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This is the kitchen where we talk about food, life, and recovery—a spiritual path to healing and peace.

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You are invited to keep coming back to A Cup of Kindness to share your experience, strength and hope; fears, doubts and insecurities; and to pick up information, inspiration … and have a little fun!

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In January 2007, at the age of 51, I joined a 12-step program and began my recovery from food addiction, losing 75 pounds in the process. Read more…

In January 2011, at the age of 55, I began my recovery from a multi-trauma accident, 36 fractures, damaged lungs, and post traumatic stress. Read more…

I am deeply grateful for all the kindnesses, large and small, offered to me in recovery. Here I am... alive… still making progress … still not perfect … finding a new way forward in a growing community of women and men who share a lot in common around food and life.

I hope you'll join me in this kitchen and let me know what's cooking with you.

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Beauty in a Cold Climate

 

Thanks to my friend Dana Reitman for this photo of a barn in the snow up in Perry near her home in Eastport, Maine. So beautiful.

It’s snowing here today, too. The silence is lovely.

I feel fully prepared for tomorrow’s surgery.

The surgeon’s plan is to take out the 6 screws and 2 rods in my back. It’s necessary because 2 of the screws are loose. I always knew I had at least one screw loose!

I’ll be at the Washington Hospital Center for 1 or 2 nights and will follow up with a month of physical therapy. The ligaments have been relying on the instrumentation to hold me up. Now they’ll have to get back to work. So, I may be a bit more uncomfortable for a while. Not to worry. I trust myself and all the wonderful healers on my case.

We’ve had some very nice requests for updates, so we’ll post them at Caring Bridge: www.caringbridge.org/visit/valerietate1. The site name is: valerietate1. This is the same site that Gregory and my sister Louise used to keep everyone posted following the accident. It’s a great tool.

My 12 step fellow, Beth B, is organizing food for us. She can be reached at betboyd1601@comcast.net. I’ll welcome calls and visits at home next week. I’ve got good books to read.

I’m very grateful for your prayers and the many blessings of the last two years.

May we all be well, happy and peaceful.

Love & Light,

Valerie

19 Comments to Beauty in a Cold Climate

  1. Theolyn's Gravatar Theolyn
    March 6, 2013 at 11:38 am | Permalink

    Valerie, my prayers continue to be with you, especially tomorrow for your surgery, Also for the surgeon for guidance. Pray that your recovery goes well.

  2. Francesca's Gravatar Francesca
    March 6, 2013 at 11:53 am | Permalink

    Dearest Valerie,

    My prayers are being sent to you.

    May you and your team of healers be surounded by loving light during your surgery and aferwards.

    I will visit you next week for sure…

    Unitl then…

    “May the road rise up to meet you.
    May the wind be always at your back.
    May the sun shine warm upon your face;
    the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
    may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

    Much love,
    Francesca

  3. Cathryn's Gravatar Cathryn
    March 6, 2013 at 12:04 pm | Permalink

    I will be holding you, dear one.
    Stearam sukhum asanum- Strength, stability and ease of posture, movement, and being.
    Love you both.

  4. Myra Tate's Gravatar Myra Tate
    March 6, 2013 at 12:59 pm | Permalink

    When you were handed to Dad, with your hair all brushed into waves, he was certain he heard music,, and even asked the nurses where it was coming from. I will be listening for that music starting at midnight tonight. Be strong, Ms. Shangra-La! May all those around you give you their very best care and I hope you know that we all are surrounding you with love. your ma

  5. dana's Gravatar dana
    March 6, 2013 at 3:30 pm | Permalink

    Sending you love, dear Valerie! Will be back in Maryland on the 18th so will be visiting you.

  6. Kathryn's Gravatar Kathryn
    March 6, 2013 at 6:22 pm | Permalink

    Valerie,
    I am sending you much love and energy.
    Kathryn

  7. Mary J-B's Gravatar Mary J-B
    March 6, 2013 at 7:07 pm | Permalink

    Continued prayers! Godspeed in recovery. If I can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Much Love,Mary

  8. ruthie's Gravatar ruthie
    March 7, 2013 at 12:14 am | Permalink

    Love and prayers to you for a speedy and complete recovery.

  9. Deborah Kahn's Gravatar Deborah Kahn
    March 7, 2013 at 5:28 am | Permalink

    Holding you in the light of love and healing.

  10. Terri's Gravatar Terri
    March 7, 2013 at 4:37 pm | Permalink

    Peace and love my friend.

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