Ahhh! The memories. Years ago, my husband, Ralph and I used a complimentary camp for 3 night’s free coupon for the Thousand Trails resort at Mt. Vernon. We were impressed and eventually bought a membership for the Thousand Trails system. There is one campsite in Canada at Cultus Lake. The other 60 odd RV resorts are mainly in the eastern and western coastal states. Resorts are also in Las Vegas, Sedona, AZ area, and a few in Texas. Membership also includes opportunities to add on memberships for other camping and resort systems.
Our membership allows us to stay at a resort for up to 2 weeks, and then we move on to the next resort for another 2 weeks and then sometimes return to the previous resort for another 2 weeks and so on. We spend months traveling in the system most winters and enjoy the WA and BC campsites the rest of the year. La Conner and Mt Vernon are both great locations to stay at in April to see the Daffodil fields and for the Tulip festival and again in mid August when we go to the Northwest WA state fair in Lynden.
Each RV park is different and unique. They all have family and adult lodges with satellite TV, pool tables, and food service. Scheduled activities run by the recreation director’s vary from park to park. Some locations are famous for their weekly “Bunco” games or their weekly “Candy Bar Bingo”or the weekly cinnamon buns. Each park has a specific memory linked to it, so when someone asks me which park is my favorite – my answer is always, “that’s depends.” Wilderness Lakes in CA for food service and candy bar bingo. San Benito in CA for bunco. Palm Springs, Wilderness and Pio Pico in CA for their pool rooms. Rancho Oso in CA for their working ranch with horseback riding. Seaside OR for the indoor swimming pool and Soledad, Morgan Hill, San Benito and Palm Springs in CA, Mt Vernon, Thunderbird in WA and many others for their swimming pools. La Conner in WA for their location – they don’t have a swimming pool, but you couldn’t pay a million dollars for a better view while sitting in the hot tub at sunset looking out at the islands on the ocean. And there is the yummy cinnamon buns at Camp Verde AZ.
And Palm Springs wins hands down when it comes to the weekly music jam sessions. Over the years we have been entertained by professionals as well as other talented campers. One of the regulars, Jimmy, has worked with the Ink Spots and many other stars and has many insider stories that he has amused us with over the years. One involved a song writer wanting a singer to record their song. The story was about how the record came to be. Apparently the singer would not even look at the song, so the song writer got the music to him by dropping it onto the singer’s property from a helicopter. And that is why the hit song got recorded. I just wish I could remember the names involved. Just know that it is a well known hit song and artist, I think the singer was Chris Christopherson.
Pio Pico in CA has an annual talent show. One year we were entertained by a concert pianist practicing as we enjoyed the Saturday morning pancake breakfast.
One year at La Conner, the lady that organized the weekly music jam session played an electronic keyboard. One night there was a man that played violin and another man that played trumpet. The orchestra sounds from the keyboard did not allow the others to really let go and get into what I consider “music jamming”. At the end of the session, while the lady with the keyboard was packing up, I encouraged the other 2 to give us a tune or 2, giving them an opportunity to really “jam”. Much to my dismay, the keyboard lady, started to unpack her keyboard to join in. Although she was very good, I think we all missed an experience of a true pure musical jam session.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
SHARING MY CANCER STORY
My cervical cancer story is about my personal growth being accelerated and the tools that became available to me on my life’s journey.
Life was great. I had finally left an unhealthy codependent relationship. That “drama” led me to a transition house, that led me to the Unity Church, where I met my soulmate. Miracles were happening in my life. I was in the right place at the right time – in the flow. A beautiful flower, growing and blossoming.
In September 1992, at age 42, the life threatening “drama” of an emergency hysterectomy and cervical cancer diagnosis led me to the Vancouver Cancer Clinic (B.C., Canada) for radiation treatments. All the while feeling that I was in good hands and in the right place, at the right time. During my 1st appointment at the cancer clinic, I asked my doctor about her views and the clinic’s views on alternative therapies. She handed me a pamphlet about the Relaxation Program run by the clinic.
