And since I've just finished watching all of The Wire, I have such a vivid picture of many sides of Baltimore in the brain... mixed with all those Expos at the Inner Harbor. Looks like you have a nice view.
Keep on rocking steady. Hugs for all.
xo Lainie
On March 16, 2011...
Cool! Glad you're feeling better! Also thanks for the photo, although I was a little apprehensive opening a website called "freebase.com" from a gov't computer. Luckily no problems. =)
Gave your mail to Jill today. Your plants are alive and well, and actually the geranium had a gorgeous white flower blooming. Wish I had a camera with me to take a picture. All is peaceful on G Street, and anticipating your healthy return. Take care Mark!
Nina
On March 16, 2011...
I am so happy to see you responding.
OMG, what your body has been through.
Your just amazing Mark.
love,
jesse
On March 16, 2011...
Hi Mark,
I'm glad you are recovering well!
The story you shared about Hanuman from the Hindu tradition in one of your first postings reminded me of the story of the "Cleansing of the Heart of the Prophet Muhammad" in the Islamic tradition.
According to Muslim historian al-Tabari in his biography of the Prophet Muhammad, a miraculous event occurs before the Prophet Muhammad makes his mystical voyage to Jerusalem, where he is said to have stepped off from the Temple Mount to meet each of the Abrahamic prophets in the seven heavens. In readying him for this journey, the Prophet Muhammad is approached by the angels Michael and Gabriel, who open his chest and remove his heart, cleansing it of any impurity by washing it three times. The prophet is said to feel no pain during this process. The angels replace any impurities in the heart of the Prophet with love, compassion, and kindness, then close up his chest. The Prophet then embarks on his mystical journey, or the Ascent, that seals his place in the lineage of the Abrahamic prophets as the Last Messenger.
Anyways, I thought you might draw some inspiration from this story, Mark, in thinking of the miraculous journeys in life yet to come...
Here's a link to that story in children's book form from Googlebooks in case your are interested in reading another version of it.
Hey Markie- Been thinking of you and sending lots of love and healing from Belize! Wondering what your days entail, how you feel, whether you have visitors, etc. Hope you are feeling the love holding you- XO Katie
On March 16, 2011...
Yeah Slippy! So pleased to hear about your great progress. It's been a big heart focused week...my dad had two stints put in on Monday. He's doing great too. Nothing much to report from the NW except rain, rain, rain. oxox Janet and Rob
On March 16, 2011...
Whoooooooo awesome news!! Glad you are doing so well and hopefully it only gets better from here!
Be Blessed
Vickie
On March 16, 2011...
Mark, it's so wonderful to be able to keep up with your progress this way. I am sooooo happy that your recovery is going so well- it's your karma man!!!!!
Nancy
On March 16, 2011...
have a wonderful Wednesday, Mark...so glad for the good update from Roger last night! love you, Lainie
On March 16, 2011...
Hi Mark:
Recovery progress sounds great. Keep it up.
Looking forward to your return to USDA.
Tom Walsh
On March 15, 2011...
Hey Mark, Kelly Shea here. We continue to be very dry down here at the Boulder elevation in Colorado. Ski resorts are having fantastic snowfall so I know that snow will melt and head our way for summer drinking water, but the dry winter is very hard on fruit trees and winter wheat crops. I "googled" your doctor and that was a fantastic read. Your surgery is having me learn about all sorts of things I never thought I would learn about! Heading off to bed for some reading before lights out, I am deep into Keith Richards' autobiography and loving it.
On March 15, 2011...
Chris,
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good news is so wonderful and thank you for being such a great ambassador to us, and a great support for Mark.
Kindness. compassiona and genuine caring is the key to all that lies before us.
-Gwendolyn
On March 15, 2011...
Hi Mark,
So glad you are doing well. Let us know if you want some visitors and maybe some organic veggies. Miles and I have talked about a quick visit if you are up for it. I will be going to some funny sounding USDA organic systems research conference tomorrow at GW. We will all be thnking of you and this wonderful gift you have given us. You are doing great, just ...keep on truckin'
Nick
On March 15, 2011...
