Welcome to Laura's Blog, facilitated by her friends and family. We invite you to continue to honor Laura's life and her impact on you by posting stories, memories and messages for Judy and our community. [Scroll down to the end for directions on posting messages]

Saturday, April 01, 2006

Personal Notes to Laura: April - June 2006

Visit this section to view personal notes and expressions to Laura made from April 2006 through June 2006.

148 Comments:

Blogger Unknown said...

Hi Laura,

First, the love is still flowing your way, with healing energy, and hope!

Happy April! April showers bring May flowers... and it is raining here appropriately.

Wondering if you leveraged your situation today to do any really good/bad April Fool's jokes. My husband got me good. I was heading out to workout and he said "Hey Melis... you probably shouldn't be going to exercise class, I just had blood in my urine...". Well, my heart sunk. He had very bad hemorrhagic cystitis in 2004, and he's had a few bleeds lately. He said, "Yeah, I was trying to spell something out". It was "April Fool's!". Well, after I swatted him and called him an idiot, I went and pulled something similar on my 13 year old daughter... "Hey Kels, the good news is that you don't have to get up to go to breakfast with your dad. The bad news is that he had blood in his urine, and I need to take him to the doctor..."

So, we're at a point where these things have become a laughing matter, whenever possible! As Dan says, "If I couldn't laugh, I'd probably be crying half the time!". I would love to hear some of your not so funny/funny moments...

Love ya much,

Melissa

Saturday, April 01, 2006 1:33:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,

After reading your latest post on the blog, I recognize the absurdity of waiting for a right time or some future opportune moment to include you in an awakening that’s occurred for me, one that was sparked by my absolute love for you.

I’ve suddenly come face to face with my terror of intimacy and this meeting came about from a few experiences where I didn’t reach out to you in the way that I wanted to, in the way that my heart was guiding me to.

Distance has been an active and conscious choice for me in life – I’ve liked the feeling of safety in it but that’s changed recently. A lot of things have changed for me recently but this seems to be the heart of it all.

Whatever I was afraid of in life, in reaching out to others, in intimate connection, seems gone now and being in this open river feels easy and natural and undeniable. Of course, I’m 5 miles away from you, at my house plunking on computer keys but this is where I start.

Love,
Isha

Sunday, April 02, 2006 10:14:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,

I'm noticing that even though it's been a couple of days since your last post, there hasn't been much of a response. You have put out there something that is "hard to be with". Your openness and vulnerability is certainly bringing new learning into my life. I want you to know that I care so much about you and all that you are going through right now. I also want you to know that I feel that I can be with this. I am only about 45 minutes away. If you need extra physical or emotional support, say the word. I'll be there. I find myself wanting to respect your privacy. And maybe what you want or need is more---more of all of us. While I can't speak for others, you can have more of me.

Love,
Debra
debra@thecoaches.com

Tuesday, April 04, 2006 8:08:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura, I just read your last entry and wanted you to know how much I continue to gain from reading your entries. I see it doesn't matter where you are, you are leader, a teacher, a friend and the most amazingly honest person that I have ever met. So, even though it has been over a year since you last led a class I was lucky enough to participate in, you continue to lead and guide and inspire. Thank you, thank you, thank you...May you be receiving as much support and love as you continue to give. Stacy Gorin

Tuesday, April 04, 2006 10:37:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,
WOW...a powerful post from you. We are all so blessed to be on the journey with you....and Laura, we are on this with you.... I just got a call from Tommy who is coughing up blood again and I'm reminded of how truly precious this life is for each of us and that it is so easy to take life (and healthy days) for granted...and so I REALLY loved your reminder at the end...what would our world be like if we all became more concious of the cycle of giving and receiving love and support intentionally....I get jazzed at the thought. ...so THANK YOU for putting it front and center for me once again....and lots and lots of healing prayer energy is coming your way. Love ya!

Tuesday, April 04, 2006 12:25:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello Laura, this is anna sending all her love and prayers to you. You are in my thoughts and I am praying for you everyday that the GOOD LORD will protect you always and let you live well and live good. Anna Leong, Singapore now in Jakarta running a workshop.

Wednesday, April 05, 2006 4:24:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Laura,
Through your journey there is a phenomenal strength that never leaves you, or us, in your writings. The force of YOU is always in your blog. This soul strength doesn't fade one bit, it remains incredibly fierce.

Meanwhile, I'm sending a poem that I've liked for a long time. Maybe you'll like it, too...

Summons
Keep me from going to sleep too soon
Or if I go to sleep too soon
Come wake me up. Come any hour
Of night. Come whistling up the road
Stomp on the porch. Bang on the door.
Make me get out of bed and come
And let you in and light a light
Tell me the northern lights are on
And make me look. Or tell me clouds
Are doing something to the moon They never did before, and show me.
See that I see. Talk to me till
I'm half a wide awake as you
And start to dress wondering why
I ever went to bed at all.
Tell me the walking is superb.
Not only tell me but persuade me.
You know I'm not too hard persuaded.

Wednesday, April 05, 2006 4:38:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,

Wow..sending you love and light and more love and the brightest white light ever. I keep sending the cancer down into the earth where it will hurt no one...and then filling up with light. I have you in my thoughts alot these days and wish you health and peace. I look forward to seeing you on Saturday. I love you...you are strong, your spirit is strong..thank you for keeping the faith. Your words move and inspire me.
Again...sending you love and more love and the brightest white light ever..
See you on Saturday.

laura h.

Wednesday, April 05, 2006 11:13:00 AM

 
Blogger Unknown said...

Hello, again, hello...

Barry Manilow in my head... what's up with that?! Although I do think it's a pretty song...

Just checking in on one of my favorite people. I have two friends going through stem cell transplants, so I check on the three of you regularly. So glad to "hear" Peg and Anna, and Stacy, and alumni IBM'er Shekinah. Ooh - Peg's an alum now too! What an IBM following you have developed!

We are getting ready for a week of living well in Myrtle Beach - it's spring break in Central NY schools! We will be joining the throngs of CNY'ers heading south in pursuit of warmth and sun and sand. I'll be checking in from there too, so please keep us "in the loop". We come looking for news, any news, and to "hear" your voice.

Lots of love,

Melissa

Wednesday, April 05, 2006 7:36:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Laura

You are in my thoughts a great deal of late. As always reading your posts brings up memories that are never far from the surface. And today on a sunny morning with stacks of things to do it is more important to reach out and make some connections.

In fact - (dare I say this out loud I wonder? (remembering talking to you in the sunshine on the deck at the Mother Tree barely six weeks ago)) it makes me think of that Bigger Game thing.

I went to be one night a couple weeks ago with the thought of how isolatation leads to pain and fear and how a letter from a friend has the power to change that. And I was remembering how penpal friendships were so precious. How they developed intimate relationships that were non threatening, where thoughts and feelings could be shared openly. And distance and walls of ignorance broke down through through the connection. How cultures and places came alive that before had only existed only in an atlas and in National Geographic or through the news etc.

I woke up the next morning thinking this: we are all women together, everywhere and it is about time we connected. No woman should feel isolated and alone.

The project is about connecting women of different cultures, races, religions, of different status, opportunities and freedoms through letters, blogs, email -
I'm thinking of a sort of penpal type system where individual women or small groups or communities of women communicate with another regularly over an extended period of time. Sharing personal stories of what it is like for them; being a woman, raising children, getting an education, finding jobs, being active in their community, speaking up for what they believe in, spending time with friends... in different cultures etc. around the globe. The idea is creating bridges through friendships and caring to cross the gaps caused by fear, judgement and isolation.

I have no idea how exactly this would look, no idea of how the language issue could be worked out, no idea where to look for communities in other places to take part, or of any of the other obstacles that might come up, and - so what - I guess that is what makes it fun. What I am thinking of is trying it with a small group of my friends as soon as I find women from other cultures who might be interested in pairing with us. I am thinking monthly communication, particularly if it is by handwritten letter. And, after I have a starting point facilitating this in some form through all parts of the world.

Here are some sites that are some inspiration for me, the first is the one I was reading the night before i woke up in the morning:
http://riverbendblog.blogspot.com
http://www.friendswithoutborders.org/index.htm
http://www.womenforwomen.org/scspnstr.html#OneSS
and your blog here as well

Love and green energy from me and the trees
Jeanne B
jbullock@cogeco.ca

Thursday, April 06, 2006 7:54:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Friday night 4/7/06
Upstate New York

Hey thar' sweet heart - -

I've been thinking of you, Laura, missing you and hungry to get back to my computer after several days away... Thank you, Laura, for reaching out and touching. Your shakes and bakes sound like a major seismic episode. May it be your system fighting those c cells out of your system. Go warrior cells, go!

I went to a three day workshop with Sam, Ken Mossman and their two great partners in their Maculine -Feminine/Third way workshop. You would have been intriuged and proud, I think.They are tapping into something powerful and positive....One of the women leaders reminded me of you. A certain aliveness, edgy loving, energetic demanding that we get going...A poignant reminder of your intense unique spirit and bold faced love. I'm missing you. So grateful for your blog.Know that as you reach out and touch, and ask to be met, we are fed, I am fed. Our yearning is met. I feel washed in a rich blend of feelings ranging from "Man the torpedoes!Damn those c cells -- leave that woman alone!!!" to tender ache to "yeah, girl, you tell them!" pride at all that you're doing and shouldering. I just love you and the gutsy way that you continue to meet your days, even when they are shake and bakes....I'll be thinking of you and sending you cool breezes when you're hot and hot waves of light when you're chilled....Much love for you and Judy and all those who love you and are traveling this path with you - -

Heather (aka hdiddel@woh.com )

Friday, April 07, 2006 8:30:00 PM

 
Blogger Lora Banks Ley said...

Hello Laura:

I am at Mt. Hermon at a Writer's Conference and Retreat right down the street from Ben Lomond where we started the Council Guide training some months ago. I was thinking of you, and White Eagle, and Judy and the Council of Wolves (or whatever the tribe came to be called). Today is a lot like many days we had in ceremony, rainy, dripping, wet, and absolutely lovely in the redwoods here in the sort of Santa Cruz mountains.

I remember us being grouchy and uncomfortable during a good part of that time. I remember you coaching me after the Rainbow Lodge on the beach. I was stuck on an annoying person in my life and you kept asking me to find her right. I remember Judy offering me a glass of red wine at the end of the day and not knowing that we were breaking the rules. And I remember how honored I was when you said you could see and appreciate the INTJ because I was like you. I was so honored and still am.

Those are a few of the moments I hold dear around our friendship. Although they were some months ago, they are easily available in the quiet times of this retreat.

I am taking the kids, all four of them, skiing for spring break next week. I will once again connect with you when I return to find a time to connect in person.

Thinking of you and Judy and our time together past.

Much love,


Lora
lora@TheCoachApproach.net

Monday, April 10, 2006 12:10:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura.

I'm enjoying sitting here with you on this fine spring day, with Venus rubbing my legs and making bird sounds (she's one talented cat).

I just wrote and deleted about six versions of thoughts because they all felt like a bunch of significant hooey. (continuing the journey of letting go of the need to be profound or evolved, or whatever performance du jour)

Mostly, I want to say I love you and think of you all the time. I pray for you to be bathed in magic and miracles and the joy of living. I imagine you laughing, and crying, and raging, and whatever else wants to be expressed from your soul and spirit. I imagine you finding peace and comfort when you need it most.

If I were there, I'd love to give you a foot rub with some delicious smelling lotion or some other form of tender nurturing you'd enjoy. We could be quiet or vie for queen extrovert status! I'll keep meeting you in meditation, which is how I connect with you often...so if your toes start to have weird tingles, it's probably just me.

I'm in your corner, Laura, in great company with a host of angels and companions who want so much for you.

Monday love to you and Judy,
Gail

Monday, April 10, 2006 4:24:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello, Dear Laura - I'm here in the Big Apple enjoying life with my 6 yr old Nicole. I have some business in Armonk later in the week and decided to take a few days beforehand to show her the city. It's funny what a 6 yr old does for my psyche...she makes tired old sights appear shiny, magical and new again. She makes me tall and brave in what can be a very humbling city. She draws attention to how I spend most of my trips to NY (in my hotel room working on my computer) when there are so many wonderful things to enjoy just outside my hotel window. Despite the fact that I have been to New York many, many times, I am enjoying this trip as if it was my first!

I pray for similar adventures for you that are magical and, if even on the trodden path, are shiny and bright, like a new penny.

Still praying for your wellbeing daily... Lots of Love, Maria

Monday, April 10, 2006 8:25:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello Laura:
It has been years since we have crossed paths in the physical world yet you are a daily influence in my life. I think of you and choose bigger and bolder as a result in everything that I do. I come here daily to see what you have to say because what you share is so valuable and alive and real and precious because it comes from you.
The following made me think of you and wonder what you would say about your life passions.
With love and a tender touch,
Alexis
This is The Prologue to Bertrand Russell's Autobiography- He was an amazing philosopher and winner of the Nobel peace prize.


What I Have Lived For
Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind.

These passions, like great winds, have blown me hither and thither, in a wayward course, over a great ocean of anguish, reaching to the very verge of despair.
I have sought love, first, because it brings ecstasy - ecstasy so great that I would often have sacrificed all the rest of life for a few hours of this joy. I have sought it, next, because it relieves loneliness--that terrible loneliness in which one shivering consciousness looks over the rim of the world into the cold unfathomable lifeless abyss. I have sought it finally, because in the union of love I have seen, in a mystic miniature, the prefiguring vision of the heaven that saints and poets have imagined. This is what I sought, and though it might seem too good for human life, this is what--at last--I have found.

With equal passion I have sought knowledge. I have wished to understand the hearts of men. I have wished to know why the stars shine. And I have tried to apprehend the Pythagorean power by which number holds sway above the flux. A little of this, but not much, I have achieved.

Love and knowledge, so far as they were possible, led upward toward the heavens. But always pity brought me back to earth. Echoes of cries of pain reverberate in my heart. Children in famine, victims tortured by oppressors, helpless old people a burden to their sons, and the whole world of loneliness, poverty, and pain make a mockery of what human life should be. I long to alleviate this evil, but I cannot, and I too suffer.

