Open Thread – Moment of Zen
15 11 2009
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November 15th, 2009 at 3:53 AM
Almost hate to break the silence – but it’s really beautiful, and I thank you for sharing it with us.
November 15th, 2009 at 4:07 AM
Lovely…raining buckets here today .
November 15th, 2009 at 4:08 AM
Beautiful
November 15th, 2009 at 5:59 AM
Where is this? It is coldly beautiful.
Since open thread . . . four biopsies later, they still don’t know what’s going on in my liver. This last one has really taken my strength away. I get to rest up and the first week of December go in for another MRI (to see if the tumor has grown) and a Pet Scan. I told the doc I get 10 Pet Scans a day, but somehow a sense of humor leaves him blank. Since they didn’t find any dog hair, a hair ball is out. Still leaves growing a new liver inside the other one though!
Take deep breaths and think happy thoughts, my way to get through this.
November 15th, 2009 at 6:00 AM
ahhhhhhh…. perfect.
Newt & Al Sharpton are on Meet the Press talking about reforming the education system. They’re talking reasonably and like adults. There’s not been a single screaming accusation of anyone being a communist, a czar lover or wanting to destroy America. I’m not sure what to do with that !
November 15th, 2009 at 6:02 AM
{{{{{{{{{Newfoundland}}}}}}}}}
Keep those pups around you and rest well. Wish we could do something more but , if nothing else, we’ll keep you supplied with plenty of reading and discussion.
November 15th, 2009 at 6:43 AM
Newfoundland Dogs Rule: Just wishing you didn’t have to go through any of this. They really do take patient’s strength away, the tests, and probing. That in itself is worse than the condition. But, every day there could be a new miracle. Please believe that. Take care. Like a friend of mine used to say who had bowel surgeries and was suffering with lesions, then had double mastectomy. Not one day at a time, one hour at a time. Years later, she’s still hanging in there but now pain-free and still saying, “one hour at a time” which she says got her through.
November 15th, 2009 at 6:53 AM
Newfoundland Dogs Rule; just posted something and it didn’t take. Will try again. I wish you didn’t have to be going through this difficult time. Doctors and tests are almost as hard on a patient as the condition is. Wish you the best and keeping up your spirits. My friend years back, had most of her adult life suffered with blocked bowels. She was sick all the time, they removed blockage surgically which helped but then lesions developed, then, whack another trial…..she needed a double mastectomy. Her mantra was not just one day at a time, it was “one hour at a time”. She used to tell everyone she was living one hour a a time. 12 years now since then, she is pain-free, working and still living that advice.
Pray you see many small steps to miracles each passing day.
November 15th, 2009 at 7:13 AM
This “Moment of Zen” reminds me of the calm before the storm
November 15th, 2009 at 7:41 AM
good morning all–a special request. My husband and I want to take our first trip to Alaska next year. We can swing 7-10 days. Suggestions? NO interest in a big cruise ship–but curious about the little ships. We are not very good (but very enthusiastic) photographers; love the outdoors (but are not campers); want good food and a comfortable bed/bathroom. Any thoughts would be very much appreciated!
November 15th, 2009 at 7:53 AM
When I see pristine snow like that, I always want to be the first one to trek through it with my doggies and make the first snow angel of the season. Unfortunately, we don’t get much snow like that in southwestern KY, and if I manage to get down to make an angel, then I must fend off a pack of dogs thinking they need to sit on my chest………so at my age, guess I’ll settle for leaving some footprints.
NewfieDogs – I’m so sorry you are having to go through this and pray that the doctors will figure out what it is and then you can better deal with it – good or bad. The not knowing what the heck is going on is so hard. As Rebekkah mentions her friend living one hour at a time, that’s what I now do and that’s the best way to get through each day.
Donna – I don’t have any recommendations on travel modes, not having lived in Alaska since the 1970s, but I can tell you to expect beauty, wilderness, and wildlife like you’ll never see anywhere else. Enjoy!