Hey Mark! So happy to hear you are out of ICU and comfy - or as comfy as can be. I just finished putting my dear old dad through his exercise routine - not my usual realm of expertise but he was getting more and more frail and feeble and pretzel-shaped, and after fretting about it for a few weeks, I enlisted the aid of a wonderful woman from Kaiser. Unfortunately she'll only come a couple more times, but we can carry on. All is well here in Claremont - ceanothus blue-ing everywhere, mockingbirds chortling, maybe another rain this weekend - wildflowers rejoicing. I'm off to make a carrot cake.
Love, Beth
On March 15, 2011...
Hi Mark!
I was worried when your email bounced back saying that you were on extended sick leave, but am so relieved to hear that you are on the mend. Reading your posts has given me a whole new appreciation for the heart. Amazing!
Sending the warmest of wishes from (still) chilly Vermont,
Chelsea Lewis
On March 15, 2011...
Hey, Mark, great that you're out of ICU, in time for all the USDA organic conference energy starting tomorrow to send you even stronger vibes! Hope you heard your eOrganic pals are webcasting and recording for posterity--and to make sure there's tons for you and us to work on when you're back!
Jill
On March 15, 2011...
Hey Mark! It's great to hear you're watching basketball. The overcooked broccoli, however, brought back terrible memories of hospital food. Erika Perloff and I, and our families, just got back from a weekend of skiing at Bear Valley. Wonderful, wonderful time. We took your courage and spirit with us to the mountains. They also had a wonderful time. Please keep mending. I am keeping you in my meditations, so if you get a rush of good vibes at about 9:30 am (Cal. time), it's probably me, or maybe one of the thousands of others who love you.
Love, Miriam Stombler
Mark Lipson MOONIE!!!!
Great to hear from you. That makes me so happy that you are doing well. Big bonus in my we ... Read more
Mark Lipson MOONIE!!!!
Great to hear from you. That makes me so happy that you are doing well. Big bonus in my week. Have you checked out Lee Holden's classes yet?
On March 15, 2011...
Yo Mark! I just learned of this when i sent you an e-mail and got your message back. Sounds like you are over the worst. So glad. Glad for the wonders of modern medicine at times like this... big investments in some of us. Sounds also like you have a whopping great lovely support team which is no surprise since you totally deserve it. I will be keeping good thoughts for your total recovery, sooner than later, and checking this site regularly, as i am also checking Nancy Taylor's - she still looking for a donor.
Love from Kauai, Margaret
On March 15, 2011...
Hey Mark,
That you are doing well and in new digs is the best news I've heard all week. I wonder if the new rhythm and beat will just increase your capacity for resiliency and new paradigm thinking? You have a creative heart!
Sending lots of healing juju,
Gwendolyn
On March 15, 2011...
Slippy,
Good to hear from you. Out of ICU! Yay!
Weather forecast here is for rain every day, and no sun. What do I expect, living in the PNW, right? The plants are starting to respond to the longer days. I see faint inklings of green on the many lilac bushes surrounding my house. I get lots of emails from farmers declaring the newly planted crops, making me think that the sun and summer might some day return. The winter, spring and fall tend blend together here and we hold up those six weeks of summer sun like the Grail.
Today, on my bike ride to work, I noticed the plum blossoms are open and the deep pink is a nice contrast for the gray. I'm putting the final touches on a guest lecture presentation on "going deeper in your marketing planning and promotions" for an ag entrepreneurship class at Extension, and working out the details of the local food map that goes along with our "food and farm finder".
That's my update from the northwestern edge. It's nice to be in touch with yours, too. Thinking of you and the rhythm!
love, Laura Leigh
On March 15, 2011...
OUT OF ICU!!!! YAHOOO!!!
Go Mark.
Brian
On March 15, 2011...
That is great news Mark! So glad to hear! We are all doing well and have been reading this journal which lets us feel so much more connected! Thanks to all who have provided update. Wishiing you a swift recovery.
Ian
On March 15, 2011...
Hey Mark - glad to hear that you're out and about and doing well. I've been following all the updates and thinking of you. Hope you enjoy the 'dew room' :) , and I hope you're getting the ping pong ball to float high up in the little tube :) (
-John W
On March 15, 2011...
Out of ICU!!! Yay! Yay! Yay! That's just great news! Glad you're comfy... I bet you're going to get sick of hospital food pretty darned soon. Keep on getting better, Mark. Sending you all the best!
xxoo
Jennifer in D'port
(Hey, there are two of us, aren't there?! This would be Jen McN aka the Jen without wings, the Jen of Brian-Shea-Conner-and Shiloh.)