This has been my life. I have found it worth living, and would gladly live it again if the chance were offered me.

Laura you have impacted the world and made positive change in an arena that even Bertrand Russell could not tackle! I wonder what would have been possible for him if he had crossed paths with you?

Wednesday, April 12, 2006 4:07:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Laura: In reading the new book, "Resonant Leadership", I saw you. The chapter is on Mindfulness, the ability to be fully awake, alive and aware of what's going on in life moment by moment. If ever there was someone who models this quality it is you. While others like me step over, ignore, and just plain miss pieces of life, you remind us to savor every single second. Thank you and know that I always mention your name when the universe and I commune. I send you enormous love.

Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:33:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura

I was sad to read about the passing of your friend, Nancy Sarah. It takes your breath away when someone is alive one moment and gone in the blink of an eye. And it can happen to any one of us ~ so live life well and fully alive!

Last week, I was at the Prism Award Breakfast put on by the Vancouver Chapter of the ICF. The Prism Award is given to a company that is nominated by their coach(es). They must show how coaching has impacted their business. CTI was one of the sponsors and when that was announced it was asked who was CTI trained - about 2/3 of the hands in the room went up. Anyway, at the end of the event I woman I did not know came up to me. She introduced herself and asked me how you were. Her name is Brenda Dahlie and someone had told her I had just been in Leadership with you and Henry leading. We spoke of you and your impact and the woman you are. She wanted to send her love so I am.

I am rambling and I want to say that you are an amazing woman and I honour and respect you so much. I think of you every day and am aware of the impact you have had on me and so many other people.

Take good care of yourself, Laura. Love Barbara

Friday, April 14, 2006 2:07:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Laura,

Having undergone radiation in 1971 for a keloid scar from a water skiing accident, reading your recent message brought back ancient memories...it seems none of the technology has changed in over 30 years...the big loud machine, the techinicians that scatter from the room like cockroaches when the lights go on...jeesh!

My thoughts are with you and my visualization of healing. Thanks to you, too, for the April ramblings that touched me deeply and revealed even more of your day-to-day process which aids me in sending love and clear visualization.

May you feel joy in the moments as they arise and may gratitude for all the wonders of your life fill your thoughts such that there is room for nothing more.

Kisses all over...especially where it hurts,

Hesteah

Friday, April 14, 2006 7:38:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura:

I can't sleep tonite. Its 1:40 AM and I'm wide awake, checking in on your blog, looking for a new post. You've told me that I should speak when I have something to say. Here it is.

I relate to your experiences, somewhat, on the radiation. I say somewhat, because one can never fully imagine what it's like unless we've been there. When I accompanied my dad during his cancer struggle, the thought occurred to me that everyone was so......matter-of-fact. Of course, everyone was professional and yet, more was needed than professionalism. When my dad had radiation they were trying to kill a tumor that had grown the size of golf ball on his shoulder blade. He began with bladder cancer one and a half years prior to that. He had been complaining of shoulder pain for months, had gone to at least 4 different doctors. Not one doctor raised the possibility that the bladder cancer had mestatisized. Of course, knowing now what I did not know then, that would be the first thing to check. By the time the tumor was discovered, the cancer had grown so large and was out-of-control.

Why am I posting this? Because although I thought my dad was a fighter, I now realize that he never had a vision that he would be cancer free. He was so involved in the "fight" of cancer and it engulfed his every thought.

I learned about the "law of attraction" this past week. I'm not sure if its a new idea, but its new to me. If interested, (and you might already know about this), there's a video that you can down-load that's about 90 minutes long. The web-site is "thesecret.tv". It was very enlightening and very positive.

What about saying to yourself that the next Bigger Game workshop is another one and you intend to host another one after that? The law of attraction says that if you believe it will be your last public one, there's a good chance that it will be. Is that what you really want?

I know its easy for me to say that here in this place, relative to where you are, but I say it with a full heart and love for you. The world needs you Laura. We need all of you.

Love, Pauline

Sunday, April 16, 2006 10:59:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,
My thoughts are calling health to you. I know you are fully engaged and wondering what the next steps taken will provide. We all are. May the beauty of this season arouse all of your senses and invigorate you and fill you with love.
Bill B.

Monday, April 17, 2006 4:53:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura
Lots of love to you today and on every day.

I did a reading for you just now. Doreen Virtue’s Fairies Oracle Cards. A friend I am working with today brought his cards with him – I’ve asked it for myself as well and it resonated very powerfully with me and so I thought of you love and I asked the cards - what does Laura need to do to beat this cancer and live a vibrant, healthy life?

I pulled the card called - Miracle Healing. Not bad eh :)?!

This is what it says. I’ve put it down in total unedited so you can see what resonates most with you. Enjoy!:

Expect a miracle. You have prayed for assistance, and it is forthcoming. The more completely you surrender your situation to God, the more rapidly you will realise your healing.

Heaven is completely on your side, and your payers have been hared and answered. You needn’t beg or petition heaven to help you, as your situation is already healed in truth. The healed reality is one of several parallel realities currently available to you. You have the choice, through your thoughts, emotions, and intentions, to experience the highest possible reality for yourself.

You access your healed situation through faith and gratitude. To feel these powerful catalysing emotions, say mentally or aloud to God, “I am tired of thinking about this situation. I don’t want to deal with it any longer. Here, I’m giving the entire thing to you so that you can think about it and resolve it. Thank you so much for taking care of everything.” Then, detach completely from the situation. See yourself placing it in the palm of God’s loving hand. Feel grateful that your situation is now resolved, and be open to the creative solution that greets you.

Affirmation: In truth, everything and everyone, including myself, is healed right now. I focus on this truth, instead of on illusions of fear.

Zoe xx

Tuesday, April 18, 2006 8:46:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Tuesday, April 18
Upstate New York

Hey there, Laura woman - -I was just dipping my fingers in the warm waters of your blog and found myself putting off jotting you a quick note until I had more time to write more thoughtfully re your recent moments and thoughts....caught myself and am coming back to let you know that I am loving you from afar and sending you blazes of love from the bleak Northeast. Am heading out to Colorado in several hours (to meet up with Natey for college visits -- Sam just finished a quick tour of the Northwest with him. Nate has figured out that he may be called to go west to find a diiferent rhythm and pace to life for his college years....who am I to disagree????) Will be thinking of you and writing more...be well, keep dancing your once-in-a lifetime dance, and know that we are holding you close to our hearts -- love, Heather

Tuesday, April 18, 2006 8:31:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Laura:

Boy, there is a lot of love on your blog. Here's how I read your blog. First I come and see if you have any posts...I know the number of comments so I can tell right away whether there is something new. Then I read your comments. Sometimes I stop there. Other times I'll dip into the comments of your community (now feeling like my community). Back and forth. Back and forth. Connect the dots. Connect the non-dots.

Today I was taken by Zoe's post, the Miracle Healing card, the parallel realities, one of which is us -- already healed. Of course. Why not?

Here in Vermont it's a perfect spring morning. I got up early because I'm determined to plant some spinach and some peas along the side of the house before going to work. Brian's still in bed and I started the dishwasher (forgot to do that last night after dinner...blame it on American Idol). From my seat in the living room, I look out over the Champlain Valley to the Adrirondak mountains of New York and the sun is just hitting their tops. What a day. I'm savouring it...my new practice from our dinner at R3. When in doubt, savour. That's my new motto. May you have a day of savouring too!

Love: Jeanne

Wednesday, April 19, 2006 3:46:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura:

Thanks for clarifying your role in the Bigger Game. What you want to do makes a whole lot of sense. I say BRAVO!

I'm sourcing strength, peace and energy for you today.

Love, Pauline

Wednesday, April 19, 2006 4:13:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura

I visit your blog and read your words and am again inspired by, in love with and worried for you all at once. It's good to visit and read not only your words but those of people who post. Thank you for opening your heart to us here and giving us the opportunity to reciprocate.

We are in full spring glory in Vancouver and it is delightful. My poor old dogs are having more and more difficulty getting around, yet even they seem to be injected with more pep.

My official leadership project to honour and celebrate volunteers with SHARE, a local community service organization, happens on Tues night. We had hoped for, no would have been delighted with, 60 - 80 guests. At last count we are expecting 120+ - and we are still counting. It's going to be a party. There will be food, pampering spa treatments, celebration, acknowledgement, door prizes, a comedian, a folk trio, dancers and musicians from the high school in which it is being held. My husband and I just packed 60 of the 120+ gift bags we will need for our guests to take home with them. I have butterflies and I am really energized and excited about this. And it's just the beginning.

Laura, you are making such a huge impact on the world. Take care of yourself. Absorb the love, energy and prayers that I and so many people are sending you. Love ya, babe. Barbara

Saturday, April 22, 2006 11:07:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,

Visiting you again, checking in so to speak on what is happening in your world that many people (including me) are connecting to. I've been reading (thanks to Holly) Awakening the Buddhist Heart and I came across this passage this morning which made me think of your blog, the bigger game, and what leadership opened up for me.

"Self and others are inseparable. If we let ourselves connect and link up in community with ever-widening circles-reaching out to link hands and hearts with those near and far-we can experience a oneness and healing that surpasses understanding; we can become more fully alive, integrated, and at peace. This is the secret of spiritual connection. Making a meaningful spiritual connection in each and every part of our lives is a real possibility. It is up to each and every one of us to actually do so."

This reminds me my isolation is only in my head, my heart encompasses everything and what I can feel with my heart I am connected to. So this morning I tried a meditation from the book, breathing in taking on your pain and breathing out sending to you my health.

My daughter talked last night about wanting to see the rainforest before it is all gone. She heard it was being cut down at the rate of two football fields per second.And it made me wonder about how many football fields of garbage we are creating a day - and how much of that garbage is from products from the rainforest. There is such a lot of pain everywhere.

and then I came across this;
Joy

I don’t know why the wind blowing the leaves gives me joy,
but it does
I don’t know why the sun rising out of the lake gives me joy,
But it does
I don’t know why the sound of your voice gives me joy,
But it does
I don’t know why this cup of tea gives me joy,
But it does
I don’t know why my tears when I remember my mother give me joy, But they do
I don’t know why red gives me joy,
But it does
I don’t know why listening to Neil Diamond gives me joy,
But it does
I don’t know why learning what I hunger for gives me joy,
But it does
I don’t know why doing something new and scary gives me joy,
But it does
I don’t know why sharing a smile gives me joy,
But it does
I don’t know why sending a letter gives me joy,
But it does

And joy upon joy upon joy upon joy
Like stone upon stone upon stone upon stone
Builds foundations that weather and grow stronger with age

I don’t know why a life built on joy creates more joy,
But it does

And all we have to do is see the joy

so, that's my hello for today
love
Jeanne

Monday, April 24, 2006 8:14:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,

Just wondering how you are doing..playing your BIGGER GAME...game over the weekend..had you in my thoughts all weekend. Noel and I did a huge walk on Saturday (20 miles..wew..had fun but it was really hard) and then I powerwashed my patio in front and back on Sunday...exciting stuff:) Sending you and Judy lots of love and health. Know that we are talking about how great you look and seems like everything you are doing really looks good on you...you seem like you are getting healther with this process....really! Talk to you soon.
Read something that made me think of you and me too...God is in the persistance...hm...something to chew on.

Lotsalove,


laura h.

Monday, April 24, 2006 12:45:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura:

Just read your latest blog and you really sound great...your weekend extraordinary...it's such a joy to experience your highs with you...I'm inspired by your courage - The weather is heavy here today, but I felt a lightening of my spirit sharing your mood - I liked what Laura H. said about God being Persistence - you are surely that...

Love, love, love
Mary B

Tuesday, April 25, 2006 8:56:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Originally posted Friday, April 28, 2006 11:13:09 AM

Hi Laura,

I am right there with you...I intend and the hold the possibiltiy for an MRI test result that shows no tumors, and that YOU ARE Laura Whitworth cancer free. I want that for you and for the world. I want you and the world to be very clear about what I want. For Laura Whitworth to be cancer free -- or moving distinctly in that direction.

Sending your Love and the brightest white healing light ever...

Your friend and buddy,

laura h.

Friday, April 28, 2006 4:37:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Upstate New York
Sunday, April 30

Hey thar' darlin' --

I consider that to be GREAT news! Makes me cry to see the good news - -and to know in my gut that your fight and incredible strength and intention, and love for and from friends, is what makes The Difference. As well as your unflinching honesty with the universe. And being clear about The Wanting. Having both feet over the line. No fence straddling. I have huge faith in the Universe and in you - - to keep dancing and witnessing the profound unfolding of your path....

Keep on doing what you're doing and when you feel tired, confused, lost or fed up, know that we will keep holding you up and sending you long distance energy and love boosts. I am loving the image of cooked cabbage strategically placed, absorbing the hurt...I am putting your healing into our local silent Unity prayer-cooker...and we will keep holding you close, seeing you as healing and loved and increasingly at ease and in comfort - -love flowing to and from you --

Heather aka hdiddel@woh.com

Sunday, April 30, 2006 2:51:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey, dear Laura! I am so happy to hear that the tumors are stable. Stable, I believe, is good for now because I picture "stable" as the elbow of the U-turn, as you start heading back towards full health. And that's what I pray for you...a full return to good health! As for me, all is well in my world today. My hubby and I just returned from a little vacation in Sedona. We took a hot air balloon ride and did some other wonderful activities. We get so wound up around work and the kids and "stuff" that we lose each other occasionally, so it was magical to reconnect. And I found Sedona to be such a healing place, spiritually and emotionally. April was a difficult month since it was exactly one year ago that my Daddy, first love of my life, went into the hospital for heart surgery. He was there 3 ½ months before he passed on. This past year, I’ve had real difficulty getting past those last three brutal months of his life. All the pain, anger, anguish, confusion, doubts, regrets and other “stuff” experienced during his last 3 months in the hospital has kept me from thinking about the other 65 years of his wonderful, blessed life. When I think of my Dad, like a fence, the last 3 months pop automatically into my mind. I couldn’t seem to get beyond the fence. During a healing moment in Sedona, a healer asked me to throw away (into a healing circle) that which no longer served me. And I threw away those last 3 months. In their place, I have a handful of wonderful memories from other moments in my Dad’s life which I automatically bring up when I think of him. What I’m finding is that I consciously have to prime the “thought” pump, and it’s getting easier. Now, when I think of him, I will myself to bring up my selected memories, and from there I’m off to some really good places. :-) Stay well, Laura. And remember the U-turn. You’re on your way back!

