2018 Los Angeles, CA

From Green Widow;

"Here I am in all of my misshapen glory. Contrary to what it looks like, I am not with child, I am with tumors. Uterine fibroid tumors to be exact; myoma if you’re fluent in doctor speak.

Myomas are benign tumors that develop in and around the wall of the uterus. To date, no one knows why the smooth muscle cells of the uterine wall mutate and form these masses but they do. And sometimes, as in my case, they can aggressively grow out of control and wreak havoc in an otherwise happy, fulfilling and dare I say, charmed life.

Before the mind-blowing year that is 2020 began its barrage of rude awakenings, my life had already taken a turn toward the absurd. Imagine undergoing surgery to have tumors removed only to have larger tumors regrow in their stead. Much to my surprise and delight, it was here, amidst the absurdity of my particular adversity, where I found the inspiration, strength and fortitude to become my own champion. Turns out, our bodies are amazing and tumors can degenerate, dissolve and disappear.

When we give our bodies what it needs to thrive, healing happens. Out of necessity, I stepped out of life as I knew it and embarked on a quest. Similar to the stories of old, I traveled far and wide, sight unseen to parts unknown, making friends along the way while learning the most profound lessons about life, loss and love. I learned that some of our beliefs are false. I learned that we have the power to let go of old ideas that impede our growth and start over with something strange and new and be better for it. I learned that humans are adaptable creatures and as long as we’re still breathing, we have the capacity to figure out and adjust to whatever comes our way. Most importantly, I learned that cannabis is a benevolent plant that heals"