This is wonderful news, wishing you blue skies on this next short phase of the journey, to DC! Hope you are cozy and settled there soon. The super-full-moon is exact around 2 Eastern time, perfect for completing one phase and beginning the next. xoxo, your sister Lainie
On March 19, 2011...
Mark,
Even after a short run (an your body has been through an ultra ironman) the body needs to recover and we are talking about heart surgery here.
Although we all think you are a super man, recovery doesn't happen like in the movies and superman doesn't exist. Kick back, send light and love to the damaged cells, love the tissues as they grow back together. They want to be healed, but need the rest to be allowed to work their magic.
I suggest we make you a list of kick back music.
Top of my list:
Ripple (Grateful Dead) Because your cup will be full again soon.
Carolee
On March 19, 2011...
happy to hear that you will be in open air soon.
pamela, Mike and Grace ann
I love your heart photos. bye for now cousin mark
On March 18, 2011...
Easy does it, buddy-o. You're gona get there.
-TP
On March 18, 2011...
You look like the Buddha sitting in the sun.
Delise
On March 18, 2011...
For a farm boy you sure look high tech in the last photo you posted. I love the Captain's message and I bet you are gathering up a lot more than his good luck as your body works to heal and strengthen. Kisses and VERY, VERY light hugs from Rebecca, Bob and Holly
On March 18, 2011...
Two steps forward...one step forward...
/marcy
On March 18, 2011...
Mark! You don't look any different. All that surgery and come out looking the same. Sheesh, they could have gotten creative, given you some pointy ears or a tatoo.
Good to see you.
Brian
On March 18, 2011...
Good evening Mark. It's about 5:45 on Friday and this is Kate. I am trying to attend to enough things that have been hanging all week to be able to stop for the day and not feel totally guilty.
So it's a good thing that you are lying low today. You look great in the pictures you posted yesterday but one must remember that your body has been through a big trauma. It's bound to take time and lots of it. I had a lump removed from my breast when I was only 20 and it completely knocked me on my butt for a week and I didn't feel normal for a month. And I was a healthy 20-year-old. Which is not to say you're old, you understand, but you're not 20 either.
Speaking of breasts -- and how did we get on this subject! -- I finally dragged myself to get a mammogram yesterday and was feeling very sorry for myself and thinking of you. I guess open heart surgery is worse, but mammograms have to come a close second. Well actually, colonoscopies (sp?) are pretty bad, too.
The funny thing about my breast lump was that I didn't want them to take it out because for the first time in my life my breasts were the same size! It was benign so they could have left it and I wouldn't have had to stuff my bra all these years.
I am so glad that Becca has been able to visit you. I hope she gave you the kiss I sent through her yesterday. She reports that you look a million times better than on Monday.
It seems to me that you are becoming a veritable pharmacopia. (I guess that's not a real word.) Can you image the street value of all this stuff you now have access to? What a scandal that could be: "USDA organic deep thinker selling pills from Whitten office".
That's enough silliness for now. I better get back to work but I send you a hug and sleep well tonight.
On March 18, 2011...
Hi Mark, don't get discouraged. My step-mom who had a very similar difficult procedure had lots of ups and downs through her recovery. Your body has been through a lot and will take awhile to be back up and running. The good days will make you impatient on the bad days, but soon it will all be behind you!!!
On March 18, 2011...
Looking Good!!!
On March 18, 2011...
Yeah, it's like you had a shark attack from the inside. Lots to knit up. Energy used in output is not used in repair. Rest is good. Rest is good. Rest is good. Not your style, I know, but rest is good. Make it so.
Beth
On March 18, 2011...
Ah, gratitude for sunshine, sleep and whatever relieves pain while your body heals. I'm looking at raindrops on bay tree leaves, fluttering in the increasing wind. May you be held in your lovely cocoon until your wings are ready to stretch. No hurries.
Blessings,
Gwendolyn
On March 18, 2011...
Hang in, you're through the worst. Better days ahead.
Abby
On March 18, 2011...
Hi Mark,
I hope you are having a good one! I met up with friends yesterday who are former Pie Ranch barn dancers, who now live in Baltimore and are involved in the urban agricultural operation at Real Food Farm.We would all like to know more about growing dry farm tomatoes when you are feeling better. ;)
Cecilia
On March 18, 2011...
hi Mark! left you messages yesterday but I hope you were enjoying being out in the sun or resting or practicing with Jean-Luc. Thinking of you every day, sending all my love! Full moon tomorrow and spring equinox on Sunday--you're recovering in tune with the music of the spheres. xoxo Lainie
On March 18, 2011...
Hey Mark,
I can't wait to hear what marvels you accomplish today on your path to freedom and full recovery! This journal thing is so great for all of us who remain virtually involved in your health and well-being. Moving toward spring - Beth
On March 18, 2011...
