Happy New Year

Happy new year sparkly

It is New Years Eve and time to reflect so I am reflecting on you. You are so very awesome. Like a few other women who have written on this blog I was very intimidated when I first met you. I had heard about you before then because my mother and husband couldn't stop talking about how great you are. So smart, so poised, so cool. I was not inclined to like you very much. Then you show up and are beautiful on top of all that. I just couldn't feel comfortable, and we had to share an office. I was so nervous at first, but you were so nice and so I stopped feeling so insecure. I am so glad that I let my guard down and that we have become friends. You have been one of my favorite people for a while now and I am feeling very lucky that you are in my life. So happy new year Sparkly. I know that first you are going to kick that cancers ass so that is a big way to start the year. I can't wait for that part of the year to be done so that you can come home and things can get normal again. My new Years resolution is to strive to be more like you. Smart, poised, cool, STRONG and generally awesome. That and to lose ten pounds but that doesn't really have anything to do with you.

Love, Leah

The Jessica Song

Duuuuude. Your updates and comments and touchbacks have been the best gift of the season. We're like those astronomers sending radio signals (or whatever signals they send) to deep space, and finally a singular and beautiful message returns: Jessica is kicking ass in first person – singular and beautiful.

To celebrate, I've written/stolen you a song. Adam Sandler rhyming gin-and-tonica and marijuanica with Hanukkah are the kind of brilliance I aspire to. Too bad you aren't named Monica. As it is, you'll have to settle for Guinnessica and spliff-nessica. This works better if you only half know Sandler's song, because I think I've fit lyrics to just the refrain. There are some syncopation and syllable emphasis issues, but I'm punchy as it is.

If Mark can strum some C-G-F chord progressions, it will vastly improve the tune's beat and danceability. I ain't too proud to say I actually sang this to make sure it worked.
Biggest new year love,
Bobbie

The Jessica Song

So I must confessica
how it impressicas
me

When you get aggressica
with this whole cancer messica.

I'd expect no lessica
from someone like you, Jessica.

If you want mindlessnessica,
you can always take up chessica.

But I digressica.
Your strength is boundlessica!

I'll lift high a Guinnessica,
though I can't light up spliff-nessica.

To all, let's shout,
"God blessica
our dear, dear, dear, dear, deeearpal – Jessica!"

Card of the Day

So I must confess, I draw an angel card for you everyday. One for you and one for me. Yours are always much different than mine. "Power" was one that stands out that you got right away (and I've yet to get it, but I know my day will come when I need it!). Today's card was "Support." And I know you must be getting a lot of that right now. Mark has this wired I'm sure. I take comfort in knowing you are supported by so many. Anyhow, I just wanted to let you know that you're on my mind, and that I'm sending you support too. Ride the waves, my dear; you'll be conquering them again in a wetsuit before you know it. You are amazing.
Alison

Brie in the morning!

It is close to 1 in the morning and I am eating Brie.
I had a moment where I realized that this is not a healthy endeavor to undertake during the work week. I have plans. I have a baby. My wife is going to kill me. Then I realized that I was eating Brie for Jess. Ta da! Problem solved. Honey, I am/was eating Brie for Jess at 1 in the morning because you just gotta do what you gotta do. For Jess.
I will eat Brie for Jess any time of day. Especially in the middle of the night or the beginning of the morning. Whatever it takes.
I am wearing my superpower red bracelet and the Brie is there and I am kicking some super ass in supporting Jess right now. It is worth the pain of a work day. For Jess nothing can stand in the way.

I saw Jess the other day and she looked super great and I wanted to hold her up to the sky and yell, “I love this women, I will eat Brie!"
That is not exactly true.
I saw Jess the other day and she was lovely, nice boots, and some freckles. She ate an egg cream, or most of one, and we had a nice time. I had no desire at that time to eat Brie at one in the morning.

Maybe I had the desire to wrestle Jess to the floor. I have that desire a lot and for the most part I do my best and I don't wrestle anyone. That is lucky for most people because I was second in Northern New England and Fifth in New England. I am super tough but mostly I choose to be kind and thoughtful and eat Brie in the night thinking of Jess.