Sunday, April 30, 2006 7:25:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It sounds like good news and wading through all the medical gobbledegook is confusing. Maybe turkeys could help translate the 'gooble' part.

I had a vision of you with cooked cabbage on the back of your head. You could start a whole new fashion trend. Maybe you could use cabbage rolls and afterwards have them for dinner.

Okay - I'm just rambling and being silly. Wanted you to know I was here. Sending you humour and healing energy. Love B:}

Monday, May 01, 2006 7:12:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura:

I'm here and dancing with the news. Still choosing the version of reality with you completely cancer free. Now I'm adding more sunshine, no, SUNSHINE, to that picture.

Jeanne C

Monday, May 01, 2006 12:18:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hmmmmm - maybe there was more to those Cabbage Patch dolls than we ever knew!
Love
Isha

Wednesday, May 03, 2006 7:35:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Laura:

Hey there. Just saying hi and hello. It's Friday night here and very quiet except for the peepers (frogs). They are chirping and chirping, taking over where the evening birds have left off. I'm reading a book that dear Barbara S. gave me called "Perfection of the Morning." It's a story of a woman's transformation through her recognition of Nature. What's so interesting to me is that nothing changes except her awareness and perspective. And that changes everything. Everything comes alive. Like a new pair of glasses. Like leadership training. Cool, Laura. :-)

So tonight, I'm sending thoughts of Nature herself to assist and attend to you and your tiredness. I'm asking Her to refresh and revive both you and the Earthquake prayer beads with new energy and health. And with that, Laura, I wish you a lovely, peaceful night of sleep.

Love: Jeanne C

Friday, May 05, 2006 6:38:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura:

I can only try to imagine how your brain is going through all of these thoughts during your journey. My brain races with what to others might seem to be minor annoyances. I guess at some point, just "being" is the order of the day to give our thoughts a rest. And, my thoughts are with you today.

Love, Pauline

Tuesday, May 09, 2006 4:27:00 AM

 
Blogger caseyandjen said...

laura laura laura...
i dropped away for a bit, but never stopped thinking of you. it's been just over one year since we're back from our journey abroad and has it ever flown! life is really good since i landed a new job, which i love and we are planning, planning, planning for september. i read the "good" news, and am relieved to hear the optimistic results! may it be just the beginning of lots more good news!!will be in town on sunday if you feel up to visitors...we'll call you. it's been far too long and how lovely it would be to share the sunshine with our favorite ladies in the place we still call home. missing you both and sending big hugs! :)
much love, jenn

Tuesday, May 09, 2006 10:39:00 PM

 
Blogger Unknown said...

Hi Laura,
Just sent you a note, but wanted to send love here also. I am wanting for more people to leave their loveprints here for you too. So I will try to model and inspire that! I know how much anticipation Dan and I both held when we checked out Dan's "guestbook" on his caringbridge site, multiple times daily. It was so gratifying to know that people were checking in on us, sometimes multiple times daily, and dropping us notes. They were also "creating from" one another's entries, which was fun to see!

So, all of you lovers of Laura, I challenge thee today - leave your loveprint! Play with her here, and with each other! Give her something to look forward to when she comes to these pages with only the energy to read, not to post.

Ending this post with love to you Laura, and to your circles of friends who travel with you,

Melissa

Thursday, May 11, 2006 7:19:00 AM

 
Blogger Unknown said...

P.S. Let's go for 10 new comments a day out here! I know so many more are reading daily!

Thursday, May 11, 2006 7:20:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello Laura:

Everytime I read this I think of you and thought you might like this. I miss hearing from you on this blog. How are you doing right now?

Love,
Alexis

Reason and Passion

And the priestess spoke again and said: 'Speak to us of Reason and Passion.'

And he answered saying:

Your soul is oftentimes a battlefield, upon which your reason and your judgment wage war against passion and your appetite.

Would that I could be the peacemaker in your soul, that I might turn the discord and the rivalry of your elements into oneness and melody.

But how shall I, unless you yourselves be also the peacemakers, nay, the lovers of all your elements?

Your reason and your passion are the rudder and the sails of your seafaring soul.

If either your sails or our rudder be broken, you can but toss and drift, or else be held at a standstill in mid-seas.

For reason, ruling alone, is a force confining; and passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction.

Therefore let your soul exalt your reason to the height of passion; that it may sing;

And let it direct your passion with reason, that your passion may live through its own daily resurrection, and like the phoenix rise above its own ashes.

I would have you consider your judgment and your appetite even as you would two loved guests in your house.

Surely you would not honour one guest above the other; for he who is more mindful of one loses the love and the faith of both.

Among the hills, when you sit in the cool shade of the white poplars, sharing the peace and serenity of distant fields and meadows - then let your heart say in silence, 'God rests in reason.'

And when the storm comes, and the mighty wind shakes the forest, and thunder and lightning proclaim the majesty of the sky, - then let your heart say in awe, 'God moves in passion.'

And since you are a breath In God's sphere, and a leaf in God's forest, you too should rest in reason and move in passion.

Kahlil Gibran

Thursday, May 11, 2006 1:34:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello, Dear Laura - I hope you are feeling OK, and I know that you are probably not. And I want you to know that I check here almost daily for any new News, and to feel your spirit through the postings of others who care about you, as I very much do. Rest. Reflect. And Rejoin us when you feel like it. In the meantime, I'll continue to hold you in my thoughts and prayers.

Friday, May 12, 2006 9:30:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,

So---CHEERS to icky medicine: if it doesn't taste bad it's not good for you!
I'm sending you love and hugs and sunshine this weekend.

Love,
Debra

Friday, May 12, 2006 12:49:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Laura:

Cheers? Wow. When I was in 7th and 8th grade, I was a basketball cheerleader. Now I'm being flooded with cheers from the past (I'll have to hold you responsible for that) and I'll see what comes forward for you. GO, FIGHT, WIN. That's the first one that came to mind. I'm sending that one out to your white blood cells. GO FIGHT WIN. It may take some time for others to surface, but when they do, I'll post them here for you ;-)

Here's something I want you to know. In one week, I will be in the same room as one of the survivors from the Uruguay rugby team that crashed in the Andes 30 years ago (remember that book "Alive"). It was a miracle. His being alive is a miracle. For me, the essence of the miracle was that, in choosing not to hope for a rescue, they made their own miracle happen....they got themselves out. That's what I see you choosing with your cancer fight. So GO FIGHT WIN.

Love you, Laura

Jeanne C

Friday, May 12, 2006 1:59:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Laura,

Hope you are doing well today - I CHEER for you every day! I marvel at your dedication to yourself and your healing and I somehow gain strength from you - I think we are the best when we are the most vulnerable - thank you lovely Laura...

Mary

Saturday, May 13, 2006 9:41:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,
Sharna and Kim here. We cheer you for all of your IVs and nutritionals and everything else!! We just tried our powdered "greens" and can't say they taste like chocolate cake (more like ICK!) but we think it's worth it!!! Rah rah rah to you -GO - FIGHT - WIN!!!!

Love, Sharna & Kim

Saturday, May 13, 2006 4:36:00 PM

 
Blogger Unknown said...

Hi Laura,

Sorry to hear about fevers and ick. Thinking of you many times a day with wondering and hope, and more.

Interesting - the thought of cheers to help you through some of the challenges. I also was a cheerleader in junior high, and we cheered for the basketball team. One cheer went something like this:

We're gonna fight, fight, fight for DCS, and win that victory...

Well, let's change it -

We're gonna fight, fight, fight for healing, and win that victory;
With the right, right, right for speaking against the misery.

We're gonna fight, fight
we're gonna win, win,
we're gonna go and fight it, win it, hey!

We're gonna fight, fight
we're gonna win, win...
we're gonna fight to see a better day, hey!

Go and fight and win it - hey!
go and fight and win it - hey!
Win it for a better day!
win it for a better way!
Go and fight and win it - hey!

exit left with a cartwheel ....
Queen blasts out "We will, we will rock you... the bleachers are filled with stomping, clamping, chanting fans... (that's us, Laura :-)
________________________________
OK, I almost put you in the game for a 3 pointer... but I'll let you take it from here...

Anyway - you asked for cheers! So, there you go...

Cheering you on with great love,

Melissa

Saturday, May 13, 2006 8:25:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Here’s one that Judy can dance do while she sings it….

Shake shake shake
Shake shake shake
Shake your booty
Shake your booty

Here’s some cheerleady types:

liquid gold
makes you bold
Sip it up
Sip it down
Aaaahhhhhhhhh
Refreshing!

For purple or blue medicines:

Yum yum
Liquid plum
Deliver the power
Hour after hour

For yellow medicines:

Hello yellow
Just so mellow
Coat my throat
sail like a boat
To the cells and the mitochondree (yes, a few liberties with the spelling)

For red medicines:

Liquid red
Gets me out of bed
It feeds my cells
So I can shake my bells
Boom shakalaka laka
Boom shakalaka laka

Love you,
Isha

Sunday, May 14, 2006 3:27:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura

Thinking of you - hello!

- the wind is busy here today - wild, there is no escape. like thoughts that force their way into any gap or tiny opening. For some reason the refrain of the Battle hymn of the Republic "Mine Eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord" sung in a really loud voice inside my mind serves to keep me standing though I sway like the willow.
love
Jeanne B

Monday, May 15, 2006 9:41:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good morning Laura - I got a bit scared for you last week and chose to "look away" from what you were experiencing. And thank god, you called out and said - hey wait a minute here, I need some cheering and comfort.

I own my cowardice dear Laura. And I am here with you again.

I am hoping that this sunny morning is warmly embracing you and filling you with HOPE, evaporating your fears and yukky feelings from the medicines. I am wanting all the LOVE out there for you to be what's coming into you through the IV lines - so that even if it doesn't feel or taste right, you know that it's healing LOVE. And I'm also visualizing the warm sun rays on you this morning to be the embodiment of FAITH that nourishes you and us on your journey with cancer.

Hope, love and faith - these are my cheers and comfort for you this morning.

With much love,
Brenda

Monday, May 15, 2006 9:45:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey, Laura! Hoping that today is a good day for you.
Wishing you healing, hope and tons of love as the newness of spring is finally here. You are surrounded.............

Love, Peg and Tom

Monday, May 15, 2006 3:06:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Laura:

I spent a day with a shaman the weekend before last. She told me about a Healing Circle in which she and other shaman-trainees participated. During the ceremony, there was a person who took the role of the "disease" and one who took the role of "perfect health." The person who was ill, "disease" and "perfect health" were all in the middle of the Healing Circle surrounded by other participants. The participants were instructed to pay no attention to "disease" and to put all of their attention on "perfect health," cheering her on, calling to her, loving her, nourishing her. Slowly during the dance, "disease" began to slow down, having been drained of energy and attention. "Disease" eventually crept on all fours from the circle, diminished, defeated, cut off. I like this story. I thought you might like it too. Right now I'm picturing you in that Circle. I'm picture you and "perfect health" dancing...."disease" having left the circle.

Love: Jeanne C

Monday, May 15, 2006 4:55:00 PM

 
Blogger Helen House said...

Hi Laura -

If you look under "January through March" personal notes to you, you'll find a new one from me at the very end. WHOOPS!! I'm in the middle of a fast and things are a little cock-eyed! Ditzier than usual! Wishing you well and loving you loads.

xo,
Helen

Tuesday, May 16, 2006 4:49:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,

With a little help from Ms. Pineapple, here's some "official" cheers from her:


Dribble, Pass, Put it through, C'mon,Laura! (clap,clap) Drink two!

The mouth is open, the drink is hot, C’mon Laura, make that shot!

Fire it up, Fire it up, Fire it up offense!

Shoot 2 down the hatch 'cause Laura wants ta win

Come on Laura, you can do it, M-O-V-E move it!

Take-that-basket-to-the-hoop-hoop, Dribble it, Shoot shoot

Move it on down, Move it on down, Move it on down, For a touchdown

Touch- down, Laura, we want 6 more!

Six points over the line, Laura’s offense is lookin' fine!

Hey Laura, grant our wish... All we wanna hear is a swish!

Drink it down and raise that score 6 times more!

All the Way, down the court, Go Laura Go Laura!

FIRST and ten, do it again GO GO!!


Love You
Isha

Tuesday, May 16, 2006 8:33:00 PM

 
Blogger Unknown said...

Hi Laura!

I keep checking in, to see how you are feeling, hoping for good news. Of course, then I come here and read all the comments! And the cheers!

I hope Mother's Day was good for the Mother of Coaching! Susan said she sent you a card - wish I had thought of that! Of course, I did not even give my mom a card, she did get jewelry though!

We had a busy weekend, with the Mother's Day celebration and Erin's third birthday party combined at my house. We fed 19 - chicken and lamb spiedies (marinated, skewered, bbq'd), salads, etc... and of course, birthday cake! Dora the Explorer gifts won the day for Erin. She also enjoyed the cake, and frosted brownies. It was a wonderful, crazy house for several hours!

Prayers and love for you continue - looking forward to seeing you very soon!

Love,

Melissa

Tuesday, May 16, 2006 9:42:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,
Reading about your experience of receiving radiation brought me right back to my own experience on the radiation table at CPMC now almost eight years ago. Then I fast forwarded my memory tape to two years later in Leadership when I did stand up comedy about that very awful sensation of everyone rushing out of the radiation room leaving me alone to face the machine and whatever else my mind was conjuring up. And now to the present, reading Jeff's eloquent experience of watching you encourage "Sue" to see what she wanted to do rather than listening to the voices that were negatively influencing her.

