Tuesday, July 17, 2012

How Beautiful a Summer Night


Oh, how beautiful is the summer night, which is not night, but a sunless,
yet unclouded, day, descending upon earth with dews and shadows and
refreshing coolness! How beautiful the long mild twilight, which,
like a silver clasp, unites today with yesterday!

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 
 
As I begin this post it is late evening.  Despite suffering from a sleepless night yesterday, I am finding it hard to lull myself into a restful sleep.  So, rather than lie around tossing and turning I figured I would type up a few words, turn the lights and computer out, light a lavender candle, toss open the curtains, and connect with the night.

How's the weather in your neck of the woods?  The heat and humidity have made a comeback here, and although it had been breezy and comfortable when I left for work in the morning, the air was so thick by the time I went home that one could almost 'cut through it with a knife'.  I can't remember a summer like this for a good long time. Autumn is going to feel extra specially good to me this year, as it probably will to many of us.

(Getting late now.  Time to take some down time in the hopes of eventually falling asleep.)

(Well, morning is here, and I wish I could say it was a better sleep night for me, but sleep has become illusive.  Being a night person, I've always been a bit restless, but lately it is getting out of control.  Time to speak to the doctor.)

Last night had me wondering if this summer is a warning for us, a sampling of what is to come if we don't begin to watch our step. Not that Mother Nature means to be cruel; indeed, she is far from it.  Since the beginning of time, she has always been there to nurse and nourish mankind as well as all of her other creatures.  It is we who have been the cruel ones with our indifference to the consequences of overcrowding,  biological extinctions, groundwater contamination, ozone depletion, and whatever else we may have done to destroy her. Perhaps this is only a warning, but in the end, Mother Nature will determine our destiny.

I received a letter yesterday from the insurance company. It seems that they're not going to approve my Pet Scan because the doctor didn't show proof that I had cancer. But, that wasn't the sole purpose of the test. My doctor wanted to check my bones as well to make sure all was okay. Goes to show you the difference between huge corporations having control of our health care rather than medical personnel who know what they are talking about. It's all about how much they can save and not at all about one's health. I guess about all I can say right now is...to be continued.

I have just three things to teach:
Simplicity, patience, and compassion.
These three are your greatest treasures.
Simple in actions and in thought,
You return to the source of being.
Patient with both friends and enemies,,
You accord with the way things are.
Compassionate toward yourself,
You reconcile all beings in the world.

Tao Te Ching

9 comments:

  1. Can they biopsy the spot on your lung to see if it's cancer? I know that the PET scan is used to see if cancer has spread, and you don't know yet that you have it (hopefully NOT). But a biopsy is relatively simple to do, they did my husband's in less than 30 minutes, so are they doing one for you? I hope so, since either way, not knowing is the WORST.

    Take care, and keep us updated.......

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  2. It's hard to sleep in heat and humidity at the best of times. I hope you have a good day today, Mary!

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  3. Insomnia is pretty awful. I have had some luck with 5HTP. I also took melatonin, but that gives me very strange dreams. Lately I have taken nothing, and when I wake, as I do each night, I take one aspirin. When I drift off I sleep the rest of the night. I know this is a problem with many older ladies.

    As for the insurance company. Well you know how I feel about them. They are the slime of the earth and yes, it's all about money. What proof I wonder were they asking for? I do know that there almost always is a way to argue these decisions, and I believe they have to tell you what the procedure is. This they keep secret of course unless you ask.

    You probably start w/the person at your work who is in charge of the benefits.

    *sigh* What is the world coming to? Wishing you all the very best as I always do.

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  4. It is NO fun at all losing sleep esp. during stressful times when our bodies and minds most need sleep. I think as a planet we are in trouble with global warming and have been for a long time. I don't' think it's too late though to improve some things that have gone awry although there's been a lot of damage.

    Very frustrating with the whole insurance co.!

    Sending you lots of blessings for sweet sleep and a positive outcome for all the med. issues

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  5. Beloved Mary...It is New Moon time and if you are anything like me, on the new and full moons I am up and awake, for days before and after. I've resigned myself to it, lol, even tho it can be frustrating to need and want to sleep and it is illusive. Yes, I agree it is time to talk with your Doctor about it, especially in light of your losing weight, getting healthier, etc... as going without sleep keeps cortisal levels up which in turn combats the weight issue, as I am sure you are well aware. It's a vicious cycle. ( I was up and down all night too.)

    Sorry to hear about the insurance company...call your Doctor and see what other steps can be taken to move around that insurance issue as well as your benefit specialist...I'm sure something can be done, it is just figuring it out? I'll be so glad to see the Affordable Care Act in full swing so insurance companies can be put in check!!!
    I think we were thinking along the same lines today...in regards to global warming?
    Well, anywho, try to stay as cool as possible and know that I am with you in spirit Dear Sister!!! :) xoxoxo

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  6. On the "why" not pay for that scan....... Didn't I tell ya' that the Ins. Co. had put the hammer down?

    Oh yeah, we are already in the *brave new world,* of health care, etc.

    And *someone* is trying to take us farther, into it???????????

    -shakes head-

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  7. You had a valid idea, concerning the insomnia. But it didn't work.

    Glad you are taking this, to your doc.

    Without sufficient sleep, how can we: Manage stress? Heal what's wrong-with-us? Have the gumption and strength to make necessary life style changes? Etc. Etc. Etc.

    Hugs, Mary!!!!!!!!!!!

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  8. Please, does "Alaska Wolf Song" mean 'ObamaCare' and 'ObamaTax', when referring to 'the Affordable Care Act'???????????

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  9. Mary have you ever tried Melatonin for sleep. It is a natural suppliment that is already in your system anyway.

    It is hot and humid up here in Canada tonight. I had to take the night off because my Asthma is acting up.

    Thank goodness for air conditioning.

    stay cool
    hugs Sharon

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