tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68018416229820863692024-03-08T07:02:54.823-07:00Living In Syn...applying principles of simplicity and synchronicity in the battle against entropyHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-43021228189950724042010-04-14T17:07:00.001-07:002010-04-14T17:07:44.848-07:00Brad Lancaster on Water Harvesting on YouTubehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iQ-FBAmvBw&feature=relatedHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-53748616887166025452009-11-30T23:49:00.002-07:002009-11-30T23:51:18.586-07:00What I've been up to for the last 30 days<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tP2ol1RhXks/SxS8vLnQD4I/AAAAAAAAAEE/IErZUjSY8TU/s1600/nano_09_winner_120x240.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tP2ol1RhXks/SxS8vLnQD4I/AAAAAAAAAEE/IErZUjSY8TU/s400/nano_09_winner_120x240.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410156571136102274" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-79797076747605378252009-11-26T11:45:00.001-07:002009-11-26T11:46:19.158-07:00Time CNN video about solar power<a href="http://www.time.com/time/video/player/0,32068,33575328001_1916895,00.html">http://www.time.com/time/video/player/0,32068,33575328001_1916895,00.html</a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-42740546371907355532009-09-29T02:01:00.001-07:002009-09-29T02:06:10.613-07:00CSA target audience? Invitation for a guest posterMy friend wrote about her experiences with an intro meeting to the concept... I'd like to invite Amethyst to post her piece on my blog... May I post it here? It's right on target. I'd also like to hear about anyone else's experiences with Community Supported Agriculture.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-82283830069890907702009-09-24T11:38:00.003-07:002009-09-24T11:41:31.481-07:00Go Local: A model for a new economyCheck this out as a model for a new way to interact to offer our services and products and find what we need.<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://sonomacounty.golocal.coop/">http://sonomacounty.golocal.coop/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; "><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; ">GoLocal's mission is to <em><strong style="font-size: 0.9em; ">reclaim our local economic powe</strong></em><em><strong style="font-size: 0.9em; ">r</strong></em> by . . .</p><ul><li style="margin-bottom: 10px; "><em><strong style="font-size: 0.9em; ">Educating</strong></em> the community on the benefits of supporting a resilient, thriving local economy</li><li style="margin-bottom: 10px; "><em><strong style="font-size: 0.9em; ">Engaging</strong></em> all community stakeholders by providing ownership in the cooperative and process</li><li style="margin-bottom: 10px; "><strong style="font-size: 0.9em; "><em>Formalizing</em></strong> and strengthening community relationships</li><li style="margin-bottom: 10px; "><em><strong style="font-size: 0.9em; ">Sustaining</strong></em> well-being through community reinvestment and enterprise incubation</li><div><br /></div></ul></span></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-3345307721768398622009-09-24T11:25:00.006-07:002009-09-24T11:36:55.438-07:00Jonathan Harris, TED Talk: Our individual and collective storiesI've been taking some time for rest and personal exploration: reading Jung, watching movies on Netflix, watching and enjoying TED Talks, and sleeping in the middle of the day.<div><br /></div><div>Please take some time to go to TED to investigate the amazing thinking that is presented. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am moved to share one particular TED talk, which is a bit arbitrary because of all the other worthy ones I've seen lately. I suppose it's the nature of his work that makes me want to share it on the Blog.</div><div><br /></div><div>This talk by Jonathan Harris, about our individual and collective stories, will serve as a fantastic introduction if you aren't familiar with TED. <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_harris_tells_the_web_s_secret_stories.html"> http://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_harris_tells_the_web_s_secret_stories.html</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some links to some of the projects he mentions:</div><div><br /></div><div>We Feel Fine: <a href="http://www.wefeelfine.org/mission.html">http://www.wefeelfine.org/mission.html</a></div><div>Universe: <a href="http://universe.daylife.com/">http://universe.daylife.com/</a></div><div>Jonathan Harris's website: <a href="http://www.number27.org/">http://www.number27.org/</a>, which is where I'll leave off because all of his projects are linked there.</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy. </div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-14693728945817454512009-09-09T11:44:00.002-07:002009-09-09T11:49:37.102-07:0030 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know[This is cross-posted on my Facebook page; some of you may encounter it twice. I welcome comments, questions, etc.]<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We’ve all seen the list ‘20 things about me’ and ‘50 thing about me you didn’t know’. They can actually be interesting if you want to get to know the person better! Well, we’ve got one I haven’t seen anywhere yet, ‘30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know.’</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Just copy and paste it below and put it up on your blog, send it to your friends, paste in on Facebook (if it’s too long, put it in your ‘notes’ section.)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Let’s spread the word about Invisible Illness Week this way. It’s a wonderful way to share a little bit about your life. And don’t forget to add the last paragraph so people know where to find us!