the autoimmune hippie.

Laughter is immeasurable. Be joyful though you have considered all the facts. . . Practice resurrection. – Wendell Berry

spoonie life.

  • riding out a new storm.

    And after the storm,I run and run as the rains comeAnd I look up, I look up,on my knees and out of luck,I look up. Night has always pushed up dayYou must know life to see decayBut I won’t rot, I won’t rotNot this mind and not this heart,I won’t rot. And I took you… Read more

  • facing the hard times of chronic illness. and getting back up.

    What. A. Week. It’s seen two hospital trips – the GI bleed on Monday, then another on Wednesday for an infection in my hand. Like other infections I’ve dealt with, that started with a minor scrape on my hand on a hinge in a cabinet. I immediately cleaned and bandaged the wound – but it… Read more

  • the blue nights and the heavy things.

    Like many female writers my age, I adore Joan Didion. I don’t remember a world without her in it. Pictured above is my “lucky writing necklace” with her well-known packing list from her essay, “The White Album,” one of many essays that shaped me, published the year I was born. She’s forever the Queen in… Read more

  • disability awareness month.

    Actually, I am calling July this. Everyone else mentioning it is calling it “disability pride month” – and I just can’t go there. I totally get it – and agree with the concepts. The idea that there is no reason to be ashamed of our physical or mental limitations, our scars, our limps, our devices… Read more

  • all the new health things.

    This week has had some significant health changes for me. First – this one is fabulous – I have completed my IV antibiotic therapy and my PICC line was pulled today by home health. Yesterday, I realized since last July – so for a year now – I have spent more time WITH some kind… Read more

  • what (terrifying) dreams may come

    A few nights ago, I went to sleep after a lovely day with my family that also came with some terrible news in my city and state and a somber day in my spoonie community. At the same time, my body was exhausted from a gnarly flare that Just. Won’t. Quit. I’m improving from my… Read more

  • things we cannot change.

    Oh well, celebrate we will Because life is short but sweet for certain We’re climbing two by two To be sure these days continue These things we cannot change. — Two Step, Dave Matthews. I’m in the middle of several essays on heavier things – and, of course, a death book – so thinking and… Read more