Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 25 Aug 13 - 09:13 PM

What frogprince said!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: frogprince
Date: 25 Aug 13 - 04:09 PM

Good to hear "ups" from so many of the crew; may the "ups" continue, except for Virginia Tam's foot; "down" may it go.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 25 Aug 13 - 01:56 PM

I hope the UPward trend continues, my friend. Thanks for the UPdate, Spaw. Bless you and yours.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Aug 13 - 01:40 PM

I have been following but not posting as this was another chemo week.....more later.....FIRST.....I too want to welcome back Nigel and Ann and was glad to know that perhaps their sojourn has provided some solace and peace. Nothing can ever be perfect again but we move along through life with the certain knowledge of the value of friendship and the strength we can gain through the love and compassion of those friends.

Nigel, that is a tremendous piece of work. Your craftsmanship as wordsmith wraps me in awe and sincerity pierces your work in a way which brings an oddly joyous pain. Thank you.

As for me...........This has been my best chemo week ever. I am stronger now than we started and that, combined with the port, has made this week far better than any before it. Karen Wayne, and Connie, all noticed the difference as well. I'm hoping this is a trend! My numbers are all looking better and I think I will not see the drop-off as much as before and the Aronesp will get a bigger boost. If so, we may be able to back off the Aronesp and later, slow down the chemo. No guarantees though. Of course also no transfusions since early April(I was averaging a pint every 3 days then).

I did encounter a problem on two occasions this week when I had friends asked, "How long will you need the chemo?"   I couldn't find an easy way to tell them except the truth. So when I said, "The rest of my life," there was silence and both asked what I meant. I told them exactly what it meant and tailed it with, "You play what you're dealt but be assured I'm playing this hand out as far as it goes." As this will come up occasionally I keep trying to think of something better. The thing is it could be 3 days, 3 months, 3 years, or possibly longer, which brings it back to my original idea which is, it ain't time to worry yet.

Right now things are doing better and my biggest worry is getting Mike's college paid for which may not happen but we're doing our damndest to make it work. My love to all of you and I hope your news is good too. I proudly sail upon this voyage of life with that certain knowledge of the value of friendship and the strength we can gain through the love and compassion of those friends.......all of you!



Spaw

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: billybob
Date: 24 Aug 13 - 06:17 AM

Beautiful, Nigel

Wendy xxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 23 Aug 13 - 08:47 PM

Great work, Nigel.

Hmm, around the 19th I tried to post something which never appeared here. (The same thing happened with a post I tried to put on another thread that same night.) The one on this thread was something like this.

I'm lighting a candle for Maeve's cake and several others for those who are dealing with health problems (their own or a loved one's) or the loss of a loved one.

I hope the seas are calm while these candles burn. I don't want to set the Rainbow ablaze.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 23 Aug 13 - 12:19 PM

I was not mistaken, nigel, when I predicted you would post something of meaning and interest. well composed also.       blessings   pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 23 Aug 13 - 10:05 AM

thanks, Nigel it brought tears to my eyes

sandra

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 23 Aug 13 - 08:13 AM

Lovely.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 23 Aug 13 - 06:29 AM

I have to begin with apologies...several PMs & emails as yet unanswered....they will be!
Where to begin...it has to be with Kat. Some months ago, in one of her many, loving, comforting posts, she made reference to Avalon. A little reading around the Arthurian Legends revealed just how perfect that reference was for Ann & I & as so often happens when my emotions are threatening to overwhelm me, I turned to poetry. What follows was begun when Jane was still alive, but not completed until after her death. I would like to dedicate it to Jane, Kat & her belovéd husband.
                  
                                 'Shall we Meet in Avalon?'

And shall we meet in Avalon, or does our journey voyage on
To places never, ever seen where only those who've passed have been?
At journey's end, what will we find, comfort for the tortured mind?
Respite for the restless soul, with passing time, will we be whole?
Shall we be whole to laugh again, despite the anguish, tears & pain?
Shall we be whole to smile & say: "It's time, tomorrow is another day?"
Another day, a different course, (Death's trade winds blew with awful force.)
Our future waits, as yet unknown, but we are two, we're not alone.
The Love we share that binds us tight, enhanced by Friend's illumined light.
Wisdom, Care, Compassion, Healing as breakers struck & left us reeling.
Calmer waters now surround, recedes the risk to run aground.
This voyage complete, we sail again, more mindful now of other's pain.
More mindful now of what we've lost and how to bear & count the cost.
                                                                                             
                                                                           (March-August 2013)

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 22 Aug 13 - 07:49 PM

VTam... sorry ta hear you are of the giant right foot. I hope it gets sorted.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 22 Aug 13 - 02:33 PM

Hi peeps. I am still lurking.

Welcome back Nige and Ann. Sorry it is to sad news.

Here's hoping for smooth sailing for all on board Jane's Rainbow.