</span><br /><br /><b>30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know</b><br />by Heather Severson<br /><br /><b>1. The illness I live with is:</b> Arachnoiditis (see <a href="http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article180.html"> a good explanation</a> of this condition. It’s right on target for what I endure.)<br /><b>2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: </b>2007<br /><b>3. But I had symptoms since:</b> 2003<br /><b>4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is:</b> Losing custody of my children.<br /><b>5. Most people assume:</b> I can’t begin to guess what “most people” assume about me and this illness. Why don’t you tell me what <i>your</i> assumptions are?<br /><b>6. The hardest part about mornings is:</b> Waking up from dreams where I was active and moving and free, to find out I’m still in this pained body.<br /><b>7. My favorite medical TV show is:</b> Oh, I don’t watch tv so I guess the only one I know about at all is ER.<br /><b>8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is:</b> My TENS unit. (<a href=" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transcutaneous_electrical_nerve_stimulation">Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation</a>)<br /><b>9. The hardest part about nights is:</b> Insomnia due to pain.<br /><b>10. Each day I take this many pills and vitamins:</b> 10 prescription pills & occasionally a handful of vitamins.<br /><b>11. Regarding alternative treatments I: </b>Appreciate acupuncture and wish I could pay for more regular treatments. I wish things like that were covered under health insurance because I think they help keep other health-related costs down.<br /><b>12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose:</b> Neither. I would choose to be healthy. I would like it if I didn’t have to put up with indignant glances and even comments when I need to use my handicap parking placard. On the days I don’t need it, I don’t use it. But when I need it, I <i>really</i> need it. I don’t want the pity or lack of understanding from complete strangers who might judge me if my condition were more obvious, either. I’m still just as much of a human being now as I was before I got sick. You can still look me in the eye even if I’m in a wheelchair or bedbound.<br /><b>13. Regarding working and career: </b>I feel bereft and robbed of my intentions and efforts to follow my calling and make a significant contribution to my profession. But I’m going to try to do something, anyway. My goal is to support myself and my family (and evidently, whether I want to or not, my ex-husband) with my own work and income, and begin contributing to social security instead of depending on my small disability benefit. It’s not nearly enough to live on, even with the most reduced quality of life or lifestyle. Believe me, it’s not living the high life to have to accept that monthly payment. I really doubt that anyone who accepts this kind of assistance is lazy and content to “live off the government” or whatever it was that a certain person might accuse me of… or that I worried about in the months I put off applying because of a strange sense of pride or guilt or Puritan work ethic. I’m willing to bet that an enormous percentage of people who receive disability benefits would be back at work instantly if they could leave behind the condition that led to their disability in the first place. Part of our purpose as human beings is to do important, meaningful work. It is extremely depressing to feel that one can’t make a positive contribution.<br /><b>14. People would be surprised to know: </b>Again, I can’t begin to know what other people think. What surprises <i>you</i>?<br /><b>15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been:</b> Besides losing custody of the children, I’m bitter about not being able to teach SCUBA diving, go hiking and camping, take care of the regular household and garden tasks that I could do when I was healthy and strong. I miss teaching. The list goes on. Nothing about this is easy.<br /><b>16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was:</b> Survive 8 surgeries and countless hospitalizations, with the associated trauma that is meant to help heal, but that hurts and causes lasting physical pain and emotional upset. If I explained it, you would probably feel like throwing up, so I’ll spare you the details of spinal taps, central line installation and failure, IV bruises, side effects of anesthesia, spinal headaches and the rest.<br /><b>17. The commercials about my illness: </b>Don’t seem to exist. At least I’ve never seen a television, print or online ad about it. Of course, in terms of media, I don’t get out much.<br /><b>18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: </b>Rock climbing, SCUBA diving, hiking, camping, climbing up on to my roof to clean the rain gutters, driving long distances, traveling, you name it. I still miss all of it.<br /><b>19. It was really hard to have to give up: </b>Custody of the kids. I can’t accept it. It’s hard to give up my old active life. I can’t stand being dependent. I was always the one to depend on, the one who could get things done.<br /><b>20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is:</b> Facebook, evidently. ☹<br /><b>21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: </b>Go SCUBA diving or backpacking. Pick up my kids and dance around with them. Run around chasing them and piling on the ground in a fit of little boy giggles.<br /><b>22. My illness has taught me:</b> Compassion. Appreciation for health. Not to judge others because I never really know what suffering they may endure that I cannot see or be aware of. People are resilient and strong. Unfortunately, some people, in their own pain or lack of experience, can be really mean and insensitive.<br /><b>23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: </b>“It’s all for the best” type comments or “I know how you feel,” or “Get over it,” or “It’s not that bad.”