I often joked that cancer was my very own Leadership program. You were at the Wands Leadership retreat where I chickened out and didn't get very far up the tree. You didn't get to see me at the Smoke Signals Leadership retreat where post-cancer I jubilantly got hoisted up the tree and asked for help in walking across, as my balance was still shaky. After cancer, the ropes course was a piece of cake!

Reading of your experience reminded me of why cancer is such a profound time of Leadership.
Ultimately we are all alone in our experience. Yes, there are many people on belay but only you are walking through the fear, the agony, the joy and each moment of presence. It takes courage beyond what most of think we are capable of to show up as that singular conscious experience that each one of us is. It takes supreme courage to be larger than our thoughts and to face our aloneness.

Keep playing your bigger game. The reward is too great to pass up. It is only when we are larger than our thoughts that we win the championship. You can do it. You are doing it. You do it every day.

When the space is right, the particles all fall into place. When you get beyond your thoughts, you know that you are the space of generativity where all things are possible in our "al(l)-oneness". This to me is the greatest leadership. Leaping off the edge and embracing the space of "no-thingness" where we are all radiant, vibrating energies joined together in unity and beauty simply being the heart of the universe.

Much love,
Judith

Wednesday, May 17, 2006 10:53:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Laura:

Here. Saying "hello."

Yesterday I was interviewed for an feature in "Vermont Woman" magazine...I will be their July entrepreneurial woman of the month -- no pictures, just the article :- )

Today I got seven yards of topsoil and compost delivered for my new raised beds. The delivery truck got stuck in the driveway and took an hour to get out.

Tomorrow I get to meet Nando Parrado (one of the survivors from the "Alive" experience I wrote about before).

All good stuff. Just stuff.

I'm thinking of you, Laura, and I miss you.

Jeanne C

Thursday, May 18, 2006 5:53:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Morning Laura!
Saying "hello" :) Thinking of you
Much love
Zoe

Friday, May 19, 2006 1:38:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

When I read your last entry, the words that came to mind are 'oh the places you'll go', you know Dr. Seuss.

You have definitely been to the finest of places and the toughest, and to know for yourself that you would do it all again has to be one of the best places to be.

Yeahhh to your love for life, it's really contagious.......

You are loved very much.

Linda x

Friday, May 19, 2006 1:56:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Laura - boy, what a trip you've been on! And I'm so glad you're on the other side of it now, observing and reflecting on your tracks. And there's still a bit more to traverse, so I made you a cheer to help you get through the rough spots. It's to be sung like the Marine marching chant...Countdown 1,2,3... :-)

I'm Laura Whitworth, Coaching Queen
I'm beating cancer, as you’ve seen!

Intently, steadily I make my way
Marching towards Remission Day!

Love you lots!

Friday, May 19, 2006 7:25:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oops, I didn't attach my name to the previous cheer/chant. It's from me, Maria. I'll think of some more verses to send you :-) Lots of Love...

Friday, May 19, 2006 7:27:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,

Thank you again for sharing your journey with us.

Summer and sunshine have finally arrived to Los Angeles. I'm sitting in my office on a Friday afternoon, taking in the tree outside my office window, and the gentle breeze. Just beyond the tree is what remains of the lagoon that they used in the "Gilligan's Island" TV show. Really!

Hey, I'm sure you've never watched the soap I work on, "Passions"... and we've just cast a new character who is actually a mermaid. Memory tells me that you and Judy have a thing for mermaids! The show is good silly fun, complete with modern day witches and mayhem. I'm enjoying myself immensly, and remembering all those years ago walking through LAX with you, telling you that I didn't really miss the "business." Ahh! It's good to be back.

Just wanted to give you a quick update on my life... and let you know that I'm sending you lots of love, and good healing energy.

Peace,
Chuck

Friday, May 19, 2006 4:50:00 PM

 
Blogger Joan Price said...

Oh Laura, I found myself holding my breath as I read your May 17 entry. I feel so blessed and honored that you're sharing your intimate journey and thoughts with us. That is a greater gift than you realize.

When you were feverish and delirious and -- as you put it -- flirting with death, you still had the insight and tenacity to contact the people who could help you and tell them what they needed to know. You credit others with saving your life -- give some of that credit to yourself, too, because you were the one who took charge, reached out, and held on.

I am proud to know you, dear Laura.

Sunday, May 21, 2006 1:03:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Laura:

Just here and checking in. Wanted you to know that.

Space and particles. Particles and space. Big learning...thank you.

Love: Jeanne C

Monday, May 22, 2006 6:28:00 PM

 
Blogger Helen House said...

Oh Laura!

MY OH MY! You have fought hard lately for this thing called LIFE. THANK YOU for fighting so hard and well! I can see why they give warriors bronze stars and purple hearts. I want to sew stripes on your shoulders and put stars on your collar points. You stayed clear enough in battle to keep yourself alive. Other fine soldiers will learn and grow stronger from what you've shared here. THANK YOU!!

I'm percolating on more thoughts for you... just wanted you to know I'm THRILLED you're on THIS side of those awfullest awfuls.

Much love to you... especially as you drink that kidney tea. I'm dreaming up that it will taste like sun-ripened raspberries picked off the vine on a late summer day... while wearing a grand hat with a fabulous sunflower tucked in the band.

xo, helen

Monday, May 22, 2006 7:28:00 PM

 
Blogger Unknown said...

Hi Laura!

I'm here - checking in. All is well in the O'Mara household, I think! Erin has a new thing - when she wants my attention she says "hoo hoo", which I think means "yoo hoo". It is very cute, and will soon be a bit annoying, I am afraid. Still - cute... she's three!

I loved seeing you last week, and I am amazed at how well you seem to be doing, given the craziness you so recently survived! You look great - and I think your stamina was fairly remarkable.

Much love, and we'll talk soon,

Melissa

Monday, May 22, 2006 8:27:00 PM

 
Blogger Moira said...

Dear Laura,

I was listening to the radio the other day, and Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" came on the radio. Not a cheer, but a fight song, certainly... so I sang to your cancer cells and all those toxins

"Go on now go walk out the door
just turn around now
'cause you're not welcome anymore"

I imagine a whole chorus of back-up singers singing this as you drink your kidney tea :-)

I went to hear Holly Near sing at church a couple weeks ago... a line in one of her songs,

"I want sunsets to hold my wonder"

brought you to mind... so I'm wishing for you sunsets to hold your wonder.

lots of love,

Moira

Tuesday, May 23, 2006 11:50:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Laura,

You know, one of the gifts of being 'busy' is that I don't have to face the important things in life going around me. I have been joyfully, distractedly 'busy' and it's kept me successfully away from your blog.

Tonight, I gave up being busy and hunkered down and read through many of your postings and those of the wonderful folks who offer their love and support on a regular basis.....getting those posts must seem like a beautiful daily diet of the best food ever--filled with nourishment and sustenance.

I am in awe at the courage and yet the matter-of-factness with which you go on, Laura. I can't imagine what it is like to go through the ups and downs of this cancer roller coaster, but I know that your modeling of both the fierce amazon warrior AND the fully receptive and vulnerable maiden, as you follow this journey, is the expression of the full spectrum of humanity that seems needed for this adventure.

Loving you and deeply admiring you,

Sam

Thursday, May 25, 2006 7:56:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Laura:

Thank you for taking us along with you in your last post. And it felt that way. Like a walk together along a path, with the sun coming and going, different things to notice and point to along the way. I am taking what you are pointing to to heart, very much to heart, and want to express my gratitude to you for going beyond "business as usual" in these most important matters....my god, we are all longing for more than "business as usual" with each other. That's the crying part for me...that longing. So many thanks. I wanted to share that a friend of mine who teaches yoga and spends a lot of time in India sent me an email reminding me to focus on my outbreath. She said that most of the body's toxins actually leave through the breath. So I wanted to add that to your list of detoxing systems. I'm looking forward to your post on eating/nutrition, btw.

Your companion in savouring this holiday weekend, this weekend of planting....

XO Jeanne C

Saturday, May 27, 2006 6:18:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura
I've just arrived in England, where the holiday weekend weather is distinctly chilly and moist; it was warming to read of sunshine in your neck of the woods. Thank you a million times for all that you share. When I think of the roller coaster and your incredible courage, I am so inspired.

We just had a crazy night out in Shanghai with Rick and LA .. Alan had invited them there and, co-incidentally, Anna and I were in SH that week too - so we had a great catching up. Later in the week we went shopping .. just as the South China typhoon was whipping SH with rain and wind ... ask Rick about his beautiful, new silk jacket!!!! (And about his negotiating powers with the shopkeepers!! Co-active negotiation with a language barrier ... now that is quite something!!! Luckily Anna was able to jump in, in Mandarin ... that didn't look so co-active to me, not that I understood a word!!)

Now they are weaving their magic again in Australia, with so many successful workshops happening it is dazzling.

I want you to know that I think of you often and always, even though I don't post too often. Keep fighting the fight, we all love you, Laura ... ciao for now, Jane.

Saturday, May 27, 2006 10:19:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello Dear one:

I'm back from the suprising sunshine of London and the rolling hills of Spain and the dry, dusty, HOT awe-some mesas of New Mexico and savoring fully a day off in my beautiful home. What a ride!

So delicious to check in to your blog after being away for a bit and find a recent post. You and Judy both were much in my thoughts this past week.

I missed you both so in this last ceremony. It was a remarkable time. . . and, as we sat around the fire in New Mexico your face and Judy's dancing eyes were with me.

The Medicine Wolves triumphed in the presentation of their first two day ceremony. . .17 truly incredible people left the land after two days, deeply connected to each other and the Great Hoop of Life. It was truly a wowie zowie experience and we were are deeply impacted by the work and by each other.

I also had the opportunity to be with Eileen Kouzel there on the land as well which was such a gift and a blessing.

As usual, your post touches and inspires me. You are such a gift to me, Laura. I'm deeply grateful for the part that I have gotten to play and continue to play in your walk through this lifetiime.

I love the questions that you pose. What makes me happy? Well, most anything! These days it feels as if joy either flows from me or it does not.

When I am connected to Spirit and in the rythm and flow of Life. . . there is joy, even in the hard things. When I become captured by the illusion of the doing world, I am lost to myself and something else flows from me. . .I'm not sure what it is . . . .Push? Re-action? Drivenness? Whatever it is. . .it sure ain't joy.

So my prayer today is that I walk my life with the deep awareness of my connection to All That Is. In that connection, my heart is filled with gratitude. Without it, I am truly lost.

I feel our coming time together at the end of June with the Otters. It feels like the bud of a flower. . . ripe with promise and the unknown. Yeeeha!

Much love to you dear one,

Karen

Monday, May 29, 2006 12:02:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,

It's been a long time since I've travelled your blog. I just read your latest. What makes me...you...happy? And I've read the postings from all those you have touched and who so clearly love and admire you. It is so wonderful to be a witness to that. It feels like a healing circle of the virtual kind.

I am still struck by your question - What makes you happy? When you remove the need for sleep and rejuvenation and have rested enough to choose anything (but travel) you can do, what would make you happy? ...being here right now on this blog makes me happy, knowing that maybe my words bring comfort or connection or something else to you. Being with my nephew smelling pretty flowers makes me happy. It's the kind of happy that sits deep in my soul and is quiet and stirring. I would love to know more of what makes you happy.

I'll be back...until then...white light around you...love Parool

Monday, May 29, 2006 3:02:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura

Your last posting makes perfect sense! I take it to mean that you are calling us, calling me, to live my truth and not compromise that due to circumstances or that pesky gremlin :)

I have only just logged on to your blog and my heart feels well-exercised having read your thoughts from the last few months.

When your black clouds are present, it feels like a black heavy hand is crushing my heart, wringing it to bring a lump to my throat. Thank you so much for sharing those alive personal moments with me. The black clouds image that you use often, makes me think of the black clouds that gather and eventually rain down tears, bringing life with them and clearing the way for blue skies and sunshine to encourage growth and hope. It's the natural way. It's an image that reminds me of the wonder of Africa, with its distinct smell of life, its rich fertility and new, resilient, breathtakingly beautiful life that stays dormant under barren, crisp land, just waiting for the rains until it springs forth. Laura, your courage, dermination and dedication to WINNING are so evident, I see that you're on the brink of cracking that dried earth with your rain, your openness and natural way. It's only a matter of time before your revitalised life springs forth too.

Something else I see strongly in your writing, is that you are dedicated to the fight. But you are also more than the fight now - there is another level. Your attitute is bigger than the cancer (even if on stormy skied days your gremlin doubts it). Your thoughts are inspirational. Your positivity is life-giving. Your generosity and openness remind me of the person I can be too.

I know it's glib quoting cliches, but you have reminded me that death is non-curable. It comes to us all. I'm delighted that your cancer growth seems to have arrested so that you too can live in the uncertainty of not knowing if your day will come today or in 50 years time. If the cancer clowns come back to play another inappropriate trick on you, then we will all be here to hear your interpretation of it.

Your light isn't fading, just flickering; it's so strong that it's lighting up Europe too! I can't wait to meet you and have you lead one of our European courses again soon. We are currently planning a European Co-Active Coaching Day for late October/early November and would love to see you there!

I send you hot (forget warm) wishes, lots of white blood cells, the ability to fool your taste buds into thinking they're dealing with medicines of nectar, and lots and lots of laughter around you and in you (cancer hates laughter).

Thank you for sharing. And for more than that. Thank you for being human and vulnerable - it's incredibly delicate, strong and beautiful. I'll write again soon.

Gen

Tuesday, May 30, 2006 3:28:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A poem, for you

I can’t stop crying because when my mother and father were young they were so damn beautiful. When I look at an old picture of them taken in the forties my heart hurts to see how pretty they are.

I can’t stop crying because this morning I found a snail chewing on my hydrangea. I was so pissed that I threw it across the yard. My yard is made of brick. I found the little body a bit later. The little shell was broken there was a piece missing and it was lying in a small pool of liquid, snail blood.

