Still, Always, Pro-choice

Last night I was breezing through Facebook and discovered that anti-choice groups are posting photos of miscarried fetuses as a means to fight women's right to choose. As a woman who thirty-one years ago miscarried at eighteen weeks, I find this deeply disturbing. To use such sad images for political gain is mean-spirited and illogical. 

Let me tell you the history of my stance on abortion:

When I was in grade school and Washington State was voting to legalize abortion, I already understood that a woman should have control over her own body.

In my early twenties when I struggled with infertility, I knew that my desire for a baby would never mean other women should be forced to give birth.

When I was thrilled that I finally was pregnant, I became even more pro-choice. I was absolutely aware that motherhood is the ultimate commitment, and it shouldn't be forced on any woman. 

After a heartbreaking mid-pregnancy miscarriage, I began the adoption process and became the lucky mom of two amazing children. While I am grateful every day to my children's birth moms, I will still fight for the right of all women to choose whether to give birth or not. 

After this three-decade journey that has now brought me the joy of becoming a grandmother, I'm still the same sixth grade girl who was standing up for abortion rights on the school playground, and I am appalled to those who are posting photos of miscarried fetuses under the banner of "stop funding Planned Parenthood!"

What to say

As I have struggled through a few major health crises in my life, I have been fortunate to have friends and family who have loved and supported me in countless ways. I also have heard a few annoying comments countless times. If you are wondering what to say when you encounter someone with an illness, here are a few reminders and suggestions:

Don't say "But you look so good."  It feels like you might think I am lying about my pain or that my appearance makes a difference in my illness. Do say "I love your earrings" or "your biceps are awesome" or "where did you find those cute shoes?" These are things I can control, and I appreciate you noticing them.

If you hear about my multiple prescriptions, don't say "I NEVER take any medications." Trust me, I would be darn happy to never take any either, and I will be thrilled for you if you never have to. You might just say you are grateful to be currently healthy and sorry I am dealing with health issues.

Don't ask "Have you tried...?" I have probably tried it, or I heard about it and decided not to. While I know you are just trying to help, I have to trust my doctors and own research or I will lose my mind.

Do say (if you truly want to know) "tell me about your illness." I am happy to share my journey, especially if it can help others to learn or help someone else through their struggles.

I have a few suggestions that always work: 

Hit me with some good gossip. I would far rather talk about people we know than about my problems. 

Look me straight in the eye and ask me how I am. If you are genuinely interested, I will tell you the truth. 

Or if you don't know what else to do, give me a huge hug and tell me you love me. That always makes me feel better! 

Walla Walla Weekend

I had the pleasure of accompanying my wonderful friend Angie to Walla Walla for a weekend vacation that she won in a Washington Bikes raffle. I had never been there, so it was all a great adventure for me; all the vendors who donated prizes made for a perfect visit.

First we checked into the Inn At Blackberry Creek, a gorgeous old house with a creek running nearby, situated near bike lanes in a quiet neighborhood. Our room had an enormous king size bed, large bathroom, closet that could be a small bedroom, and several windows overlooking gardens and the creek. Coffee, cookies, and fruit were available anytime and there was plenty of outside and inside seating. I also saw several bikes available to guests.

After relaxing a bit in the Inn, we walked along Main Street to check out gift shops and wineries before dining at the Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen. This small restaurant requires a credit card number when making a reservation, so we were careful to be on time. For an appetizer we shared a grilled Walla Walla sweet onion that was cooked with braised pork, toasted walnuts, and smoked olive oil and enjoyed a main dish of grilled steak and fingerling potatoes. All the food was prepared perfectly.

While the desserts at Saffron looked lovely, we wanted to enjoy more of the warm evening, so we walked down the street to the Dolci Rosa Bakery (full disclosure, this was my second trip there of the day; I had peanut butter gelato on my way into town!) where Angie had a luscious lemon tart and I indulged in a chai, french-style macaroon. 

After a cozy evening of girl-talk, we awoke to a delightful breakfast. The Inn has a breakfast menu with several choices, so I had oatmeal and a glorious assortment of fruit while Angie had a dish of fruit and a cheese and veggie fritatta. We jumped onto our bikes and rode six blocks to a park to begin the Ann Weatherill Cycling Classic. The ride gave options of 30, 50, or 100 mile routes that all look challenging and fun, but after checking in, we rode the route for two miles and then veered off for our own adventure. We found the Mill Creek Recreational Trail to be a perfect way to chat, bike, and enjoy the view. The trail is about fifteen miles, some paved and some packed gravel. Here's Angie on her road bike bravely climbing a gravel hill.

It couldn't have been more perfect weather for selfies and vistas.

After the ride, we returned to the park and joined many other cyclists for a catered lunch of pasta with home made sauce, Caesar and tossed salads, and cookies. The organizers of the ride explained that the entry fees go toward bike lanes and other cycling infrastructure. It was a well-run event for a very good cause.


I am so fortunate to have be able to spend time in this cute town with one of my best friends and am grateful to the Walla Walla businesses that donated to Washington Bikes for this raffle. I would certainly recommend Walla Walla as a bike destination.