<br /><b>24. But I love it when people: </b> Treat me as they ever did, as a friend. I really appreciate it when I can do something to help my friends. I’m not helpless in all ways, I just can’t do much physically.<br /><b>25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: </b>This too shall pass, or Everything is temporary.<br /><b>26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: </b>Cry whenever you can. Don’t let yourself become emotionally numb. Be prepared for depression, which is an inevitable companion to chronic pain and probably a result of the lost opportunities and capabilities that are consequences of this condition and whatever led up to it. Be strong. Take your pain medicines without apology. Do a good deal of research so you can learn what questions to ask of your medical team. Ask those questions until you get satisfactory answers. If a medication makes you feel weird in any way, ask the doctor or pharmacist about it. There are alternatives that might not make you suffer strange and debilitating side effects. Try alternative therapies. Ask for help. Accept help. Read the <a href="http://www.theacpa.org/people/basic_rights.asp">Chronic Pain Patient’s Basic Rights</a> . The one I like best and try to take to heart is, “Do less than you are humanly capable of doing.”<br /><b>27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is:</b> It is still possible to be happy.<br /><b>28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: </b> I can’t count the specific kindnesses I have received during this ordeal from friends, family, work colleagues, health professionals and utter strangers. One thing that comes to mind is that Cathy came from Ohio to spend a week or so taking care of me after one of my early surgeries. I’ll never forget the comfort that came from knowing my household was in her capable hands. I mean, NEVER. I summon up the feeling as a self-soothing device when I need it. I survive on gratitude. Thank you to all of you who continue to be here for me.<br /><b>29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: </b> It’s very frightening to put all this out there, even in the limited scope of publishing on Facebook. I’ll take up the challenge to speak for others who may not be able to do so. I’ve learned that what is true for me is often true for many others. If I can articulate some idea or concept that leads to compassionate treatment of someone else in my circumstances, this will have been worth the effort and exposure.<br /><b>30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: </b>Appreciative. Time is precious and if you have read this I’m grateful for your time and attention. If you have learned anything, pass it on. If you have questions, please feel free to ask me anything.<br /><br />Find out more about National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week and the 5-day free virtual conference with 20 speakers Sept 14-18, 2009 at <a href="http://invisibleillnessweek.com/">http://invisibleillnessweek.com</a><br /><br /><b>* 6 Reasons I Support Invisible Illness Week</b><br />1. Knowledge is Power.<br />2. Ignorance is not bliss for the people who suffer from the consequences of ignorance.<br />3. Compassion can be contagious.<br />4. It hurts to be sick on so many levels that someone who has never suffered like this may gain appreciation for his or her own relative good health, and may practice more nuanced compassion by learning about illness.<br />5. It is likely that everyone will encounter a severe illness in his or her life, whether personally or in someone he or she loves. It’s good to know there are resources for support standing at the ready when that crisis occurs.<br />6. I would like to provide more opportunities and excuses for kindness in this world.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-42358795549542441922009-08-28T19:55:00.002-07:002009-08-28T19:57:25.903-07:00Tucson Organic Gardeners Provides Composting Info and More<a href="http://www.tucsonorganicgardeners.org/compostinginformation.htm">http://www.tucsonorganicgardeners.org/compostinginformation.htm</a><div><br /></div><div>Tucson Organic Gardeners provides lectures, demonstrations, and informative documents about composting and all kinds of other cool gardening information. Check 'em out!</div><div><br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-88270237566100319112009-08-28T19:51:00.000-07:002009-08-28T19:52:14.037-07:00Composting in the DesertFrom Technicians for Sustainability<br /><a href="http://tfssolar.com/1767/composting-in-the-desert/">http://tfssolar.com/1767/composting-in-the-desert/</a><br /><br />Composting in the Desert: (and plant sale)<br />Oct. 24, 2009, time TBA<br /><br />St Marks Presbyterian Church View Larger Map 3809 E 3rd Street The garden is actually on 2nd Street, so park in the lot off 2nd.<br /><br />Tucson Organic Gardeners is explaining all you need to know to get started in composting, to maintain your compost, use your compost and even help your neighbors. Bring all your questions too. They'll have a plant sale at the same time.<br /><br />Cost: $10 TOG members $15 non-members<br /><br />Call TOGs info line, 670-9158 and leave a message if you will be attendingHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-72231189204887019592009-08-28T16:43:00.002-07:002009-08-28T16:47:41.622-07:00Edible Desert Plants and a cool blog to boot...<a href="http://tucsoncitizen.com/wryheat/2009/08/01/edible-desert-plants-barrel-cactus-fruit/">http://tucsoncitizen.com/wryheat/2009/08/01/edible-desert-plants-barrel-cactus-fruit/</a><div><br /></div><div>I'm always interested in learning more about edible plants, particularly those native to our desert southwest. If you know any good sources of information, can tell some good stories, or have a recipe or two, chime in!