I can’t stop crying because I saw the roaring Atlantic Ocean pounding ancient serpentine and spewing froth above the headlands. I hope it never stops.

I can’t stop crying because the day my brother died there were two bald eagles perched on a mast outside of the hospital. Maybe that was where they lived, maybe they came to get him.

I can’t stop crying because my wife hit her nose on a tree branch and almost broke it. She is always a bit enthusiastic and sometimes she moves too fast without thinking. There was no snail blood. But a few tears.

I can’t stop crying because I believe and fairy’s and still haven’t seen one. But I have seen evidence.

I can’t stop crying because I know there is greatness in small things. In the things I often cannot see. The sounds I often cannot hear. The stuff I don’t know yet.

It must be because these things are so lovely. A few things that intimacy are made of.

Because.

Tuesday, May 30, 2006 5:36:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Laura,

This is Paweł from Poland - a CTI Poland partner who just started CTI kind of a year ago.

We didn't meet and in a way we did. I am thinking a lot about you and your situation.

I owe you a lot - I am really transforming thanks to the courses that you have designed and the people you taught to lead by example.

You are a special person for me, I care for you and that is the main reason why I decided to share.

One day my mom was in a similar situation to yours. She is fine now for like 30 years... .

We have never spoke about it for these 30 years....

Just recently I have spoken with her and she supprised me a lot. My Mom, my dearest Mom said to me: "You know, I really needed this time on my life. Something BIGer, BIGest happened. And it helped me a lot. And then when the illness was not needed it was gone."

Well, I felt like sharing this wilh you.

I am absolutely certain that there is always a way out of the dark valley - so to speak.

And I wish you to find it.

Let God bless your body, mind and spirit. Let Him help you to get out of this.

Pawel
sop@plusnet.pl

Wednesday, May 31, 2006 12:07:00 AM

 
Blogger Beverly Keaton Smith said...

Hi Laura,

As I sit at the desk and listen to my fourteen year old beautiful cat make the sweetest snoring noises, I realize that it doesn’t take much to make me happy. Thanks for asking! It also made me happy to read this blog. What a delight to soak in the energy of love and healing that radiates from the entries made by people who love and support you.

Thank you for sharing yourSelf and your journey in this format. Once again I realize that you are touching my life. Wow, pretty amazing that you keep doing that considering that I have never met you.

At the end of each course I’ve taken through CTI, including Leadership, the three co-founders of CTI have always been acknowledged by the leaders of each course. So, quietly, I’ve sent many thanks to the three of you during those last moments of completions.

Now, I’m cranking up my voice a bit so it will be easier for you to hear me send you a great big THANK YOU all the way from Mississippi.

Thank you for the role you have played in making CTI what it is today. The training that I’ve received through CTI has impacted my life in monumental ways and I’ve met a lot of wonderful people along the way too.

My goal is to pass as much of the good stuff I’ve gotten from CTI forward as I possibly can.

May love and healing energy continue to shine on you today, tonight and always.

Beverly Keaton Smith

Wednesday, May 31, 2006 6:19:00 PM

 
Blogger Moira said...

What makes me happy?

I have been in this place of questioning, pondering, reflecting since January - when I suddenly woke up to the fact that the "dream" I was chasing was not of my making - that, in truth, what I didn't even want what I was struggling so to create, and I wasn't enjoying the journey, so what's right with that picture?

So I have made frequent visitations to the Hunger square, and also noticing what nourishes me, what makes me happy, day-to-day.

I'm working full-time again as a software geek, something I thought (hoped?) I had left behind. And one thing I love about this work is opportunity for constant learning... learning to solve a problem in a better, more efficient way. First to do the exploration, then to refine it step-by-step. When I have a finished product after 2-3 days of working something out, I am positively giddy!

A solitary walk on the beach recently brought me peace and contentment and happiness. I love the ocean, and living in Colorado, it's a rare treat to be relished.

On the same weekend, three gal pals and I got together for a spa day. All four of us are very different, and yet, when we met at workshop 20 years ago, we knew there was an other-worldly bond and we would be friends forever. Of course, the mineral hot springs and the massages were great treats, and the real source of happiness was the connection, the engagement.

I stayed in bed until noon on Monday - don't remember the last time I stayed in bed so late! But I was laying there pondering around 9:30 when a friend called, and then another, and then another. Good, soulful, meaningful chats and I was cozy, and engaging and happy.

It's the simple things really...

lots of love,

Moira

Wednesday, May 31, 2006 7:12:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura

Thank you for leading the telecall on Wed and challenging us to explore our bigger games. Your spirit and energy as you move through this time of your life and your journey with cancer are so inspiring.

Okay straight to you - I'm going to do your cheer - here goes!

Fight - Fight,

Fight the Fight,

Fight the only Fight that’s right.

The Fight For Life,

The Fight For Life,

Fight - Fight - Fight!!

Love you - B:}

Friday, June 02, 2006 8:36:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,

Thank you for your most recent post. I read it yesterday and had to take some time to listen to my response. Here's some of what I noticed---Yay for Barbara and others on the call who were "dancing" with what did or did not show up. Yay for their flexibility and obvious care for you. I can just imagine how excited they were when you rang in. Now, more than ever, you have a great knowing--and a great willingness to share what you know and what you have learned in life.

When I think about urgency, I can't help but think about what matters. See, there's many things that can present as "urgent". Someone else's lack of planning or commitment can become "my" urgent. But the people and things and work that matter to me always carry a sense of urgency with them. Doing and being for that end does not feel like stress. It feels like giving. It feels like loving. It feels like gratitude. It is grace.

Right at this moment, I have a sense of urgency about making sure that your June Leadership Program with Karen is full. We're close. Why is it so urgent? Because it matters...on so many levels and to so many lives.

I'm praying for you every day...that you will experience great love and joy in these early days of summer.

Much love,
Debra

Sunday, June 04, 2006 4:13:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,

I just discovered your blog last week and today was inspired by your "urgency" message. In the past year the pedulum has swung for me from a place of constant urgency to a place of unhurried calm. I like it here but I loved being reminded by you that perhaps I am missing out on some of the jewels in urgency. I wonder what would it be to be at choice with urgency (the energized excited alive kind) and stillness and calm. Better yet what would it be to have both at the same time?
Anyway...I feel some urgency to talk to you about my passion. Interestingly enough it is to take the lessons from those who have faced terminal illness to bring more aliveness and more peace to all. I have lots of ideas and there are many pieces to what I think about AND I haven't found a solid application quite yet. I have been inspired by Steven Levine and Elizabeth Kubler Ross as well as my own experiences as a nurse and a finacial advisor. You are doing that work right now with all of us here on this site and I am watching and learning and feeling very humbled. I keep waiting for the right time to "claim" this calling or waiting to "flow" into it somehow...obviously I have been lacking urgency. I am in leadership right now and am torn between wanting to create some urgency and wanting to trust that I will know when, what and where. Listening to you and to all you inspire in others is deeply stirring me. I feel a connection despite never having met you in person.
Thank you Laura for who you are and for the courage you show and lessons you teach. The truth is that in a blink of an eye this planet will be replaced with all new faces. All any of us can hope is that our presence here left the earth more filled with love ..as you so clearly have.
With love and gratitude,
Donna

Sunday, June 04, 2006 7:27:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a great insight into urgency and stress. I used to be very stressed in my job 4 years ago - it left me tearful, with sleepless nights and a neglected relationship. And it permeated all areas of my life. A regular manifestation of it was to be late for everything and have my insides churn up in knots every single time.

On one occasion when I turned up late, one of the party remarked in a loud voice, 'I think people who are late are just attention seekers' I was mortified, especially because I suspected that it could be true! It was my way of being significant, of being a martyr to my hectic schedule.

I laugh now, because I've changed my career and my lifestyle. I'm still late sometimes, but it's when other things in my life are urgent too, or when I want to have attention and feel exhilarated at the rush. Not because I am giving away my control.

So, in short, I think stress is about lacking control; urgency is about being in control, relishing the challenge and zooming along with it! It's a rollercoaster! I'm chuckling just thinking about it :)

Thanks for the thought to run with. It was fun!

A cheer for you today:
"Go Laura!
Be urgent
FIGHT the fight
Take control
Know you're in the driving seat
And your journey is safe in your hands!"

Love

Gen

Monday, June 05, 2006 3:31:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hi laura
just catching up with you and what's been happening - wow!! keep going - you are soooo winning this!!
sending you oodles of love and big warm hugs
zoe xx

Monday, June 05, 2006 6:54:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,

Kim here - just saying hello & thinking of you. Sharna & I visited Leslie in Playa over Memorial Day weekend and it was fabulous. Stay tuned as I will post some pictures as soon as Sharna sends them to me... (she's got the digital camera at home..)

Love and cheers to you,

Kim

Monday, June 05, 2006 10:15:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura

Just caught up with your last two blogs and I can feel your reflective and aliveness qualities showing through.

You know what I am not cheer leader material, but I have a little ditty (so English)that
came to mind:

Whilst you were there you peaked through the crack; yep, it was an interesting place but you had to get back.

You knew it was good to see how the other half live,but you know what you want and who to be with.

With the sun on your face and your feet on the ground,you’ve reclaimed the place where you want to be found.

So I see every day how you dance and stay with it,and I celebrate the strength of your full human spirit.

Hey not bad off the top of my head :-)

with much love

Linda

Tuesday, June 06, 2006 5:18:00 AM

 
Blogger Unknown said...

Hi Laura!

Love your last couple of posts, and you have me musing, as usual! On happiness, what makes me happy? Being present with my children, really present... like I was when we went camping over Memorial Day weekend, and I really played with Erin on the most fantastic playground. Being wanted and appreciated at work in a way that is unexpected... like a recent conversation which opened up a possible new door. My husband's declaration that the ice cream and chocolate chip cookies were going to be quarantined to the basement freezer, as we watched Honey, We're Killing the Kids... I can't tell you how long I've been quietly beating the health and nutrition drum for this family... (now if the kids would just voluntarily give up donut holes, juice boxes, and white bread...) New ideas, flashes of "brilliance" that ignite a new kind of hope, or a new perspective on an old topic... Having a rainy day to cook and prepare an early dinner for friends... Really good music, and music with a cause (the new Dixie Chick's album, for example!)... People commenting on how well my son takes care of his little sister (and watching him in action)... Hugs and kisses... So many things...

On urgency... it raises such an interesting question. Good, bad? How is it different than stress? This one will take some more noodling. However, I think you might really be onto something when you talked about the problem with chronic or ongoing stress, vs. the sprint of an urgent need (like your phone call). A book I really like is "The Power of Full Engagement, Managing Energy not Time". It sounds like your urgent response on that phone call was perhaps energizing for you, not draining. You were able to sprint, and then breathe! So perhaps there is something in there... a series of sprints with time to re-energize in between? And for me, there is that all-important alignment with values and compelling purpose. I am not good at "urgent" when it's out of alignment with my values. Nor do I want to be good at that! I know the kinds of requests that drain me.

So, nothing terribly earth shattering there, I guess. Food for thought, which is good and satisfying...

Lots of love to you Laura, talk to you soon,

Melissa

Tuesday, June 06, 2006 5:24:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Divine Ms. Laura,

Here's my cheer for those dead blood cells (Icky thought!) in your body:

Rah! Rah!
Sis! Boom! Bah!
Hit 'em in the head
with a Kielbasa!

(Remember...I went to a Polish Catholic school where Keilbasa (pronounced: Ku-Bah-Sah) was the multifuntional link sausage that ws used as both a food item and, according to the cheer, a weapon. Remember, we are a very frugal and resourceful people!)

I loved your day in the garden and I'm grateful you had that and savor those moments. Your words prompted me to go out to my garden and look around to find what I hadn't seen before...there sure was a lot there! This, of couse, prompted me to continue looking at other areas where I'm there and just not seeing which leads to the questions of "Where else is this happening?!?"

Ahh....questions...that's what life is about isn't it, asking the questions, finding the answers, asking the questions again, finding the answers again...remembering and relearning.

I also love our holding each other as Big and Brave and as Savorers...shifts energy!

I love you Laura and I love your words and I love your tenacity and I love your humor and I love your sadness and I love your humaness and I love your asking and I love your wanting and I love your inquiries and I love your Bigness and I love your Braveness and I love your Living Strong! and I love your titillating savoriness and I love your asking 'What's next?' even when it might not feel like there is a 'next' and I love your urgency and I love your restfulness and I love your looking, looking, looking and your pointing to those dark places that go 'boo' in the night and hide under our beds and in our closets and I love your pointing to those light places that allow us to be in those places of calm and serenity and knowing we are exactly where we need to be.

Know you are being sent white light (which should be blinding you by now), prayers by the semi-truck load, and lots of healing energy in lots of different denominational ways...more than you will ever know.

You are Living Strong!

Fight! Fight! And don't forget that Kielbasa along the way. I'll send ya one if you need it. Just let me know.

Pat Obuchowski

Tuesday, June 06, 2006 11:23:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Laura,

I had the pleasure and the privilege of attending the call organized by the Canadian community last week and would, first of all, like to thank you. Namaste. Thank you for your energy and your "urgency" for sharing your knowledge and experience with us and most of all, thank you for the love you put into every second of the call.

I fell in love with co-active coaching more than a year ago and attended training in both Israel (where I lived for 10 years) and Spain (where I am from and where I have been living the past 8 months). I wrote not long ago, that the reason why I fell in love with co-active coaching is its first principle: the client is naturally creative, resourceful and whole. I wrote that as a coach and as a person, this is a principle that has a powerful impact on my way of perceiving the world and the people around me, since it reassures me of the greatness of the essence of humanity, of the greatness in each particular human being. You are, as are my clients, another perfect example of this greatness coming to light.

I have read your work and seen the Bigger Game model on paper before but it was your passion, your experience (not only as coach but as a human being dealing with sickness – which I believe connects us to the essence of our existence in a different, maybe more profound, way) and as I said, your love of life, of your work, of others that made an impact on me the night of the call.

