Cometsgirl

It’s not surprising that we often find ourselves with an opportunity to check something out.

On Sunday, as we were driving off from the casa, a young man ran up to us to ask if we knew where the overflow parking was for the Ashram.

Not only did we not know where the overflow parking was, we were unaware there was a Hindu temple one street over.

Yesterday we took a detour home by driving down the street one block away. There it was. The Ashram.

Removing our shoes, we entered.

Within the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram is a statue of Hanuman-anji, a lovable monkey god who devoted his entire being to the service of his divine master, Lord Rama.

Takhts – sacred seats – were available for meditation and prayer.

Outside, peacocks roam.

Signs detailing all the rules and restrictions belied the sense of silent welcome I felt when we entered.

Once again we found it’s a good thing to say “oh sure, let’s”.

As we drove north toward Taos a few days ago, I was so struck by this tree that I pled for a u-turn so I could save this image.

The stark gracefulness of this tree is stunning to me. It stands out in its uncovered–ness.

It is without adornment, yet is quite beautiful. It feels balanced and graceful. And strong. And long-lifed.

Perhaps l see some of me in this tree. Both as I am and as I wish to be.

“I feel a great regard for trees; they represent age and beauty and the miracles of life and growth.” Louise Dickinson Rich

Having planned ahead of time to go to a service of Taize and healing late in the afternoon, Sabbath keeping took on a new rhythm.

Taking leave of the bed in slow fashion, lounging in the backyard was the place to be.

Breakfast served in front of the fire, I mean sunflowers.

Then on to Coffee Apothecary for the real start to the day.

Home for some backyard rest-taking,

and intentional walking along the path behind the casa.

Then midday prayers seated next to a garden of Yarrow.

Immediately after prayers there was a declaration of “I’m hungry now!” It’s clear all this resting and prayer can create an appetite.

Something good and healthy. Well, good.

Late afternoon we found exquisite worship at St. James Episcopal Church – a Taize service of healing. Beautiful prayers. Beautiful music.

From the Epistle of St. James: Are any among you suffering? They should pray. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up.

The dismissal. Send us forth a people, forgiven, healed, renewed. Alleluia!

A lovely Sabbath day of worship and rest comes to a close.

Up early. Early meaning 6:30. I’m on healing time, after all, so 6:30 seems early.

Knowing that the Taos Farmers Market was to open at 8am, we hustled down the road to Coffee Apothecary to enjoy their special brews and latte art. It was lovely to begin the day with Lydia and Pablo, now “old” friends.

 

Then off to the market. It was all – and more – than we expected.

 

 

The bonus was running into a group of students from Colorado College. We were charmed by each another. Some of the students were freshmen, and here I was a graduate from 55 years ago.

The remainder of the day was rest and lolling, inside and out, with meals prepared with the abundance of the market.

A walk across the road to say goodnight to the llamas.

Day is done. The Lord almighty grant us – and you – a peaceful night and a perfect end.

How to end a gloriously slow day in Taos.

Fine dining on the patio at La Cueva.

A drive just down the road to visit the llamas.

Home to experience another milestone. Taking a shower without a chair!

Evening prayers without a fire. It is summer after all.

As the shadows lengthen, bedtime. Healing rest. Ah…shhh…

It was with mixed emotions that I boarded my flight to Albuquerque today. In the decades I’ve been flying, I’ve generally flown once a month. I’m now rusty. Especially with these legs and back I’m trying to use.

I needed to see this vastness again.

It was hard navigating the airport today. Start, stop, and wait. Repeat.

It was a challenge to be chair-bound. Then a friend suggested I turn the wheelchair into a walker. That worked! I drove myself to the head of the boarding queue, parked and enjoyed a “little extra time” boarding.

Gazing out the window as we taxied it felt familiar, but not quite.

As we became airborne I was reminded, “He will put his angels in charge of you to watch over you carefully.” Luke 4:10

And just like that I was back in my chair in the sky.

I arrived first in Albuquerque and so was parked in baggage to await my traveling friend. I’ve new appreciation for those who are parked and must wait for any assistance. Yes, wait for any.

Eventually I took matters into my own strong arms, and crafted an escape from my bench. After all, I needed to charge up my devices!

At last she arrived and we were on our way north to Taos!

First up, sustenance for the drive.

As a passenger today, I took all the road photos I wanted.

Such a different landscape from that of our usual winter travel.