Signed Tam of the giant right foot.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 21 Aug 13 - 07:58 PM

Just learned of kat? Gosh! Didn't realize you had been away that long. I guess it just seems to me that you are here in spirit every day. I know I think of "you" every time I check this thread.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 21 Aug 13 - 04:44 PM

thirded!.
i'm sure you will have something interesting and meaningful to post.
blessings   pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: billybob
Date: 21 Aug 13 - 04:30 PM

Welcome back Nigel and Ann

We have missed you but hope your visit to Greece was wonderful and restful and healing
much love

Wendy and Billy xxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: maeve
Date: 21 Aug 13 - 08:18 AM

Welcome home, Nigel and Ann. Your presence is warmly welcomed.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 21 Aug 13 - 03:14 AM

Ann & I have returned from a long stay with Family & Friends in Greece. Will write again soon. Got to get some sleep first...long journey....remote island....etc, etc.. Absolutely devastated to read of Kat's death. Will have much more to say after a good night's/day's, sleep.
            Very glad to be back on board,
                                                          Love, Hugs & Kisses to All,
                                                                                                   Nigel & Ann.
                                                                                                   xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: maeve
Date: 20 Aug 13 - 09:12 PM

Pete and Dan- Thanks for checking in. And Dan- we too, you.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 20 Aug 13 - 12:18 PM

just wanted to say how much I love you people

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 20 Aug 13 - 11:25 AM

Just checking in...

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 20 Aug 13 - 09:43 AM

wiki has it correct, ChanteyLass - the Green bans saved a lot of Sydney & the world when the ideas spread.

Jack Mundey head of the BLF was a friend of John's

Across the Western Suburbs- by Denis Kevans & Seamus Gill, © 1973

Happy (recent) birthday maeve

good wishes to Max & everyone who might be needing support & comfort

sandra

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 19 Aug 13 - 11:18 PM

maeve is trying to stay younger and skipped a birthday. I'm not sure when it was but I ain't lettin' her get away with it. All you caregivers in real time that are rowing along with the flotilla need to be celebrated and fed high calorie birthday cake made with real butter in the icing to keep your strength up - it takes so much energy to be a caregiver...

Hope Max is OK or moving in the direction of OK.

Join me now in this or another song...Well, I got oil in my vessel and my lamp's trimmed and burnin"....

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 19 Aug 13 - 08:12 PM

Sandra, in the song Take Your Bulldozers Away, does D. M. R. stand for Department of Main Roads? Does that song have to do with this "Green ban" entry in Wikipedia? "Another example of a Green Ban in Sydney was the proposed North-Western Expressway that was planned by the Department of Main Roads in the early 1970s. The expressway would have cut through the working class residential areas of Ultimo, Glebe, Annandale, Rozelle and Leichhardt. In July 1972, the Save Lyndhurst Committee requested a Green Ban from the Builders Labourers' Federation to prevent the destruction of historic Lyndhurst (built 1833-1835) in Darghan Street, Glebe. Many battles with police took place, including a confrontation between police and squatters on 18 August 1972. The Federal Labor Whitlam Government purchased the Glebe estate in 1973 from the Anglican Diocese of Glebe to preserve the area. In 1978, the Wran-Labor Government decided to abandon much of the inner-urban expressway link and the 19th century character of Glebe remains intact."

Gnu you wrote "I wish all of you could have been here." I wish I could have been there, too. (Pout, pout.) Next time, invite us! I'm guessing you live only about 9 hours and one border crossing away! I might have even been able to give Maeve a ride!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 19 Aug 13 - 02:00 PM

SiS... lovely!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 Aug 13 - 12:26 PM

thanks, Maeve, Janie, ChantyLass & gnu

John Dengate & family According to John's wife Dale, Kit was touched that I'd invited her to the memorial concert at my folk club - we can't have a memorial without the woman who brought him into the world, & besides the rest of his family will be there!

sandra

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Ebbie
Date: 19 Aug 13 - 11:57 AM

Wonderful, Gary! I know you made good music.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: maeve
Date: 19 Aug 13 - 07:22 AM

That's lovely, gnu. Wish I could have been there.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 19 Aug 13 - 07:08 AM

My only comfort at this moment is knowing I'll be okay in several hours, I hope... just had goodbye hugs with Amos and his cousin Gabe. What a night of stories, laughs and music! I even partook of ale and those who play must pay... wish I could pay with Visa right now.

I wish all of you could have been here.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 18 Aug 13 - 08:18 PM

Sandra, that song is lovely. I am sorry about your friend and also sorry about his mother having to cope with his death.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: frogprince
Date: 18 Aug 13 - 04:30 PM

Sumbuddy get on the speaker tube, to spaw down there in the engine room, and see if he sounds coherent to you... : )

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Aug 13 - 10:07 AM

Can I echo a gnu echo? And I mean can, not may. I know I may do it, but can I do it? And would I want to if I could? I want to for sure but I fear what this might do to me..........Screwit.....I'll give it a shot and hope for the best.