</div><div><br /></div><div>(I know I'm neglecting this Blog but I want to keep throwing out some tidbits of information that support my theme until I can "sustain" the Blog in a more substantial way. I don't even know who reads this stuff, so it's hard to stay motivated to write about it when I'm so busy practicing LivingInSyn. If there's anyone out there, send me a peep... or contribute to the dialogue... a readership is mighty motivating.)</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-55765682853147481742009-08-05T11:43:00.002-07:002009-08-05T11:47:26.856-07:00Questions about energy-efficient heater/air conditioning systemI had to have my air conditioner serviced last week; I'd gone as far as I could poking around in there without causing potential damage, so I called for help. As we settled our business at the end of the service, we chatted about newer, far more efficient models of heaters/air conditioners. They are pricey but there are often rebates available, and the service guy (what's the right job title? I dunno) said they pay for themselves <span style="font-style:italic;">very</span> quickly. I want to quantify "very." So here's the third in a series of questions that don't yet have answers. Feedback, anecdotes and suggestions welcome!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-87799762703674532752009-08-05T11:36:00.003-07:002009-08-05T11:42:23.577-07:00Questions about water- and energy-efficient washers and dryersAnother friend is looking into purchasing a water-and energy-efficient washer and dryer set. She's conflicted about getting rid of a perfectly good washer and dryer in the interests of efficiency. Is it worth it? How much energy and water savings result from the exchange? What are the downsides? Are there any unexpected benefits?<br /><br />I'll post this in the interest of gaining feedback, and like the com-"<a href="http://livinginsyn.blogspot.com/2009/08/questions-about-desert-composting.html">post</a>" I'll revisit the blog when I have some answers.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-44522693897999784582009-08-05T11:28:00.006-07:002009-08-05T11:40:49.068-07:00Questions about desert compostingMy friend just started composting at her new place... I'm going to add her questions to my own blog, since composting is my "thing" and see if I can address them, answering her inquiries and maybe informing others as well. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://amethysthintonsainz.blogspot.com/2009/08/questions-about-desert-composting.html">Questions Specific to Composting in the Desert/ Tucson:</a><br />1. Has anyone figured out if this is really worthwhile, considering that I am having to water my compost pile with precious ground water every other day or so?<br />2. How do I know if I am keeping the pile moist enough? In general, how do I know if I am tending my compost pile correctly for maximum results?<br />3. Any tricks for keeping the pile moist enough?<br />4. What kinds of bugs and critters are normal to expect around a compost pile? I know I should be on the lookout for neighborhood cats, but is there anything else I should worry about? I've got lots of ants and other miscellaneous little bugs. I also noticed some weird chrysalises (sp?) They were about 1 1/2" in diameter, white with a red tip on one end, curled into a circle and looked nasty-- some kind of beetle or something? Hopefully not cockroaches? Ew.</span><br /><br />If any readers have suggestions, feel free to chime in!<br /><br />Stay tuned for more information!<br /><br />In the meantime, I addressed composting in a previous post: <a href="http://livinginsyn.blogspot.com/2007/05/compost-happens.html">Compost Happens.</a> There are some links to composting in that post, though I haven't checked them for link rot. I'll surely find more information in the quest for answers to these questions.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-72645905153872594962009-07-28T03:35:00.001-07:002009-07-28T03:37:11.979-07:00Thank you for your donationThank you for your contribution. It will go to good use in building our sustainable lifestyle... My children and I thank you. (Happy Dance of Appreciation)Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-9548540049023830432009-02-18T13:12:00.005-07:002009-02-18T14:04:30.592-07:00Parenting Resources, Disability ResearchI've just finished reading <span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://young-eisendrath.com/">The Self-Esteem Trap: Raising Confident Kids in an Age of Self-Importance</a></span>, by Polly Young-Eisendrath. (2008) Little, Brown & Co.<br /><br />Perusing the bibliography and notes, I looked into the Arkansas Center for Effective Parenting (<a href="http://parenting-ed.org/default.asp">http://parenting-ed.org/default.asp</a>). This website led me down a long path, exploring various handouts about parenting. <br /><br />I also found <a href="http://www.ncddr.org/">The National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research</a>, which has all kinds of information on just what it describes. <br /><br />I am beginning to take part in a <a href="http://www.psychiatry.arizona.edu/html/people/faculty/gilbert.htm">Mind-Body Skills Group</a> presented by the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Department of Psychology. It's all part of my self-improvement, self-educating efforts, which may help me find some worthwhile distraction from all my woes of the past few years. Perhaps it will help me reestablish some sense of purpose, so that I can get anchored into "real life" at some point. <br /><br />In calm, idle moments, I have finally begun to ponder the significance of my experiences with illness and single parenting and disability and custody battles and failure and all that, hoping to get my words around these things to preserve some insight for myself, and perhaps for others. Perhaps I'll get around to posting some of these thoughts on the blog. <br /><br />Sometimes I think about this blog and my purposes for starting it, and I realize it goes neglected far too long if I am to make it into a relevant outlet for my insights and inquiries. But it takes its place among the lowest items on my priority list.