I greatly admire your courage and your capacity for sharing yourself with others. From the way you spoke and what I have read in your blog, I feel you are living the moments fully although the present is now hard. I know cancer from up close, and all I can say is that I believe it is an experience that is unique to each being as all other experiences but that in all cases it entails a lot of pain, a lot of changes where choice seems to disappear and a lot of fears. Your voice did not deny all of these, but rather embraced them with courage and love and encouraged and inspired others with the wisdom acquired in this harsh part of your journey, to find that greatness within and bring it to light. You are a wonderful human being, Laura!

I send you a lot of energy and wish you will feel calm, joyful and rested. I hope these words find you with a smile upon your face and thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing what you have shared with me, and for taking the time to read this.

A soft warm hug from someone that is also with you wishing you all the best,

Pilar

PILAR RUEDA GARCÍA MANDLER
Personal & Executive Coach


Phone: +34 91 458 7905
Mobile: +34 627 044 494
Email: pirueda@gmail.com
Skype: pi7inair

Tuesday, June 06, 2006 1:10:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,

I posted a longer comment a few days ago, but it seems to have been lost. In the grand scheme of things, clearly no big deal.

Just want you to know I'm reading, watching, sending you love and prayers.

I will aim to recompose what I wrote earlier if in fact it is lost. Just keeping this short to see if it works.

Hugs,

-jen (Lindsay)

Friday, June 09, 2006 11:45:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Laura,

I went to the ICF Conference in San Jose last November with very clear intentions, one of which was to reconnect with you! I was excited with anticipation when I went to your “Bigger Game” session hoping to learn more about what you have been up to and to see you and set up a time to chat and catch up only to find out that you were seriously ill and wouldn’t be there. I was shocked and saddened at the news. It was great to see you on your videotaped address to the group but I was disturbed and frightened for you. I happily ran into Henry House in the back of the room and he assured me that while, yes, you were ill, you were fighting it and doing everything you could to beat it.

I have meant to write you since then but have been at a loss as to what to say and have hesitated, wondering if it would be better to leave you alone to focus on getting well.
But I want you to know the difference you have made in my life so I am going to attempt to express myself to you nonetheless. I wanted to reach out (as I am certain many, many have done) to express my love and appreciation of you for the dedication, sacrifice, love and leadership you have demonstrated over the past 15 years. It’s amazing to look back on all the time that’s passed since we first met through Robert (Middleton) in ‘91 and subsequently studied with Thomas (in your Pacific Heights living room : ), and, for a time, met regularly with Henry in your Priority One office to exchange notes and support each other with our businesses…good memories!). I am just blown away at what you and Henry and the community you have nurtured have created and grown since then!!
You are certainly the “Mother” of coaching as we know it today as far as I’m concerned!

Laura, I LOVE being a coach! It’s who I am and what I am here for, and without my friendship with you and Henry in the beginning it is possible I wouldn’t have gotten off to as good a start and may have missed my calling all together!!

I have been building my coaching business on my own for years and have finally gotten to a place where I have developed a certain level of competence and confidence and been ready to reach out to the coaching community and to other successful coaches to learn and to contribute in whatever way I can. Initially, that is why I wanted to reconnect with you and Henry. But now I am reaching out to you to let you know that I feel a deep sense of love and appreciation for who you are, what you stand for and the contribution you have made to the field of coaching and to me personally!

It is my hope and prayer that you have a full recovery and are here for years to come spreading your love and contribution far and wide, just as you have these last 15 years.

I am “holding you in The Light”.
Love!

Patrick

P.S. When you get well I would love to come visit you and have a long chat over a cup of tea! : )

Friday, June 09, 2006 3:53:00 PM

 
Blogger Helen House said...

Good morning Laura Love,

It's a beautiful Saturday morning here and I've started it off by reading your last few postings. I just changed the settings on my internet program so that this was my home page again. It used to be that way, but when my computer crashed, I just carried on with what came with the program. Ain't that just the way of things? It's so easy to settle for what doesn't work, just because it takes a little more effort to have it be just as I want it.

As I read your recent posts and was filled with tears - moved, inspired, and filled with empathy for how hard you're fighting... especially when it's so NOT fun - I felt guilty and ashamed about all the places I settle for what doesn't really work in my life. Mind you, this is really healthy guilt and shame. This is clearly what those feelings are for - to help redirect us when we stray... to realign with what's right.... to get our insides to match our outsides. Integrity.

Urgency..... Aliveness... toxins.... cheers.... nasty drinks.... yellow eyes.... persistence.... Judy the Juicer... Urgency.... rest.... lateness..... learning.... Alive..... blood counts.... FIGHT.... CHEERS

So many things to juggle and battle and sort and be with. It has me thinking not only about whether or not I'd fight for my life (there's a big fat question) but also has me thinking about how hard I'm willing to work and fight for whatever it is I want in this life. There are places I give up so easily! There are others that I stick it out and push through the hard stuff. I see my clients give up before they start sometimes. Me too. (Though I haven't taken TBG, I'm guessing this is the territory of that work??)

Lately I've been fighting for my health. I'm not sick. I'm actually very well - maybe better than ever. AND, I'm still fighting for my health. You see, I went and got really clear about what I WANT. I stopped listening to people who said "but you look great".... or people who feel worse about themselves as I go for what I want. I started to listen to the bigger yearning inside me and looking for a bigger something that would call to me.

I've never thought of myself as someone who liked "goals". I never liked setting them, because to me they were a formula for ultimate misery and self-loathing as I watched myself fail to meet them. Over the months of reading your blog, that's shifted. So now, M'dear, I have a very clear goal. Funny thing is, it's not the BIG goal. The vision of what I'm headed for in the bigger picture of my life still isn't clear enough to create a goal, but I know that getting to where I can even see what that is will take me meeting smaller goals along the way.

It's like this... In seven years (when my kids are out of school), I intend to launch myself into an amazing stretch of my life where I have the biggest, most luscious impact of my life. I see so clearly that my 50's on up will be the most delicious period of my life. The stretch where I am used so well, where my soul is stretched to its limit, perhaps to the point of no return. (that's bold)

It may seem problematic that I have very little idea of what that's going to be. No worries. Though I don't know what it's going to be, I do know what I need to do to begin to prepare for that time.

What will I need? I'll need to be healthy as a horse so my body is my greatest resource, rather than the reason I can't. I'll need financial fitness, so I can manage the risk factors and have the freedom that comes with awareness and responsibility. I'll need to develop certain areas of my leadership. ((((I'm wanting to shift from needing to wanting here... because these are really deep wants))) I want to reawaken the artist in me on some level. I want to develop my abilities to play and love deeply. I want to keep healing the old wounds so I'm clear and present and can dance with whatever I encounter.

I could go on and on, but you get the idea. And so I begin with very clear goals around my health. From there, I'll move to very clear goals around my financial fitness. In between I keep weaving in bits of the other stuff - creating an art studio in my basement, playing more, deepening a loving relationship, therapy, coaching, etc...

You inspire me so profoundly. I'm not so sure the changes I've been making would come with half the commitment I've given them without your inspiration. I see you're scheduled to lead leadership, that you have goals out in the future beyond the current biggies of staying alive and living well. You have things you're getting to and claiming FULL HEALTH is essential to the process.

You ARE strong enough to survive this detox process! You ARE brave enough to drink the nasties! You ARE smart enough to always look past the news of the day (test results) to see the bigger picture! You ARE persistent enough and BOLD enough to be ALIVE with URGENCY! You ARE loved and supported enough to lean in and be helped through it all.

Fight the Fight!
Fight the only Fight that's Right!
Fight for LIFE!
Fight the Fight!

AND WIN!!!!! Go Laura GO!!

Sending you a massive Michigan hug from a growing smaller Michigan woman!

I love you,

Helen
coachhelen@charter.net

Saturday, June 10, 2006 5:56:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello Dear Laura and Judy:

Thinking of you both and of your sisters as you move toward and through the memorial service for your brother.

I know that I can't even imagine how challenging it is for you both to keep fighting. . . . your fight is so very real and very constant. It's humbling.

So, I'm sending you both an ocean of love and enthusastic, tender, gentle, fierce, passionate, heart felt cheers from the side lines.

Makes me think of the Portland Marathon and miles 21-26. . .man it was a challenge to keep going. . what kept me moving was the cheers that I knew were happening at the end and. ..well. . . the fight!

So, imagine me on the side lines of your race, cheering you wildly as you fight for and claim life. Over and over and over again.

So looking forward to seeing you both and the rest of the A team tomorrow.

All my love,

Karen

Saturday, June 10, 2006 11:58:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi There LauraW Sweetheart ~

Sending you a big hug and so much love...and a even bigger hug and much much much more love.......

See you soon.

You are in my heart and prayers.

Your A Team Buddy!

LauraH.....

Sunday, June 11, 2006 9:30:00 AM

 
Blogger Helen House said...

Dear Laura,

Thinking of you and Judy today on this Monday after your brother's memorial service. It's cloudy and cold here.... seems like a good day to cocoon and introspect. May you find peace today and feel loved and held in the many arms that wrap you from near and far.

Love,
Helen

Monday, June 12, 2006 7:06:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura

I read your latest post with some alarm and I know you are marching forward, fighting, following your regime, breathing, weeping, whatever is in the moment.

As I prepare to leave for 3 weeks in Ireland I am pausing to focus my energy and love on you and your supporters for whatever lies ahead. White light --->>> to Laura.

And as I walk the beach over there in Bangor, N. Ireland, I will hold you in my heart and ask the Irish faeries to send you healing love and energy.

Go mbeannaí Dia duit (God bless you in Gaelic) Love B:}

Monday, June 12, 2006 1:31:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Go, Laura!

Keep fighting the fight. You are amazing--you've come so far in this fight. You're hitting a tough spot now, and you've hit tough spots before. You've got what it takes to move through this one too.

Sending you lots of love and oodles of white light to fuel your journey.

Love, Hope

Monday, June 12, 2006 6:20:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey sweetie,

Just found my (larger) posting in the wrong place on your blog, it’s in the area reserved for YOU!

So sorry, but there it is if you want it. (And I wondered how all those people had managed to post in the wrong place. OOPS! Now I get it.)

I just read on your blog how you are being called to return to Mexico on short notice. I wish you safe travels—angels under the wings of your plane to make it a smooth ride, beautiful clouds to stare at out the window, and very effective practices once you’re there.

I wish you that the bad guys from the dissolving tumors drain out—quit their fighting. And that the good guys (your immune system, et al) receive all the nourishment you are pouring into your body.

There is so much love coming your way, from literally all around the world; I wish you “rest” inside the fight, in whatever way that works for you.

Love,

-jen

Monday, June 12, 2006 9:58:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

HELLO TO ALL READERS OF LAURA'S BLOG:

IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO JOIN IN A "VIRTUAL" GROUP MEDITATION/VISUALIZATION FOR LAURA'S RESTORED HEALTH AND WELL BEING, PLEASE JOIN ME EVERY/ANY NIGHT FROM 7 - 7:30PM PACIFIC TIME....OR POST ONE FOR YOUR TIME ZONE AND WE CAN KEEP HER COVERED AROUND THE CLOCK!

LOVE,
ISHA

Monday, June 12, 2006 11:39:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura
Andy Denne here.
Fascinated by your posting about fighting.....jeez its a good question and place to get curios...
Do we fight death? Do we fight for life? Damn good questions that are tricky to be with.
I have no answers, and am willing to walk in the question.....

I wonder if what i fight for is the future...

Damn, i havent got a clue.

What i know is that i love you. I send you love and heling light as the core/soul of you stands still in the storm of the battle

Big kiss
Andy

Tuesday, June 13, 2006 2:13:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Sounds of Silence...

...are deafening.

My sweet Laura, in Process when you and Karen and Jeanine had me go to what I couldn't be with, it was that which has prevented my posting.

Loss

Forever learning and growing and forgetting and falling asleep and waking up again. You know the cycles.

I still have the fricken' sticker (Loss) in my old 1997 binder with the funky stretched out oval logo that shoulda been round. Weren't those days a blast?

I hold my head low and beg forgiveness for the abandonment. I'm leaning in to my tears and letting them fertilize my arms, hands, and jeans and now the carpet.

I know you know. You see.

I'm present now.

I've returned from the dessert honoring Ilene Kouzel in ceremony on WhiteEagle's sacred land. What joy it is to celebrate the living. Why must we continue with the patterns of sharing how much people mean to us after they transition? Wouldn't it be cool to be able to know so we could all have a celebration of life party? I think so. I want one. I believe this blog is yours.

So, Woo Hoo! You are one of my internal rocks. Solid glacial polished granite and shiny. You know, the kind you can slide down on your butt and accidently get a hole in your jeans. It's fun though.

This is a quick visit as it's time for me to slide on out of the office and get my cat to the vet. Aren't you glad you don't have to be all closed up in a box with holes traveling on a towel when you go to the doctor?

With all the Love in my Heart,

Andrew

Tuesday, June 13, 2006 9:06:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello dear Laura - I cannot imagine what it's like to be in such fierceness - fierceness of listening to the ever changing landscape of your body and learning to decipher what it's telling you; fierceness to live; and fierceness to really calling us forth to be with you on this ever deepening sacred journey of yours.

More than ever the image of the trust fall comes up - and as we - your caring friends choose to come and go according to our needs - you are fiercely calling us forth to be there for and with you - every step of the way. Thank you for being so fierce and courageous with your constant reminder and request that you need us with you.

Purple on your body and a trip to Mexico in short order - I just want you to know that I am standing firmly on the ground to help hold you as you fall back even more deeply into our outstretched arms.

I love you Laura.
Brenda

Tuesday, June 13, 2006 11:28:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Laura,
I have thought today about what I'd like to say to you, and came up with these words:
I love you.
I respect you.
I admire you, a lot.
So I also try to send you "the best of luck & good fortune" in your battle.
Love, David

Tuesday, June 13, 2006 7:58:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello Dear Laura:

Just checking in to the blog and sending you a quick hug and an ocean of love before I move out into my day.