On March 15, 2011...
Great news that you are out of ICU. Meadow and I just had three wild days in Boulder dancing and partying at 3 SCI shows. Oddity of the three nights was Supertramp's "Bloody Well Right". Thought of you and how everything is going to be bloody well right. Big highlight was a "Tore Up" encore on the first night. Giants have been playing a great spring and Panda is looking like 2009. Look forward to talking to you.
On March 15, 2011...
We knew it would be sooner rather than later. Now you will feast on their wonderful food :-)!
Shann0n
On March 15, 2011...
YAY--so glad to hear you're out of ICU.
I saw cardinals today building a nest.
Love,
Kim
On March 15, 2011...
Congrats on moving out of ICU. Is there less beeping?
Dorothy
On March 15, 2011...
Hey Mark! I am working in Italy on my annual teaching job at the Institute of Mediterranean Agriculture so I've been especially grateful to be able to get news about you so often even though I am so far away. It's terrific that you are making such good progress! I know that there are people all over the US sending you healing thoughts and energy. Well, here are some of those thoughts are coming from across the Atlantic too! Much Love and Many Blessings, Lynn
On March 15, 2011...
Mark, Jess and I have been following all the posts and keeping you in our hearts and minds. Its been a constant meditation w/your Heart Valve Journal. We've been a little quite, but we've been here with you the whole time. Sending you lots of peach and redbud blossom and balmy warm rain vibes from santa cruz. Keep up the great healing energy! xo, Damian & Jess
On March 15, 2011...
Glad to know you are better enough to get the boot from ICU. Judging by your last two entries (typos are unlike you), you are however being well medicated. I suspect that means you are not in much pain. Stay comfortable and keep up the typos! Looking forward to seeing you in a couple weeks. xo Sheri
Mark Lipson Very touchy I.V. on r hand so lefty texting only. And yes nicely medicated :)
On March 15, 2011...
Great news about the move! It's been an anxious day waiting for a new post. I'm glad things are progressing and that you now have a change in scenery. We all love you and are thinking and talking about you all the time. Miss you my dear. Kathleen
On March 15, 2011...
Hi Mark, I hope you're getting into rhythm. We had training for new FAS attaches today and I educated them about the Cooperative Arrangements we have with AMS. Which of course made me think of you..the guy who makes things happen. You'll be glad to know we're keeping up our side of the agreement. Continue to heal friend. We'll miss you at the organic farming conference. Kelly S.
On March 15, 2011...
Hey Mark!
Following closely along on the blogosphere- hope for a posting today- and that it says things are progressing perfectly. I was so happy to hear that you spoke with David so shortly after your surgery- he is eager to represent both of us when he heads East. Let me know if there is anything I can do-
-marcy
On March 15, 2011...
Hey, my sweet eLipsoid! Sounds like it has been a rocky week with some scary moments. Been thinking of you much. We finally went on a long-planned ski weekend. There is this moment at the top of the lift at our ski area where you have this aerie view of the continental divide and feel quite literally at the top of the very snowy world. I sent you healing thoughts while lingering in that lofty place. Unfortunately, Brian's back went totally out when we got back, so he's barely able to walk. More Fun with Aging. Anyway, sending you love and healing juju! ayu
On March 15, 2011...
good morning mark! I hope you have a great day of resting, healing, walking, moving out of ICU if you're ready. Maybe it was the earth shifting on its axis that's been messing with your rhythms and they can settle down now... love you. Lainie
On March 15, 2011...
Hi Mark - just back from Expo West and have linked into your journal. Many good wishes were sent out to you from your friends at the show. Hope that you continue to get better so you can get home - a much better place to recover. Hoping to see you up and about soon. Katherine DiMatteo
On March 15, 2011...
Mornin' Mark. Just saying hello. Hope you rested easy through the night. I went to the Dupont Circle farmers' market this past weekend and there was a ton of good produce that will be just around the corner from you soon. Spring is coming (possibly the best season in DC) so there will also be colorful trees for you to enjoy. See you soon. - Ariane
On March 15, 2011...
Hi Mark. I woke up at 4 fretting about my own silly worries. I am at the houseboat, where I just caught a golden moon set over the Potomac river. Like the sap rising in thr trees, I fevl my energy for life returning with the springtime. You have chosen a good time of year for renewal . Stay strong. Mary Sophia
On March 14, 2011...