Mark,
It has been marvelous to travel this journey vicariously by your side. Your joyful chirping is yet another herald of spring and the growing season - your messages lift us all!.
Today is a gorgeous here and I see you and all of our friends as the earth warms and the daffodils begin to pop out of the earth and the Grecian wind flowers bloom.
I'm especially happy that you got to feel the sun on your face yesterday!
PS - I wasn't so quick to pick up on the "Guest Book" - So, I've probably been writing into the ether
Much Love, Bob
On March 18, 2011...
Attended the USDA Organic Research Conference yesterday - would not have happened but for you and your work at OFRF and USDA - -
You look great in the pictures - FYI - my husband and I just started getting the Star Trek - Next Generation DVDs from Netflix - did not have time to watch them in order when they were televised - watching Jean-Luc in action and drinking cheap champagne is a great way to relax for awhile on a rainy Sunday afternoon (and my husband's ancestors hail from Picady). Martha
On March 18, 2011...
J-L Picard says: "Make it so."
You look pretty swell for a guy who just had all that surgery.
Kim
On March 18, 2011...
Saw a big fat red-tailed hawk this morning and thought of you. We're going to have spring temps today. Hope you can go outside...
Love,
Kim
On March 18, 2011...
Hi Mark:
Great news! Congratulations.
St. Patrick was smiling on you yesterday for sure.
By the way, we have a meeting scheduled next week with Deputy. Expect you will be there. If you need phone in number call Michael Schechtman.
Tom
On March 17, 2011...
It's wonderful to hear of your healing progress, and to see the photos of you outdoors, in longed-for enjoyment of sun and moon and dusk. I'm enjoying working with the folks at PAN very much (and it's only been a week!). I'm working with Heather for the time being, on materials development for a nascent bees/pollinators program in conjunction with Beyond Pesticides. Thanks for all the informative, jovial, tender updates. Sending California love across the Rockies, Great Plains, and Mississippi to you!
Cheers,
Juli (Chamberlin)
On March 17, 2011...
Hi, Mark. Strange to be in D.C. I find myself wondering how you dealt with the jet lag on your multiple trips out here to do serious negotiations in the belly of the beast! The conference has been full-on in the building all day for 2 days now ... we really need to apply the OG standards and have access to pasture! A number of us ended up here @ One Washington Circle tonight at their very quiet Bistro with great drinks and really good food. Off the beaten track so we were actually able to hold conversations despite the "St. Patrick's Day" holiday. Not my doing but the "regional perspectives" session I moderated today was the best yet, presenting fresh voices from the grasstops including Poppy's offering whole new perspectives and real challenges to step up, desperately needed in this recitation of long-term systems findings. Delighted to hear of your continued progress! Keep us posted. May miss you Saturday AM after all if you're not back in D.C. by then yet--very happy to have this means of keeping in touch! Keep on truckin! I know I will see you soon. hugs, Jane
Mark Lipson Cool. Call me if you are still up and about. Dont have your cell # with me
On March 17, 2011...
Hey Mark- So great to see your post replumbing pic, good to know you are getting stronger everyday!!! We are just recovering from our epic weekend in Colorado. We had soooo much fun and giggles. Thought of you much and sent good healing vibes your way. Read off all Chris's notes to our gang and we thought about you a lot. Miss you so much. Can't wait to have you back at work saving the planet. Love you...Meadow
On March 17, 2011...
(ps- was caitlin admiring your action figures as they utilize your healthgizmos)
On March 17, 2011...
Cap't Picard and the spirometer is a great shot!!!
On March 17, 2011...
dang, you're lookin good... a good tan is clearly next. so glad to hear you are also feeling good-- I bet that shower was heaven! And it's going to be a great boost to be out of the hospital environment and recuperating in a more homey environment.
we're thinking of you. Kirbs is home for spring break and hanging out, cooking dinners (yay!)
Hey, where can I find your address, so we can send little somethings?
much love, ayu
On March 17, 2011...
Mark,
I am glad to hear they are working you hard and trying to get you out of the hospital ASAP. Those places are dangerous. We will be happiest when you are fully recovered but one stair at a time for now it sounds like.
I am just sitting around reading about Xanthomonas diversity. So, life is not so exciting on the outside today.
Hugs
Carolee
On March 17, 2011...
Here comes the sun!
TP
On March 17, 2011...
sunshine and flowers! :)
jean luck picard cracks me up. looks like he is scaling the dome.
xoxo!
On March 17, 2011...
Great to hear about all of the progress. I'm impressed with your rate of recovery. You're in good shape!
On March 17, 2011...
