HAPPY HOLIDAYS & ON BEYOND THE BIG C!

Okay, loyal readers, I've neglected you terribly.  But I'll tell you all, life in REMISSION is a great space to be!  My life is moving on beyond the Big C - immersed in holiday chaos, and concerned about the sorry state of the world in general.  But - always the hopeful Sal - I am encouraged by the energy of the Occupy movement, by Arab Spring, by the end of "Don't Ask Don't Tell", and the signs of activism stirring here and there.

So HAPPIEST OF NEW YEARS to all my loyal readers - may the spirit of the universe bless our tiny speck in the river of time.  May we reach out to maintain and create community in the increasingly disconnected world (and I don't count Facebook, even though I use it!)  May each of you find love and fulfillment in spite of  the state of things.  xxSal

AH THE WAITING GAME IS OVER - I'M FREE!!

So I had the strange and other worldly CAT Scan last week - it's the waiting game again until the doc tells me what they can see. AND AT MY DR. VISIT YESTERDAY - ONCE AGAIN I'M DECLARED CANCER FREE!!
 
And we"ll be going to North Carolina for the big feast day - maybe we can even walk in the surf!

Otherwise, am following several survivor blogs - a great way to network and give/gain support for our various projects.
 Am interested in the Occupy efforts:  the goals are radical and idealistic - building a consensus democracy movement - but like many, want to see a focused effort to make immediate change as well as dialogue concerning long term radical changes.  The "Teaparty"  has had success by targeting specific goals and influencing electoral politics.  The Occupiers can proclaim lofty goals, but without targets we may see the efforts swept away by a combination of cold weather, court action and street action. 

I don't feel we will get radical change in support for treating/ curing cancer until national support efforts are separated from the all powerful big Pharma.  Yes, there are celebrations, reports of many dollars raised, but many seem to be directed through efforts supported by Pharma - to promote thier own products.   Exciting new adventures to support new cancer research to be reported soon on this blog!

Celebrate, my dear readers whose support is so important!!  Together we can beat the bugs! 

ON BEYOND XANTHIPPE

So I,ve learned a new word... Xanthippe!  Check out this gal... me minus the rollers!!!  Me during  the last weeks of radiation!  ( Can't seem to turn off the underline - sorry!!!)  It really has been a strange and not so comfy adventure - like weeks on a tropical raft without shade...

But of course the treatment folks were grand - again I compliment them- to be so dang cheerful all day as you subject people to the rays...  takes a special kind of temperament.  Patients aged 6 to 90 parading through.   As noted in the past, I did meet many lovely folks - there is a definite connection as we await the rays.

But last week was the end of it - no more rushing home from work to the mask - no more bone deep fatigue, FREEDOM!!!  (You notice I've even given myself the fantasy red locks...

So Beth and I celebrated with an amazing weekend in New Hampshire at the Highlands Inn - an all gal spot on 100 acres of virgin (!) forest.    We were able to finally breathe free - share, laugh, cry, and absorb the wonder of the White Mountains.  And we did the Zip Line at Bretton Woods!  Nothing like flying down a mountain!   The sensation of flight if only for a few minutes, made me feel so alive - the exhilaration of the mountain air, the breath taking scenery, the fantasy of freedom from these recent adventures.  I am so fortunate that we could do this trip - and  move on to the days ahead.    So my word for the day is: DON'T WAIT!!!

 Of course, our next adventure might me camping out against Wall St. - that's another Zip!!  To be continued...

GABB SILENCED! LIFE IS IRONY!

Irony is surely the nature of life! Me, the healthy gal for 65 years - surprise! The Big C! Twelve months of chemo- positive Sal pulls through - remission. Surprise - I'm BAAAACK! Eight weeks of radiation - faring pretty well with side effects - this week - NO VOICE AT ALL! I'm telling you, dear readers, not being able to talk for Chatty Cathy herself is quite the challenge. I've become a talented whisperer. And a creative non vocal teacher!

It has propelled me to write more - I want to do this anyway. (Although I've been very neglectful of this blog of late - sorry faithful readers!!) I think it's the perfect dilemma for me, aside for presenting quite a few challenges at work. I'm considering taking up sign language - always wanted to learn it anyway!!

I'm reminded that listening and writing are both extremely pleasant. I'm learning more and more, and probably making more friends to boot. (How many people always wanted me to zip it....) Apparently my voice should return following treatment, but one never knows - maybe this too is an unintended gift...