Hey Mark,
Just wanted to know Gary and I were thinking of you and sending you some love. My plum bloomed on Feb 8 and my peach Feb. 23. i guess its going to be an early peach season this year. Zeuffy is well and I forwarded you an email from Frosty. Much metta, xxx Nell
On March 14, 2011...
Ahhh, those rotten arrythmias, they can be the bane of my day too, however...I leave after 8 hours then on to the next thing, not so for you. Probably just "reperfusion" arrythmias.
Beautiful blustery weather in Capitloa, long wolks on the beach with the dogs. I do enjoy a foggy and drizzly day....the ari feels so fresh, almost primordal, awesome.
Anyway lots of love to ya
Michelle L.
On March 14, 2011...
Hi Mark,
Pamela, Grace and Mike here.
Hope the docs are figuring out how to keep your beat regular, so intricate the heart!
Tomorrow we are moving to the sunset district. Ann is very excited as there is a lovely in-law downstairs that looks out on a garden for her. We have been looking for awhile and she is ready to move, esp to be close to Gracie Ann. Come visit when you are back west! Sending you love....
On March 14, 2011...
Hi Mark,
I am getting prepared for a talk at the Cali Greens Meeting tomorrow and am enjoying the data generated by my undergraduate students from Hartnell Community College. What a pleasure it is to see them grow into scientists (it ain't just lettuce we grow in this valley). I worked on Saturday (usual for me to put in an extra day to get my work done) and took a group of 11 belly dancers and Jean-Philippe to a big belly dance festival in SFO. Let me know when you next have a party on this coast....we owe you a belly dance!
Hugs
Carolee and her alter ego, Mariama
On March 14, 2011...
Hi Mark:
Just a few more healing vibes sent your way from Davenport. I had a coarctation of my aorta corrected when I was a teen, and can clearly remember how painful and tedious that recovery was. Of course, those were the dark ages for cardiac surgery . . . Here's hoping you are sprung from the ICU shortly and can begin rehabbing for the Giants-Nationals. Please let your rehab team know that you need to be able to scream "Go, Giants!" for at least 9 innings.
Best wishes, Claudia Weaver
On March 14, 2011...
Hi Mark,
I was very glad to see that surgery went well last week and that you are making good progress in the recovery process. Last week as you were in surgery, Jim Leap and I were thinking of you and sending you good vibes as we were on our hands and knees harvesting the cover crops of the 8th year of the long term trial here in Salinas. It is amazing what time can do to heal the soil and heal the body. It's all about patience and careful observation of what's going on. Have a great day and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. take care, Eric Brennan
On March 14, 2011...
Hey Mark, We are still reading your posts at family meal times. You are in our thoughts and we are encouraged by your words that you will be out of there quickly. I will continue my mantra that your heartbeat gets and stays in a healthy rhythm. All our love, Rebecca
On March 14, 2011...
Hi Mark,
Drizzly day here in NH, north of DC...perfect duck weather! Me and the cats are trying to get used to me working at home. Kitty paws on the keyboard make for interesting typos...
So, let's focus on steady drum beats...think stately pow-wow dance and FEEL the Grand March down the hallway and right into the next phase of recovery, eh?
(With baseball cap askew as you sashay round....hugs to you while "the beat goes on...")
Think green...think spring training,
cheers,
juli b
On March 14, 2011...
Hi Mark,
We're keeping up with your progress from here in Nebraska. Thanks to both Chris and you for the updates.
Spring is coming here and Steph and I are preparing for baby lambs next week and starting seeds inside for the garden.
Keep up the beat! :)
Brian Depew
On March 14, 2011...
Hey Mark, Good morning! Or afternoon for you, by now, on this Monday. Good to hear from you! So, just out of curiosity, (you know how us foodies are)...what are they feeding you in the H-pital? When do you get to start drinking coffee? That would be a huge question for me...I don't think my ticker will even work without it. (It's probably a good idea to get stabilized first, though.)
Erica
On March 14, 2011...
steady on, Mark! No listening to jazz ... we want the nice easy beat. Big hugs for everybody. Wish I were there with all of you! xoxo Lainie
And since I've just finished watching all of The Wire, I have such a vivid picture of many sides of Baltimore in the brain... mixed with all those Expos at the Inner Harbor. Looks like you have a nice view.
Keep on rocking steady. Hugs for all.
xo Lainie