Lookin' good, Slip! Wow, re: the ICU pic, that was quite a tangle you were in. Well, not tangled, exactly...it looks like they had everything straight but you had a lot of machines standing by as your good buddies!! As for the other photos, I was VERY glad to see the wheelchair in the background of the one image to provide scale. At first, looking at you "meditating" next to the pot, I thought maybe, like Alice, you'd eaten the mushroom and gotten very small...I realize now that those pots are very LARGE... :)
Erica
On March 17, 2011...
congrats on enjoying the beautiful day.
Clean and ready to go forward.
Awesome!
Sunshining here in Capitola today, clear air and weeding thick beautiful brown soil.'
Life is Good
Michelle L.
On March 17, 2011...
What great news! Have you graduated to real food yet, or just from red to green jello? Peas are poking up out of the ground. If any are ready, we'll bring some when we come. xo from Molino. S
On March 17, 2011...
Clean and comfortable! Mostly pain-free! Fresh air! You're makin' me cry again, Mark.
xxoo
Jennifer McN.
On March 17, 2011...
So glad to hear you were able to breathe some of the St. Paddy's Day clean, green air. And feel that sun!
Love,
Kim
On March 17, 2011...
Mark! Wow, I just read all the entries in your journal...and found myself holding my breath at several different moments. Made me stop and think just how precious life is...I'm so glad to read that you are on the road to recovery! I ran into Bryse the day of your surgery and we both sent warm thoughts your way. It's a sunny day in Santa Cruz after a few days of soft spring rain. I, like Julia, am thinking about gardening...first day of spring on Sunday (also my 45th birthday, how did that happen?!)
Sending you all good thoughts and wishes,
Barb Meister
On March 17, 2011...
Wow-- 10 days without a shower. I hope some cute nurse gave you a sponge bath, at the very least... We're busy as usual here at Pinsky central. Emma and I are going to see a stage production of "Of Mice & Men" tonight with Chic. Stella is practicing her part as a 'main duckling' for the kids production of 'Honk!'. Todd now has weekends off (yeah!)-- but at a price: he's on the 'wait until 3pm the day before to get your hours' schedule. Kinda hard to plan anything... And I'm healing up nicely after my procedure, studying tons, getting better at churning out papers, doing some work up at McHenry, etc. And it feels like it's time to plant a garden!!
Love you SO much...
-Julia
On March 17, 2011...
Happy St. Patricks Day, Mark!! So happy to hear you got a chance to enjoy a bit of today's sunshine! USDA misses you very much - everyone's been talking about you and sending you good vibes!!
I'm having a (hopefully green) beer in your honor tonight!
love, Brooke (Barron)
On March 17, 2011...
Hiya hiya! Seems to me you are so motivated, how could you not get out soon?! It is a treat to hear how you are plowing through the process there! And still enjoying the ride! Hope you are able to get back to full on activities soon. You are always welcome on Kauai if you need a period of recuperation!!
Love, Margaret
On March 17, 2011...
Hi Mark, Happy St. Patrick's Day. I hope you're feeling better as you get stronger and more solidified. Your adoring public is rooting for you as you go through all your paces. Root root.
Beth
On March 17, 2011...
Mark, I have made it as far as Hong Kong. Glad to hear about your progress. Keep up the good work. Cheers, Tim
On March 16, 2011...
OMG, you can type again! You must be off your meds. Great!! Sounds like you are progressing well. We all are taking a collective sigh. Love from the Currys.
Hi Mark, KC Here!!!
I am in Silver Spring Maryland!!!
I would like to see you ASAP.
Can you call me, or tell me where you are? I don't have a car, but am very good at public transportation now and could easily figure out the Zip Car thing.
Ian told me you are close. Man, I could use a friend these days, it would really help me out to visit, no matter how long or short. I am SO lonely out here. I can tell you funny stories about being a 53 year old Fellow with a bunch of 25-30 year old peers/friends.
831-566-5401
Much Love and Blessings to you,
KC
Mark Lipson Hey Karen??
I'm downtown Baltimore at Johns Hopkins (Nelson wing floor 6) then down to DC hopefully o ... Read more
Mark Lipson Hey Karen??
I'm downtown Baltimore at Johns Hopkins (Nelson wing floor 6) then down to DC hopefully on Saturday. Will try to call you Thursday. Glad u found me!
On March 16, 2011...
Glad to hear you're doing so well and on the mend! Keep up the great work, and you'll be out of there in no time. I'm so relieved that everything has gone well, and glad your family has been there by your side the whole time. You have a great team behind you and lots of cheerleaders! Yay Mark!
On March 16, 2011...
Hey Mark,
So glad you are doing well. Lots of folks are back at work rooting for you. Hurry back so you don't miss any coexistence meetings - you know they aren't nearly as much fun if all of our varying voices are not represented!
Take care!
Cindy
On March 16, 2011...
Onward and upward! Waves of joy from your updates. Strobila!
TP
xxoodd