I was a little worried about being up so late and my wife would say, "What is wrong with you?" And I would not have a good answer. Then I thought of Jess.
Shit.
Honey! I stayed up for Jess to eat Brie!

I apologize.
I ate the Brie because I was not wanting to go to bed and instead did the bills and then I am taking myself to bed and hoping not to wake the wife.
I really think Jess is the greatest.

Construction and other postmodern thoughts

Jess,
I was constructing and demolishing things with Nathan in our project room on Sunday and had many thoughts of you. One was that you are kicking cancer in the ASS this week (go Jess). Cancer is stupid and ugly and it sucks (SUC) - needs an ass kicking for sure. The other thoughts I had were when I looked down while table sawing, measuring, carrying, and hammering stuff and saw my red bracelet and looked over to see that Nathan's also peaked out above his work gloves. Specifically I thought, "oh, yeah, Jess loves to construct and demolish stuff!" and "if I was more like Jess I would be skillsawing my own cuts rather being a total baby and having Nathan do them" and "Jess looks super hot in carharts." I also thought of the fantastic MICE picture where you are shoveling or raking something in the foreground at the DG's and the guys are holding beers, palaski's and wearing rubber gloves in the background. That is a great picture. So I am including these in the welovejessblainebecausesheisarightousbabe photo montage.

I will hammer the shit our of your cancer. Seriously. Hammer it.
Love and work gloves,

Roh and Nathan

Juicy ninja

She may not look like it but she's a ninja in training too. She's working on ways to torture people and has much expertise in the sleep deprivation department. She may look all sweet and smiley but she can pack a wallop when she wants to. She even has a tatoo in solidarity with her aunt Jess. Juicy the ninja, her big sister EJ and her mama and dada are all sending lots of love, luck today and big juicy gitter done from Montana.

xoxo,the savagequacks

Action

Thinking about you this morning Jess, as the second phase of this experience commences. Action! Hurray!

I am holding you in my thoughts today. I am sending you: yellow and green feng shui-red bracelets-legwarmers-matzo ball soup-silver Js-gnomes and 'staches-Rihanna and Kanye-ELCKS-MICE-baby smiles-ginger tea hot toddy-LOVE.

-Melis

Silver Lights it Up with Norm

Throwing back a coldy with Norm "with brew" Johnston.

Geet-'er Done II - Another Stache for Jess

Bring it on. Mustaches and mullets rock!

Davis 5 for Jess

(team uniforms courtesy of Rohanna Christmas Elf.)

united for Jess

(from Roh and Nathan)

two little boys on your team

(Milo. Liam.)

Kavi and Teja offer to armwrestle cancer anytime

(Finger broken biking down Mt. Ashland recently. A concussion went with it. These two send their love.)

three sisters on your team

Gummy Ninja

Jess,
Knowing your appreciation for fine cuisine, I wanted to share our 2008 gingerbread ... uhm ... castle? Please note the Gummy Ninja hiding under the roof overhang, ready to pounce on any and all intruders. No worries! Gummy's got your back! K
ellee

Moustaches for Jess

Nice work, Nathan. Who wants to grow 'staches for Jess? I'd do it. After my frosted bangs are fixed, of course.

Jason

You have the power!

Hi Jess -- 

A friend gave me this during a dark time in my life. I thought it would be a heartening message for you, too.

Wishing you strength and joy in the new year.

Joyce (Alison's mom)

ninja TATTOO

Hello kitty ninja tattoo, hell yeah. When you no longer have a need for the dots I think you should consider getting one of these.

Love, Leah

Silver Ninja on Fire

"This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine."

Stay tuned for more adventures from a gnome only you could have chosen. So bold, so solid, and so spirited.

Love to you and Mark,

Alison

Wing ninja

Happy Holidays from the Christmas Eve Buffalo Wing Ninjas.

Christmas Ninjas

Geet-er' Done Jess!