And then today, a few more 'gifts' - first my "hyperthermia" treatment was canceled due to the fact that my neck looks increasingly like a plucked chicken - radiation is a bit warm - then after my radiant zapping, I go out to claim my car from the wonderful Valet service - and they've had an accident with my car! Someone quite violently backed into my front end,

according to the Chief of Valet - what a service!! (Doncha luv cars...)

I think the universe is testing my ability to stay positive - well - HA! I can laugh in whisper!! I'm still here, enjoying the beautiful fall, loving my students, hating politics, adoring Beth - you can't get a gabby gal down!!! I'll be back soon... xxSilent Sal

BCAA: LIFE WITH CHRONIC "C"

Greetings dearest loyal readers! End of summer, back to school busy work has taken me away from regular posting - promise to be back on the job!

As I commute back and forth to this daily radiation adventure, I am of course meeting a new wonderful community of patients. I am realizing how many of us are in the "Chronic C" world. This little bugger does tend to revisit us. But current treatments for "Alumnae/alumni" move us from the "acute" list to the world of chronic treatment. Most of my new friends are returnees - we've weathered the initial treatment, we're doing okay, just returning to put the C bugs back out of commission.

I find there is a calm, a wisdom in these colleagues: we've looked over the edge, and survived. We accept that our futures are unknown. We relish our survival and celebrate our daily lives. Chronic Cancer is not unlike chronic diabetes, or other conditions that require constant vigilance, but are survivable. We are no longer in shock from that initial diagnosis. We are living our lives.

I met a delightful fellow, only 48, who is an alumnus of prostate cancer, now in for radiation due to a recurrence. He is the father of three lively boys, and relishing living his life with them. There also was the lovely gal who ran an herbal magic and gift shop, a delightful Guatemalan woman with her lovely caring son who allowed me to practice my bad Spanish, and the loyal son full with his full of energy dad who entertained us with logic puzzles. We chat with each other with a sense of knowing, of accepting, of relishing our days.

These friends, members of the BCAA (Big C Alumni Association), are gifts in my life. I am reminded daily of the beauty of friendship and support. I'm still researching the issue of chemo shortage: will update in the next post! Thanks for your ongoing connection! xx

WAITING FOR REMISSION

So it seems, dear readers, that the world has a shortage of chemotherapy drugs - because big pharma is seeing a reduction in profits, and therefore not producing the drugs. Strangely, in order to keep cancer drugs from becoming too expensive, Pres. George Bush actually spearheaded the effort to put in price controls on certain drugs, including cancer drugs. As production costs rise, profits decline. The effect of this has been reduction in production by pharmaceutical companies. As reported by MSNBC, patients are now being told they must wait for treatment, with no promise that drugs will soon be available. For many, this is in fact a death sentence.

The response of fiscal conservatives/ free market folks has been to suggest removing these price controls - allowing companies to continue raising prices to insure large profits. Of course, this would mean passing costs to insurance companies, who would in turn raise premiums, passing on costs to the patient/consumer.

An MSNBC article this week highlights the plight of a Virginia lawyer suffering from colo rectal cancer. He has been told that his chemo drug is not available. This may in fact be fatal news for him. One of the drugs that enabled my own tumor to disappear, Taxol, is no longer available. Without this treatment, I might not be writing this blog.

CANCER COMMUNITY AND FRIENDS: WE NEED TO RAISE OUR VOICES!! OUR HEALTH IS BEING HELD HOSTAGE TO PROFITS. This is indeed a "death panel" for many of us! We need action immediately to save lives!

I have joined the RI cancer advocacy action group, and hope to promote loud voices and protests. All creative thoughts for action welcome!! xx

I'M RADIANT!!

Or at least, radiated... Just completed two days of nuclear blasting; one day of "hyper thermal treatment" to heat up those little bastards to extinction. Once again, a warm and lively staff to usher patients into treatment - everyone quite friendly as we see each other every day for six weeks or so!

Have learned that radiation treatment was actually developed in the early years of the 20th century, soon after common use of X rays. (weird that X rays can cause and cure cancers!) We can actually thank that goddess of science, Marie Curie who discovered polonium and radium. Today these have been replaced with the more effective caesium and cobalt. Ah the wonders of the periodic table, the most perfect concept ever created by humans! Despite our faulty logic, this description of basic elements actually works. Or so the scientists tell me...

