tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post8220694830384668866..comments2024-02-15T23:41:36.425-08:00Comments on SIMPLY WAIT: POLLYANNA LOSES THE GLAD GAME--well, almost....Patry Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10961915797919017179noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-41465047654475363642008-10-18T08:00:00.000-07:002008-10-18T08:00:00.000-07:00Oh Yeah! You had those shoes before Sarah Palin di...Oh Yeah! You had those shoes before Sarah Palin did and you'd be a better VP too.<BR/>Hope you are enjoying your trip.<BR/>Happy Anniversary!Mary Sheehan Winnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07739304038978908921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-55401379833258282762008-08-25T08:01:00.000-07:002008-08-25T08:01:00.000-07:00XO Now I want to fish too. I used to think hay ba...XO Now I want to fish too. <BR/><BR/>I used to think hay bales were put there by farmers for Andrew Wyeth to paint, like you looked at fishing boats and saw furniture. Now living here in Virginia, I understand the whole thing about hay.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-41660435697045545182008-08-24T22:36:00.000-07:002008-08-24T22:36:00.000-07:00Patry thank you for your posts...I have been readi...Patry thank you for your posts...I have been reading for a while now, but never comment..<BR/><BR/>Just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the inspiration... I just love your new shoes btw.<BR/><BR/>With warm regards from Down Under<BR/><BR/>JoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-53083838700807178162008-08-23T07:12:00.000-07:002008-08-23T07:12:00.000-07:00kevin: Oh yes, get that boat going! Sounds wonderf...kevin: Oh yes, get that boat going! Sounds wonderful. I'm sure my fisherwoman would be so glad that she's inspired you vicariously. Thanks for the good thoughts.<BR/><BR/>Maryanne: Love the fish art idea. Can't wait to share it with the kids, who will be here tomorrow. I will tell them "my friend Marianne suggested it," and they will be so impressed. They always say I have more friends than anyone, not understanding how few I've actually met!<BR/><BR/>Steve: Whether you call yourself an optimist or a pessimist, I think that stories save us in so many ways. How else to make sense of suffereing? Thanks for being here--and for reminding me how much I love AMbrose Bierce.Patry Francishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10961915797919017179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-25570582578901412392008-08-23T01:46:00.000-07:002008-08-23T01:46:00.000-07:00Oh Patry! I didn't know you'd had another surgery ...Oh Patry! I didn't know you'd had another surgery - I'm so very sorry you've been in all that pain. I am such a wimp when it comes to that...that you even tried to smile at your nurse - to me, that is a profile in courage! I'm afaird I would have been complaining, left and right...<BR/>Your grace of spirit and temperament, even with all you've been going through - including still managing to find some light to share with us through your wonderful writing here -- is just awe-inspiring. You are amazing.<BR/>I hope and pray you're feeling better and better, every day, my friend~XOXOAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-54330034229075776782008-08-22T23:02:00.000-07:002008-08-22T23:02:00.000-07:00Patry, I was a bit scared reading the beginning of...Patry, I was a bit scared reading the beginning of your post. I'm a pessimist by nature--steeped in the writings of Ambrose Bierce, H.L. Mencken, and the like--but I've admired and sometimes envied your "two ounces of bliss" outlook. But I certainly don't envy what you've been going through during the last year. And your description of the last few days--it sound hellish.<BR/><BR/>But then you did what you've always done, both before and during your illness. You gave us a story. They were wonderful stories then, and they still are. I know your illness has changed you in many ways, but not, thank heaven, in your ability to tell a story.steve on the slow trainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18257811143869341854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-60709215259583981902008-08-22T21:39:00.000-07:002008-08-22T21:39:00.000-07:00a fishing trip, by boat, sounds just the thing! an...a fishing trip, by boat, sounds just the thing! and you can save one of the fish for fish-art with the grandkids: freeze one fish whole, then paint it with vibrant colors, then press carefully to paper, paint side down. lift off and voila, a fish print!<BR/><BR/>or, you can catch and release, and breathe deep of sea-salted air, and be glad.<BR/><BR/>xxx peace and health to you! I am always amazed at the beautiful stories you write through all your suffering. thank you, again.Maryanne Stahlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04168603146411003334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-23539414832676795942008-08-22T21:02:00.000-07:002008-08-22T21:02:00.000-07:00I'm one of those who reads and never comments, but...I'm one of those who reads and never comments, but your post about fish hooked me. (One reason I never write? I can't help using god-awful puns, which is embarrassing.) Just today, I told my wife that I was yearning for a canoe, a flyrod, and the Current River back in the Missouri Ozarks. She reminded me that we live a short drive from the mountain streams of Western North Carolina where the trout are plentiful. And now here you are writing about fishing. Coincidence? Probably, but it reminded me to get off my ass and stop feeling sorry for myself. Thanks for the butt kick. As always, great thoughts are pointed in your direction.Leslie Rose Watsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13356975997477367204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-10544207929465806242008-08-22T14:10:00.000-07:002008-08-22T14:10:00.000-07:00I was back in the hospital for a night with an ele...I was back in the hospital for a night with an electrolyte imbalance, but I'm home again, determined to begin my recovery again..