<br /><br />In talking with the physiologist at my physical therapist's office, I realized that I've been immersed in day-to-day survival more than what I once enjoyed as authentic, if sometimes frantic, living. I don't have anything to look forward to, and I've been set adrift in my life in a way I never was before when I was busy busy busy doing my work and scholarship and recreation, then parenting and householding. Perhaps it's time to get out the paper and write about short term, long term and life goals. <br /><br />Anyway, maybe I'm back online, but maybe not. In the meantime, happy February... we're already well on our way into 2009. Astounding.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-32109606160615679582008-12-05T14:18:00.005-07:002008-12-05T14:32:31.394-07:00Parenting Resource and Shout Out to MarlaA shout out to Marla, featured in an interesting blog that bears further investigation:<br /><a href="http://happyhealthyhip.blogspot.com/2008/12/what-makes-marla-happy-healthy-hip.html">http://happyhealthyhip.blogspot.com/2008/12/what-makes-marla-happy-healthy-hip.html</a><br /><br />The blog is Hip Heathy Parenting, at <a href="http://www.happyhealthyhip.com/index.php">http://www.happyhealthyhip.com/index.php</a><br /><br />I know I need all the help I can get in the parenting department.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-39695357357031799422008-10-31T14:26:00.006-07:002008-10-31T14:33:10.674-07:00Low-water use landscaping, here and thereHere's another information resource about landscape water conservation in Pima County: <a href="http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/smartscape/">http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/smartscape/</a><br /><br />If you have similar resources for your location, if distant from the desert southwest, please share in the comments section. What kind of water conservation efforts exist in more moist climates? For example, the Portland Water Bureau provides information for its customers at <a href="http://www.portlandonline.com/WATER/index.cfm?c=29334">http://www.portlandonline.com/WATER/index.cfm?c=29334</a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-89381846854331520162008-10-31T14:15:00.003-07:002008-10-31T14:26:08.346-07:00Tucson Water Home Toilet Rebate and Toilet Information for All!I installed <a href="http://livinginsyn.blogspot.com/2007/05/walking-walk-investing-in.html">my water efficient toilets</a> in October 2006, so I can't make use of this, but maybe you can. <a href="http://www.ci.tucson.az.us/water/">Tucson Water</a> is offering <a href="http://www.ci.tucson.az.us/water/rebate.htm">rebates</a> to help qualifying customers replace old, inefficient pre-1991 toilets with new, high-performance, water-efficient toilet fixtures. See this website for a list of over 200 USEPA-approved toilets. (Readers who don't live in Tucson can check this out, too.) <a href="http://www.epa.gov/watersense/pp/find_het.htm">http://www.epa.gov/watersense/pp/find_het.htm</a><br /><br />If any of you, my readers, make use of information on this Blog, will you let me know in the comments section? I'd like to hear if any of this makes any practical difference. Thanks!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-56345208494095250922008-10-30T20:28:00.005-07:002008-10-30T20:40:02.447-07:00Resources regarding electronic recycling and environmental solutionsI've been looking for work, and giving some of these social/professional networking sites a try. I got this tidbit from a <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=59930">Sustainability Professionals</a> group discussion on <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/">LinkedIn</a>. Take note of the disclaimer, but see if any of this information helps you make decisions about what to do with <a href="http://livinginsyn.blogspot.com/2008/05/recyclingreusing-pcs-and-other.html">electronic waste</a>.<br /><br />SmartEE Consulting: smart e-recycling and environmental solutions<br /><a href="http://www.smarteeconsulting.com/resources/">http://www.smarteeconsulting.com/resources/</a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-36082593419732838192008-10-29T15:44:00.003-07:002008-10-29T16:23:04.420-07:00NaNoWriMo loves HeatherHeatherWell, I did it. You can track <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/user/435200">my progress and goofy communiqués</a> at the NaNoWriMo Website. Wouldn't it be cool if I could sell the results of this effort to pay child support? (Wait until I tell you THAT story. Stay tuned.)Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-56775390995549965872008-10-29T15:27:00.006-07:002008-10-29T15:37:45.690-07:00NaNoWriMo: Write a 175-page novel in a monthIt's that time again... and THIS time I'm gonna do it. Perhaps I'll be able to keep you posted. (You never know with this blog...) Check out this excerpt from the site's 'About' page. Then register, if you dare, and donate, if you care...<br /><a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/"><br />http://www.nanowrimo.org/</a><br /><h1></h1><blockquote><h1>What is NaNoWriMo?</h1> <a name="top"></a> <a name="node-402531"></a> <p><strong>National Novel Writing Month</strong> is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30.</p> <p>Valuing enthusiasm and perseverance over painstaking craft, NaNoWriMo is a novel-writing program for everyone who has thought fleetingly about writing a novel but has been scared away by the time and effort involved.</p> <p>Because of the limited writing window, the ONLY thing that matters in NaNoWriMo is output. It's all about quantity, not quality. The kamikaze approach forces you to lower your expectations, take risks, and write on the fly.</p> <p>Make no mistake: You will be writing a lot of crap. And that's a good thing. By forcing yourself to write so intensely, you are giving yourself permission to make mistakes. To forgo the endless tweaking and editing and just create. To build without tearing down.