This blogspot has been set up to honor Kathy!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Get an email when we post

I wish this blog was set up so that if you are following the blog, you will receive an email when a new post is made. It doesn't work that way but I have set something up.

I set up a google group for this blog. If you join the group, you will automatically be updated whenever the blog is.

That way, you don't need to remember to keep checking it.

If you want to join, send an email to shirley@webpdq.com and I will send you a link.

Back home and a challenge from Tammy

Julie and Lorelei returned from their journey - giddy with stories of beauty in nature. We gathered that same night (Friday) on the back porch as we had done so many times since that dreadful first meeting in May.

Julie asked us all to "check in". It's kind of like having to go to the doctor for a check up. I don't know that anyone wanted to do it but we did and it was good. Each person talked about where they were at. Some spoke of Kathy, some not.

In the last month since Kathy's death, many many people have come forward with stories of how Kathy's words about being in nature have effected their lives. Tammy talked about it that night and the next morning sent this challenge to us all.

THE CHALLENGE
To bring to your daily life the energy (adrenalin) that you tapped into while out in nature. When you hear the hawk scream to you stop and take it in / listen. When the wind blows the scent of fall take a deep breath. When the sky opens up and displays a full moon, a zillion stars, and the blinding glare of the sun take a mental picture. When it rains take a walk and feel each drop on your skin. Don't let the daily routines that are required of us just to survive overshadow what really matters ---- living.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Words to Live and Die by

We had a wonderful celebration at Prairie Creek Lodge on Friday, Sept 10. There were about 150 people in attendance many of whom braved the heat and walked or rode to the Green burial grounds where Kathy and several others have been laid to rest.

After the journey we enjoyed music (by Leo Nico and Nancy Lasseter), food and drink together. Hutch (Alachua Conservation Trust), Freddie (Conservation Burial Inc) and Rob (Putnam Land Conservancy) briefly talked about their 3 organizations - all of which we very dear to Kathy.

We showed an 11 minute video of Kathy that I shot after she was first diagnosed with the brain tumor. She smiles at the camera and starts off in her usual style with a lead in... "I bet you wonder why you are all here..." And then the she begins... "it's for me to tell you how I feel at this moment in my life."

During the filming it began to rain harder and harder so please excuse the background noise. This video is in two parts. The first is about 8 minutes and the 2nd is about 3. Don't skip the second as it ends with love, love, love. There are two more videos on the side bar. Google/Youtube put them there and I cannot get rid of them... They are about other Cantwells.

Special thanks to Hutch and his staff for all they did to make this celebration so successful.

And a special thanks to all the green groups and environmentally minded folks and Kathy lovers who were in attendance.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Kathy's birthday, Trail dedication at the Lodge

I spoke to Julie and Lorelei yesterday. They are on an adventure, clearing their heads and refilling their hearts. They called me yesterday from Nova Scotia. They sounded so happy, tripping over each other on Julie's speaker phone - both of them trying to add their bits about how incredible their trip has been. They are calling themselves Thelma and Louise but as far as I know, they are NOT wanted by the police. (joke)

We talked about Kathy's birthday which is tomorrow, Sept. 8th. It would have been her 61st. Julie and Lore and going to try and do something eco-conscious. Maybe you want to do so as well.

One thing I remember Kathy saying over and over again was to take at least 5 minutes and go outside. Hear and feel nature and let it into you.

Maybe we can all try to do that tomorrow... or walk/ride your bike instead of driving. Drive w/o your AC on... Go to Publix and recycle those horrible styrofoam containers. Every little bit helps repair the damage in our relationship with nature.

Don't forget this FRIDAY, SEPT 10TH @ 5pm there is an event to honor Kathy and the green/eco organizations and people. Be there at 5 to take the field trip to the Green Burial site. RSVP so that we know how to plan for food and refreshments.