The Relaxation Group meets 3 times a week for an experiential meditation. First, we sit in a circle and introduce ourselves and ask for an image that we would like included in the meditation. Then we go to the mats with bolsters for under our knees, pillows, blankets and even little “eye pillows” to put over our eyes. The groups facilitators (clinic staff) talk us through a 45 minute meditation using the images offered from the circle with music playing and “foot strokers” lightly stroking legs, feet, shoulders and brows. The deluxe version is to have live music played by the clinic’s music therapist. Afterwards, many of us network together in the cafeteria. This is where I got a lot of my questions answered, sometimes when I didn’t even know there was a question to ask. There is also a theory – talk about - class on meditation and coping techniques and tools. I found my dream had come true – a medical institution incorporating complementary therapies with medicine, working together to treat the “whole” me.
The Relaxation Group continues to be my “lifesaver”. It gave me a reason to travel to the clinic every day for a 10 minute radiation treatment. I remember on Thursday, about ½ way through my 30 treatments, when I woke up feeling scared, frustrated, angry, sad, alone…. I didn’t want any more radiation. If it hadn’t been for the Relaxation Group that day – I am not sure what I would have done.
The Relaxation Group is full of life, love, caring, understanding, acceptance and more. A place where I can be me, where I can feel and express my emotions, laugh and cry. A place where people listen and hear what I am saying. A very powerful nurturing, peaceful, healing place to be.
I take advantage of the many “tools” the clinic offers patients, families and friends. These include support groups, music and art therapy counseling, social worker counselors, volunteer driver’s service, and Therapeutic Touch workshops and sessions.
All the “tools” helped me again when my radiation treatments finished. While going for radiation, it was okay to go to the Relaxation Group because I was there anyway. Now the only reason for me to go to the Relaxation Group was to do something nice for me. Being a caregiver type, that was hard to do. With all the personal growth work I had done, I was aware of that sabotaging part of me and would find ways to sabotage the sabotaging. Like that 1st Thursday morning after treatment had finished, that I talked myself out of going to the Relaxation Group. “What if someone else needs the chair?” “I’m not good enough.” “I don’t deserve it.” “I’m too tired.” When I did get up, I called the volunteer drivers and booked a ride for the Monday morning Relaxation Group. I had just about talked myself into staying home again on Monday when I remembered the volunteer driver was picking me up. I also called on friends to meet me at the clinic – so then I had to go. I also realized that although I could go back to work physically, mentally and emotionally I didn’t want to and that was okay. I ended up taking a year for me and gradually fell back into my job. I am grateful to my boss for being patient and giving me the time and space that I needed.
Two years ago, I again took time off work for another life “drama” involving the death of my brother. After this, with my husband about to retire, I decided to “let go” of my job also. Again I have the Relaxation Group to thank for helping me though this period of losses.
I now spend 2 to 3 days a week “foot stroking” at the Relaxation Groups and visiting other patients and their families – talking, listening, and doing and teaching Therapeutic Touch – helping others on their journey.
For the last few months, I’ve been having the same feelings that I experienced when I was getting close to the end of the radiation treatments – sadness, loneliness, anxiety, abandonment, fear, etc. I was aware that this time it had to do with the 5 year anniversary approaching. These milestones are not always a happy celebrating time for everyone. We are all different, with different issues to deal with. At my last 6 month check up, when my doctor said that my next appointment would be my last, I was pleasantly surprised and pleased when my reaction was one of happiness and celebration. The Relaxation Group came through for me again – giving me balance, support, clarity and the courage to deal with my feelings.
My life has been touched by many “teachers” along the way. I continue to learn and relearn many of life’s lessons:
- changing “shoulds” to “coulds”. A choice – no guilt attached.
- the definition of “normal” is a setting on the washing machine.
- to be a “human being” not a “human doing”.
- get out of the way. Stop trying , start trusting.
- trusting my intuition. Listening to my “knowing”
- smiling at myself. Being patient with myself.
- to sabotage the sabotaging.
- I’m not stupid, dumb, …. I did a stupid, dumb,….thing.
- angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.
- waking up to awareness.
- living in the moment
Tomorrow is tomorrow, yesterday is the past.
Today is a gift, that’s why they call it the “present”.
From one flower to another. May you blossom and grow to your full potential and become the beautiful you, you were created to be. I trust that my story touches and helps you on your journey. Thank you for listening.