Don't Give Me Gluten-Grief

I have seen several Facebook posts lately announcing that there is no reason to avoid gluten; there appears to be a backlash directed toward those who chose to follow a gluten-free diet. I wanted to put a face on this discussion. Eight years ago, I began having terrible abdominal pain. After several tests, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease—an autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation of the digestive system. I spent two horrible years taking many expensive drugs, enduring disgusting tests, and undergoing two surgeries. I weighed less than one hundred pounds, had no appetite, rarely slept, and worried constantly about whether I would ever feel healthy again. This chronic illness consumed all of my time and thoughts.

When no treatments eased my pain, my GI began talking to me about a third surgery. Before I would consider that, I went to a naturopath and took a series of food sensitivity tests. He came to the conclusion that I had difficult time digesting gluten. Soon after, my GI and family doctor both suggested I try a gluten free diet. Furthermore, I read of several studies that found that giving up gluten appeared to help patients with autoimmune disorders. I truly had nothing to lose, so I gave it a try.

For three weeks nothing changed, and then one day I woke up feeling better. My appetite returned, I gained back my lost weight, and returned to my normal, happy self. Six years later, I still have no sign of Crohn’s and I am a healthy, gluten-free woman.

I have read Facebook posts that claim that gluten-intolerance is all in one’s head. Perhaps that is true, but if my head was so easily swayed, I wonder why thousands of dollars in drugs and two surgeries didn’t convince it that I was actually healthy. Moreover, if it is just in my head and only a choice, what difference does that make to anyone, anyway? Vegetarianism is a choice for many thoughtful people; I don’t see it mocked in social media. I suspect some of this backlash is because there are people demanding gluten-free foods who are annoying in restaurants, but I am also pretty sure those people are just annoying—please don’t confuse my dietary needs with the reality that there are jerks in every crowd.

I am grateful every day for my health, and it is hurtful to see posts claiming that I am uneducated or silly when I don’t eat that wedding cake or doughnut. I hope before people ridicule this diet, they think of me and others like me and respect our desire to be healthy.

Why Complete Streets Are For All Of Us

I am a cyclist and a walker, and I also drive a car. I have always been in favor of complete streets in Spokane, but today I realized how important they really are. 

I had back surgery two days ago, and it is important for my physical healing (and mental health) that I walk a mile or so each day. My husband, Steve, and I walked the few blocks from our house to the post office and grocery store. I am not yet allowed to drive and sitting in a car is uncomfortable, so my only option is to walk. When we were ready to cross Grand Ave at thirty second, there were no lines on the street, but we were on a corner with cut-outs for wheel chairs, which seemed like a safe place to cross. We slowly began to enter the street and there was plenty of time for the on-coming cars to see us and stop. In the first lane, a huge car would not slow down, and while Steve stood in front of it with his arms outstretched, the driver tried to swerve around him and drove off calling Steve several obscenities. In the next lane, a car rolled slowly toward us and never did make a complete stop as we tried to hurry enough to make it across.

So why are complete streets vital? Because I am in a place today that all of us will encounter someday. I can’t go fast, can’t jump out the way, and can’t turn and run back to where I started. I am fortunate as I will be walking fast and biking again very soon, but there are many elderly and disabled citizens who have to endure this treatment every day. Without an emphasis on complete streets, we are asking them to either stay home for fear of cars, or venture out and say a little prayer each time they need to cross a busy street.

Those Soul-Sucking Robo-Calls

Last night I answered the phone, and it was a robo-call from Mike Huckabee. I didn't pay much attention to what the recording was saying, but heard something about "stopping those frightening Freedom From Religion advocates". When we receive these calls, I like to stay on the line and wait for the real human can come on and hear what the call is really about.

Soon a woman came on the line and said "Do you want our schools to teach the history of gays and not allow prayer?" and I answered "of course." Hoping for a passionate, "of course NOT" she then said, "let me repeat that" and then repeated her question, and I answered "absolutely!" She stuttered, mumbled, and then said"goodbye" and hung up.

As I walked away from that conversation, I felt sick inside that her question would most likely raise funds and interest for her candidate. Where is the discussion about health insurance, school funding, unemployment, the war? Can't we use our brains to solve problems in our country instead of silly, emotional debates?

NIMBY--Comstock version

I am excited for Spokane's Summer Parkways to begin, so I was surprised when I went to their website this morning and found that several folks who live in my neighborhood, where there is a ride scheduled for June 22, were quite angry about the scheduling of the event. I added the following comments in hopes that they will relax a little.

I am thrilled to live one house away from the route and surprised to see that a few neighbors are unhappy about this event. Think of those who live in Browne’s and endure days of Art Fest; our streets are never busy, and three hours of folks enjoying our lovely area and having fun certainly is worth a bit of thinking ahead. I urge you all to jump on a bike for the evening–all is well when you are on a bike!

Furthermore, I am sure that 29th will not be closed, but monitored by volunteers, so those who need to get home will be able to get there. You might have to park a block away, but it shouldn’t be much trouble. As for vendors, I welcome them as businesses who wish to support active, outdoor fun.

Finally, even if you feel put-out by this event, remember the organizers are volunteers and are working hard to find the best ways to make these events possible. As a very involved community volunteer, I know that criticism is defeating. Rather than complain, agree to volunteer for the evening or grab a lawn chair and wave as we pass your house. Make Spokane a place we all want to live.