And the weather is cooperating for sure. The radiant sun plus occasional showers is making my garden happy, and giving Beth and me summer joy. We've got cutting flowers on the table and fresh garden tomatoes on the plate, plus the magical creamy basil dressing, a gift from Mom. The daily gifts of beauty, love and of course the inevitable chaos continue... 'til later, xApop Sal

GOT TO GET BACK TO THE GARDEN!

Oops, this didn't publish earlier - out of sync, sort of like life, but always good garden thoughts...It's a stormy Monday, dear readers, and the first day of my vacation (pre-radiation getaway). We had a lovely summer weekend including dinner with Don, Trish and our beautiful Maddie, our Bell Street Unitarian meditation time, and a wonderful dinner with friends Ellen and Stu. I've captured the mid summer wonder of my somewhat crazy garden, complete with the amazing garden totem made by friend Sally W.

Friends, meals, garden time - these are a few of my favorite things! We are heading to New Hampshire this week for a mini vacation - just three days, but a wonderful adventure on an idyllic lake with the frantic family ( calmed by nature).

Gardens, green, nature and nurturing family are among the many gifts of the every day that grace my life. Our ability to feast our eyes on flowers is surely a sign of spirit in the universe. I am reminded of the privileges of my life, reading about the chaos elsewhere in the world, attempting to respond in some small ways.

Enjoy the week, dear readers - will report on our odyssey when we return! xApopsal

THE COVER UP

So they molded this wierd netting to my face - the base for my cover up mask during radiation. Quite a procedure!! Feels really strange and other worldly. Then then creat a radiation resistant sheild for my head and neck except for the targeted location of the lymph nodes.

My practice with meditation comes in handy - I have to stay VERY still for at least 30 minutes. There's always tests and more tests in this game - I guess they need to keep the economy going...

Well, at least my arrow is not through the brain! So Beth and I will be taking off next week to New Hampshire for our pre-radiation vacation (has a nice poetic ring to it.) It will be grand to be kayaking, fishing, watching stars at night at this lovely secluded spot - far from hospitals, treatment and tests! That's the kind of therapy that works for me!!

dearest readers, think of us as we pursue lakeside meditation - send vibes for sun and good fishing. Once again I am focusing on the beauties of each day, the joys of my loving partner, family and friends, and peace of acceptance.

May all my loyal readers have a lovely week - I'll be checking in soon!! xxxxApopSal

NUCLEAR ME!

Greetings dearest loyal readers - the good news is - the only little monsters left are the two bumps on my neck (lymph nodes.) My doc has advised radiation so it's on to this new adventure. A regular "glow girl" I'm going to be! I'm learning that current radiation can be highly concentrated and directed - an X ray beam is modulated to hit the malignancy directly, with little or no damage to healthy tissue. I may have to wear a protective mask, so I'm thinking of doing some creative masks as I enter this new course of action!

Otherwise, our New England weather is fantastic - 80's with no humidity today! (Why am I inside??) Beth and I are truly enjoying our deck and gardens this year - hope all are having a fabulous summer! xx

Nuclear Me and a Food Fest...

Greetings loyal readers - again a long break. I had the strange PET scan experience today - shot up with radiated sugar, wait wait wait, ride through the X ray tunnel. So now it's wait wait wait again. But summer is beautifully here, and I'm sitting viewing my garden, the miracle of flowers.

I hope all had a delicious holiday weekend - my dearest bro George was here for a true foodie fest! When one is savoring life for each moment, tasty trips are a must!! First we picked him up in Boston and went to Rialia - a real foodie's mecca. (Vegetarians skip the next section...) We supped on mussels and clams, fish in an amazing pesto broth, and an unbelievable lamb dish. We did of course honor the animals who provided this palate pleasing fare. Enamoured of lamb, we bought our own the next day, made a rub and grilled it with vegetables. Julia provided the recipe for mint sauce, and our Mom (looking down on the feast we were sure) had given the invigorating creamy basil dressing. Finally, Friday we topped the culinary adventure by heading to the shore, enjoying whole friend clams (ah those bellies - you can't get clam bellies in the South where BroG lives and eats - only those deep friend rubber bands...) For Rhodies and vacationers, there's nothing like sitting on the deck at Georges of Galilee, sipping a cold one and chewing clams! Then we strolled to the docks to purchase lobsters, mussels and clams right off the boats which we hauled home and steamed with fresh corn. Food network fans, eat your heart out!! Thanks dearest BroG for the excuse to pig out - with kudos to matchstick Myagi..

A note to all fans -send good vibrations to my friend Joanne who has just been diagnosed and is facing treatment soon. Support from loved ones, friends and community have surely been my lifeline. Here's to a summer of health, healing and happy eating! xx

GOOD NEWS, BUT WE REGRET TO INFORM YOU...