By Lynn Keeling ( written in 1997 / submitted in March 2009 )
Life was great. I had finally left an unhealthy codependent relationship. That “drama” led me to a transition house, that led me to the Unity Church, where I met my soulmate. Miracles were happening in my life. I was in the right place at the right time – in the flow. A beautiful flower, growing and blossoming.
In September 1992, at age 42, the life threatening “drama” of an emergency hysterectomy and cervical cancer diagnosis led me to the Vancouver Cancer Clinic (B.C., Canada) for radiation treatments. All the while feeling that I was in good hands and in the right place, at the right time. During my 1st appointment at the cancer clinic, I asked my doctor about her views and the clinic’s views on alternative therapies. She handed me a pamphlet about the Relaxation Program run by the clinic.
The Relaxation Group meets 3 times a week for an experiential meditation. First, we sit in a circle and introduce ourselves and ask for an image that we would like included in the meditation. Then we go to the mats with bolsters for under our knees, pillows, blankets and even little “eye pillows” to put over our eyes. The groups facilitators (clinic staff) talk us through a 45 minute meditation using the images offered from the circle with music playing and “foot strokers” lightly stroking legs, feet, shoulders and brows. The deluxe version is to have live music played by the clinic’s music therapist. Afterwards, many of us network together in the cafeteria. This is where I got a lot of my questions answered, sometimes when I didn’t even know there was a question to ask. There is also a theory – talk about - class on meditation and coping techniques and tools. I found my dream had come true – a medical institution incorporating complementary therapies with medicine, working together to treat the “whole” me.
The Relaxation Group continues to be my “lifesaver”. It gave me a reason to travel to the clinic every day for a 10 minute radiation treatment. I remember on Thursday, about ½ way through my 30 treatments, when I woke up feeling scared, frustrated, angry, sad, alone…. I didn’t want any more radiation. If it hadn’t been for the Relaxation Group that day – I am not sure what I would have done.
The Relaxation Group is full of life, love, caring, understanding, acceptance and more. A place where I can be me, where I can feel and express my emotions, laugh and cry. A place where people listen and hear what I am saying. A very powerful nurturing, peaceful, healing place to be.
I take advantage of the many “tools” the clinic offers patients, families and friends. These include support groups, music and art therapy counseling, social worker counselors, volunteer driver’s service, and Therapeutic Touch workshops and sessions.
All the “tools” helped me again when my radiation treatments finished. While going for radiation, it was okay to go to the Relaxation Group because I was there anyway. Now the only reason for me to go to the Relaxation Group was to do something nice for me. Being a caregiver type, that was hard to do. With all the personal growth work I had done, I was aware of that sabotaging part of me and would find ways to sabotage the sabotaging. Like that 1st Thursday morning after treatment had finished, that I talked myself out of going to the Relaxation Group. “What if someone else needs the chair?” “I’m not good enough.” “I don’t deserve it.” “I’m too tired.” When I did get up, I called the volunteer drivers and booked a ride for the Monday morning Relaxation Group. I had just about talked myself into staying home again on Monday when I remembered the volunteer driver was picking me up. I also called on friends to meet me at the clinic – so then I had to go. I also realized that although I could go back to work physically, mentally and emotionally I didn’t want to and that was okay. I ended up taking a year for me and gradually fell back into my job. I am grateful to my boss for being patient and giving me the time and space that I needed.
Two years ago, I again took time off work for another life “drama” involving the death of my brother. After this, with my husband about to retire, I decided to “let go” of my job also. Again I have the Relaxation Group to thank for helping me though this period of losses.
I now spend 2 to 3 days a week “foot stroking” at the Relaxation Groups and visiting other patients and their families – talking, listening, and doing and teaching Therapeutic Touch – helping others on their journey.
For the last few months, I’ve been having the same feelings that I experienced when I was getting close to the end of the radiation treatments – sadness, loneliness, anxiety, abandonment, fear, etc. I was aware that this time it had to do with the 5 year anniversary approaching. These milestones are not always a happy celebrating time for everyone. We are all different, with different issues to deal with. At my last 6 month check up, when my doctor said that my next appointment would be my last, I was pleasantly surprised and pleased when my reaction was one of happiness and celebration. The Relaxation Group came through for me again – giving me balance, support, clarity and the courage to deal with my feelings.