November 15th, 2009 at 8:14 AM
Barf-bag time….. thought she’d crawled into a cave somewhere to give us all a break! Not only is she promoting her father for prez, but Palin on the ticket. Her sidekick was Bill Kristol (who drools over Sarah non-stop) and they bashed President Obama for bowing to Japan’s Emporer. Here’s a bit from it:
LIZ CHENEY: You could also look at the comparison and think, Cheney 2012.
WALLACE: Really?! How far do you want to go with that?
KRISTOL: Let Liz make news. Cheney/Palin.
WALLACE: Or Palin/Cheney — don’t be sexist.
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/11/15/dick-cheney-2012-liz/
Liz Cheney floats her father Dick as potential 2012 presidential candidate.
November 15th, 2009 at 8:24 AM
Newfie Dogs, sometimes an hour is too long a stretch of time. Sometimes, you just need to get through the next fifteen minutes. Thanks for speaking up and letting us know about your burdens. I’m sure all the mudpups send good wishes to you and look for your Dec. news on the next MRI. Rest well, enjoy your Newfie support system, and take care.
November 15th, 2009 at 9:22 AM
Stilled purity and tranquility….which we’ll need in abundance going into the circus that awaits next week.
Have a peaceful Sunday everyone.
November 15th, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Swine Flu: A November Friday
Well we planted 4 patients in the space of 48 hours. If you think that’s a rough sentence or indiscriminate in terms of the loose delivery, yeah it is.
The people I hold myself accountable to are the patients first, and then trying to defer from second guessing to all of the rest…
I really don’t know if there was a last day. There were so many times I gazed at the face that seemed to outlast expectations and remain recoverable- there was so much time agonizing the muscle requirements a young man so large could could push our membrane oxygenator to such limits-
What he never knew was that he never stretched the limitations or determination of the Nurses, Doctors, and Perfusionists that watched and managed him 24/7 for 16 days.
All of that time to prepare to save a man named Samson- so little time to recover from the suggestion of a loss and the sudden end of so many phone calls for assistance.
Gone are days of literature searches and comparisons to “South Australian” or native “Michigan” “Studies” that typically seem to be the direction influenced by the moment when “hope” becomes the last dash of salt as an avenue for medical salvation.
Brought forth was that 30- 53 percentile of predicted mortality that was the end result- depending on which study you took more seriously.
Eliminated was a statue. A 25 year old Hispanic man who was dropped to his knees- but never leveled.
We survive him, but our effort survives us.
15 Days…
It all happened very quickly. On a November Friday hope abounded like a prism of sunlight stabbing through the Grey mist of a withering southeast typhoon- and there were so many rain drops aligned with that process. Countless names equaled a momentary lapse from worry transcended to a very tired suggestion of hope. Clinical weariness was translated to a pitt-bull doggedness of refusing to surrender.
On a November Friday- hope was outlasted..
And then death pure and simple. The simplicity of a phone call when the unhoped for answer is the first thing you listen to.
That was the end.
God Bless You Samson
November 15th, 2009 at 10:47 AM
If I was the snow or the ice how would you keep from melting my ideas into tears. I face them daily. I brush the frost and crystals from my eyes and wave the ice fog away. Thankfully it is still not too cold to snow. Not yet.
Will you melt me when the mercury is so cold it huddles in the tiny bulb at the bottom not rising for months? I choose to huddle under down and fleece. I choose at night to stand beneath the studded tire of night as it rolls over our sky. Will you melt me then?
M. Paul
November 15th, 2009 at 10:49 AM
Oh. My. God. !!!!
Just saw an ad on A&E cable channel. Levy Johnson and a BIG, muscle-bound black guy come walking toward the camera. The black guy, i.e, a bodyguard, looks around with a fierce expression, and then nods to Levy, who opens a pistachio shell and eats the nut. The announcer says, “Now Levy Johnson does it with protection,” followed by an ad for pistachio nuts!
Too funny!
November 15th, 2009 at 11:01 AM
My apologies for inserting a humorous post in the midst of some serious discussion. I just went on the first open thread and didn’t read the earlier posts. Again – very sorry.
November 15th, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Newfoundland Dogs Rule, I hope that you will keep sharing your news, good or bad. There are a lot of mudpups who can’t lick your face directly who are wishing we could. Hugs.