Mustaches Rock! Hide your Busch Light, your daughters, and your power tools because it's go-time.

Geet-er' Done Jess!

Photos from Jason's Winter Formal

Peace, love and mistletoe to Jess, Mark and the entire ninja family,

Jamie, Bob, Olive and ?

Joining the Team

Hey, Jess and Mark!

Christmas greetings and much, much love to you both. We're joining the team as of today and are already in your corner. Alex, Naomi, Max and Gavin plus James, Sara and "Whosit" will be with us this week. We'll face West and raise a hearty toast to you. You'll probably hear it!

Peter and Anne.

Invincible

The damnedest thing happened. My Team Jess bracelet saved my live. Or at least, a trip to the ER.

My bracelet was gifted to me by Mark Furman -- Emily Shack's beau -- when my pockets came up empty during my holiday party. Arica was making the rounds, and whether it was my party or not, my house or not, no IOUs meant no IOUs. Fine, then. I wasn't going to grovel. Rumor has it that Arica is the toughest of mice, the one who works during breaks while others sun themselves or drink PBR, so she's certainly the right person to be selling these bracelets. But getting my wallet meant wading through a roomful of people. Sensing my inertia, Mark neatly produced one and handed it to me.

I put on the bracelet and immediately felt part of something. It's a physical extension of this blog, in a way. My only bracelet is a woven bamboo number from Panama City; it's charm is that I met the woman who constructed  it. But the Team Jess bracelet ... It's all business. It's bold and clean and says "don't remove until the job is done."

The next morning, while doing dishe

s, I plunged my hand into a blown glass pitcher. It was a clumsy move borne of very little sleep. The bottom dropped out of the pitcher, and nicked my wrist. A tiny cut, but it bled for hours. I can only imagine the wound had I not been wearing the bracelet.

Jason

melting snow

I stepped out of my front door this morning and saw that where the snow had melted tiny crocus buds are popping out of the earth. Clearly Nature is as excited about the return of the light and longer days soon to be here (clearly I’m ignoring the fact that winter has just begun). I loved the snow, but am over it in areas where it is wreaking havoc on the lives of my loved ones – so glad you made it home!

In other thoughts, has Mark grown a mustache yet? I think of this because I see that Brad Pitt and a number of other celebrities are sporting them (see John Travolta if you want to gasp in horror) and Mark is kind of a celebrity. Also, I was thinking about when I took comps and the one guy in our group grew a mustache just so that when I looked up all stressed out I could see that and would laugh and laugh. It was so worth it. Think about it Mark. Think about it.

Rohanna

Happy Everything from the Quackensavages!

Dear Friends,
From snowy Montana we're wishing you a safe, healthy and warm holiday!
xoxo, Seth, Jennifer, Eliza and Lucille

P.S. These are hand prints with glitter

Summer days

This picture of Eliza's red toenails reminds me of your porch, your pointy house and summer days there when we had no jobs but bottles of polish. Thinking of you on a snowy winter day.

xoxo,

Savage

Give me a J...

Give me a J. Give me an E. Give me an S. Give me another S. What's that spell? Jess, Jess, Jess!!! (Smile, spread eagle or herkie jump, pom-pom salute, kick, smile)

Ooh, my other high school favorite from power-puff football (when the girls played each other during Homecoming week, for those of you not in the know) is K.A.R.T. Kick ass, rip tits. We just know you can, Jess. Go! Go! (basket toss, smile pom-pom wiggle or jazz fingers, smile)

In any case, the Eagle Point High School varsity basketball cheerleaders want to send out a cheer for Jess. We think she's just awesome; our Most Valuable Player and our Most Inspirational Player and team captain. All you Jess fans, we challenge you to show your team spirit -- post a blog photo of your clan sporting your red "Team Jess" bracelets.

Bring it on! (throw down pom poms and flex, grit teeth)

1993 Arica

We continue our training...

