When I was going through my cancer treatment, I could not let my mind ruminate on the reality of my life.  If I was alone, and was not praying, I had to be listening to a book to distract my thoughts. Driving to acupuncture, walking on the treadmill....if I thought too much, I would panic.

Even after I was cancer free, I still had trouble letting my mind rest.  I would worry about it coming back.  I knew one great lesson of cancer was learning to live in the moment.  A friend recommended this book.  It helped a ton.

Now I can walk without benefit of audio distraction.  I can be peaceful and let my mind rest in the moment.  I have learned to appreciate the sound of the waves, the sea gulls, the wind....

Friends, let me be clear:  I still listen to tons of audio books.  This is in my car right now...and it is awesome.  The difference is I no longer NEED to listen.  If you are in the middle of cancer hijacking your every thought, it will get better.  You will have peace of mind again.  

Four Paths

This week T celebrated his birthday surrounded by his lovely wife, S, and her beautiful family.  Please note that the person doing the heavy lifting 26 years ago is missing from this party.  T is in Denver doing a guest rotation in orthopedic surgery at U of C. ( My vote was for U of M.)

Today B heads to Ireland to earn one college credit and tour the Emerald Isle.   I will not be traveling with my youngest darling, who will be legal in all the pubs across the pond.

C decided to vacation in the Hamptons instead of at our construction zone this August.  She did send  some great house ideas while she was there, but I would rather have had her here.

And M just cancelled his August trip back up to the peninsula....something about having to study for the GMAT in KC?

Friends, I am ready for the time when their paths start leading back to us!  Please tell me that does actually happen eventually....