My dear good friends,
Some of whom I do not even know that well... some of whom are anominus,
I wanna thank you all so much. Such an amazing group of friends and gathering of our community. I was so overwhelmed that day I walked into the house and saw 15 or so people painting and continue to be overwhelmed with tears of gratitude and love. I can hardly believe the generousity of time and skills and favours that you all have offered me. The remodel of my house is beautiful and cool and uplifting. It is the most tangible of gifts. There are are gifts that are not as obvious, such as the wonderful, heart warming letters, the tastey meals and treats, the professional advice, and the thoughtful gifts over the last few monthes.
My heart has grown so large and I feel so very blessed by everbody's efforts.
It has been hard for me to thank everyone individually as I would like to because my tolerance for sitting at the writting desk or computer is limited by comfort and some pain. I still need my rest and that is still a hard thing for me to schedule into the day. I find that now that I am back in Bozeman, I have been trying to keep my old schedule of doing toooo much. Or just more than is good for me right now.
One of the many lessons I am trying to honor is to slow down. It is a hard one! But, I better get it down, cause it is how I am going to need to live life for a while. When I think about it, it is a wonderful process, to slow dow, we can savor moments and interactions with our friends. We can savor our food and wine. We can feel. We can feel more than we ever thought. We can realize our blessings. We can become perhaps more effective. So that is one( of many) of my new year resolutions, to slow down. Hopefully that will give me more
clairity on life and lifes offerings and choices. Hopefully I will become more complete by actually choosing instead of saying yes to everything. I will learn to choosen the more important things to do and focus on. I encourage you all to remind me anytime and to join me in some savory slowness!
As soon as I am settled I would love to invite ya all over to enjoy the new pad with me and share in some food and drink and let me appreciate you...of coarse it won't be any time too soon....
Now I will get back to some less enjoyable paperwork!!!
peace and good cheer to all of you
LizAnn
Friday, December 26, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Solstice Celebration
I am just about to turn in after a lovely Solstice Celebration with girlfriends on a crispy cold winter’s eve here at my humble cabin home. Livingston town lights below twinkle like a Christmas card complete with fine ice-crystal sky which frosts everything in a winter night softness. Twelve beautiful women gathered (minus one… who unfortunately got in a fender-bender on the way here and decided to return home). Homemade taco soup (kind of like chili) made with antelope was served. Other extra yummy goodies, hot buttered rum, wine and chocolate truffles added to the festivity.
We held a ritual to honor the darkness and welcome the light. We burned that which we wanted to release. We talked of loss, and hope…set intentions and made wishes. We held hands. We sang. We laughed. We shed tears.
LizAnn added her spectacular brand of cheer and insight. Today was her first visit to my cabin since the August morning I made her and Leslie breakfast and called Joe for beta before they set off for Mt Cowen. I think of the full moon night Leslie spent with LizAnn at the lake in anticipation of their climb. The morning they set out for the summit, I went for a run in Paradise Valley and blew them kisses toward the ridge where I knew they were climbing.
I think of the night Joe spent with LizAnn in the gully. The same sleepless night I brought Leslie here after the last radio transmission when we could do no more for the rescue until morning. I made the phone calls to her family and fiancé, fed Leslie and began the e-mail messages. I think of all this humble home has held…am filled with awe…and love…and gratitude.
A few days ago LizAnn and I swam laps at the heated pool. She moves beautifully with strength and grace through the water. I strapped some weights on my legs and raced her, trying to just use my arms. Phew! We spent well more than an hour executing the post-pool shower/change since these things take extra time (so we fit in extra girl chat).
She is moving into her home this week.
A journey embarked by three and punctuated by one large loose rock has been entered into and shared by so many. Tonight LizAnn spoke of how profound the love has been. Deep shifts, raw honest humble living, lots of gumption and an indomitable spirit have been gifted to all of us who share her journey. I am full of gratitude for the contribution each of you have made…even your thoughts and certainly your love have added grace.
I want to send each of you a hug in honor of the darkness life carries and a smile for the light we have shared with our beloved LizAnn.
With bright light and the promise of longer days,
Amber
We held a ritual to honor the darkness and welcome the light. We burned that which we wanted to release. We talked of loss, and hope…set intentions and made wishes. We held hands. We sang. We laughed. We shed tears.
LizAnn added her spectacular brand of cheer and insight. Today was her first visit to my cabin since the August morning I made her and Leslie breakfast and called Joe for beta before they set off for Mt Cowen. I think of the full moon night Leslie spent with LizAnn at the lake in anticipation of their climb. The morning they set out for the summit, I went for a run in Paradise Valley and blew them kisses toward the ridge where I knew they were climbing.
I think of the night Joe spent with LizAnn in the gully. The same sleepless night I brought Leslie here after the last radio transmission when we could do no more for the rescue until morning. I made the phone calls to her family and fiancé, fed Leslie and began the e-mail messages. I think of all this humble home has held…am filled with awe…and love…and gratitude.
