Musings

It is time to put cancer in its place, so I have made a slight change to my blog title and simply call it - Joyful Wrecks: Reflections On Living...  We all shoulder heavy burdens from time to time and although we can feel "ship-wrecked" we can and do still experience so many joyful moments, even in rough waters.(and especially when the storm blows over :-) And yet in the midst of suffering and uncertainty, there is always something that emerges: a person, an encouraging word, a life-raft, an unexpected gift, a glance, another chance. Life begs to continue and we appear designed to keep on reviving and even thriving. And sometimes we don't. That is also true. 

Cancer changes you forever but so does marriage, childbirth, divorce, death and betrayal (those who have betrayed us and even worse, those whom we have betrayed ) - so many things. In a moment, everything can change and then it can change again. We are frequently caught by surprise.

These past 18 months have truly contained the "full catastrophe" of sickness, death, fear, joy and uncertainty. And it has been full of the "everyday" miracles. The fact that I/we wake up at all is one example. The luscious berries and fruit that I could not eat this time last year but can relish once again, is another. The ripe peaches and blueberries galore have never tasted so good. And yet I fear I may go back to slumbering and take all this "goodness" for granted.

First steps: After the slight change of name, I also changed my photo. Every time I opened my blog and saw that picture, I was taken aback at how I looked last year in January. Curiously, I thought, "that's not me anymore." And yet, no other photo seemed like me either. But today I chose the closest representation I have.

Second steps: I will  continue my blog in a slightly different direction. It will still be a place to gather poetry, quotations, reflections that I want to capture for my dear ones - an on-line commonplace book. One that Emmerson (or maybe it was Whitman) wouldn't have approved of but one that I enjoy nonetheless. It will continue to be what captures my eye and heart and nourishes my spirit in the beautiful and sometimes brutal everyday. Perspective.

Going forward I thank-you - dear, faithful readers. I have been nourished and encouraged by you. You shone the light through the cracks. May we joyful wrecks, all, continue to help each other, wherever we are and whatever our circumstances.

As always, Trudy

Comments

[Patricia Ludwick]

So happy to see your smiling face and read your thoughtful reflections - and to know that the storm is abating somewhat, after the turbulence of the past eighteen months - or perhaps it is the last sixty years? I am so glad to be reminded that we are all joyful wrecks, who can appreciate the morning sun and blueberries and friendship - no matter what is swirling around us, no matter where we are in this always-changing world

with gratitude, for your words and your presence

patsy

[Meghan Innes]

So glad to see a message from the most wonderful mother out there. Thank you for your words of wisdom over the last 37 years.

All my love,

xx Meghan

[Patricia Ryan Madson]

Overjoyed at the new direction and accompaning photo.

What a gift this blog has been to us. I write this sitting in a majestic forest in the Adirondacks. Writing and all it entails is one of the ways we share our humanity.
Brava Trudy for turning this important corner.
Love and blessings
Patricia

[Carol Ingells]

Trudy, I echo the comments above. It is wonderful to have you back and I like the new thrust and look of this. The new photo is great, too.
I have missed you. In the days to come, I will have some news on my blog, so please check it out. :)

Love and hugs,
Carol

[Jo-Ann]

Trudy
It's so good to have you back. You are truly inspiring.
Jo-Ann