<BR/><BR/>Ivy: Hugs to you, too. I've missed you. <BR/><BR/>mb: I guess we aren't meant to be glad all the time. Thanks for your beautiful words--a poem in themselves. <BR/><BR/>Susie: So glad to hear your voice! I hope you'll speak up more often. Meanwhile, thanks for your kind words.<BR/><BR/>Mary: "You will recognize what I am saying or you will not." I do, I do. Thanks for this, Mary. I've read it three times today, and have seen/felt something different each time.<BR/><BR/>tara:You're so right. I only hope I will remember not to get caught up in the silly stuff again when I'm well. Good to hear from you. xxx<BR/><BR/>Thanks, Becca. This was actually one of the most--if not THE most spectacular days of the summer. (But then again, how do you rate them?)Patry Francishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10961915797919017179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-3956844710620827952008-08-22T11:15:00.000-07:002008-08-22T11:15:00.000-07:00Patry, may the summer sun shine on you and continu...Patry, may the summer sun shine on you and continue making you smile. Your words always illuminate my life, and make me see things in a shiny, new way :)<BR/><BR/>I do hope you're feeling better in all ways very soon!Beccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14623887166087444590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-35434239394077872452008-08-22T10:36:00.000-07:002008-08-22T10:36:00.000-07:00Patry, your post brought tears to my eyes once aga...Patry, your post brought tears to my eyes once again ...and reminded me once again how silly and ridiculous we all are when we worry about small things. Much love to you and prayers that your pain diminishes in the shadow of your sunny spirit. xoxoxparis parfaithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05457437124988976587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-12879508812175022922008-08-22T08:27:00.000-07:002008-08-22T08:27:00.000-07:00Patry, hope you feel a little better every day. Yo...Patry, hope you feel a little better every day. Your words reminded me (as they did the first day I read your blog: don't know; just have to accept) of a Jane Hirschfield poem. Continue to heal and keep writing anything and everything!<BR/><BR/>m<BR/><BR/>Formatting is off, sorry!<BR/>Three Times My Life Has Opened<BR/>-Jane Hirshfield, The Lives of the Heart<BR/><BR/>Three times my life has opened.<BR/>Once, into darkness and rain.<BR/>Once, into what the body carries at all times within it and starts<BR/> to remember each time it enters the act of love.<BR/>Once, to the fire that holds all.<BR/><BR/>These three were not different.<BR/>You will recognize what I am saying or you will not.<BR/><BR/>But outside my window all day a maple has stepped from her leaves<BR/> like a woman in love with winter, dropping the colored silks.<BR/><BR/>Neither are we different in what we know.<BR/><BR/>There is a door. It opens. Then it is closed. But a slip of light<BR/> stays, like a scrap of unreadable paper left on the floor,<BR/> or the one red leaf the snow releases in March.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-49067673122539114822008-08-22T06:40:00.000-07:002008-08-22T06:40:00.000-07:00I am one of those that lurk and never leave commen...I am one of those that lurk and never leave comments. I love visiting here and reading what you have to day - I am never disappointed.<BR/><BR/>Hope you are feeling better.<BR/><BR/>Susie in RIAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-49111860173948078622008-08-21T21:22:00.000-07:002008-08-21T21:22:00.000-07:00Thing is, being glad is damn hard some times. But ...Thing is, being glad is damn hard some times. But your post reminds me of the thin threads we hold out to each other that pull us back. Love to hold you, fill you, heal you.MBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14515233228776181123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-37057377554071330672008-08-21T12:30:00.000-07:002008-08-21T12:30:00.000-07:00Dear Patry, I'm sorry to hear you're in pain. I ho...Dear Patry, I'm sorry to hear you're in pain. I hope all will be better soon -- can't keep a good Polyanna down for long. I'm so glad that you're 'back in the game again'. *hugs*Ivyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11703056626322603467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-89595934710902188792008-08-21T12:10:00.000-07:002008-08-21T12:10:00.000-07:00kg: Thanks for checking in on me!marja-leena: The ...kg: Thanks for checking in on me!<BR/><BR/>marja-leena: The support of blog friends meant so much, I wanted to visit you all and thank you. But I didn't make it very far down the list so far...<BR/><BR/>Sky: Thanks for the beautiful words--and the promise of a fishing trip. If I close my eyes...<BR/><BR/>Dale: A LARGE one. With imposing claws. <BR/><BR/>floots: I was talking to my sister-in-law on the phone this morning when she had to hang up abruptly because one of her sheep had escaped. Of course, I thought of you.<BR/><BR/>leslee: The pain waxes and wanes, but will hopefully soon be gone. Thanks for your good words.<BR/><BR/>Gerry: I'm always surprised how strong people are in the hospital. I think we surprise ourselves a little when our backs are to the wall. <BR/><BR/>Mel: Thanks to Neil Gaiman for sending you here! He's brought me some great readers.<BR/><BR/>fred: Even without an appetite, that sounds like a fish fry worth waiting for. <BR/><BR/>carleen: You're so right. In fact, I'm having a little spell of "this sucks" right now.<BR/><BR/>tk: Hearing from someone on the other side helps me remember there IS another side--and that it's a wonderful one.