A Birthday Stroll

OK, so "The Stroll" as recorded by the Diamonds, predates my birthday by a couple of years. But it's too cute not to share for a Wednesday smile (check those bobby socks and penny loafers!). 

Strolling is on my mind because yesterday, when Cliff asked me what I wanted for my birthday (my second on the Unexpected Journey), I passed on a hike, preferring instead a stroll up Canyon Road -- a notable Santa Fe destination for fine art and dining.

For years we've walked up and down Canyon in all seasons (Christmas Eve on Canyon Road is down right magical), feasting on the shapes and colors that make "strolling a gallery" experience from start to finish. When we first moved to Santa Fe, I explained to Cliff that we would now buy less art, since we could get a walking immersion anytime we wanted, without impact on our wallets or home space (that sort of worked out . . . ).

So yesterday afternoon we celebrated my 61st birthday with a (purchase free) stroll up Canyon. It was a perfect autumn day framed by a crystal clear sky and floating on a crisp breeze. Weirdly, due to COVID, the normally congested Canyon Road was mostly quiet and still -- giving us the perfect opportunity to visit with one of our favorite Santa Fe artisans, silversmith John Rippel. In truth, I texted John before we headed up to make sure he would be in. It had been nearly a year since we'd visited and it was great to catch up. John made my concha belt in the photo.

Arts and the out of doors are just good healing medicine -- and we know we are blessed to live in Northern New Mexico. In the world of healing, we continue along the ups and downs of the trail -- AND we continue to show up (Every. Single. Day.) with our backpacks square on our shoulders and boots double-laced. We share an understanding that we can't choose the terrain, but we always can choose how we'll negotiate the obstacles and breathe deep the majestic views. That outlook is our formula for sustaining our healthy curiosity (versus creating boulders of fear, guilt or blame), flexing our growth mindset (seeing setbacks as learning opportunities versus pits of gloom and disappointment) and expressing deep gratitude (never taking for granted the joy of time shared and connections honored -- like our time with John yesterday). In many ways, our Unexpected Journey has allowed us to visualize a path of "deeper living," which grace our relationships with heartfelt patience, kindness and joy -- all experienced through words that never go unspoken, hugs that always meet willing arms and full attention to the little trials and celebrations that lace each day.  On days when the route is less clear, those are the margin notes true the path.

 Quote of the Day:

Patience is not the ability to wait. Patience is to be calm no matter what happens, constantly take action to turn it to positive growth opportunities, and have faith to believe that it will all work out in the end while you are waiting.”

                                                                                ~Roy T. Bennett 

Progress Report: 

• Last targeted treatment was not so bad -- just a little discomfort the day of treatment.  
• 23 unbroken Peloton Weeks -- I'm rockin' that tread!
• Still doing the 3.5 mile loop -- and tomorrow, I'll be joining Cliff and Illy for the Full Moon Walk!
• I recently found two new KETO cookbooks to jazz up my plan.  Eighteen weeks on the therapeutic ketogenic nutrition plan -- never out of ketosis.
• Our renovation project is moving right along.  The new uber-cool metallic gray tiles have replaced the black granite on one bathroom wall.  I keep going back into the construction zone just to relish the light!
• My latest CEA marker test was again below normal.  Continuing great news: Since my February surgery my markers never have risen above normal range!  Yay for that.
• A friend and fellow metastatic cancer warrior directed my attention to Cancer Commons, a non-profit dedicated to helping advanced cancer patient to learn about and access best treatment for the individual.  Cancer Commons's tailored approach and commitment to share information about what is being researched is incredible.  As a result of this organization, I now count a research scientist among my team of experts.   (www.cancercommons.org)

VIA FRANCIGENA!