... and will soon be ready to fight! 

for jess macb

So glad to hear there is progress Jess! You guys have certainly been covering your bases (I would expect no less from you smart, beautiful people)...Sweet Jess you are in my prayers every morning, every evening and countless times throughout the day. I think about you so much that I feel like a stalker :)

We have had our Christmas tree up, but not decorated for a week now so I decided it was time to get the box of decor out and one of the first ornaments was the one that you made last year - or was it the year before? (I heard that you hate those dashes Jess, but I just can't help it) I've also been wearing the puff that you got for me most everday with all this snow and cold we have been getting...Anywhoo, the simple little reminders of you sure feel nice because you are greatly, greatly missed here.

All our love to you and Mark. Be safe and stay healthy in your travels.
Jess and Phil

P.S. PZ and I will save a big bottle of Kahlua for you and Mark. We can watch the Big Lebowski and have some White Russians

(David Weiss)

MICE love you!

Christmas in St. Jude

Recently Bob mentioned that he'd re-read The Corrections, the novel by Jonathan Franzen about three siblings coming home for Christmas in the midwest. It was a minor coincidence, because I'd been thinking about re-reading it. Then another friend re-read it, and another... And so I bent myself toward it, despite the book's length exceeding my policy (recently enacted, born of laziness) to avoid books over 500 pages. But it beckoned, and I finally finished it.

There's much in the book that doesn't fit in this blog. Much kneeling before, rather than leaning into, the wind. And we won't have any of that. But as writers, I though Jess and Mark might appreciate a few quotations from the book. There's a couple about cooking (the Entree section sucks without Jess) and a few about family, all chosen because, to quote Martin Amis, Franzen has a way of writing flat-out. Which by itself is sometimes enough.

-- Jason

"She loved the deep stillness that underlay the din. A good crew was like an elective family in which everyone in the hot little world of the kitchen stood on equal footing, and every cook had weirdness concealed in her past or his character, and even in the midst of the most sweaty togetherness each family member enjoyed privacy and autonomy: she loved this."

*

"Cooks were not supposed to be political. Cooks were the mitochondria of humanity; they had their own separate DNA, they floated in a cell and powered it but were not really of it."

*

"Oh, here," Enid said, leading Denise to the front door. "I want you to hang the last ornament on the advent calendar."

"Mother, why don't you do that."

"No, I want to see you do it."

The last ornament was a Christ baby in a walnut shell. Pinning it to the tree was a task for a child, for someone credulous and hopeful, and Denise could now see very clearly that she'd made a program of steeling herself against the emotions of this house, against the saturation of childhood memory and significance. She could not be the child to perform this task.

"It's your calendar," she said. "You should do it."

The disappointment on Enid's face was disproportionately large. It was an ancient disappointment with the refusal of the world in general and her children in particular to participate in her preferred enchantments.

*

"When she got a little older, Chip brought her along to the mall with his girlfriend of the moment. There was no greater bliss for her at ten and twelve than to be so included: to take instruction from Chip in the evils of late capitalism, to gather couturial data on the girlfriend, to study the length of the girlfriend's bangs and the height of her heels, to be left alone for an hour in the bookstore, and then to look back, from the top of the hill above the mall, on the silent slow choreography of the the traffic in the faltering light."

*

"Here were the familiar tan tiles of the stall. The tiles, like every other physical constituent of the house were suffused with the fact of their ownership by Enid and Alfred, saturated with an aura of belonging to this family. The house felt more like a body -- softer, more mortal and organic -- than like a building."

Ninja Mutt

She kicks ass on Volvos, paper delivery boys and cancer.

Ommmm.

Taking in the quiet of falling snow; interrupted only by the sounds of skidding cars coming down the street. Hey that’s interesting; watch the fools in cars without chains for a while. Laugh at my neighbor’s Christmas lights – the snowflakes that look like they are moving toward his front door. Shake my head. Go back to the fire and look out the window onto a snowy Petanque court. Think of Jess; catching her own boule-gone-astray and making it look graceful and intentional. Hurry back Jess; we’ve got post-skiing beers to savor with you.

