A Farting Owl and A Request

January 18, 2013




Noah made this farting owl for Camille during our Christmas bird exchange. It makes me giggle. And I need that right now.

I have gotten better about being able to say this out loud to family and friends, so I am going to say it here, too. I am undergoing evaluation for ovarian cancer. The only way to confirm or deny that scary-ass diagnosis is through surgery. My surgery will be at the end of January. In addition to doing acupuncture, yoga, walks with friends, I am also trying to occupy/distract myself. It turns out that when you are faced with such a frightening possibility, you have a hard time ignoring it. In fact, it turns out that it is similar to buying a car. Suddenly, every other car on the road seems to be the model you are considering. Two of the tv shows that I turn to for mindless numbing/escape suddenly have cancer as a theme (Parenthood and Private Practice) and there's Tig's recent proclamation and scary sections of the library. I need to escape those things right now.

So, here's my request for help: please, send me reading/viewing/listening suggestions. Things that are funny, thought provoking, meaningful, fluffy, healing, silly, and most importantly devoid of any sick mothers. And music! I need good music suggestions. And podcasts and movies. And if you come across any other farting owls, please send them this way!
Jessica said...

I know what you mean about the problems you are trying to avoid seem to pop up everywhere. Best of luck to you and here's hoping you find lots of farting owls! ;)

Dawn Suzette said...

Oh, Lucia! You have been in my thoughts. I will be sure to send anything I find that fits the bill right your way! xo

Emily M. said...

Lucia--Oh, I was hoping that whatever it was it wouldn't be related to cancer. Thinking of you. Am also going to put some thought into good diversions. I know I've read some great stuff lately, but even the good stuff has a hard time sticking in this brain of mine. Will send along suggestions in the next week or so. (and I love Parenthood)

Unknown said...

DEAR LUCIA!!!!!!! Sending you love, healing, ease and all the mind numbing fluffiness you can get your hands on!!!! We were just in LA and i was introduced to the funny series Portlandia - really quirky funny stuff. We watched the most hilarious movie as well. Not a new one, but if you haven't seen it watch Anchorman, or if you have , watch it again, it will make you laugh till your tummy hurts. LOVE

Karla said...

Sending you thoughts and prayers from Japan. I don't get to watch it too often, but "Modern Family" makes me laugh sometimes, too. I'll definitely send you some things as I come across them in my reading or experiences.

Cynthia said...

Lucia, I am so sorry to hear this news. I have been quietly reading and enjoying your blog for some time and will send every possible positive vibe your way. If you'd like to try getting lost in books, read "Wolf Hall" and "Bring Up the Bodies" by Hillary Mantel to step back into English history. I also loved "Old Filth" by Jane Gardam and its sequel, "The Man in the Wooden Hat." Know that lots of us are praying for you.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear your news. I'm sure you will brave this chapter in your life with intelligence, courage, imagination and grace. That's why I've been following along all this time -- that's how you seem to approach everything! :)

I thought for a whole day about what music would be happy and distracting and my best offering is the soundtrack to Beetlejuice. Day-O and Shake, Shake, Shake Senora!

Books: Garden Spells

Stacy

Heather said...

I'm adding my prayers for you, Lucia. I know we still haven't met in person yet (we're hoping to make it to Maryland this summer, so maybe??), but I feel like I've come to know you, at least a little, through your blog and our conversations on the Nook. I admire you so much and am grateful for all you are willing to share here on your blog--for your honesty, grace, wit, and vision. I'm sure each of those qualities will help you through the next couple of weeks and whatever may lay beyond them.

As for books, have you read the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series yet? Also, I remember Gilead from the Nook being a healing kind of book. I'll let you know if I think of any more.

Erin said...

We have been watching the 7 Up series. So far we have only gotten to 21 Up, but it's very interesting.

Sending warm thoughts your way.

Sara said...

Oh Lucia, I'm so sorry you are having to worry about this. I am definitely sending you love and wishes for good health.

I'm reading a good book that I think you would like. It is by a Bainbridge Island author named Dylan Tomine, and is called Closer to the Ground: An Outdoor Family's Year on the Wather in the Woods and at the Table. It is sweet, funny, heart-warming, and full of beautiful NW imagery. It might be just what the doctor ordered.

Also, I want to send you a CD of the children's band Korum has been playing with. The music is catchy and generally non-irritating (as far as family music goes) and I think it might be a good diversion for you and the little ones. Will you message me (on FB) your mailing address?

XOXO Sara B

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to her about your illness. I discovered your blog through my sister and enjoy following you on all of your adventures. Here's a laugh out loud funny book to read about a quail, because quails are right up there with the owls on the cuteness factor! That Quail, Robert. by Margaret Stanger

Stacy Kadesh said...

Try watching the show "Impractical Jokers" on TruTV--So dumb but so funny and you can't help laughing out loud! The premise: A reality show with 4 long time friends who challenge each other to do embarrassing tasks. It is our newest guilty pleasure.

Talk to you soon
Lots of Love
Stacy

Unknown said...

Oh Lucia, I'm just catching up. I don't have any good suggestions (I'll think!), but I'm sending so much love.

Sue said...

So very sorry that you are going through this. My 21-year-old niece just came through ovarian cancer. She had a very large tumor along with one ovary removed, and the Dr. was sure that she would need chemo, but her blood work came back showing that she didn't. We really believe in the power of prayer here, and I will be praying for you, Lucia!!

This never fails to make me laugh
http://youtu.be/XY66ZJ0TFUI

Since you are a world traveler, you may appreciate it, too.

Nadia and Bekah said...

Sending lots of love to you!!! Here are some ideas.

Funny books: Let's Pretend This Never Happened, Bossypants, Scary Mommy

Books that Inspire: Wild, Quiet: The Power of Introverts, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, My Stroke of Insight

Any TV show on Bravo works for me: Real Housewives, Top Chef, Project Runway, etc...We also love New Girl on Fox and watch all reality singing shows.

Books about healing: Women's Bodies Women's Wisdom (Northrup), Anything by Bryon Katie, and affirmations by Belleruth Naperstak

XO

Martha said...

Lucia I will be thinking of you. I suggest if you don't already watch it, The Big Bang, you could probably get back seasons from NetFlicks. From there you could also probably get the Bertie and Wooster series and to read, the Lucia books by EF Benson. They remind me of small towns in the American south

okijeepgirl said...

Thoughts are with you and family as you fight through this.. I second the idea of Modern Family....love it! lots of laughs there I think. I know you've probably already read this, but Dave Barry Does Japan...soooo funny since we've experienced first hand what he speaks of I think! Also, a light read I've read with the girls, "An Unfinished Angel"...very cutely written

Shelly

Latest Instagrams

© Dim Sum, Bagels, and Crawfish. Design by FCD.