</p> <p>As you spend November writing, you can draw comfort from the fact that, all around the world, other National Novel Writing Month participants are going through the same joys and sorrows of producing the Great Frantic Novel. Wrimos meet throughout the month to offer encouragement, commiseration, and—when the thing is done—the kind of raucous celebrations that tend to frighten animals and small children.</p> <p>In 2007, we had over 100,000 participants. More than 15,000 of them crossed the 50k finish line by the midnight deadline, entering into the annals of NaNoWriMo superstardom forever. They started the month as auto mechanics, out-of-work actors, and middle school English teachers. They walked away novelists.</p> <p>So, to recap:</p> <p><strong>What:</strong> Writing one 50,000-word novel from scratch in a month's time.</p> <p><strong>Who:</strong> You! We can't do this unless we have some other people trying it as well. Let's write laughably awful yet lengthy prose together.</p> <p><strong>Why:</strong> The reasons are endless! To actively participate in one of our era's most enchanting art forms! To write without having to obsess over quality. To be able to make obscure references to passages from our novels at parties. To be able to mock real novelists who dawdle on and on, taking far longer than 30 days to produce their work.</p> <p><strong>When:</strong> You can sign up anytime to add your name to the roster and browse the forums. Writing begins November 1. To be added to the official list of winners, you must reach the 50,000-word mark by November 30 at midnight. Once your novel has been verified by our web-based team of robotic word counters, the partying begins.</p> <p>Still confused? Just visit the <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/hownanoworks" target="_blank">How NaNoWriMo Works</a> page! </p></blockquote><p></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-4250548547218454112008-10-29T12:05:00.018-07:002008-10-29T12:35:17.688-07:00Bibliofile and other adventures<span style="font-size:100%;"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I'm trying to get back to some semblance of normal life after the devastating events of late (more about those another time). In revisiting the blog, I found myself overwhelmed by my sidebar of links. I don't want to lose easy access to these resources, so I'll put them here in a post. We'll see what happens with the sidebar later.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Enjoy...<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Sustainability<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://ag.arizona.edu/OALS/ALN/ALNHome.html" target="_new">Arid Lands Newsletter</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.mcdonough.com/cradle_to_cradle.htm" target="_new">Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.desertharvesters.greenbicycle.net/" target="_new">Desert Harvesters</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/recycle/ecycling/faq.htm" target="_new">EPA e-cycling FAQ</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.garynabhan.com/" target="_new">Gary Nabhan</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.nativeseeds.org/v2/default.php" target="_new">Native Seed Search</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.newdream.org/" target="_new">New American Dream</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://noimpactman.typepad.com/blog/" target="_new">No Impact Man</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.arid.arizona.edu/" target="_new">Office of Arid Lands Studies</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.harvestingrainwater.com/" target="_new">Rainwater Harvesting for Dry Lands</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.sonoranpermaculture.org/index.html" target="_new">Sonoran Permaculture Guild</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://tfssolar.com/" target="_new">Technicians for Sustainability</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://thebreakthrough.org/" target="_new">The Breakthrough Institute</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.solarstore.com/" target="_new">The Solar Store</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.tucsongardener.com/Miscellaneous/Booksthings.htm" target="_new">Tucson Gardener</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.kingsolver.com/home/index.asp" target="_new">Barbara Kingsolver</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.kingsolver.com/home/index.asp" target="_new"><br /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Quality of Life<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.newdimensions.org/" target="_new">New Dimensions Radio</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.eckharttolle.com/" target="_new">Eckhart Tolle</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.inpraiseofslow.com/slow/index.php" target="_new">In Praise of Slow</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.slowfood.com/" target="_new">Slow Food International</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.slowfoodusa.org/" target="_new">Slow Food USA</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.slowfoodusa.org/" target="_new"><br /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><b style="">Reading</b></st1:place></st1:city><b style=""><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://craftlit.blogspot.com/" target="_new">CraftLit: A Podcast for Crafters Who Love Books</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.library.pima.gov/index.cfm" target="_new">Library in Tucson</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.loc.gov/index.html" target="_new">Library of Congress</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www2.oprah.com/books/books_landing.jhtml" target="_new">Oprah's