My life has been touched by many “teachers” along the way. I continue to learn and relearn many of life’s lessons:
- changing “shoulds” to “coulds”. A choice – no guilt attached.
- the definition of “normal” is a setting on the washing machine.
- to be a “human being” not a “human doing”.
- get out of the way. Stop trying , start trusting.
- trusting my intuition. Listening to my “knowing”
- smiling at myself. Being patient with myself.
- to sabotage the sabotaging.
- I’m not stupid, dumb, …. I did a stupid, dumb,….thing.
- angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.
- waking up to awareness.
- living in the moment
Tomorrow is tomorrow, yesterday is the past.
Today is a gift, that’s why they call it the “present”.
From one flower to another. May you blossom and grow to your full potential and become the beautiful you, you were created to be. I trust that my story touches and helps you on your journey. Thank you for listening.
By Lynn Keeling ( written in 1997 / submitted in March 2009 )
Relaxation Group - MY STORY
VANCOUVER CANCER CLINIC – Relaxation Group – MY STORY
by Lynn Keeling (written July 8, 1999 / submitted March 14, 2009)
Relaxation, meditation, Therapeutic Touch, are all useful tools (techniques)
Swollen ankles = swollen legs = aches and pains in knees, hip and back. After a hysterectomy and radiation treatments for cervical cancer, my G.P. and radiation oncologist both said that there was nothing I could do with the swelling of my legs and that I would just have to put up with it. They prescribed that I eat less salt, drink lots of water, and sit with my legs up. They said it would be worse in the hot weather. Lunching with other patients in the V.C.C. cafeteria after one of the regular relaxation groups, I learned:
1. – something can be done.
2. – the sooner I did something the better.
3. – many patients recommended the same physiotherapist.
I had many successful appointments with the recommended physiotherapist which included a leg pump machine. The swelling decreased and the aches and pains went away.
The Relaxation Group also introduced me to Therapeutic Touch. Learning T.T. has given me a tool to barter with. I can do exchanges with other body / energy practitioners. I have had sessions that I probably wouldn’t have had because of cost, which includes Craniosacral Therapy which I have found most beneficial. T.T. has saved me money. Research shows that I also physically benefit when I do T.T. on someone else.
Having something as comforting as T.T., to offer someone that I am visiting makes me feel useful. I have also been able to teach T.T. to patients and their family and friends. Having something as simple as “foot stroking” to do makes them feel useful as opposed to useless.
Learning T.T. has changed my life. To begin doing T.T., I take a moment to take care of myself by grounding and centering. Choosing to be in the present moment with the other person the center of my universe for our time together, not thinking of grocery shopping etc. When I am grounded and centered, I find that I respond to life situations instead of reacting. I can use this step on its own anytime and anywhere. Store line-ups, red lights, difficult situations, missed buses etc., are experienced differently now. Life changes because I have changed. I continue to become more confident in my abilities and to be more tolerant and accepting of myself and others. Using T.T., I continue to learn to tune into and trust my intuition. Being in the present moment is a connection with clarity and answers. I am more aware of my life’s journey.
These joys and benefits are also reflected in the practices of meditating and journaling which I continue to learn at the relaxation groups.
Networking with others is where I learned that there was a question to ask, let alone what the question should be. The new lunch table friends that I continue to make are a valuable resource socially and supportively.
by Lynn Keeling (written July 8, 1999 / submitted March 14, 2009)
Relaxation, meditation, Therapeutic Touch, are all useful tools (techniques)
Swollen ankles = swollen legs = aches and pains in knees, hip and back. After a hysterectomy and radiation treatments for cervical cancer, my G.P. and radiation oncologist both said that there was nothing I could do with the swelling of my legs and that I would just have to put up with it. They prescribed that I eat less salt, drink lots of water, and sit with my legs up. They said it would be worse in the hot weather. Lunching with other patients in the V.C.C. cafeteria after one of the regular relaxation groups, I learned:
1. – something can be done.
2. – the sooner I did something the better.
3. – many patients recommended the same physiotherapist.
I had many successful appointments with the recommended physiotherapist which included a leg pump machine. The swelling decreased and the aches and pains went away.
