Hooray!

Wonderful news!

I am glad you are enjoying all the supportive comments. You have worked hard over the years on this blog which so many of us your readers have benefitted from, you deserve to reap a few rewards.

Same here for what Antonia said. Open minds go farther than closed ones! Big hug for you, Ronni!

So very happy to hear your good news. Yes, very true you've given us all a lot. I remember finding you as I was beginning to consider my own aging, and you have been a very *human* voice. Which sounds silly and obvious--what I mean is that *you* are present in your work; you've never been hidden behind some writer/journalist screen. What that's meant to me is that you've been a mentor to me, and you've modeled a way--ways--to move through aging.

Love you back Ronni. That's an early Valentine's gift for you and your ship full of friends.

That is great news!

I hope you are planning a big bash for your 78th Ronni! You certainly deserve it, and by then you may feel even more like celebrating. Keep on keeping on!

Over the weekend I listened to a 2015 interview of Mary Oliver by Krista Tippett. It was a fairly good interview, and death was a significant topic, but I couldn't help but feel that Ms. Oliver still carried a lot of turmoil, though she did state that she was not afraid of death. In spite of having had an experience with lung cancer a few years ago, she lived until last month.

Although she was not afraid of death, she said she was afraid of suffering, but I suspect that she had suffered greatly during much of her life, and that her suffering, along with what she found in nature to help it or at least help her cope, may have been the very source of her poetry.

Listening to that interview, I found myself wondering whether she had ever thought about, or whether anyone had ever suggested to her, trying psychedelics. But she may not have had an opportunity, or felt the need for more than her communion with nature, and the creation of exquisite poetry. Both are extraordinary gifts that have provided a balm for many other souls on their mortal journey.

I wish that more progress had been made in understanding entheogens and considering acceptance of their use. Although marijuana has been fairly accessible on the streets of Illinois for decades, its medical use only recently became an option here, and we just inaugurated a new governor who is supportive of its recreational use, so who knows what the future holds. But regardless of what happens with marijuana, it is not an entheogen. Like alcohol, it is more of an anxiolytic, and may temporarily lower inhibitions and anxiety but doesn't have lasting effects that lead to real insight or transcendental experiences. And, as a schedule I substance, people are still being arrested and serving prison time for possessing too much of it. I would, though, like to try it for a more sound and prolonged sleep.

So happy for you!!

Blessings Be!

That was supposed to be FEED our souls!

Feeling the love and rejoicing with you!!
Carol

There must have been a collective intake of breath as we read -- the anticipation of what you heard and then reading it. OHWOW is an understatement! You do far better w/ a roller-coaster of news than many of us - the "I'm going to die soon(er than later)" and now to know you'll celebrate your birthday in April! WOW is an understatement. (Are you a Taurus or an Aries??) Here's to what can only be thought miraculous news and mostly to you! Mazel Tov for more life.

This is great news. The weight on your back must have evaporated.

I am not a religious person and don't believe in prayer. But after confronting a serious health scare of my own a few years ago, I have become more spiritual.
Why some people defeat illness and others succumb we do not know. I do know that there is some force in the universe that controls all of us. Whatever your destiny is Ronnie, its been foretold.

Huge sigh of relief with and for you! So happy to share in your great news!! Hoping that chemo does it work for you past your birthday and far beyond to the next ones

Let me first say that I'm delighted fir you. I am a pancreatic cancer going on three years...but deep in my mind and heart I personally will choose no further treatment if or when the cancer returns...I'm living fully everyday, traveling, enjoying life....but I have always wanted to embrace my death. I don't want to chase me nor I chasing it. I know our thinking differs but that is okay, no right or wrong...it's a personal decision....I can see your motivation to continue the writing you do for as long as you can..and it is certainly a gift you have given us.
I don't fear death but fear the process...I want to further educate myself about use of magic mushrooms...it is all new to me. You are such a brace and gifted woman

We live in a world where contrariness is an identity for many. You meet your life as you are able and you share your journey with us as you are able. Our judgements on your choices are not of value unless asked for. If the mushrooms helped for a day or for your remaining time, that is for you to know, not us to quibble about.
Thank you for sharing your journey!

Wow oh wow indeed!!! So very happy to hear this news!

We love you back! Your coming birthday we will be celebrating worldwide while your family also will be celebrating the gifts of life— yours, theirs and the Reunion.

Simply wonderful news. Hurrah.
And if they work, do it.

Wow oh wow oh wow is right!
Ronni -- if I travel to Oregon, where can I find practitioners who would guide me on an experience with a variety of psychedelics -- from helping me figure out which one might work best for me to hanging out with me during use?

Thanks, and I'm glad you can celebrate your birthday AND, perhaps, hearing what Robert Mueller has to say.

I just finished reading Cory Taylor's book and am halfway through "The Bright Hour" which I think you also mentioned (Nina Riggs). They are fascinating books written by women taken way too early but magnificent writers. And then I get this post from you, and I'm thrilled beyond what I should be by the implications. Thank you Ronni, and thank you to your doctors for giving us more time with you! :-)

God is great and prayers are indeed answered.. Continued for you in hopes that more good news is to come. SO SO happy for you.. Celebrate your news!! <3

Wonderful news, Ronni. I’m so happy to hear it!

Fantastic post. A lift for you & shared with us. So much to be grateful for & anticipation going forward. Wishing you all the best as you continue to live & enjoy your life.

I am over the moon!

Yours is the second report today about an acquaintance getting good news about incurable cancer. A meditation teacher learned that his glioblastoma shrunk significantly - a rare event according to his oncologist.

These new cancer management protocols are amazing.

We should plan a virtual birthday party for you on the blog.

Love to you.

Dancing on the ceiling.
Oh wow oh wow great way to start the week.

So very, very happy with your news! We love you back, Ronni!

still dancing the happy dance. hugs galore!