Books</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://peoplereading.blogspot.com/" target="_new">People Reading</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://peoplereading.blogspot.com/" target="_new"><br /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Writing <o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://freelanceswitch.com/">Freelance Switch</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.fundsforwriters.com/">Funds For Writers</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/">Grammar Girl</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.hotforwords.com/" target="_new">Hot For Words</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://sawp.web.arizona.edu/index.html" target="_new">Southern Arizona Writing Project</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.nwp.org/">National Writing Project</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.nwp.org/"><br /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Bad Teachers<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/listmania/fullview/R244GGA617RYOQ/ref=cm_lm_pthnk_view?ie=UTF8&lm%5Fbb=" target="_new">Books about educator sexual misconduct</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://educatewcs.wordpress.com/2007/11/28/spotting-signs-of-sexual-misconduct-in-schools-npr/" target="_new">Educate WCS: Dedicated to eliminating ignorance surrounding sex offenders</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.sesamenet.org/" target="_new">Stop Educator Sexual Abuse, Misconduct, and Exploitation</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=16659280&m=16659276" target="_new">Talk of the Nation: Sexual Misconduct in the School System</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=16659280&m=16659276" target="_new">Talk of the Nation: Spotting Sexual Misconduct in Schools</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1143591" target="_new">Teacher Abuse: All Things Considered</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1143591" target="_new"><br /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Knowledge is Power<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/kicesie" target="_new">Kicesie: Sex Ed Guru</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negentropy" target="_new">Negentropy Defined</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleiades_%28star_cluster%29" target="_new">Pleiades</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://wpr.org/webcasting/ideas_audioarchives.cfm?Code=bok" target="_new">To The Best of Our Knowledge</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://wpr.org/webcasting/ideas_audioarchives.cfm?Code=bok" target="_new"><br /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Friends<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.vabelles.blogspot.com/" target="_new">It's The Little Things</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://mamaoknits.blogspot.com/" target="_new">Mama O Knits Too Much</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://agathon-sbh.blogspot.com/" target="_new">Scenes From a Broken Hand</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://agathon-sbh.blogspot.com/" target="_new"><br /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Amusements</span><b style=""><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.theonion.com/content/" target="_new">The Onion</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.thingsmyboyfriendsays.com/" target="_new">Things My Boyfriend Says</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.wherethehellismatt.typepad.com/blog/" target="_new">Where the hell is Matt</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://xkcd.com/" target="_new">xkcd comics</a></span></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-78905127692860882212008-09-04T17:18:00.017-07:002008-09-04T19:26:41.178-07:00Dancing... despite devastation, disappointment and despondency<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zlfKdbWwruY&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zlfKdbWwruY&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />I came home from a court appearance and I REALLY REALLY needed this, so thanks Mama O for <a href="http://mamaoknits.blogspot.com/2008/06/why-this-should-make-me-weep.html">posting it</a> so I could take it for my own sharing.<br /><br />This video helps me come up for air after what happened to me today.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-49657191236219916852008-09-03T17:35:00.004-07:002008-09-03T17:37:25.074-07:00Kinda sorta like Harold and his Purple CrayonI'm stealing humor and wonder again... Check this out:<br /><a href="http://http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs13/f/2007/077/2/e/Animator_vs__Animation_by_alanbecker.swf">http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs13/f/2007/077/2/e/Animator_vs__Animation_by_alanbecker.swf</a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6801841622982086369.post-64601127035769552002008-09-03T16:42:00.005-07:002008-09-03T16:54:02.015-07:00I'm baaaaack... and thinking thoughts of thanksIt’s been a long time since I’ve posted… I have had to be selective about where to invest my energies. Part of the reason I declined opportunities to post here is the onerous legal battle I’m involved in. Many times when I take up pen or place fingers to keyboard, all that pours out of me is grief and rage and bewilderment. It’s either that or complex legal statements. <br /><br />I’m still not done with the custody battle, in fact, the trial will take place in 14 days. I am by no means done with composition of legal documents as I prepare my defense. I think that when the trial is over, I may describe the incredibly convoluted process I’ve been dragged through for the last seven months. As the case is pending, I must proceed with caution.