<BR/><BR/>lisa: back at ya.Patry Francishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10961915797919017179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-3600115050887077262008-08-21T11:41:00.000-07:002008-08-21T11:41:00.000-07:00Much love to you Patry. xoxoxoxoMuch love to you Patry. <BR/>xoxoxoxoLisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00665632105920753931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-634545520193988752008-08-21T10:34:00.000-07:002008-08-21T10:34:00.000-07:00Oh, you describe that misery and despair that come...Oh, you describe that misery and despair that comes as a result of physical suffering so well, but you're better than I was at turning towards the beauty in life. I remember hospital stays with unrelenting pain after cancer surgery, and pain meds that made me sick, and horrible side effects. I remember the nurse who made me walk when I could barely stand. "You take little Chinese steps," she told me. I guess, though, I tried to be nice to her, as you were. "I'm sorry," I said. I was apologizing for being slow, and also for being angry inside. Your inspiring writing brings back memories, and fills me with admiration.<BR/><BR/>I am so happy to see you posting again. All the best. I think of you often. tkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-85957895579331410972008-08-21T08:56:00.000-07:002008-08-21T08:56:00.000-07:00Sometimes "this SUCKS" is the only sane response! ...Sometimes "this SUCKS" is the only sane response! Positive thinking is great, but give yourself permission to be pissed off when you need to be, too. Honoring all our emotions is healing.Carleen Bricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01433203126527081458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-26176821668916823872008-08-21T07:51:00.000-07:002008-08-21T07:51:00.000-07:00Patry...I can smell those fish frying now! We shou...Patry...I can smell those fish frying now! We should have a big fish fry. Your friend from the hospital will supply the fish. I will bring some salads. My great aunt's cucumber and red onion salad and my caponata. I will grab some sweet corn from the guy up the street. We can grill it. I think that I can talk my wife into making some fresh tortillas so we can have some fish tacos. It is only 9:30 in the morning here and I am so hungry from reading your wonderful post.Fred Garberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06308938520063396329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-12588634417525845412008-08-21T07:08:00.000-07:002008-08-21T07:08:00.000-07:00I am so glad that you are continuing to be uplifte...I am so glad that you are continuing to be uplifted, even if sometimes it has to come from an outside source. <BR/>And we in turn, get to read along with you, and crave fish, and the sea, and to be in the trees again. <BR/>I am thankful I found your blog (from Neil Gaiman's link to it) everytime I read it.The Life of Melhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10481595792659365819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-14038639968809553112008-08-21T06:18:00.000-07:002008-08-21T06:18:00.000-07:00I have no idea how I'd do in your situation, proba...I have no idea how I'd do in your situation, probably much worse. <BR/><BR/>Continued good wishes.<BR/><BR/>I'm holding Cape Cod down for you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-76871086426165332382008-08-21T04:42:00.000-07:002008-08-21T04:42:00.000-07:00Aiie, Patry. Glad to hear the pain's more manageab...Aiie, Patry. Glad to hear the pain's more manageable now, and hope it continues to seep away. Wonderful story - you always find one (or one always finds you)!lesleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09127872882510411387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-72702161644141230672008-08-20T23:13:00.000-07:002008-08-20T23:13:00.000-07:00thank you for sharing your strength weakness and l...thank you for sharing your strength weakness and laughter - aka your humanity/your self<BR/>as i look out of my window this morning at the rain and silent sheep everything seems a little sharper - thank you and best wishesflootshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01530734765701940680noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-38858290745717560062008-08-20T23:05:00.000-07:002008-08-20T23:05:00.000-07:00oh, what a good patient you are. i can hear me now...oh, what a good patient you are. i can hear me now telling the nurse just what she can do with her spare moments! she was, of course, right. the walking and the different environment likely brought you to the turn in the road which helped you get home as quickly as you did. <BR/><BR/>your personal strength and persistence, the part of you that doesn't let depression fully take over and that holds on tightly to hope, the part of you which still cares about how other people feel even when you are feeling like crap (no matter that you call it people-pleasing) - these parts of you are remarkable, patry, and set the stage for teaching others how to find our own best selves, even when the road is long and rocky. thank you for the extraordinary storytelling, for reminding us of so many valuable pieces of life. :)<BR/><BR/>now about the fishing - every time we have fished or crabbed (on the east coast only) we have had a blast. we grew up fishing on the lake where we summered. such excitement pulling them in! my sister lives on the atlantic, and i have crabbed with her right off the pier! we are going to have to get our fishing licenses here in the pacific nw, and when you and ted return for your next visit the 4 of us will take a fine picnic over to lake washington and plop our chairs by the shoreline and fish for our dinner! :)) continued healing, dear patry. so good to find you here. i have missed you very much this summer.Skyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02523247895437700129noreply@blogger.com