Love,

Karen

Wednesday, June 14, 2006 8:21:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,

I'm thinking of you and sending you lots of healing energy -reach out and touch the white light surrounding you...I wish you peace in your fight for life...

Loving you,
Mary

Wednesday, June 14, 2006 8:37:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Laura,

Thinking about you and Leslie and your healing in Mexico.

Love to you,
Stacy

Wednesday, June 14, 2006 3:39:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Again!

I'm watching "So You Think You Can Dance?" and thinking about you, and Judy and Trish (smile). They are down to the top 20 and they are SO good! I don't seem to recall any of these folks from the audition rounds.

Sweet dreams,
Stacy

Stacy

Wednesday, June 14, 2006 10:53:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Laura:

Hello. I'm here and sending you...something. I don't know what it is or what it becomes when it surrounds you. I think it's a mixture, potent, of love/caring and deep, life-affirming breaths. A cocktail of sorts. Please sip away!

Thinking of you...grateful for you.

Jeanne C

Thursday, June 15, 2006 4:00:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello, Laura - just a short message to let you know that you remain in my thoughts daily. And every time I think of you, I sent vibes of love and comfort your way. I am so sad that you continue to go through this ordeal and if there was a way to partition out this tough experience for you, I know many of us would sign up for a portion to alleviate your experience. It seems like too much for any one soul to carry. And know that even if we can't assist you physically, we are here spiritually for you and with you. Receive my love, as it's being sent to you at this moment...

Thursday, June 15, 2006 7:23:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura:

Not sure if you can read the posts; but I'm here thinking of you. I hope John the healer is guided with good hands to help treat you with your latest event.

Love, Pauline Lally

Thursday, June 15, 2006 9:58:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laurla,

Thinking about you and hope that you are able to find a few laughs and giggles along the way. I know that cancer is not one bit funny or fun but wish you a smile and a laugh anyway on the fight path....Sending you the biggest smile ever with shining white teeth that radiate out to you and bask you in healing white light:)))

Love you and see you soon.

Adios Amiga...

laura h.

Thursday, June 15, 2006 11:26:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Laura

I think about you every day and have been wondering about the right inspirational thing to say that will really change your day....truth is I am just me and sometimes not so inspirational. When I read your blog I am re-awakened to life - my life - and its impermanence. So I enjoy the birds, the sun, the brief moment of joy and calm. I am really grateful - profoundly grateful - to be awake to enjoy these things.

I think one of the great gifts you have given me - and your gifts are the ones that keep on giving years later - is the enjoyment of being me. I thank you for that.

And in your fight, I learn what it looks like to be a warrior. Even when your knees are weak from the fight. Even when you are tired and scared.

Another gift you are giving us.

With love

Lynne

Thursday, June 15, 2006 5:19:00 PM

 
Blogger Unknown said...

Hi Laura,

I have to be honest, I am a bit scared, fearful. I can only imagine that you must also have some of that fear - but perhaps not. Perhaps it's a different emotion. Whatever it is, I see you bold taking action, and walking through this latest gulp, the gulp delivered to you. You get to choose your reaction, and you are so very consistent.

Fight the Fight
Fight for Life
Fight the Only Fight That's Right

And you choose what's right for you.

I am SOOO rooting for you, praying for you, and loving you, and on so many fronts, for so many reasons. Some of them may be selfish - you are such a role model, and a mentor, and an incredible world changer. I want more of that. And I know how much energy it gives you when you are able to play this strength. I want that for you - Laura on purpose, energized, illuminated, illuminating.

So, I will see you that way, because you are that way, regardless of the circumstances. True to self, and what a gift.

Lots of love, and prayers for healing, light, and strength,

Melissa

Thursday, June 15, 2006 7:44:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello Divine One,

The words I have for you today are:

Fight the Fight
Fight for Life
Fight the Only Fight That's Right

I'm sending you lots of healing light and energy and thoughts.

I agree with Melissa when she says the rooting for you may be selfish - I, too, want more of you continuing as a role model, and a mentor, and an incredible world changer.

And I loved Isha's idea of a virtual healing community...I'm there...Count on it.

Hope your trip to Mexico brought you time of feeling better.

Just to let you know I've been thinking of you.

Love,
Pat O

Friday, June 16, 2006 4:13:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Laura,

Sending you and Leslie warm thoughts of healing and rejuvenation. I'm looking forward to seeing you when you return!

Love you, Stacy

Saturday, June 17, 2006 12:34:00 AM

 
Blogger Unknown said...

Hi again Laura and Judy and all,
I am hungry for news - information please! How is Mexico? More importantly - how is Laura in Mexico? Or at home? Where in the world is Laura Whitworth? I have checked here twice today, hoping for news. And each visit is like a prayer. With lots of little prayers in between.

I can only imagine how tense it might be where you are, and I find myself on the edge of my seat, too. So, if anyone has heard news from Laura, please get permission to post an update on her behalf.

Also, what's Laura's birthdate? I want to look up her Birth Angels (see Amazon.com for info on this very intriquing book). And then send special prayers via these angels.

So, sending love and prayers and wishes for good news!

Melissa

Saturday, June 17, 2006 7:03:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,

So glad to hear that you are home. It sounds as if the trip was a success. I will continue to hold you and Judy in my prayers. I hope you can sit outside a bit and enjoy this great weather. Keep fighting....and resting.
Love,
Debra

Saturday, June 17, 2006 11:09:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,

I just cut yellow roses from our front yard.

Placed them in a "What are you grateful for?" jar from Cafe Grateful.

Thinking of you.

Welcome home.

Love, Stacy

Sunday, June 18, 2006 10:08:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your words ARE sunshine Laura! Thank you.
Love Brenda

Sunday, June 18, 2006 10:40:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi, Sweet Laura - I'm so glad you are home. Somehow the world seems more right when you're sleeping in your own bed, sitting in your favorite chair, surrounded by your favorite things. And you continue the healing. Lots of wonderful, beautiful healing.

Sunday, June 18, 2006 10:53:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello Dear:

Welcome home to warm, sunny California. Glad you are back and that the trip was a success.

Sending you lots of love on this beautiful day!

Big hugs,

Karen

Sunday, June 18, 2006 6:40:00 PM

 
Blogger Helen House said...

Helen House said...
Laura Love,

How WONDERFUL that your trip was so successful! I've been rooting for you from the side lines. I had a mantra going for you the other day as I ran. Think back to high school football games when the cheerleaders would chant - Push 'em back, Push 'em back, WAaaay Back. This mantra was like that "Clean 'em out, Clean 'em out, ALL OUT". I pictured the little scrubbing bubbles guys detoxing your cells, liver, everything that holds toxins.

Loving you from Michigan!

xo, Helenski
coachhelen@charter.net

Monday, June 19, 2006 6:12:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi There LauraW...

YEA YEA YEA for ALIVE AND WELL....So HAPPY to learn that you are noticing Alive and Well climbing this very very big mountain..I feel in my heart that you are almost on the summit...its cold up there but you have all the right gear and will be warm..probably a little tired.....dont forget to ENJOY the view:)

Big love to you girlfriend...

Talk to you on Wednesday.

oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

laurah

Monday, June 19, 2006 11:19:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Laura,

Welcome home, may the sun shine on you today and bleach away the toxins and the cancer. My mom's lymphoma has turned aggressive this spring and she's fighting with a new chemo. I think of you both when in my cardio-kick-boxing class and send the jabs and hooks and roundhouse kicks right to those deserving cancer cells.

Sending love and hugs to you and Judy,

Hesteah

Monday, June 19, 2006 3:07:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Laura:

Home. YES. Alive. YES. Well. YES. Happy. YES.

YES. YES. YES. YES.

It's not a cheer but it came to me. It's my prayer and belief for you.

You are home, alive, well and happy. I have the strongest image in my mind of you BEING exactly that (in a garden). I'm so glad.

With gratitude and friendship....

Jeanne C

Monday, June 19, 2006 5:24:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Laura,

Welcome home!

Love, Hope

Tuesday, June 20, 2006 11:35:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello, dear Laura - Just checking in to let you know that I'm thinking of you right now. I'm hoping that this week is less hectic for you than last week and that you are feeling better. How about some nice, quiet, effortless, stress-less healing? That sounds nice, huh? I wish it for you!

mgarza@us.ibm.com

Tuesday, June 20, 2006 8:14:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Laura,

I want you to know how your words are spreading beyond your blog to touch the hearts and spirit of others. As a hospice volunteer, I was introduced to a woman, almost a year-and-a-half ago, who was diagnosed with lung cancer. Though she has since elected to suspend hospice care, we continue to deepen our friendship, without the structure of hospice. I have often mentioned you to her regarding your fight, so that now, during every visit, she asks me “how is your friend doing?” I report back to her the “blog news." She does not own a computer, so she has no access to the blog site directly. During our phone call this week she asked if I could bring her a copy of your writings (she specifically requested me to bring writings about the “hard parts”). So, yesterday, when we got together, I brought her a printed compilation of your words from the past month (15 pages worth). I had copied your words from the blog site and pasted them into document form. I left them with her to read at her leisure.

Within hours of leaving this paper-clipped buddle with her, I received a phone call from her. She called to let me to know how powerful your words had been for her. She talked about how she could relate to everything you wrote…the new cough after treatment, the hard places, how she felt she knew you, your power, and the truth you captured. She said it was as if you had written the words that she was thinking. Your words, as she put it, were “alive!” for her. I asked her if I could share her response with you. She said “yes” and for me to specifically tell you that after reading your words, “I felt my spiritual heart open and I welcomed her.” She wants to read the book about cancer that you are writing, and for me to let her know how soon she can get her edition. She is giving the blog site address to her children, so they can share your words, together. Her excitement and joy was the result of you expressing your truth, whether it’s reminding us to “savor” or of the “cloudy hard places” that you courageously share with us. You continue to touch and open hearts in big and unimaginable ways…

Love,
Jim

Wednesday, June 21, 2006 10:17:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura, (Jen L here)

I've been searching for a fight cheer. By the way, it was really wonderful of you to ask for one. The is one from my family and I don't know if it works as a cheer or not, but I'll give it a go anyway.

My long-time stepfather, who was wicked-smart, sexy, and had a wry sense of humor--think Johnny Carson, and my Mom were on a trip to the Caribbean. And they landed at some big airport, like on Puerto Rico, first. But then they had to get to one of this "little" islands. So, they were scheduled onto a so-called puddle jumper.

The plane looked old, the pilot looked like he had spent too much time in a bar, and the flight, while it lasted, was rough. The landing was a dubious affair. Finally the plane bounced to a stop and the passengers sat there, stunned and silent. Then the pilot cheerfully announced:

Well folks! We cheated death once again.

Everyone started to breathe again and they all got off the plain, their Caribbean adventure off to a rolicking start.

For my family, this became a refrain. At the end of any journey, however perilous or tame, when we arrived at our destinattion, we'd say: "Cheated death once again."

For us, I think it worked as a reminder that life is Risky Business of the highest order.

And last, not to be too significant, but when things get really hard, dark-night-of-soul-hard, I think of some lines from a poem called "Carrion Comfort" by Gerard Manley Hopkins, which begins:

Not, I'll not, Carrion Comfort, Despair, not feast on thee.
Not untwist, slack they may be, these last strands of man in me,
Or, most weary, cry: I Can No More.
I can.
Can something.
Hope.
Wish day come.
Not choose not to be.

But ah, but oh thou terrible, why wouldst thou rude on me
Thy wring-world right foot rock?
Lay a lion-limb against me?
Scan, with darksome devouring eyes, my bruised bones, and fan, oh in turns of tempest, me heaped there, me frantic to avoid thee and flee?

...

What I love about this poem is how the suffering and the fight are right next to each other, given equal fire. This is not an idealized suffering and not a wimpy sort of resistance. These are real; this guy has been through it. I also love how it starts with "Not. I'll not." And then goes on to--"I can. Can something." I can just feel this guy dig in his heels, sit down in the muck, and then turn away and start crawling and clawing back in another direction--toward something good, not just the resistance of something bad.

There you have it: two fight cheers, of a sort, from my world.

So happy you are back from Mexico, safe and sound, and delighted for your days in the sun in Sebastopol.

-jen

Thursday, June 22, 2006 1:08:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Darling Laura--Caroline here. I mean literally, here, in your house. I have been on the road and mostly out of the country for the last two months, and now I am nestled in your own pool house at 6:00 am, cozy under the bedspread, listening to the birds, and reading your blog before going to the work in which you are my esteemed colleague. I will soon take a bath in the very tub where you detox regularly. It feels wonderful to be in physical proximity to you. And, when I am many thousands of miles away, I send you love, prayers, and white light many times a day. It has become a habit, like good oral hygiene, to consciously love Laura each day.

I had a wonderful visit with Ilene Kouzel in New Mexico where she was hanging out a bit with the CGTers and preparing for her own ceremony/celebration later in the month. She told me how fortunate she felt to have a terminal illness for which there is no known cure and precious few treatments, because it pointed her toward spending her time living exactly the way she wants to--making art and poetry and play--rather than spending her days swallowing icky potions, hooked up to IVs, fighting the cancer fight. I saw the terrible joy in her words. And I see the resolute courage in your commitment to the fight, day after day after day. Your description of the need for daily vigilance to not let down, especially when there is nothing to do--no action to take--reminds me a bit of woman with threatened pregnancies who are put on total bed rest. Their job is to take care of themselves, do absolutely nothing, and grow life. Challenging indeed for the doers among us. Your job is to keep up the wearisome work to preserve life, keep drinking those juices that can't be disguised as martinis no matter what glasses you choose, to keep slamming down those horsepill supplements, to enjoy the sun on your face whenever you can. I stand in awe at your commitment, what you are learning and teaching, how richly you are living into the fight for your life. I stand is awe and love every single day.

I send you love, Laura. And prayers. And fan letters. And cheers. And I look forward to hugs with you and Judy later in this day.

Love from the pool house--Caroline

Friday, June 23, 2006 7:23:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi, dear Laura - I just read your latest post and am sitting here smiling widely thinking of you having a great day and feeling so much better. What a wonderful blessing and a delicious treat! And I'm sending lots of love your way so that you have many more days like these ahead of you, as you continue to heal!