Greetings loyal readers - well, once again I am in the waiting limbo on the track to who knows where. The good news is that from the CAT scan, there seems to be only the one little monster bundle on my neck, but the doc now wants a PET scan (Frankie scans me every night - sniffing for snacks...) So they inject a small amount of radioactive sugar into my vein - then slide me through the "detector donut" to see what lights up. According to the doc, if an area lights up, it may mean active cancer, as cancers reach for sugars (nasty sweet tooth, I guess). I also will have more blood tests, and possibly some other pokes and prods. So once they look at results they will decide on treatment - but my Doc is on vacation for 3 weeks, so the news won't be available until a month from now. (Dr. D. is traveling to his homeland Guam with two kids in tow - may the goddesses bless him on a 16 hour flight!!) Otherwise, the weather seems finally to be summer (do I jinx it by mentioning...), my garden is popping with color, and Beth and I are both busy at work. I plan to support an upcoming "relay for life" in support of cancer funding in Somerset/ Fall River MA - will write more as I find out details - on June 24. Your wonderful supportive comments keep me going!! Til laterxx

THE GARDEN GROWS, FOLLOWING THE PATH ONWARD

So I've neglected you, dear loyal readers, and hope to reconnect. After news of 'remission' I returned to work, and immersed myself in the everyday. It's been fabulous to be working again with students, to reconnect with friends at Bristol Community College, to have a coupe of Cancer Free months. We've had a cool raining no spring, but this week summer has arrived in full bloom, and my garden is thriving. The purple iris have been spectacular, the peonies fabulous, the scotch broom delicious. Now the ruby honeysuckle is in full bloom, and the hummingbirds are back. I have tomato plants in flower, basic sprouting, show peas climbing and lettuce thriving. I'll be putting cucumber sprouts in tomorrow, and maybe a hill of squash (as opposed to a hill of beans...)

So as I wander down this year's garden path, apparently my journey with the Big C is not destined to be complete.

I learned yesterday that there is still in all likelihood some of the little monster left in my system. With my female innards gone, cancer cells have reappeared in my lymphatic system - the sites on my neck that exploded last year. I don't know for absolute certain how extensive the regrowth is - CAT scan tomorrow - but Dr. D. seemed certain that there is a returning malignancy and will probably recommend radiation. This is not my favorite choice of new adventures, but I will move forward with whatever has the best chance of discouraging the monster.

So I'm sending out messages via e mail and facebook to alert you, my friends, and hope to re establish dialogue. If you get this, thanks for returning, and joining the trek once again.!! I do like to journey with family, friends and loved ones! xx

THE NEW NORMAL: BACK ON THE BUS

Dear loyal readers, my life has a new normal, I'm back on the bus. My calendar is no longer filled with chemo dates, post surgical visits, various pokes, prods, pictures and other tests. I have moved from patient to survivor.

I realize now the overtones of joy and melancholy I heard when I met groups of survivors when first diagnosed. Early in my cancer days, I listened to these women who spoke of the renewed anxiety each time the date for another test came up: will it hold? Will it return? We are never without that lurking reality, yet we celebrate what we have.

I wrote last that I had spoken at Bell Street Chapel on Sunday about my experience. During that message, I remarked how so many say, "any of us could be hit by a bus tomorrow. " But as I noted, it's a bit different when someone has told you that they have seen the bus coming, that it probably will hit you, and it could be within a year. I want that bus to stop and let me on to new trips!

My latest new-old trip is my return to work. Last week, I swam in the current of the everyday of my job, remembering the timing and the strokes. I embraced my colleagues and friends, rearranged my desk and threw out stacks of paper, greeted students I had not yet met. I delighted in being out and about with purpose. This week, the job began to define me once again: I caught up with changes and challenges, glad tidings and gossip. I witnessed with new eyes the daunting challenge of community colleges: to invite young people not yet ready for post secondary work to take the baton, to run the course, to learn how to stumble, get up and keep going, to find their strengths and believe in themselves. Once again, the fascinating role of written language and reading in our modern world flooded my consciousness.

So in this new life I am crawling, beginning to pull myself up. I plan to continue to work with my expressive arts healing group, and to share this experience and it's amazing power with patients and oncology personnel. Rebirth: bloody but unbowed - I howl and hoot. Your attention and affection continue to provide true life support. xxx

Metamorphosis!