Now home and in for the night, with doors open, gentle rain, and in the 50’s. Time for rest.

It’s good to be back in travel mode.

While this phrase has its origins in the Hemingway novel A Farewell to Arms, and in a greater context of more than these five words, it fits the time and place in which I find myself.

This image is what I imagine my back nerves and structure look like.

And let me say, those nerves have a painfully annoying way of getting my attention.

Right now I don’t know how well I will get put back together, but I believe that where the broken places are healed, there will be new strength.

This has been a hard time for me. I’ve struggled under the weight of pain, under the weight of losing the image of myself I have long put forth, and under the unknown level of hope I’m able to gather up. I’ve had times of real discouragement. And believe me when I say, I have mastered the “art” of sobbing.

And yet, “she persisted”.  And yet, she persists.

I’m a traveler. I’ve not traveled for ninety-six days. Yes, I’m keeping track. I am, though, soon to travel once again. It was heartbreaking to have to cancel the much anticipated return trip to the Faroe Islands this month. Thankfully there are already plans in place to return next year.

In the meantime, Taos, NM awaits. In just four days I will travel once again. I’ve always found Taos, and New Mexico, to be a place of healing. And so, too, this is my expectation for my coming trip.

A few days ago I mentioned to a friend that I would be traveling to New Mexico, and I was asked “how are you going to do that?”.  I don’t recall my exact reply, but it will be one step at a time, with wheeled assistance as needed. Come along.

Traveling mercies.

  

My mobility took a hit – literally – about three weeks ago.

I was involved in a serious hit-and-run accident. A car accident where the car is no more.

THANKFULLY, the two people who were in the car are still “more”.

It was enough of a crash to jolt the already tenuous order of things in my back. Not enough to immediately stop me in my tracks, but enough for the progression of activities and actions that followed over the next few days, to bring me to a standstill.

I’ve traded my Miata wheels for these. I’ve gone from high performance to just barely performance.

I’m known as one who is always on the move, on the go. It’s me, it’s my identity. May I say, my “persona”?

So in addition to my mobility, my persona has taken a hit.

Today, however, I did up the performance option. I boarded a scooter at the local grocery. I took a quick look at how to drive this vehicle and took off.  I saw a friend checking out and when he glanced my way, I called out “it’s my first time on this ride!” We exchanged big smiles.

I ran – almost – into another friend, and we just delighted in the mystery of obstacles and opportunities.  

I had dreaded this moment. I had not wanted anyone to see me. Yet, when it happened I was able to quickly diffuse the power it had held over me. Being seen in the company of smiling friends soothed my bruised ego.

 

All in all it was a successful navigation of the grocery aisles. I only backed into the shelves twice, and Evan learned to stay just far enough away so as to not be run into or rolled over, yet close enough to gather high-up items when I signaled.

Traveling mercies.

A friendly hello at check-in.

Anesthesia administered.

Incisions.

Prayer.

Ice chips.

Wound management.

Vital signs.

Mobile.

Fluids.

Rest.

Discharged.

Mother’s Day at home.

Gratitude.

I’m headed home tomorrow. Traveling mercies.

I have to learn how to do what??

And that also??

I’m aware I’ve generally avoided these kinds of tasks. I’ve not been at all drawn to this kind of hands-on activity. Hands-on for me is art and craft making; cooking even.

Clay, pens and watercolors, and extra virgin olive oil are more likely to be my tools.

Not these. But they are my tools, for now.

Yesterday I was trained by a skilled and licensed care giver – a nurse at the hospital where I found myself. My sister underwent surgery and I had come to help. However I had not thought my help would be care giving at this level.

Well, it is what it is.

I love Arizona. The vistas and the sky enchant me. On the way to the hospital yesterday morning I was gifted with this view.

As we prepared to leave the hospital last night, contrails painted the sky.

I’ve just now read about this hospital and the organization under which it operates. Check this out:

CommonSpirit Health was founded by women religious, with a long, proud legacy of serving all people in need, especially those who’ve been made vulnerable by poverty, age, and other hardships.

This may explain why the days began with prayer as patients and healthcare providers gather for the work of healing.

While I had not thought I would be capable of learning and then actually achieving these skills, surprise! It turns out I am a somewhat, and narrowly trained, care giver.

The garden below is located just off the entrance to the hospital. It’s lovely place of respite for patients and care givers.

“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11

This care giver needs a Starbucks right now! I’m going to grab my patient and head out the door.