November 15th, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Teutonic13 – Through tears, I thank you for your post, your work, your dedication and your empathy.
November 15th, 2009 at 11:57 AM
@#4 Newfoundland Dogs Rule:
Holding cyber hands with all who are sending encouragement… and with your Newfie support team! One Moment at a Time!
##9 SK from MN:
… if my memories from two winters in the UP of Michigan and its 90+ inches of snow serve me correctly: This may not be the moment before the storm, but the moment after the blizzard has spent its fury, and the sun rises once again..
But does it matter how we see and appreciate Nature, as long as we do?
@ 11& 12 GreatGranny2C:
Not only did you and your pups decide to disturb the cyber serenity of the snow drifts, but then you had to go on and give us that “Chain” link… NOO!
Now… back to being serious: keep posting your thoughts and the links you discover in your travels in cyber space. You save many of us time by doing so, and your posts are always informative, and not merely because I agree with your political sensibilities.
Oh, and how, and/or when did I miss when GreatGranny2B became GG2C??? Tell me/us about it!? Just curious…
November 15th, 2009 at 11:59 AM
(((Newfoundland))) You hang in there WITH your sense of humor- I’m sure that and the pet/pup scans will keep you sane through whatever you have to go through. I have been through this situation with a relative (with a good outcome!) and it is not easy and sometimes unbearable. I will be sending those good vibes your way, as will all the mudpups I’m sure.
(((Teutonic13,))) I don’t know how you do what you do, but I thank the stars that there are people like you on this earth.
November 15th, 2009 at 12:31 PM
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((newfoundland dogs rule)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
i am wishing you the best and sending you lots of love.
November 15th, 2009 at 12:38 PM
@#15 teutonic13… #16 M.Paul…
It seems I am in good company when writing somewhat oblique poetry…
to each of you a cyber obsidian to clarify your thoughts… hold it gently…
as in “through a glass darkly…”
I admire you for your willingness to share…
November 15th, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Thanks Diag- sweetly said-
“when writing somewhat oblique poetry…
to each of you a cyber obsidian to clarify your thoughts… hold it gently…
as in “through a glass darkly…”
November 15th, 2009 at 1:02 PM
Newfoundland Dogs Rule prayers and thought ,all good go out to you.
Teutonic13 so glad there are people like you around to take care.The world is better because of you and the many like you
November 15th, 2009 at 2:20 PM
@ Penn Lawyer
The stark but beautiful landscape pictured above could do with some peals of laughter echoing through the, no doubt, crystalline air….
The “protection” commercial sounds hilarious. LOL! I haven’t seen it yet but with all the brouhaha surrounding Levi these days, I suspect they will be running the commercial double time for a while.
Sending good vibes to NDR and Teutonic.
November 15th, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Newfie – I have had a bad liver for years, due to aftereffects (years later) of various Peace Coprs maladies. My Pakistani dcotor presecriveed milk thistle extract. It’s sold in the vitamin sections of even the mega-marts. Follow the dosage on the label of whatever you buy. It really is good for the liver in an overall way and is very mild. Remember that our livers are our only organs that can actually mend and regrow. Keep your spirits and humor up, and see if milk thistle doesn’t make you feel a bit better.
Donna – I always recommend visitors take the Alaska State Ferry in lieu of a big cruise. Their bigger vessels have comfortable rooms, and although the cafeteria food is just that, cafeteria food, it is adequate and reasonably priced. You’d meet a lot of locals on board, and in the summer, it is like a big, happy, outdoor party up on deck. Log onto the Alaska State webpage and click on Alaska Marine Highways. To get a cabin you have to reserve well in advance, but that shold be no problem. Good luck!
November 15th, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Donna, the ONE thing i would recommend is a tour boat at Kenai Fjords Natl Park — whales, orcas, sea otters, eagles galour, calving glaciers. Maybe take the train down from Anchorage. Ride the new gondola up Mt. Aleyska, then sit in the huge hot tub at the Alyeska Prince Hotel. Day hikes, try the Crow Pass trail up from Girdwood (steep but spectacular), Rabbit Lakes in Anchorage, or at the Chugach State park visitor center in Eagle River (easy, with boardwalks out over the wetlands, moose for sure). And, of course, check out the Mudflats (but don’t go out on them!)