Greetings dearest loyal readers - I have been silent for several weeks awaiting the final news - and the news is fabulous: I am CANCER FREE! My Doctor told me Friday that there is No Evidence of Disease in my

system as of this week - I am grateful and humbled.

You my loyal readers and friends have traveled this journey with me - your support has provided me with life energy as I completed the 12 months of chemo and the surgery. It is truly a season of rebirth. As I reflect on this strange journey, I am so thankful for the amazing love and friendship extended to me. Together we have explored this strange anti life form called cancer, confronting mortality, finding healing powers in our unconscious and our imagination, examining the politics of health care. Knowing you are out there has helped me keep the gray matter active, even as the targeted poisons were confronting the cancer in my system.

I spoke at our Unitarian Fellowship meeting yesterday on the idea of rebirth - of meeting each new day, hour, minute as life renewed. I found a fabulous essay by Barbara Kingsolver in which she writes:

Every one of us is called upon, perhaps many times, to start a new life. A frightening diagnosis, a marriage, a move, loss of a job. And onward full tilt we go, pitched and wrecked and absurdly resolute, driven in spite of everything to make good on a new shore. To be hopeful, to embrace one possibility after another...that is surely the basic instinct... crying out "high tide!" Time to move out into the glorious debris! Time to take life for what it is!"

So I am moving onward full tilt - into the glorious debris. I plan to continue this blog, at least now and then: I will keep all posted, but move on to other topics as my journey is no longer primarily a cancer journey. I hope to explore personal and political issues as my personal apoptosis continues: my cells living, dying, being reborn. Cancer cells - good bye: may we find a way to help you pass away, to experience your natural death and rebirth as healthy cells.

As the Indian mystic poet Rabinadreth Tagore wrote:

You have made me endless, such is your pleasure. This frail vessel you empty again and again, and fill ever with fresh life.

This little flute of a reed you have carried over hills and dates, and have breathed through it melodies eternally new.

At the immortal touch of your hands my little heart loses its limits in joy and gives birth to utterance ineffable.

Your infinite gifts come to me only on these very small hands of mine. Ages pass, and still you pour, and still there is room to fill.

And fill it up we will! xx to all in overwhelming gratitude. ApopSal

SING OUT, LOUISE!

Dearest loyal readers,

Last night I attended a "Voices of Hope" concert at the down town University of RI site - an enthusiastic collection of women singing for our lives. The small but appreciative audience joined in as the impromptu, non auditioned women's chorus sang rousing renditions of such classics as "Lean on Me". And thanks to Michele Obama for her statements supporting raising our daughters to be leaders! This is OUR time.


As the public employees, especially teachers (mostly women) , in Wisconsin fight the efforts to end collective bargaining rights in that state, we must remember the origins of international women's day, including honoring the women who died in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire during efforts to unionize shirtwaist factory workers. Gloria Steinem, tireless voice for women's rights, noted recently that women STILL earn only 77% of wages earned by men for the same jobs.

On March 8th, Michele and Barack Obama honored women for our struggle to gain equal rights, and recognized that the 'glass ceiling' still exists, that our sisters, daughters and nieces have much work still to do. I, of course, am currently especially interested in women's health issues, but also our need to focus on the voices of women who are still oppressed, lacking voice, and still experiencing the vicious effects of a monopoly capital system that engages a few women 'stars' while continuing to promote economic and social policies that continue to victimize women and girls.

BUT WE WILL CONTINUE OUR STRUGGLE, WE WILL CONTINUE SINGING, WE WILL BE HEARD! Always more to come...xx

Hi friends! Much too long, but still having computer problems - amazed I was able to illustrate this post. ( I love this mandala - phases of the moon and pathways of the heart - like the strange and uneven passage of time and the phenomenal network of friends (all of you] who have accompanied my journey.)

My train tracks continue to heal - the staples are gone, only a line from the navel to the tree line - and I'm feeling fine (get tired, but also cabin fever!) Today I go to the oncologist to talk about future treatment: choice one (hopefully) a chemo break - with monitoring to be sure the little monster hasn't recurred. Choice two: maintenance chemo ( one infusion a month) that will allow me to return to work. Choice three - more intensive chemo - but I don't think this will be necessary. Always in limbo!!