Echoing gnu.

Hmmmmm..........seem to still be okay............


Spaw

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 18 Aug 13 - 05:30 AM

Echoing all the posts...

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 18 Aug 13 - 12:56 AM

Lovely Sandra, and my deep condolences. Especially thank you for sharing him and his music.

The only way to avoid loss is to not live and not to love, eh?

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: KT
Date: 18 Aug 13 - 12:09 AM

Just checkin' in....feeling the need to be touched by the strength and love and goodness of this fine crew. Blessings and kind regards to all....
KT

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: maeve
Date: 17 Aug 13 - 08:55 PM

Sandra, I love Gordon Bok's tender treatment of "Bare legged Kate". I'm thinking of your frined's mother, Kate.

Also thinking of our crew member, 999. I miss his contributions and am sending my high regard and encouragement.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 17 Aug 13 - 01:43 AM

see the memorium thread for my friend John Dengate who died 17 days ago, several days after attending the 99th birthday of his mother, Kit, subject of one of his best songs Bare Legged Kate

Kit's husband died in the 80s & she lost her other son a few years ago.

sandra

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 16 Aug 13 - 10:46 AM

Yup. <3

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: frogprince
Date: 16 Aug 13 - 10:46 AM

Re what Kendall said: My wife's father is alive and doing quite well at 95. But two of her siblings are gone, one twenty years ago and one over ten years ago. As a bunch of you know, we very, very nearly lost my wife about 14 months ago now. I was torn apart, not only with the thought of losing her, but with the prospect of having to tell her father that the third of his four children was gone. I'm very thankful that it didn't come to that.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Aug 13 - 10:41 AM

Just sitting here thinking how lucky we all are to have met one another here, feeling thankful for all of you and sending out love and hugs to all who need them.

<3

Michelle

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: kendall
Date: 16 Aug 13 - 06:48 AM

I can't imagine anything worse than out living our children. Love on all of you.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: billybob
Date: 16 Aug 13 - 05:59 AM

Just sitting on deck, feeling peaceful and sending a huge hug and love,

Wendy xxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 16 Aug 13 - 05:32 AM

Glad to hear it, Spaw!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Aug 13 - 11:08 PM

We're all in need of some reflection and soft sounds.....Life has so much harshness and at times becomes so slicing and piercing that we have to slow down, breathe deeply, remember how to love and how to care and how we enjoy great friendships.   

I smile when I think of you all and this thread.........I hope you do the same.

And I'm doing fine!


Spaw

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 15 Aug 13 - 09:55 PM

It's good to remember, good to sing, and good to cry. Love to all.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 15 Aug 13 - 08:10 PM

Well said, maeve. thank you.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 15 Aug 13 - 07:34 PM

Love to ye, m, and to all. Thanks, m. Yer one a the good ones.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: maeve
Date: 15 Aug 13 - 05:49 PM

Thinking particularly of Morgan and Roger, and Nigel and Ann tonight. All of us are feeling the aftershock of so many needs and heartaches- let us feel even more keenly the joys and triumphs to which we have been as clouds of witnesses.

I find some comfort in handling the amazing wild birds we transport to the area sanctuary- a female loon and juvenile heron this week- and in training our newest bantam chicks.

I need some music writing but have no private place for it.

Love to ye all.

Subject: ADD: Child of the Wind (Bruce Cockburn)
From: maeve
Date: 15 Aug 13 - 06:37 AM

Thank you, Janie. Your link lead me to this one:
"Child of the Wind"

Bruce Cockburn: Child Of The Wind - Slice O Life, Live Solo (2009)

I love the pounding of hooves
I love engines that roar
I love the wild music of waves on the shore
And the spiral perfection of a hawk when it soars
Love my sweet woman down to the core

There's roads and there's roads
And they call, can't you hear it?
Roads of the earth
And roads of the spirit
The best roads of all
Are the ones that aren't certain
One of those is where you'll find me
Till they drop the big curtain

Hear the wind moan
In the bright diamond sky
These mountains are waiting
Brown-green and dry
I'm too old for the term
But I'll use it anyway
I'll be a child of the wind
Till the end of my days

Little round planet
In a big universe
Sometimes it looks blessed
Sometimes it looks cursed
Depends on what you look at obviously
But even more it depends on the way that you see
Hear the wind moan
In the bright diamond sky
These mountains are waiting
Brown-green and dry
I'm too old for the term
But I'll use it anyway
I'll be a child of the wind
Till the end of my days

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 14 Aug 13 - 11:19 PM

nice tune Janie.i am wondering what that droning thing in the background is called - very effective anyway.
wishing comfort and consolation for those grieving.
may precious memories draw the sting out and soothe the wound.
blessings    pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 14 Aug 13 - 09:34 PM

A chorus for the crew, with lots of room for simple harmonies.

For the Birds