At Sherie’s in San Diego for the night. Just getting up to get the day going. First a shower then the quest for coffee. It’s that marine overcast sky out, I recognize it.
We are off to ten o’clock Mass at Mission San Diego Alcula (sp?), I think the original mission in SD. Then we are off to the wedding which is late afternoon. That’s some nuts and bolts but we need some thoughts on those in a bit.
But the catch up on yesterday is that the Padres got a walk off homer last night and we watched that with all of Todd and Jess’s family and friends in attendance. There was something like eighty of us all together. Quick Rick and Kelly were there to complete the situation.
The screening went fabulous with maybe thirty in the small venue. The panel discussion was amazing with Dr Arash Asher from Cedars Sinai Hospital. What a great addition to our group of pilgrims and artists. Here is the main idea that he brought to the table: connectivity equals well being. And that is what he was seeing in our film. He sited a study comparing data from 1980 to now in which people where asked if they felt isolated. In other words, do you have anyone to confide in? So, earlier it was one in ten that didn’t and now it is one in four. So, with all our social media we seem further apart. But in terms of cancer rehab, connectivity is important and perhaps one of the major factors in my success.
Just got back from the mission who had a truly amazing service. I wept at communion and after communion there was a quirky occurrence where people applauded because it was so beautiful. It seemed perfectly appropriate but I’d never seen it before.
Well, we are driving to La Jolla in a few minutes. Todd and Jessica getting married after falling in love on the Camino when we walk d in 2014. Yea, connectivity in action.
See you tomorrow, love, San Diego Felipe.
Hola Pilgrim Farmer Felipe!
Farmers in La Jolla! We kind of stand out in that crowd, eh amigo? Catching up on reading your blog after spending the week riding across this gorgeous state on Ragbrai for the 30th time last week. When I read several in a row like this, I’m compelled to call Annie and have her find some aspiring cameraman to just follow you around all day every day. Your life IS a movie, man!! I wonder if in this techno crazy world there’s such a thing as a “good vibes geiger counter” that could be attached to the camera to measure all the super stuff that percolates and auto-erupts when you’re interacting with the world. I know what you mean about the beautiful Mass moments. Ragbrai started out in a middling size town on the Missouri river. I had contacted a cousin of a friend of a neighbor etc, etc and arranged to have our bike club stay at there home the night before the ride. We tent in their yards and have use of showers and heads overnight. Since it was Saturday night and we’d be riding early Sunday morning, I inquired of our hosts where and when Saturday night mass was. She said she and her husband were going also, and I saw she was carrying a guitar case. I asked if she was in the choir, and she said she played and sang. Knowing how shy I am, I’m sure you’re surprised that I immediately asked if I could join them in the choir. She was a wonderful hostess, but couldn’t quite hide the skepticism in her face as explained that they were a well trained group. It wasn’t her fault that she couldn’t really say no to me 🙂 Cutting to the chase here, by the time mass was over, my entire body was covered with goose bumps from the experience of singing with Anne and her fellow choir members and the reaction of the predominantly biker attendees. So, like you, I was close to tears. Life is good, man. So glad you’re hanging around to enjoy so much of it. All that “connectedness” your Doc was talking about is the real deal.
Lots of Old Marines out there on their bikes proudly wearing their colors, would have made you proud. More of that real “connectedness” that doesn’t go away.
SF,
PFJ
PFJ ~ I’m a little late on answering this but I am hanging around at the hospital and the time is now. Congrats on doing the bike trip with your new bionic parts. That was great about you and the choir. People that sing in choirs really enjoy it. Maybe it’s all that breathing! And I glad that you overcame your shyness. OK, getting close to finishing up here. Soon, PFF.
I hope you got pictures, Felipe! I saw some on Facebook from some of Todd’s friends! And the adventure continues, now a love story come full circle to boot! The only thing we didn’t get to do in LA was go walking. Well, I did, but not with you! Maybe you did. Have a great flight back to the Island. I am glad the service was so moving, roping in the cake of life!
Love,
Carol
That should say “topping on the cake of life”.
Carol ~ all good here, we just got back to the Island. I really like “roping in the cake of life”! I think we can do something with that. What fun, Felipe.x
Isn’t it great that you have the balance of two worlds. The “LA” life and then the calming, comforting environs of the Island? Thank you for letting me be a part of it and for letting me know you arrived safely. I am “The Handler” and therefore you are ultimately my responsibility and besides I do care!
Rest up for the next big event. I will be arriving Wednesday, September 21st, and I think we don’t have much until later on Thursday. Looks like Hobbs might be in attendance too! Taking two of us these days! Hope that is ok with you. I know you must be tuckered out, I know Annie is and is in need of Respite. Have to convience that woman that she has to build in some days off to walk or beach or read or something fun. That is also my responsibility too to remind her to have fun! Love you and Rebecca.
Carol ~ right, that is why I had to let you know that we arrived safely. Hope you are thinking about coming here, as in Vashon Island. Yes, Hobbsie needs to be here 2. Yes, let’s keep a watchful eye over Annie. We need all to be good for the long run. OK, have to go and cheer on the Mariners, Felipe.x