I've written often about 'living in the present' - and now with some of the worst behind me for the moment, this is more and more important. I continue to paint and write, and watch the amazing changes going on in the world. The allure of 'freedom for self government' has erupted in the middle east in ways not predicted at least by us in the west. And of course, here at home we have our own challenge to 'voice' as the governor of Wisconsin attempts to set aside the right of public workers to participate in collective bargaining - to have a voice in developing the contracts that rule their lives. It seems that Republicans are truly attempting to defeat union strength in supporting the Democratic party and liberal ideology that invites full participation in decisions that affect us.

So I continue my 'armchair' observing (recliner, actually) and consider how I can best support movements for progressive social change in my somewhat compromised state. But I'll be fully active before long! Thanks for 'listening' dearest readers - Hopefully March will come in like a lamb, after the snowy lion of February. xxSal

ON THE MEND: THE AMAZING HUMAN BODY

So I made it through, dear readers, and broke out of the ward yesterday! Docs and nurses were great, and other than the constant "wake up for testing" the snip and sweep went well. I met a delightful chaplain, Caroline, and several great nurses, especially Janet who was both caring and lively. I was quite impressed that she has volunteered twice in Haiti: we agreed that such experiences enrich our lives in unexpected ways.

I have a lovely set of tummy staples to mark the staple and sweep out region, which will result in a lovely tummy ridge. Guess the thong bikini is out for this year... It is amazing that our bodies can mend from such aggressive invasion. Not that the body doesn't protest (hey, what the ##&&** are you doing to me?? Get the H out of there!)

At this point, the docs have to wait on 'pathology' to figure out next steps. I will in all likelihood be home mending for 6 - 7 weeks or so, but do hope to go back to work once I'm mended. I won't know about future treatment for about a month - but will continue my support services, especially the wonderful meditation/ visual expression group. While cancer is not a 'gift', it has provided an opportunity to explore my inner self and the strange process of becoming ourselves.

In this land of snow, I can't say that sitting by the fire and concentrating on healing is all bad. Just don't make me laugh too much!! I'll continue my writing and painting as I sew myself back together: who knows, I may discover a whole new adventure! Each day, each hour each minute: I love life! xxSal

EARLY SPRING CLEANING! IT'S HYSTERY...

Hello dear readers: well, on to a new phase! Apparently Chemo has reduced active C enough to clean out unwanted baggage! The MRI showed additional reduction of active cancer, and no indication of interference with the bladder, so surgery is the word of the day. The surgeon who specializes in gynecological surgery for oncology patients is recommending a total hysterical sweep out, I mean hysterectomy - all intended to buy time. Hey, do I need this plumbing?? Hello!!

While surgery is always a bit daunting, I look forward to time out of chemo, and a return to somewhat normalcy after this year of chemicals. After six months of weekly drip, I'll actually miss my fabulous chemo team, especially June, my always cheery chemo nurse, Zulmira and the CNA crew who always provided comfort and snacks, and CI, the endlessly patient intake clerk who handles the endless paperwork as we stream through.

So, I'll be laid up a bit, then on the mend - and on with living each day! Stay tuned for updates - xx

MOVING SLOWLY IN 2011...

Greetings dear readers! Again, a delay in postings - have been waiting to hear about my future... I now have to go for an MRI as the CAT scan doesn't tell enough to determine my future treatment - ah the wheels of progress in medical treatment time...

Otherwise, January moves on into 2011. my latest attitude adjustment for 2011 is: not just 'hope', but possibility and opportunity. Hope without action is mere fantasy. My plans for action in 2011 include action to continue my road to health, action to clear up chaos in my personal sphere, action to add my own small part to positive social change and social justice.

These three plans have of course their own internal contradictions (what in life doesn't???) Action for health may include more inaction in terms of my physical and work life, but can
always mean action in terms of my intellectual and spiritual life. There are so many messages that tell us about negative activity in our smaller and larger communities, yet I realize how important it is to seek out news of positive change. My old friend Diane visited last week and shared her victories in Santa Fe NM - the city succeeded in raising the minimum wage within the city limits to more than $9.00 an hour - actual progress towards a living wage! While such actions may continue to send corporations overseas for the sweatshop wages that secure huge profits, this action serves as a model for collaboration between public and private spheres of influence. I am so encouraged by this success!

So we need to keep our antennae tuned for such success, and to look for arenas (arenae??) for action. (Couldn't resist this image - snails with hats...)

While my own individual contributions and progress are definitely snailish (how's that for a word for today), I am seeking the slow and steady movement forward in each moment. Like snails, we each carry our own universe on our backs; we each leave a trail in the annals of human history, no matter how small.

Stopping by my blog on this post snowy evening, I welcome your thoughts and responses! xSal