<br /><br />In addition to the child custody fiasco, I’ve been occupied with material survival. I have to make difficult decisions to sustain myself while I am unable to work. It’s difficult to cope with extended disability when the trauma occurs for a relative young, self-employed person. There aren’t any “programs” or plans for relief. <br /><br />To all of you who are employed, I must recommend that you examine your company’s short- and long-term disability plans and ask yourself some hard questions about your circumstances. I had a pretty solid rainy-day fund, but the costs of a year-long contested divorce, eight surgeries, complicated diagnostic procedures and rehabilitation efforts ate it up quickly. Who knew my rainy day would last over three years?<br /><br />“I can carry snakes when their legs are broken or they're so stressed out…” Big One just said as he proudly displayed his Lego mobile jungle, complete with trees for sick pythons to hang out in. The boys are visiting for the long weekend and they play near me as I lie down to rest after an active morning. [<span style="font-style:italic;">This was composed a couple of days ago but I couldn't get into the blog until I switched from IE to Mozilla.</span>]<br /><br />I often wonder what effect this vicious battle between their parents, compounded by my long, slow recovery, has on my little boys. I watch them carefully for signs of distress and do what I can to comfort them, but sometimes they ask hard questions. They frequently toss off comments or create artwork that demonstrate real disruption of their childhood. Their memories are clearly not foggy—I hope that I’m successfully creating some happy memories for them to crowd out or mediate the bad ones.<br /><br />I am reading a book called, <a href="http://mystrokeofinsight.com/">My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey</a>, by Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D. At age 37, this neuroanatomist suffered a severe stroke. It took her eight years to recover, and she wrote about her experiences. I keep my pencil handy to write conversational responses and highlight particular insights, descriptions or recommendations. I am struck by some significant similarities to my own experience. The fact that she was the same age as I was when her trauma began helps me identify with her. Her descriptions of the hospital environments and the medical personnel ring all too true—or too close for my comfort, at any rate. Best of all is the articulation of her absolute conviction that she would recover and her gratitude for the love and support she received to make that recovery possible. Reading about those things inspired me to come back to the Blog.<br /><br />In the beginning, cards and flowers poured in from all over the world to offer condolences for my difficulties. Then came myriad performances of assistance: grocery runs, rides to doctors’ offices or therapy, and in at least two cases, emergency transportation to the hospital when I was in the greatest pain of my life. <br /><br />My friends and colleagues brought homemade food and encouraged me to eat when I had to combat my uncooperative appetite. My compost was stirred. My garden was watered. CJL came from Cincinnati with her son and did EVERYTHING to take care of me and my household for several days. The K family and the S family sent money to help with the costs of childcare assistance. <br /><br />My sister and her boyfriend came to offer some wonderful celebration during the boys’ birthday season, and left the house better than they found it with all of their fix-it projects. My parents came and as well as all the sweet and practical assistance they offered, they set up our childhood playhouse for the boys to use as a clubhouse in the back yard. I learned how to play Dominoes on one lovely Christmas season evening right before I reentered the hospital for what would turn out to be my last two surgeries. <br /><br />People who I once faced in the context of job interviews assisted me from bed to toilet. I NEVER could have imagined such a scenario while I handed over my CV and did my earnest best to convince them of my qualifications.<br /><br />It would take several paragraphs to describe what SK has done to help me.<br /><br />I received literally hundreds of email messages, cards, letters and phone calls with good wishes. I was put on prayer lists in churches of different denominations. I know without question that I was (and still am) buoyed up by an invisible but invincible web of good wishes, blessings, prayers, intentions and “good vibes,” or whatever labels we might apply to that sort of thing. <br /><br />I have been remiss in communicating my thanks to all of these people. I once loved writing thank you cards… beyond polite social practice, they were a tangible expression of gratitude and opportunity to experience the associated emotions again in a focused way. I think I might have managed to send a few in the very beginning. But I stopped writing them. One day I picked up a box of cards that had actually collected dust, and put it back in the closet because it was haunting me with an onerous sense of obligation that I was incapable of meeting. <br /><br />When my oldest boy was born, JKO from New York City sent a welcome gift. In the card she wrote, “Don’t send a thank you card. Go take a NAP!” I sent one anyway, but the sentiment has stayed with me all this time. She sent TWO gifts in that little baby blue package. I am making a big assumption each time I choose the nap and put off the task of writing and sending a card, but in many instances, the nap was what saved me or at least made it possible to go on for another day. The assumption is that anyone who loves me will forgive me for shirking duties of etiquette. <br /><br />That said, I think it’s time to take a nap. I’m going to doze while my kids watch <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Muppet_Show">The Muppet Show.</a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902974293956472627noreply@blogger.com0