A few days ago LizAnn and I swam laps at the heated pool. She moves beautifully with strength and grace through the water. I strapped some weights on my legs and raced her, trying to just use my arms. Phew! We spent well more than an hour executing the post-pool shower/change since these things take extra time (so we fit in extra girl chat).
She is moving into her home this week.
A journey embarked by three and punctuated by one large loose rock has been entered into and shared by so many. Tonight LizAnn spoke of how profound the love has been. Deep shifts, raw honest humble living, lots of gumption and an indomitable spirit have been gifted to all of us who share her journey. I am full of gratitude for the contribution each of you have made…even your thoughts and certainly your love have added grace.
I want to send each of you a hug in honor of the darkness life carries and a smile for the light we have shared with our beloved LizAnn.
With bright light and the promise of longer days,
Amber
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving Gratitude
Bright Light of Community
Since the phone call from Scott Gill (Search & Rescue) at 9:45 pm on August 17 with the Olympic Relay already in progress to rescue LizAnn through today, November 27, Thanksgiving Day. So much has happened to not only LizAnn but to all of us that know her and love her. Because of you LizAnn, this community in our beautiful corner of the universe has come together for one common simplistic reason: To unconditionally help another human being. You have been not only an insipration but also a catalyst for random acts of kindness. Thank you Amber and Bobbi Jo for being the messengers and collectively providing this site and the Helping Hands site as a platform for all of us to stay informed on how we can all proactively participate. And more recently, Peter Belshwender for synthesizing all the folks who have been helping with the house renovation. I am thankful for the sense of interconnectedness we all have on this day.
Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving To All!
John Kudrna
Since the phone call from Scott Gill (Search & Rescue) at 9:45 pm on August 17 with the Olympic Relay already in progress to rescue LizAnn through today, November 27, Thanksgiving Day. So much has happened to not only LizAnn but to all of us that know her and love her. Because of you LizAnn, this community in our beautiful corner of the universe has come together for one common simplistic reason: To unconditionally help another human being. You have been not only an insipration but also a catalyst for random acts of kindness. Thank you Amber and Bobbi Jo for being the messengers and collectively providing this site and the Helping Hands site as a platform for all of us to stay informed on how we can all proactively participate. And more recently, Peter Belshwender for synthesizing all the folks who have been helping with the house renovation. I am thankful for the sense of interconnectedness we all have on this day.
Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving To All!
John Kudrna
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
LizAnn's HOME!
Grins, tears, hugs and joy…LizAnn is home!
Hoots and cheers erupted from the crowd of forty friends as LizAnn wheeled herself into the terminal…bright and beaming. Nearing the loud enthusiastic crowd, she veered a wee bit off-course as emotion nearly overcame her. She quickly got back on course, a huge smile on her face. I wrapped her in a festive pink boa…others draped beads and leis as an outpouring of hugs were shared.
She looks good.
Hoots and cheers erupted from the crowd of forty friends as LizAnn wheeled herself into the terminal…bright and beaming. Nearing the loud enthusiastic crowd, she veered a wee bit off-course as emotion nearly overcame her. She quickly got back on course, a huge smile on her face. I wrapped her in a festive pink boa…others draped beads and leis as an outpouring of hugs were shared.
She looks good.
One little tyke was quite taken by her “big wheels.” He seemed like he wanted to climb aboard her chair for a ride. Some cute little girls gave her a little bag with iridescent glass pebbles…LizAnn asked intriguingly, “Are they magic?”Her nephew gave LizAnn a perfectly shaped heart rock on which he’d written “WELL COME HOME. I love you.” He found the rock all by himself (near his mother’s bed…!)
LizAnn’s brother John commented on the appropriateness of the word “WELLCOME.”
She is well. She is home.
-Amber Jean
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Flight Home
LizAnn is scheduled to return to Bozeman on a United flight from Denver this Wednesday, Nov 19th at 4:15 pm. Everyone is encouraged to come welcome her home. People who’d like to carpool to the airport can meet at the South end of the Target/BobWards/Petsmart parking lot at 3:45. We’ll update the website during that day if there are any changes or delays in the flight that we know of.
Three months have passed since the weekend of August 16th when LizAnn summated Mt Cowen and began the decent which led to a whole new journey and ascent in her life. Her homecoming is a new chapter…filled with emotion, trepidation, excitement, courage, and determination. Your presence and positive energy at the airport may be a touching and supportive re-entry to a community she loves. Your patience, compassion, enthusiasm, friendship and goodwill will continue to be of great assistance for her journey in the months and years to come.
Thank-you,
Amber Jean
Three months have passed since the weekend of August 16th when LizAnn summated Mt Cowen and began the decent which led to a whole new journey and ascent in her life. Her homecoming is a new chapter…filled with emotion, trepidation, excitement, courage, and determination. Your presence and positive energy at the airport may be a touching and supportive re-entry to a community she loves. Your patience, compassion, enthusiasm, friendship and goodwill will continue to be of great assistance for her journey in the months and years to come.
