July 29, 2005
-
I drove back in 100-degree weather to attend Physical Intimacy and Cancer by Les Gallo-Silver, LCSW-R. I have no idea what the initials stand for. It was put on by the hospital and my boss said the’d spent a lot of money bringing him from New York. I was glad to attend, sex being one of my favorite subjects. I’ve been writing it up, not very wholeheartedly. When I got back today there was an e-mail from the director of the program, who oversees the newsletter. It sounded like she might not print my submission this month; some bullshit about confidentiality. I wrote about the wake and about how doctors and patients approach the subject of death. She assured me they were arranging for a speaker to come in October “to discuss this very thing.” I’m getting a little bit tired of being censored all the time. She has to tip-toe around the doctors. I’m about ready to start my own damn newsletter.
So I guess it’s good to be back. I missed you. But, boy, did I have a great time with Teresa. We went kayaking yesterday and I took my pad and pen with me, paddling and writing my way down the river. I’m finding that waiting until after an experience is over is never as ripe as the actual happening. And who knows when I can stick a day on the river into a story. For some reason I have been traveling a lot lately, and I don’t remember a time when I’ve felt this attached to the terrain of my state. The rivers and the mountains and oceans in Oregon, I’ve immersed myself in these favorite places with my favorite people, and I’m renewed. Renewed’s not the right word. I’m pumped! I looked in the mirror when I got back and I even look better. You take any good time, and then you add pad and pen to it, it only gets better. I’ve still got all my camping shit in the car, and I don’t seem to want to unpack it.
Comments (14)
how about ‘restored?’
i’m not giving you shit. i went camping two weeks ago, and i came back slightly restored. it wasn’t a logn enoug trip to work the proper healing magic. and i didn’t get enough writing time in
I was so connected to this statement and the image I get of you on the river, pad in hand. Here is the statement:”"I’m finding that waiting until after an experience is over is never as ripe as the actual happening.”" Sorry I asked how you were doing – forgot you were off and recreating. Cheers
You should write your own newsletter. I was lucky enough in Family Medicine to work with some doctors who were into working with a whole person instead of segmenting her into parts and specialists (although oncologists are damn important). Three of my favorites there were not afraid to speak candidly, depending on the patient. I’m glad you had such a great time! Paddling and penning, maybe later peddling the prizes of your pondering. “Fox in Socks” is one of my favorite books ever. Go travelling again! (I was different in my last post – tired and a bit cold in my writing – too sterile or something.) Love!
camping? bc i’m NOT a nature girl. the city revitalizes me and the country saps me from the anxiety it causes … we are very different ppl, you and i. i’m glad you finding roots, me? i’ll be the one tripping over them! i suggest your own online newsletter! don’t be stiffled … be pro-active! and like emily^^ i love fox in socks too!
Too bad about the newsletter–sounds like some of your most inspired work isn’t getting to the people who’d enjoy reading it. I’m sure you’ll find another way to share. I’m very sorry to hear about your friend, and I agree we could all be better prepared for death. It’s not like any of us escape it!
It’s been a long time since I’ve camped. Not that I don’t run and sleep outside some nights – the blanket on the beach, but, I’ve just slipped away from it. Though I have been kayaking this summer, but just day trips.
Medical professionals are so nervous about death. It’s funny. You’d think there’d be some comfort there.
Being outside can really recharge a person’s batteries– at least that’s how it feels for me.
I never want to unpack at that stage either, but once inside, I can’t wait to get it all cleaned up, weird huh.
I can understand the connection to the geography of your state. Another gal I read travels about it a lot and always posts so many pictures. Drool. Even if thats not the right word either, its just such a gorgeous place.
Hey, honey, everything shifted with multiple crises here, & I’m moving this weekend, totally panicked, & working today, stressing, but that’s ok, so I posted some lifedrawings…
Love that you’re out in the outdoors, writing and kayaking, how fantabulous, the earth, wind, water, air, how restorative always reconnecting to nature is.
And, do start your own newsletter, any topic can be discussed with sensitivity. That’s just ridiculous, really…
…always a conflict, enjoying the experience, or writing about enjoying the experience while trying to enjoy it…i guess that works if the writing part is what you most enjoy…i’ve heard its some pretty beautiful country in oregon…
ryc: thank you, that brought a smile to my face.
ryc – that is the trouble…but i find you have to immerse yourself before you can learn to swim above the water.
Dr. Seuss can teach so much. I’m at my parents’ house, discussing philosophy and jobs and books with my mum and dad. It’s delightful, and I find myself thinking of you and hope you’re doing as well.