(Arica)

I'm not a Ninja . . .

. . . but if I ever come across your cancer while reading the paper in front of the coffee shop, I will Fuck. It. Up.

Andy

Hello from a cousin ninja!

Just read your blog. You are a celebrity and you have the most amusing friends! Best of luck in Houston. Get back here so we can once again have your presence in our 'hood.

Picture of our new pooch, Max (not very original name but he sure is!). He's getting his nuts knocked off tomorrow so he may be a bit sedated when you meet him next week!

xoxoxo Alpal and Matt

Team Jess: Galas clan

Pink Ninja

Pink Ninja is ready to rumble....
(from Karen)

Inky ninja

Hey MacB, ever consider getting a tattoo? If so, might I suggest a design?

According to wikipedia, the above is "ninja" in Japanese script. I know it's a tad Angelina, but her tats all talk about kissing her brother on TV and drinking the blood of her ex-husband, etc. This is different. Lemme know if you're interested. I've been practicing my inking skills on Alice. Her facial tat is nearly healed (horns on forehead, yo -- you know you love it), and if I do say so myself it's looking pretty sweet.

Lates, R

Pincher Ninja, Beastie Boys Style

If this were just a dream

I would pinch ya.

Yo, that would make B-Dub 

the pincher ninja.

You'll pound this cancer b***ch

'cause you're no flincher,

But my dog rhymes might

turn you to a cringer.

You did know all these words

they rhyme with ninja...

Didn'tcha?

Er, I know -- this rap hurts. But there were no haikus or extended metaphors to be had today, and I wanted to fit the ninja roll.

Maybe it will be better if Mark beat-boxes to it. Can't you just smell a KDUK winner?!

Snowy love from Eu-to-the-gene. Peace, I'm out.

Bobbie

get well

Although we only worked together briefly I really had a wonderful time knowing you. I had to leave because of my own health reasons so I wanted to say get well. My prayers are with you and your family, but according to all your friends on this blog you are a ninja and will kick its ass. Positive vibes being sent your way. Thanks for all your help at work. I really appreciated it.

Mikal Czajkowski

Hi Jess,

Your secret fan club on Boundary Street is sending you love, positive vibrations, cheer and visualizations of Super Heroines with swords drawn, as you head to Houston again.

You've got an army of supporters behind you.

Lots of Love from your fans -- Nanda, Brian and Lucia

Please come back to Eugene

Since you've been gone I have noticed some startling changes in our local environment. The economy has collapsed! I am not saying that it is your fault, it just seems like you left and then the economy hit the shitter and maybe if you came back that would be good.

Gas prices have hit rock bottom! Once again maybe it has nothing to do with your departure but it sure seems like when you were last in town gas cost a lot more per gallon. A lot of people think that this is a positive thing but I beg to differ. When gas was ridiculously expensive, when you were here, everyone was talking about what they were going to do the change the way they relate to the consumption of gas. People were buying hybrid cars and talking about how terrible SUV's were, there was almost a hydrogen car and a fuel cell car. Now all you hear about is how cheap gas is. No one is talking about conserving, now people are going on Sunday drives in the country in their SUV's. And they are loving it.

Zenon closed down! What the fuck is up with that. Once again not your fault but still strangely coincidental that you should leave and they should shut down. Too bad you don't have that kind of power over the Keystone. Shit! I'm just kidding I love the Keystone, just a little scarred from being forced to eat red potatoes as a child. No Dad I don't like red potatoes! Sorry, flashback. But really are we supposed to eat breakfast at the Old Pad? Bring back the plates of food, please!

Baggage handlers not showing up for work at the airport! I feel as if I may be off base on this one but maybe if you took a second to hear me out you would find yourself agreeing with me. I was just at the airport and it took at least a half hour for the bags to hit the carousel. Not the case when you were in town. When you were here that place ran like clockwork. I often heard exclamations from out of towners concerning the incredible speed at which luggage was delivered.