Thank-you,
Amber Jean
Friday, November 14, 2008
Preparing for Her Return
LizAnn will be discharged from Craig Hospital today. She still has some things to do/work-out/finish up so she and her sister Jane will be moving to family housing at Craig until everything is finalized…and then she can return home and embark on the next chapter of her post-accident journey. We believe she’ll be flying home with Jane sometime mid-week next week (we’ll keep you posted).
She taught her 2nd Pilates class to staff earlier this week. Teaching is brave and empowering … a positive action in the midst of the emotional challenges during this time of transition and healing. Her body is still healing (and will be for many more months) . Though her strength increases daily, she tires easily. She is enthusiastic about swimming (photos below).
In preparation for her return next week, Bobbi Jo sent the following note about helping out:
From: Bobbi Jo
HI everyone.
A quick note about the remodel and meals at Prefix...
HOUSE REMODEL NEEDS
If there is any one in the crowd or if anyone knows of someone willing to look at the following, please let me know: PeterBelschwender@onsitemangagement.com1. Laying linoleum, marmoleum, or laminate flooring in the Kitchen, Bedroom and possibly the Bathroom.
PREFIX UPDATE
Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2008 1:43 PM
Subject: Prefix
Hi everybody
I want to report on Prefix. As of Nov 13th we have $390 for food. I talked to the prefix people and have decided to put $235 towards meals in Nov and then do another order for meals in Dec. I found a coupon in Smart Shopper for free asembly of food. If we get another coupon prefix will honor it for Dec, so would people look for that coupon and send it to me (18139 Bridger Hollow Bozeman, MT 59715 ). Thanks so much. It is amazing how wonderful and generous people are! Leslie Dominick
OTHER NEEDS...
Interested in helping with other meals, shoveling a walk, doing chores or a weekly house tidy for Ms. LizAnn??
Log on to her website at Lotsa Helping Hands: http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/608489/
(You are required to register to be able to view and use this helping hands site)
She taught her 2nd Pilates class to staff earlier this week. Teaching is brave and empowering … a positive action in the midst of the emotional challenges during this time of transition and healing. Her body is still healing (and will be for many more months) . Though her strength increases daily, she tires easily. She is enthusiastic about swimming (photos below).
In preparation for her return next week, Bobbi Jo sent the following note about helping out:
From: Bobbi Jo
HI everyone.
A quick note about the remodel and meals at Prefix...
HOUSE REMODEL NEEDS
If there is any one in the crowd or if anyone knows of someone willing to look at the following, please let me know: PeterBelschwender@onsitemangagement.com1. Laying linoleum, marmoleum, or laminate flooring in the Kitchen, Bedroom and possibly the Bathroom.
PREFIX UPDATE
Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2008 1:43 PM
Subject: Prefix
Hi everybody
I want to report on Prefix. As of Nov 13th we have $390 for food. I talked to the prefix people and have decided to put $235 towards meals in Nov and then do another order for meals in Dec. I found a coupon in Smart Shopper for free asembly of food. If we get another coupon prefix will honor it for Dec, so would people look for that coupon and send it to me (18139 Bridger Hollow Bozeman, MT 59715 ). Thanks so much. It is amazing how wonderful and generous people are! Leslie Dominick
OTHER NEEDS...
Interested in helping with other meals, shoveling a walk, doing chores or a weekly house tidy for Ms. LizAnn??
Log on to her website at Lotsa Helping Hands: http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/608489/
(You are required to register to be able to view and use this helping hands site)
Monday, November 10, 2008
A Mountaintop and Pilates Class
LizAnn will be returning home sometime next week (exact date is not yet known). Her sister Jane will be leaving Wednesday to help pack up and bring LizAnn back to Bozeman. Two girlfriends visited and spent the weekend with LizAnn at Craig. They went to Pike’s Peak on Saturday...a big day for LizAnn. After an hour drive, they arrived near the peak, then rode a train to the top of the mountain. She said it felt good to be “so high up there.”
She taught her first Pilates class at Craig last week. “Chair Pilates” was attended by staff and patients alike. LizAnn found it challenging but good to “get back after it.”
Peter continues to make impressive progress with a batch of generous volunteers working together to remodel her home.
Everyone has been so beautifully supportive of LizAnn during her journey. Upon her return there will be more opportunities for people to pitch in and help out. Bobbi Jo has lined up a webpage at the “Helping Hands” site…a wonderful tool/calendar to facilitate coordination of volunteers…see below:
She taught her first Pilates class at Craig last week. “Chair Pilates” was attended by staff and patients alike. LizAnn found it challenging but good to “get back after it.”
Peter continues to make impressive progress with a batch of generous volunteers working together to remodel her home.
Everyone has been so beautifully supportive of LizAnn during her journey. Upon her return there will be more opportunities for people to pitch in and help out. Bobbi Jo has lined up a webpage at the “Helping Hands” site…a wonderful tool/calendar to facilitate coordination of volunteers…see below:
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