Journey of the Heart

Journey of the Heart

Journey of the HeartChanging My Focus for Awhile

Whether developing, testing and writing recipes, taking photos or teaching cooking classes, my focus these past two years has been on creating my next post. What a great two years. I’ve totally enjoyed the entire process.Journey of the Heart Such a pleasure to interact with many of you and together share our passion for making everyday healthy, everyday delicious.

Then three weeks ago I completed my yoga practice knowing that my husband needed to see his doctor asap. I came home and said so. Without resistance he immediately agreed. Seems that while I was in yoga he had been looking up his symptoms on the internet (symptoms I didn’t even know he had) and had come to the same conclusion.

Journey of the HeartWithin the hour he was transferred by wheelchair to the emergency room. My beloved was attached to monitors as test after test was run. A couple of hours later he was in a hospital room in the PCU (Progressive Care Unit) having his vitals checked by a skilled and compassionate nurse.

For six days he was closely monitored and stabilized. Two procedures were performed to explore for blocked arteries and blood clots. Negative. Then they shocked his heart (cardioversion) to get it to return to its normal rhythm. It worked! And then it didn’t.

A helicopter ride as “rough as a bucking bronco, but noisier”

Journey of the HeartEarly the next afternoon the “red people” came and transported Paul by helicopter to a larger hospital. In less than an hour he was there. During the next hour he received a pacemaker.

It took his daughter and me three hours by car. Within a half hour of our arriving, Paul was brought into his new hospital room where we were waiting for him. We asked questions and discussed Paul’s situation with the nurse. Jordan then asked if we were in the medical field.“Yes,” I replied, “for the past 6 days in the hospital.”

The very next afternoon we were on the road again driving back to Bozeman—this time with his son (who had just flown in from New York) with us as well. Paul was talkative and alert with easy laughter. We shared a lovely ride home and evening together.

He didn’t sleep well (which meant I didn’t either). A number of symptoms brought us back to the ER the next morning. Seven hours later we were home with new concerns and new meds.

Not quite out of the woods yet

I spare you more details. Yet the story continues as we navigate medical appointments, changing meds and further procedures. Fortunately, Paul becomes stronger and more active daily. Being his advocate requires lots of time and attention to details–especially because, as you know, I’m not in the medical field. Quite the ongoing process of listening and learning, researching, digesting and assimilating.

A few changes

With Paul and his health commanding my focus, Everyday Healthy! Everyday Delicious! has taken a back seat to his journey of the heart

Healthy Cooking Class, Saturday, October 19th
I’m still planning, though, on teaching a fall cooking class on Saturday, October 19th
Here’s the delicious menu:

Journey of the HeartRoasted Sweet Potato Chowder
w/ Poblanos & Corn
Peperonata Two Ways:
w/ Black Pasta & Lettuce Wraps
Ruby Poached Pears w/ Berry Sauce
& Lemon Cream

There are still a few seats remaining.
To register, send me an email or a comment in the box below.

Late summer’s bounty

Journey of the HeartNow that Paul’s home, I have time to prepare meals. We’ve been enjoying them together sitting outside whenever possible.

But yes, with freezing temperatures forecast for our next few nights, summer’s coming to an end. And so is our garden as well as our two local farmers’ markets.

All of my basil’s been harvested. Half a dozen pint jars of pesto now sit in our freezer. What a treat to have it to add to a bowl of soup or whole grains during the cold and snowy winter months.

Journey of the HeartWe’ve also harvested lots of tomatoes. So I’ve made lots of Tabouli and Greek Salad. Other of the tomatoes I thickly slice and drizzle with balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil. Then sprinkled with fresh pepper and coarse sea salt, they go with everything. BTW one of our tomatoes weighed in at almost 11½ ounces 😉

Remember winter squash

I found a number of beautifully colored, sweet, tasty and nutritious winter squash a couple of weeks ago at our last Saturday market. I may make some Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai with the large spaghetti squash we were given from my yoga teacher’s garden. Or perhaps prepare a Mediterranean-style dish with this recipe.

A huge buttercup squash recently starred in a very tasty vegan Roasted Buttercup Squash Soup.

Journey of the HeartWe’re also enjoying red kuri and kabocha squashJourney of the Heart very simply at the moment. Once halved, seeded and cut into wedges, they require nothing more than a sprinkling of coarse salt and 45 minutes in a 425 degree oven (turned over once). These squash become golden brown, tender and oh so good.

Until next I write

As my beloved improves, I’ll have more opportunity and desire to play in the kitchen again. “Pre-hospital” I started working on a Fresh Pear Clafoutis. One more time with photos and I’ll have another post to share. Until then, I look forward to seeing some of you in my next cooking class on October 19th

To your health!

 

24 thoughts on “Journey of the Heart”

  1. I had no idea about Paul symptoms. I will keep you both in my prayers for a full recovery. Thank God for the medical profession when we need it in situations like this. I believe it shows God’s mercy and help.

  2. Hi! Thank you for sharing what you and Paul have been going through these last few months. You have a wonderful blog and I hope Paul continues to improve and you will be able to blog. You both are in my thoughts every day :o)

  3. Janice and Paul I just read about Paul’s adventure. With all the good Doctors and Nurses and Janice’s great healing foods you will be back to normal quickly.
    You are both in my prayers. Paul, take time to smell the roses. Always Victory!! Love you, Mar Jo

    are both in my prayers

  4. Janice…..
    I am so sorry for what both you and Paul have been enduring, but so happy he got the medical care he needed and is once again home with you…..You are a very loving and caring woman, and when you combine with those endearing qualities with your fabulous healthy cooking, he will be back to normal in no time!!!!! Namaste, my friend!!!!

    Susan

  5. Janice, thank you for giving us this update. I had not heard any of this until now. Paul couldn’t be in better hands. His happy smile and disposition will help him heal quickly. I’m amazed that you still were able to put together another beautiful and helpful post.
    Please give our well-wishes to Paul.
    Lots of love. ~ Janet

  6. I really appreciate your update, Janice. I love you both dearly and have enjoyed seeing your relationship develop from the beginning. My heart is singing with joy for your beautiful paths together, and I’m glad you ended up in Bozeman with me. See you when I return from Canada, and I’m hoping for a group hug.

  7. Hi Janice,

    Love and light to you both as you heal together. May you cherish each other, laugh and heal and enjoy the beauty of nature and fall meals! I have met Paul and he is a beautiful person (you, too!) Many are sending love and prayers.

  8. What a perfect post.
    Lovely, caring, tender and focused.
    Thank you for taking us on your journey.
    You and Paul will be in everyone’s thoughts and prayers. May your love, compassion and cooking be his road to renewed good health.
    Love,
    Sharon .

  9. Medical challenges generally conjure in us intense feelings of fear and worry. And yet with that intensity can come a new awareness of the depth of our love and regard for the ‘other’. I hope you and Paul are drinking deeply from this pool which can nourish you as you continue to feel your way through the medical labyrinth. fondest wishes to you both!

    1. So true, Pam, thank you. I believe you’ll appreciate this quote of the day I received this morning from the wisdom of Joseph Campbell which speaks of your wisdom as well “We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”

      1. Yes! That’s a great reminder from Joseph Campbell. Here’s another one that eloquently reminds us of the same: “One doesn’t discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.” Andre Gide
        I hope Paul is continuing in his full recovery!

  10. Thank you for sharing… prayers and good wishes for Paul… and hugs to you. Your care and love shines through, Janice.

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