It is really snowy and icy! Is this your fault? My office has been closed for two days! Thank you! Can you make it snow more? The kids are really loving the snow and sledding. Lupe loves to frolic and she doesn't get muddy from rolling around because everything is so cold. Bonus!

All said, I would return to work and send the kids to school if that meant that you would come back. As I see it, you return and gas prices sky rocket, heating oil too! This will cause the government, as well as non governmental agencies, to apply their vast knowledge bases to the problems of over consumption coupled with overpopulationpollution(my word) and realize marketable avenues for change resulting in incredible environmentally friendly earth conscious products being sold worldwide, resurrecting the US as a global powerhouse. Plus we figure out this whole Iraq debacle and start importing poppies for personal use from Afghanistan. Zenon reopens and we all go to breakfast and sit in the lovely snow free sunshine.

Deal? Come home soon!
Joel

Ninja Underpants!

Click here

(from Bill Anderson)

K-DUK Dee-Jay

I hate to use this forum for my own personal issues but something has come up that I need to explain. I apologize for using this avenue but I think that Jess will understand and I have to say that to some extent her strength during this difficult time has inspired me to face my own demons and attempt to exorcise them. Like Edward Norton in Fight Club I have been living a double life, however my double is not Brad Pitt handsome, he looks strangely similar to myself save for the occasional side saddle cap and sagging jeans. I am a K-Duk Dee-jay!

Tree Ninja

Craft ninja

Like a thousand other people who love you, I have been thinking about you and cheering you on every day. We all love the blog, too. Thanks for the frequent updates. It's so nice to hear your strong voice, and we are thrilled that you have rockstar doctors, a clear plan of attack and that you'll be back in Oregon soon, for good.

Here in the land of smaller things, I have whipped myself into a pre-holiday frenzy, the kind that causes me to write 30-point to-do lists, the kind that you always handle with ease. Friday, I started some craft projects that you and I had plotted together. I sat at our bowling lane craft area, where I had pictured us working side-by-side, and I burned my thumb with hot glue. I imagined you here sipping egg nog and Makers and smiling at my hasty, messy way of crafting, your own approach much more nimble and pain-free.

You know something? The Taylor wallpaper is FANTASTIC as both inspiration and backdrop for any holiday craft project! You'll soon be the recipient of some of this goodness. Don't worry, I have saved us plenty for next year.

Also, Joel's mixed CD really is everything that he's promised, though it makes both Bob and Dave want to put staple guns to their eyes. We chalked it up to them being old. To me, it's irresistible, like K-DUK coursing through Mrs. Spacely's ancient speakers on a warm summer's day. In fact, I think Joel is secretly a K-DUK deejay. It all makes sense now, his interest in hip-hop, his deft use of street slang, all those "soccer games," how he sometimes wears his baseball caps sideways like he's all down with that.

I have a bunch of other little bits to share with you, some gossip-y and one involving the Petanque club at South Eugene High School. I'll share them with you soon.

I love and miss you. Safe travels tomorrow.

Jamie

Ninja Cat

do apples make you happy, sort of like kittens?

They make me happy. I found a motivational poster for you: http://www.motivatedphotos.com/?id=2005 Just remember, Happiness + Apples = Happles. It's amazing what you can find on the internet. I'm eating an apple for breakfast and thinking of you.

Love and randomness, Melis

Meowy Christmas

I detect a bit of a cat theme this evening, so I thought I'd join in. Of course, I've got my own theme going on, too. It never gets old! Bwa-hahahahaha. Love, R

Peace, Yoda Style

Jess --

Sending you love and peace every day ... Yoda says it best.

Enjoy the snow, travel safely back to Houston and go easy on those Travelocity folks.

You are loved, and continue to be superbly amazing.

Big hugs, Alison

Kittens and such.

Recently I have figured out what can make someone smile despite...well...all kinds of crap. And, my friend, let me tell you: small, teeny, tiny, baby, super fuzzy, very sweet, furry kittens (please channel your inner Liam and clearly pronounce all hard consonants in"kittens").

Recently I was the recipient of two of these little gems and thought you might like an introduction.

