A Recentering Presence

I began this blog as a quiet act of self-care—a place to share playlists and mixes I had created while supporting my mother through her journey with cancer. Music became an anchor during that time, something steady to hold onto. After she passed, I continued the practice as a way to give shape to my grief and to stay present with whatever emotions surfaced.

Years later, my own path took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with stage-three cancer and underwent surgery within days. Recovery was long and humbling. After five rounds of immunotherapy, I learned that the treatment was damaging my healthy organs without affecting the remaining cancer. I was no longer a candidate for any medical treatment. It was a moment that forced me to pause and reconsider everything.

I turned inward and focused on what I could influence—mindfulness, a vegan lifestyle, and Eastern healing practices such as Ayurveda and acupuncture. These choices grounded me. They restored a sense of agency and alignment, and over time, they supported a deeper kind of healing. Last month, after four years, I was finally able to say I am cancer-free!  Reflecting on this blog, I can see the ups and downs displayed through what I've shared here.

That same month—I was laid off, bringing a 28-year career to a close. With so much change unfolding at once, I chose to step back from sharing my mixes. Music mirrors my inner landscape, and lately that landscape has been shifting daily.

For now, this space is on sabbatical. I will likely return to it someday. At present, my attention is on listening—deeply—to what’s next for me. One door closed, another opened, and the delicate balance of life revealed itself in real time.

I give thanks to all the commenters and friends in the blog world for opening me to new music, ideas, themes and possibilities. Sharing music is one of the greatest gifts we can give each other.  I'm still around if anyone cares to comment, ask for a re-up, or send a request.