The Relaxation Group also introduced me to Therapeutic Touch. Learning T.T. has given me a tool to barter with. I can do exchanges with other body / energy practitioners. I have had sessions that I probably wouldn’t have had because of cost, which includes Craniosacral Therapy which I have found most beneficial. T.T. has saved me money. Research shows that I also physically benefit when I do T.T. on someone else.
Having something as comforting as T.T., to offer someone that I am visiting makes me feel useful. I have also been able to teach T.T. to patients and their family and friends. Having something as simple as “foot stroking” to do makes them feel useful as opposed to useless.
Learning T.T. has changed my life. To begin doing T.T., I take a moment to take care of myself by grounding and centering. Choosing to be in the present moment with the other person the center of my universe for our time together, not thinking of grocery shopping etc. When I am grounded and centered, I find that I respond to life situations instead of reacting. I can use this step on its own anytime and anywhere. Store line-ups, red lights, difficult situations, missed buses etc., are experienced differently now. Life changes because I have changed. I continue to become more confident in my abilities and to be more tolerant and accepting of myself and others. Using T.T., I continue to learn to tune into and trust my intuition. Being in the present moment is a connection with clarity and answers. I am more aware of my life’s journey.
These joys and benefits are also reflected in the practices of meditating and journaling which I continue to learn at the relaxation groups.
Networking with others is where I learned that there was a question to ask, let alone what the question should be. The new lunch table friends that I continue to make are a valuable resource socially and supportively.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
November Story - Remembering to Remember
Every day of the year there are reminders to be thankful. Plastic surgery developed because of war. We are living in a country where we can gather together standing in formation side by side with the enemy of the past, to remember. We are reminded by TV, radio, newspapers, red poppies and catchy slogans – “Keep the memory alive”. November 11th is even a statutory holiday.
So why is it then that I struggle, asking myself if I really need to bother to attend a Remembrance Day Ceremony! Can’t I just watch it on TV! I appreciate that hundreds of thousands sacrificed their lives for what we have today. I think about their mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, husbands, wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, classmates, friends and comrades left behind. Relationships torn apart. “Dear John” letters written. Mind numbing enormous sacrifices made by all. The decisions made on the battlefields that last a lifetime. There are many stories below the surface. Stories seldom told. My sheltered mind can’t grasp having to kill a person I might have played cards, shared pictures and sang songs with the night before. All this, while sleeping and marching on in the muddy cold rainy weather.
Then I remember the masses that do bother, including those over 100 years of age, some being soldiers we are to remember. I remind myself of the efforts of the organizers and participants, all who deserve my support. If they can attend, rain or shine, - so can I. It is the thoughts of present day living people that gets me out each year to attend the local Remembrance Day Ceremony. And I wonder if soldiers drew on the strength of those around them to find the drive to move on as they fought for us.
The historical reasons for this day of Remembrance should be enough to get me to attend. How could I even question my duty to give thanks by sacrificing an hour, once a year, compared to the conditions endured by soldiers at war! There isn’t a day that goes by that I shouldn’t be thankful.
Lynn Keeling
November 12th, 2009
So why is it then that I struggle, asking myself if I really need to bother to attend a Remembrance Day Ceremony! Can’t I just watch it on TV! I appreciate that hundreds of thousands sacrificed their lives for what we have today. I think about their mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, husbands, wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, classmates, friends and comrades left behind. Relationships torn apart. “Dear John” letters written. Mind numbing enormous sacrifices made by all. The decisions made on the battlefields that last a lifetime. There are many stories below the surface. Stories seldom told. My sheltered mind can’t grasp having to kill a person I might have played cards, shared pictures and sang songs with the night before. All this, while sleeping and marching on in the muddy cold rainy weather.
Then I remember the masses that do bother, including those over 100 years of age, some being soldiers we are to remember. I remind myself of the efforts of the organizers and participants, all who deserve my support. If they can attend, rain or shine, - so can I. It is the thoughts of present day living people that gets me out each year to attend the local Remembrance Day Ceremony. And I wonder if soldiers drew on the strength of those around them to find the drive to move on as they fought for us.
The historical reasons for this day of Remembrance should be enough to get me to attend. How could I even question my duty to give thanks by sacrificing an hour, once a year, compared to the conditions endured by soldiers at war! There isn’t a day that goes by that I shouldn’t be thankful.
Lynn Keeling
November 12th, 2009
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