inhabiting new spaces
Well the last couple of days have been lovely in many ways, though challenging in others. I've had some discomfort -- acid reflux (still adjusting dosing of antacids) and fatigue and light-headedness. Despite that, I've been able to enjoy the delicious foods people have brought us, and have had lovely visits with friends, including a lot of time outdoors -- yesterday walking in the park & zoo with Celeste, and then Grant and Tina and I inhabited the new front patio for a while -- this is a space Don & I had created last Fall and haven't spent much time in yet.
Last night I started working on loading my kiln, but gave up part-way through -- just too tired and weak-feeling, especially to load a piece that needed special handling. I felt discouraged and a little scared, about how different things feel. I was also aware that I'm tapering off the post-chemo steroid, which can cause an emotional crash. Don and I were listening to a really good book, and he was very sweet and supportive, and I eventually slept pretty well.
Today Jen (a fellow consultant from CORE who I have a lot in common with but we haven't ever just "hung out" much together), came over and we talked for a while, and then she helped me finish loading the kiln, which is now running. And... drumroll.. we installed the new hammock out back under my special birch tree!! Pure joy lying in it with the wind rocking it lightly...
Comments (8)
I would love to come over and spend time with you. Can I call and set up a time?
I was wondering why I didn't see your face in the hammock, then thought perhaps it was a new wig, but then realized "you" were probably the headscarf, just the tip of which can be seen. May you rock many miles!!!
Margaret -- Yeah, I can't figure out how to crop the photo appropriately, sorry! Marla -- watch for the next time we request "visiting" times in Lotsa Helping Hands, thanks!!
Becca, I felt really happy to have time with you and our walk was also very special with all of the blessings that spring brings. I have often said that you bring really special people together and how much I appreciate time at gatherings with you and Don. Yesterday was no exception as I met Grant and Tina at noon and then found myself with them again in the evening at another gathering....again, of very wonderful people! Thank you for all that you do to create community even at a time like this in your lives! And, I had to laugh at your disappointment at not having the energy to load your kiln on your own. Even in this state of fluctuating health you are doing more and creating more than many folks ever think of doing! I am smiling with great appreciation and respect as I write this. It is good that you ended up waiting and accepting help. I think that participatory must be one of CORE's key concepts....eh?!? Yay on the hammock! Enjoy it thoroughly...as, it seems you will. I'll send a separate e-mail with the info I said I'd send yesterday. Love you so very much! Celeste
Yay! Glad to see the hammock is up and running. :) Great photos.
Becca, I hope your Hammock and many other things will bring you joy in the coming weeks! Hope to connect with you. Love Crystel
A note about the photos for folks: if you click on a photo, it opens up to full size, so people can see your bright and smiling face in the hammock, too! What a wonderful way to begin the day - chatting and sipping tea/coffee, art work with artwork, and hammock hanging and swingin'. Thanks for sharing a Sunday morning with me. Let's do it again! I just learned a new word from a book I was reading: polepole (Swahili, pronounced polay polay) which means "slowly, slowly." Guides say this to people climbing Mt. Kilamanjaro as a way to help them sustain energy and reach the summit in a more fluid and graceful way than people who push too hard and fast and are wiped out at the pinnacle of success. It seemed like a fitting expression to share with you for the journey you are on. Polepole, Becca!
Great hammock! It looks like it will provide hours of polepole! Hope the artwork comes out beautifully!