November 15th, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Teutonic, thank you for being there, I’d want you by my side every step of the fight. thank you, thank you, thank you………
Newfiedogs…….you hang in there! tell your doc to crack a smile when you joke, lol. I’m sorry it’s taking so long and so many draining tests, hugs to you. Thank you for updating.
Penn, the Levi ad is funny huh. It’s reported over at Gryphen’s site, Immoral Minority (link on the right side), that Levi’s career is really taking off, he’s going to have a line of condoms, also too, lol. Buh bye Scary almost mother in law dearest who wants ALL the limelight, but is instead crashing and burning.
Levi is sweet, honest and funny. Rock on buddy, but keep it real…….I think he’s gonna be okay. And I know he loves his little kiddo.
November 15th, 2009 at 5:40 PM
AKM, the pic is beautiful! We’ll need at least one Zen a day for a while, hope you can help, lol.
Also too, are there you tube videos of Shannyn Up North shows yet? I’ve missed both so far. I also missed you last night, is there a replay somewhere?
November 15th, 2009 at 5:46 PM
Donna, oh and one more idea, there are really great B&B all over Anchorage and probably the rest of AK too. But things book up fast for the summer, so plan ahead!
November 15th, 2009 at 6:26 PM
AKM, ya really should not make Zen moments an open thread, because it’s really hard to come park stuff that is not Zen like………
Anyway……now Scarah’s gonna have the cast of SLN and Alec Baldwin coming after her, and all their friends and supporters, hell, all of Hollywood, plus she disses Chavez who has HELPED her state for how many years? She is so unbelievably, incredibly stupid, to the bone nitwit.
Saying that did not feel very Zen like. lol
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/15/palin-refused-to-shake-ol_n_358338.html
“The then-vice presidential candidate writes that she refused to shake Oliver Stone’s hand because of the director’s leftist political leanings. Stone was in the studio making an SNL appearance of his own.
“During all this, the writers, the producers, and the campaign continued to hammer out the script,” Palin writes. “Josh Brolin, Mark Wahlberg, and the singer Adele were also on the show that night, as was director Oliver Stone, who made a cameo appearance. Unbelievably, he is a supporter of Communist dictator Hugo Chavez, who in a 2006 speech to the United Nations referred to the president of the United States as ‘the devil himself.’ I did not shake Stone’s hand.”
November 15th, 2009 at 6:33 PM
What a beautiful and intriguing picture! What is so cool about it is that it could have been taken from an airplane or just a shot of some drifts in a backyard. Inquiring minds want to know!
So peaceful and beautiful.
November 15th, 2009 at 6:39 PM
Kimosabe–thank you!
November 15th, 2009 at 6:47 PM
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andy-borowitz/palin-prejean-alliance-pr_b_203436.html
“But Dr. Logsdon was quick to point out that the first person to notice the Palin-Prejean reference in the Bible’s book of prophecy was actually the sixteenth-century seer Nostradamus, legendary for his predictive powers.
According to Dr. Logsdon, in 1555 Nostradamus predicted the alliance between the two right-wing beauties when he wrote, “The slayer of beasts shall meet the barer of breasts.”
November 15th, 2009 at 7:06 PM
What a beautiful and intriguing picture! What is so cool about it is that it could have been taken from an airplane or just a shot of some drifts in a backyard.
So peaceful and beautiful.
November 15th, 2009 at 9:15 PM
This has been going on for awhile – but the President is at a town meeting in China, and you can see it, live, here:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/live
November 15th, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Well, McCain can blame little miss quitty pants for all that frustration, activism and anger out there…………he had a town hall meeting in AZ. Why is he talking party politics?
http://www.kingmandailyminer.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&subsectionID=1&articleID=34627
“We Republicans have to reestablish our conservative principals to the American people,” McCain said. “I see a degree of activism, a degree of involvement and a degree of anger out there that I’ve never seen before in the years that I’ve served. When you have this kind of anger, this kind of frustration and this kind of activism, it will bring about change inside the Beltway whether we want it or not.”
November 16th, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Absolutely incredible photo!