Musical Monday: Seasons

Today is the last day of summer. In Wisconsin, summer is generally not my favorite season--it's hot, muggy, and filled with mosquitoes. We lucked out a little bit on the temperature this summer, but the mosquitoes were worse than ever. And so, I look forward to crisp fall temperatures, and leaves that will (hopefully) balance out our compost.

My faith journey has been progressing through seasons as well. We are still members of a United Methodist church, but theologically, it's hard to place my beliefs into any existing church framework...maybe somewhere between United Methodist and Unitarian Universalist. UUUMe? More on this to come.

Musically, changing seasons remind me of a masterpiece by a little-known folk rock band called Magna Carta. It's hard to find a single clip that does the album justice, so here is one from another album instead:

Thanksgiving

It has been exactly 1 year since F's initial diagnosis of cancer. We're thankful that he is still with us, in good spirits on most days, and has a very healthy appetite. There were a couple of times when we weren't sure if he would make it, but prayer and his will to keep going made the difference. We are continuing holistic treatment, and his vet has been amazed at his progress.

I don't know how many more days, weeks, or months we have with him, but we will treasure this gift of life. Thank you all for your prayers, support, and encouragement.

This picture was taken several years ago, in his more active days. He's slowed down a little since then, but that happy grin hasn't changed!

Musical Monday: Of nothing in particular

My busy week extended somewhat longer than I had planned. There are many things I wanted to write about, but I'm not particularly inspired at the moment. Instead, here is one of the songs that helps at times like these:

Celebration

Yesterday, we celebrated India's Independence Day by watching a movie, Chak De! India. It was a great movie if you like sports-themed movies, and is definitely worth watching even if you don't. Although not about the struggle for independence that culminated in the events of August 15, 1947, it deals with the very real aftermath--prejudice and bigotry that still exists in India today (and in many other countries around the world).

This is going to be a busy week, but I'll eventually get back to a more consistent blogging schedule (I hope!).

Musical Monday: Celebrating life

This weekend, D and I celebrated 16 years of marriage. I was also at a celebration of a different kind, for a life that touched many others. Bitterroot was remembered by family and friends, and what struck me most of all was that she lived more in her 62 years than many of us will do in several lifetimes, if we had them.

Today I found out that another friend had recently said goodbye to her canine companion. And then I read Songbird's post, remembering Molly. There are a lot of mixed emotions when someone we love leaves us. But I'm trying to remember the good times. And so, here is a song that we sang at Bitterroot's memorial service, one that she would have found especially appropriate.

Another update on F

I've been meaning to post about more profound topics (ha!) but somehow the week has gotten away from me. F was back at the vet today, with his "good" eye swollen shut. We discussed how well he (F, not the vet) was looking, considering he's coming up on a year since his cancer diagnosis, and was given 3-6 months at most, even with radiation and chemo (which we opted not to do).

It turns out that the swelling is due to an infection, not an outgrowth of the tumor, so we'll see how he does on antibiotics. He's still in a lot of discomfort but I hope that will improve as the swelling subsides. Meanwhile, we're still fighting the cancer with artemisinin. It's a slow process, but it's a lot gentler on his system than the alternative.