Friday, June 23, 2006 2:17:00 PM

 
Blogger cjeanneb said...

Thinking of you Laura, hello
hugs
Jeanne B

Friday, June 23, 2006 2:34:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura:

I'm sitting in a hotel room in downtown Minneapolis resting after the flights to get here. Thinking, thinking, so much of you. Remembering so many of your words, Henry's words, and all of our tribe's words from the last year. Aware, in a new way, of my impact in every moment....that's something I learned from you. So, tonight I'll venture out to this medical conference that I've been attending for the last 20 years, but now I will be intending to have an impact, how fun is that?

Happy. Alive. Healthy. At Home.

Love: Jeanne C

Sunday, June 25, 2006 12:56:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,

We spent time with some of my long-time friends this weekend - went camping on the San Mateo coast at Costanoa near where my friends and I had worked at summer camp together. It was beautiful and the weather was surprisingly warm for that area of the coast. We did not see many birds, but we DID have an animal visit the outside of our tent at 1:30 in the morning - scratching with its little claws at something - but luckily not at us!

Exactly one year ago today, one of those friends found out -by complete chance - that she had a tumor the size of a baseball in one of her ovaries. They removed it and diagnosed her with a very low-grade ovarian cancer. It had not spread at all (she was very lucky). She was 37 at the time.

She did not need to do chemo or radiation afterwards, and from what we understand, didn't have a lot of follow up care due to the fact that it was such a "low risk" situation. However, she has had some odd health issues since that she attributes to the forced early menopause that she had to go through as a result of the surgery.

We both found ourselves in that place of wanting to engage with our friend around some of the alternative health research and info and "the fight" that we have discussed in our conversations with you. BUT - we did not want to be impolite - or assume - or offend - or make her feel bad for not having done more or questioned more - or - or - or - or...and so we said nothing. Granted, this friend is not someone who we would describe as incredibly "open" to alternative health ideas, and her personality is such that she very well could have been offended. But we were disturbed that both of us were tongue-tied and said nothing -though we had much to say.

Afterward we reflected on it and were reminded about how just a week ago we had discussed with you and Judy the very issue of saying nothing or saying little rather than risk being impolite or saying something that might be offensive - and we were quite disturbed at how easily we fell into that trap- even with a good friend. What might have happened if we had engaged with her on some of this stuff…? She might have been offended our put out…but she might have been willing to listen, or even been interested in what we had to say, too. She might have even been glad that we chose to engage instead of retreat...

Opportunity lost in that particular moment, but now that we are conscious of it we can't just sit back and leave it alone…. We will find our way back to it -though it may be a challenge -and we will deal with the consequences whatever they may be. We will keep you posted on what happens and in the meantime wanted to share it here on the Blog because it is such an interesting thing…the way we can so easily fall into silence on these types of "hard" or "uncomfortable" life issues - even when we are supposedly "conscious." It is fascinating and we will continue to chew on it.

Be well and enjoy the sunshine this week. We are sending you good thoughts and know that each night - we continue to share our fish oil toast to you and to our health!

Kim

Monday, June 26, 2006 10:49:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura

Great question about would I fight for my life. Honestly? If it was a short fight, yes.

If it was a long fight, I really don't know - I know I'd fight for the lives of those I love most. But, while I don't invite the end of my life right now, I feel very peaceful and happy and somehow fighting for that seems like something that could destroy those very things that I hold so dear and that give my life meaning. Until I'm faced with that situation, I guess I'll never know...

Thanks so much for candidly sharing your truth - I can feel the white light coming from you and I magnify that and send it back to you.

White, positive, blinding, calm, energetic light headed your way!

Keep up the great work - I'm picturing you jumping the hurdles, one by one, in the sunshine!

Love

Genna

Monday, June 26, 2006 3:46:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,

I am grateful for the "good" days that you have had recently. For the freedom, for the relief, and for the questions. I can't wait to see you tomorrow and give you a squeeze. 23 new leaders coming in under yours and Karen's influence. I wonder, do they know how lucky they are?

Love,
Debra
debra@thecoaches.com

Monday, June 26, 2006 7:57:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

One of the things I love most about you is how infectious your excitement is and how pure and alive your inquisitiveness is! Your invitations are impossible to pass by so here's my experiences with veggies and juicing:

In the last 3 years I haven't had an illness other than mental! Anytime I've felt like I've been coming down with a cold or catching the latest virus going around, I get out the juicer for a couple of days and whatever was trying to take hold in my system, vanishes.

It's never just the one thing - at the same time that i juice I also take sugar completely out of my diet and I increase the number of times a week that I eat steamed veggies.

I've eaten copious amounts of fresh veggies daily for over 15 years and I'd say that given my sloth-ness over the last 10 years, my diet has been my saving grace. It'helps that steamed broccoli is my favorite food!

My experience with juicing is that it cleanses my blood and gives my cells a jump start of concentrated nutrients. That flush of nutrients becomes the predominate presence in my blood, cells, and organs. It overshadows and out numbers any viral or bacterial presence and keeps it from gaining ground.

Juicing also gives my body a needed break from processing food which gives it the chance to invigorate my organs and glands out of stagnancy and brings in a vitality. Kind of how your car feels when it gets a really good tune up!

On to gawking and the impact that Cancer has on our perceptions: I've had the privilege of gawking on the sidelines of your journey through cancer for 2 years and I have to say that I don't take some things so lightly anymore. I don't dismiss those things that I know are toxic like teflon pans, tupperware, and toothpaste. I've started to make different choices and as Nora Ephron said: "I'm sad about teflon" but I've moved on to Le Crueset, glass storage containers, and tea tree toothpaste!

The way we think about cancer and it's expected impact is the same way we've been prone to think about enlightenment and it's expected impact - we thought we'd become pious and demure. Instead, we become more ourselves, more outrageously our true selves and thank god for that! If we have cancer to thank for the emergence of more of who you, we, are then I bow to cancer and if it's cancer that brings us, one by one to the altar of ourselves, then I'll be giving my thanks at that altar!

In speaking with a friend this weekend who has lymphoma and just found out he also has prostate cancer, we laughed about what we consider good luck these days. He was feeling exceptionally lucky that the prostate cancer was caught early and could be eliminated by simply removing the prostate.

Through the mirror of your life and your day to day journey with cancer, I’ve been changed. I'm lucky and blessed to have the [new] experience of fulfillment...pure, un-leveraged fulfillment of every moment. A fulfillment that's unbiased by what I'm doing or where I am. A few guru's and a thousand mountaintops later - it's seeping in and I feel lucky to be walking with you in co-active witness.

Loving you,
Isha

Wednesday, June 28, 2006 2:03:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Goddamn good blogging, Laura! I am inspired by u. Give 'em loving HELL at mother tree!

Luv Jeff

Wednesday, June 28, 2006 9:43:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,

Thanks SO much for the reminder that life is simple and that it doesn’t have to look a certain way.

Love, Stacy

Wednesday, June 28, 2006 10:13:00 PM

 
Blogger Unknown said...

Hello Laura, and all (because I too enjoy all the comments here, from Art, and Isha, and Shekinah, and Maria and k'duite (old friend of Laura, right?), and Helen, and many more, some of that I know, and some that I don't. And yet I get to know you all a little bit. And I am learning from all of you.

On veggies, and juicing... I have done a lot of reading, and I'm far from an expert. My most recent experience is with a couple of detox diets designed by nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman - (Fat Flush, and the Fast Track Detox Diet). Her basic nutritional focus is on detoxification for optimal health, and she believes in lots of veggies, some fruits, and high quality (grass-fed organic where possible) protein. Her books are very well-written, very educational. My experience with both detox diets this spring was VERY positive. After withdrawing from caffeine (day 1), and a few days of feeling lethargic, my head cleared, and I simply felt "lighter" and less bloated, more comfortable overall. I lost a little weight, and I actually also got rid of some cellulite (which I thought was physically impossible). Several friends did this detox with me, and we all had similar experiences. And have vowed to make this a lifestyle change (which can sometimes be a struggle!).

As far as juicing, we tried it briefly in the midst of Dan's fight. Not enough to feel different. Then, it was like me pushing a boulder uphill. No one was committed, and I gave up. AND now I find myself getting curious again, especially since I can't get my 3 year old to eat veggies! Maybe I can sneak them into her protein smoothie!

Looking forward to hearing from others re: their experience!

Isha, what do you use instead of Teflon, and what brand of glass containers did you find!??

Laura, I am excited that you are doing what you love this week. Looking forward to connecting next week!

Love,

Melissa

P.S. Everyone - you MUST see "An Inconvenient Truth", and go to www.climatecrisis.net. Amazing, scary, unbelievable, very believable. Huge Bigger Game and call to action. GO - See the movie!

Thursday, June 29, 2006 9:15:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura

I just got back from 3 weeks in Ireland visiting my in-laws. My father in law was rushed to hospital a week after I arrived and remains there. He is 87 and a fighter. He will probably get home again - but first they are putting some help in place for him and my wonderful mother-in-law who is finding it hard to manage as he gets less able to look after himself.

So I just got caught up on your blog today and was delighted to hear you are leading a Co-Active Leadership group with Karen. Wow -they are so fortunate to have you two! So glad you feel up to it.

What if 'spiritual' was also feisty, action oriented and bossy? Just a thought!

It's Canada Day here and the weather is wonderful. Have a fantastic 4th of July. You are in my heart. Love Barbara :}

Sunday, July 02, 2006 6:35:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura....

I spent some of this morning basking in memories of your presence with us Earthquakes. My lovely friend, Jessica, is an Otter with you now and hearing her enthusiasm reminds me of the gifts you opened me to as well. I'm glad to hear that you're leading Otters this time rather than Tsunamis or Forest Fires or something. They sound playful and fun!

I got back last night from 2 weeks in the wilderness of New Mexico and Colorado, having blessed the lands I traveled with tears of gratitude for how beautiful and wild it all is. The first week I spent on a walkabout with four others who work with groups, "creating the conditions for collective wisdom to emerge". We developed our practices of evoking collective wisdom not just from groups but from the land itself....a very rich and powerful experience in such an awe-inspiring landscape. We occasionally brought writings to our circle and, reading your blog, this one comes to mind so I thought I'd share it. I'm only quoting a couple of the verses.

WALKING

My foot rises. Before it falls
there is a tiny moment
when neither of my feet are really carrying weight-
a suspension, a moment of physical trust.
Something in me knows
that the ground will still be there. Let me return to this innate knowledge-
this ancient confidence.

My foot falls. The ground rises up to meet it.
A holy, ordinary moment is repeating itself.
All the time I am meeting and being met like this.
Your whole creation is ground.
Help me to remember that in this mutuality
we can become home for each other.
Your are asking us slowly to become
Your holy site.

-Gunilla Norris

The cancer journey you're sharing with us sure illuminates the rhythms of risk and trust, of meeting and being met, of faith and fear, that she describes here. I loved the writing b/c it gives me each of my footsteps as a meditation on the nature of much larger things in life....things like the journey you're on....and the other journeys all of us are on.

Yes, Laura, I'm here....not much of a blogger but wanting to give you my presence and let you know how delighted I am to have the opportunity to be with someone else experiencing your leadership as an observer this time....soaking in more and more from a different perspective. I'm so happy you're feeling well and taking another tribe on.

A huge sloppy kiss to you (I know you hate those, but I thought I could get away with it in cyberspace)....Love, Grace

Monday, July 03, 2006 4:20:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,

I find myself checking several times a day to see if you have written anything new. I miss your words and knowing where you are. I'd love to hear a bit about last week with the Otters and Karen.
I'm sending you big hugs.

Love,
Debra

Thursday, July 06, 2006 7:12:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Originally posted Thursday, June 29, 2006 7:19:39 AM

Just a note to let you know I am thinking of you and sending you good wishes, have fun planting flowers and feeling the dirt. Love to both you and Judy.

Arlene Lindberg

Thursday, July 06, 2006 9:49:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Originally posted
Monday, July 03, 2006 4:29:06 PM


Caroline said...
July 3, 2006

Laura Dear--What did you discover about "spiritual" in the Mother Tree event room last week? The touch of spirit is definitely in that space and I know you felt it. Did it give you any extra energy? Did it make you smile? Breathe deeper? I'm thinking that aliveness/living well is manifestation of spirit, becuase you can't be fully alive without full presence, and when you are fully present to your life, spirit yoo-hoos "Hello, how 'bout tea?"

anyway, I have been thinking about you there, rocking people worlds, all last week. And I hope you're getting well-earned rest this week. Much love to you, as always--Caroline

Thursday, July 06, 2006 9:50:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Laura

My thought is love aliveness and fight the goddamn fight!

My touch is a kiss blown gently from the cup of my hand.

My nourishment to you is to know that with every bite of food you have, the Otters are singing "THANK YOU FOR THE FOOD" at the top of their voices.

My voice is alive and speaking to you because of you.

Know that I am thinking of you.

love and light

Jackie (ginger otter from London)

Wednesday, August 16, 2006 4:45:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello dear one:

Isha sent me your bog address. ..Thanks Isha as I will be here in Pheonix for a while and I've been hungry for news of you.

I'm so grateful to be here with my family and with my dad. As he makes this final journey home, he is so beautiful. . .tender, thoughtful and loving to all. Grateful for the smallest attention. Loves to be touched so we take turns sitting by his side and "petting"him.

My sisters are here as is my beloved niece. He has made a point to have a "one on one" with each of his daughters and all three grandchildren who are here. I can't begin to describe what it is like.

I carry you in my heart always dear Laura and send you cheers and courage and hope and my love.

Love,

Karen.

Monday, August 21, 2006 8:04:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I did not have the pleasure of meeting Laura, but she has impacted my life nonetheless. I am so grateful to her for helping create the magnificent field of coaching and for writing Co-Active Coaching which is just brilliant! So, Laura, your influence has rippled from Northern CA all the way to Central Florida. Thank you!

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