This is Tigerlily:

...aka Bat-Face.

And this is Mini Mack:

aka Shy Zen Kitty. He does a lot of sneaking off to nap followed by the pounce attack.

Clearly, they are already in love.

They spend a lot of time practicing ninja skills.

They make me smile every day now. And try to sleep on my face as much as possible.

Lots of love. I will continue my research on what makes people smile. I've heard smiling has healing powers. Especially the smile that really says, "I'm going to destroy you," very sweetly and with complete sincerity -- like these kitties do.

Kick ass lady, as usual.

Rohanna

THINKING OF YOU!!!!

Dearest Jessica!!!
We've been thinking of you so much and I have been reading your updates and hearing sometimes from Lillian. I kept trying to figure out how to post and then saw that I need to email you. Okay so I am slow (excuse is constant lack of sleep : ) ) Anyway it has been wonderful to read your updates and it is so great to hear your good news all things considered! You have the best team around you of docs, friends, family, everyone and your wonderful spirit guiding it all. It must be so hard and such a rollercoaster. I am so sorry you have to go through this. We are sending you our love, support, encouragement, whatever we can offer...we are holding you close. Maybe we will even get to see you since we live close to your Mom. You are always welcome to stop by (1905 NW 29th #211 - corner of NW Upshur). I know you will be busy and perhaps not feeling so well with the chemo although I hope not. I would love to see you if it works for you at some point. Love, love, love, Paula, Miska, Elo and Ahti

savageninja

Ninja mouse

Lady, We were all so excited to hear the latest update from PDX last night. Much cheering all around. We missed you and Mark mucho, but you were here in our thoughts and in our hearts. Perhaps your ears burned when we toasted you and the news from Texas over the pig and potatoes. Woo-hoo! We're so happy you'll be in Portland with your family during treatment, and comforted that the folks in Texas will hover over your case like super-educated and brilliant guardian angels. We miss you terribly, but in the grand scheme this period is a mere blip in the chronology of your life. A crap episode, for sure, but soon you'll be back in your Crow nest with your dog and your slutty cats and a bunch of people demanding that you make them delicious food and, while you're at it, uncork another bottle or two. Here's to you and Mark, lady. We love you so. R+T+A+all the MICE.

going woo woo on you

As noted in the previous post, the full moon was last night. I was invited to a Goddess Party at Nib, the new chocolate and wine bar in Whiteaker. I was unable to attend, for several reasons, not the least of which was total goddess-overload from my childhood. But the moon was beautiful in a clear cold sky last night, and because I have a lot of time on my hands I asked the Google about the full moon and it's meaning. The Google had this wisdom for us (cue hoof and horn):

The full moon is the pinnacle, the climactic point. Now we get answers. You'll see a lot of extremes now. The way you interpret those has a lot to do with your inner landscape -- you reflect what's going on around you....The trick here is to find balance.

It goes on, and gets more woo woo. But I liked the part about the full moon being the time when we get answers, and your text to me last night "we have a plan!" hinted at answers, and I'm so glad. I'm thinking about you as slush falls from a foggy sky today, hoping that the answers, such as they are, offer a bit of peace.

Love, Melis

Full Moon in A Snowstorm Tonight

My Dear Jess and Family,
I'm late late late in putting this together. It's my effort to keep things balanced. For me to be on time or early might just further skew the already tilting universe. My silence has been a solitude to gather up the molecules that scattered in the wake of Mark's unimaginable news about you that reached Arlee shortly after we did. Each day I check your blogspot and am heartened by this wonderful community of love and positive energy that began very early. I've been sending love and prayers (or whatever love energy is called) to you and your family many times daily. I'm knitting an Aran sweater for Lucille and have a rhythm of including you with each knit, purl or twist. There will be a package arriving on your doorstep in Portland shortly after you return. In the meantime, here's a photo that hints at part of what is coming your way.

Organizing the Backhoe Twacto Chorus at S & J's Wedding

Love and XO to YOU and Mark and your Family,
Maggie