The last time I reached out from this place we were in the midst of summertime, I believe, and my world was looking quite different than it does now. (Thankfully, now I’m writing again!)

I was saying goodbye to my podcast (BOWING TO ELEPHANTS), and committing to penning my second book: For Love of Artichokes and Scrambled Eggs; A Compilation of Food Wisdom from an Extraordinary Life.

All looked wide open and possible…

And then in August I had a bad fall in my home and broke my right leg in two places. So much for the wisdom I was trying to recite to myself about not climbing up on step-stools!

On the kitchen floor I experienced yet another light bulb moment about how we must admit to our vulnerabilities and LET GO of our obsessions about achievement.

I’ve gone through surgery, hospitalization, nursing home care, and am now finally returned to my San Francisco home and recuperating there. Because I am 77, it is a slow process. And then there is the pain, lack of sleep, isolation (can’t drive of course), and occasional whiney voice that murmurs, “Why me? Why now?”

The good news is that gratitude is still alive and well with me, and so I spend a piece of each day feeling thankful for ALL the friends and family who have shown up for me, to support this return journey of mine.

Because of this support I’ve been able to kickstart my food memoir, have read a few good books at a wonderful leisurely pace.I’ve been able to watch a lot of old British murder mysteries (favorites of mine), host a family thanksgiving at my home, and continue working with a wonderful young physical therapist who is teaching me a lot about walking, the astonishing complexity of our bodies, and about my own innate strength in the face of this adverse situation.

So gratitude accompanies me these days even though I may occasionally wince in pain.

I want to bow to you and let you know I’m planning to return to my site with more writings in the months to come. More will come about the new book; some excerpts, and certainly more will come on mindfulness and its gifts.

I’m excited to begin to share my words with you again, and I look forward to hearing from you with questions about the Bowing to Elephants Audible book (pretty successful, I hear!), or whatever else seems to be bubbling up in right now!

How amazing it is, really, that I get to inhabit this very body and have this life. What a wealth there is yet to learn!

Warmest wishes for a peaceful, love-filled holiday season.

And my deepest gratitude to you!

Mag