Work is in progress...

I have started writing the book in earnest when I have time and inspiration, but am holding it all offline until it is ready for submission and editing. Thank you for the words of encouragement, folks :)

I will be posting a personal blog for myself soon enough as this process evolves, and let some of you readers in on my current activities and work. My journey does continue, and in some new directions you might want to hear about.

In the mean time, I will post some poems and such when I can and as I decide what to put and what not to put in the printed book.

After (and if) it goes to print, I will be revamping this site, moving it to a new server and generally using the new version as a promotional nexus and to provide other loved ones their own spots to write again.

As always, if you would like to contribute your own memories and thoughts on Marcie and her life, please email me and I will post it here. Anything that ends up in the book will get you a credit :)

Heck, maybe it will be an anthology of sorts (or perhaps a separate supplement :).

Where I run

Running has become my balm, my healing motion, my security blanket. I run like a fool, and I thoroughly enjoy it. I can start a run in a thoroughly depressed state and will finish it in a tired but elevated mood every time.

I have been running in my little neighborhood since before Marcie passed on and have built my distance from 2-3 miles all the way up to about 8, pushing to 13.1 every two weeks and dropping back down (to build speed) until I peak up again, adding a tenth or two each cycle.

Usually, I just run a little loop through places that I have walked with her. I am going to make little tours of our neighborhood, adding places to visit and some sound files. My hope is to let people walk in our footsteps a little and give them things to discover on the way.

You'll know when it happens, of course.

For now, here is my running path, replete itself in Marcie's walking haunts and as-yet unlabeled kitty pal stops.

The Last Recipes

The final recipe, Nutty Rice with mixed stir-fry, will be posted tomorrow. By Wednesday, the recipes will not be available online. Please save copies now if you would like to keep them.

NOTE: THE MAP IS WRONG

The map provided by Google is off-center to the point we will be meeting at. I have removed the link from the previous post. LOOK for LIFEGUARD TOWER 4, less than 1/4 mile from where you will turn left onto Torrey Pines Road North (Off Carmel Valey Road). Free Parking above the beach runs along the right side. Sorry for the confusion.

Memorial Ceremony Site Chosen

The memorial site, where people can say a few words in honor of Marcie and (we hope) to release some of her remains, has been chosen. It will be at Torrey Pines, near the beach access slope at Lifeguard Tower 4. We will gather at 5 P.M. You don't have to dress up, but please bring a coat in case it cools down.

To get there, follow Carmel Valley Road until it ends, turning left onto North Torrey Pines Road. Follow North Torrey Pines Road across the little bridge over the lagoon and park on the right.

All of the parking along the road is free, as long as you do not enter the State Preserve lots.Parking is not too limited, but is somewhat and it is a popular spot. If you know others who will attend and live near you or nearby, please carpool to save parking at both the ceremony and the wake.

The ceremony may last beyond sunset. We will likely have candles. After the ceremony, we will proceed to the wake. It may be sooner than 7 p.m., but those who will only attend the wake can show a little late. It will be informal and gentle, much as our Marcie was.

Small Memorials, Little Mentions and More Details

Some of you may know that I once worked at San Diego City Beat. Well, AnnaMaria Stephens, who used to work with Marcie, wrote a cover story on breast cancer and wanted me to know that Marcie was the unnamed woman she mentioned at the Union-Tribune.

Also, Frances Shani Parker has dedicated her post on hospice volunteer vigils at her blog to Marcie. My sweet girl keeps growing, even as we struggle to deal with her departure.

I am about to contact Jane Steele on finalizing our location for the ceremony at Torrey Pines State Beach. A map and directions will be up later. It's very close to the location for the wake, but we need to pin it down.

Directions to the Wake

The reception/wake location for Marcie's remembrance has been determined. It will take place at the Steele residence in Del Mar, 12968 Caminito Del Pasaje (Map, Click Here). The following directions should help:

Going North on 5: 
-  Exit at Carmel Valley Road heading west (left at the light at top of ramp)
-  Proceed west approximately 1 mile
-  Turn right onto Del Mar Scenic Parkway (there is a traffic light at this intersection.)
-  Proceed to up the hill.  Try to park on Del Mar Scenic as close to the top of the hill/tennis court as possible
-  My address:  12968 Caminito del Pasaje - Pasaje is the last street off Del Mar Scenic.

Coming South on 5:
-  Exit at Carmel Valley Road heading west (right at the light at top of ramp)
-  Proceed west approximately 1 mile
-  Turn right onto Del Mar Scenic Parkway (there is a traffic light at this intersection.)
-  Proceed to up the hill.  Try to park on Del Mar Scenic as close to the top of the hill/tennis court as possible
-  My address:  12968 Caminito del Pasaje - Pasaje is the last street off Del Mar Scenic.

West on Ted Williams (56):
- Merge onto Carmel Valley Road West
- Proceed 1.4 miles
-  Turn right onto Del Mar Scenic Parkway (there is a traffic light at this intersection.)
-  Proceed to up the hill.  Try to park on Del Mar Scenic as close to the top of the hill/tennis court as possible
-  My address:  12968 Caminito del Pasaje - Pasaje is the last street off Del Mar Scenic.