Oooohh, I love this new background! Books, books, and more books- it's like heaven.
Oh, and check out the new logo for Shop 1031.
More coming soon. :)
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Creative Entrepreneur Retreat - No.1
Okay kids, the blog's back on.
I'm going to just override the need to fill in the gaps between July and today and just start talking about what's happening here and now.
(Some journaling on the plane to get revved up before the retreat...)
First up, I just got back from the most amazing retreat ever in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I spent the week with 9 other amazing women and our fearless leader Lisa Sonora Beam at the incredible Hacienda Mosaico. I wrote somewhere that time and space for creative work is the ultimate luxury and now I know it to be true. I don't even know how to begin to describe the week- it was so chock full of color, laughter, inspiration, and "aha" moments. Not to mention the incredible experience of spending the week with some of the smartest, funniest, most caring and inspiring women I've ever met. So, I will just start with the where and move on from there.
View out my airplane window- it's Mexico! Can't wait to get on the ground and check out Puerto Vallarta.
Outside the walls of the hacienda; even from the outside, you can tell it's going to be full of life and color.
The first of the stairs leading up to the studio. How cool is that?!
Beautiful! Can you believe this is the view out one of the windows in the studio- how could you not be inspired here?
And this is the outdoor kitchen (by the pool!) where we were served a delicious breakfast and lunch each day by Sam (the proprietor), Alicia and the rest of her wonderful staff. It's also where Sam would make her amazing margaritas for us each evening upon request. I didn't want to leave!
Aaaahhh, what a lovely view before bedtime. More to come!
xoxoxo,
iris
I'm going to just override the need to fill in the gaps between July and today and just start talking about what's happening here and now.
(Some journaling on the plane to get revved up before the retreat...)First up, I just got back from the most amazing retreat ever in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I spent the week with 9 other amazing women and our fearless leader Lisa Sonora Beam at the incredible Hacienda Mosaico. I wrote somewhere that time and space for creative work is the ultimate luxury and now I know it to be true. I don't even know how to begin to describe the week- it was so chock full of color, laughter, inspiration, and "aha" moments. Not to mention the incredible experience of spending the week with some of the smartest, funniest, most caring and inspiring women I've ever met. So, I will just start with the where and move on from there.
View out my airplane window- it's Mexico! Can't wait to get on the ground and check out Puerto Vallarta.
Outside the walls of the hacienda; even from the outside, you can tell it's going to be full of life and color.
The first of the stairs leading up to the studio. How cool is that?!
Beautiful! Can you believe this is the view out one of the windows in the studio- how could you not be inspired here?
And this is the outdoor kitchen (by the pool!) where we were served a delicious breakfast and lunch each day by Sam (the proprietor), Alicia and the rest of her wonderful staff. It's also where Sam would make her amazing margaritas for us each evening upon request. I didn't want to leave!
Aaaahhh, what a lovely view before bedtime. More to come!xoxoxo,
iris
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
(Insert clever title here)
I just read my last post. And the comments left. It made me sniffle-ey. (is that how you spell sniffle?) Who knows?
Well, many, many things have happened since I last wrote. And since I am the type of personality that cannot tell you about today unless you know about yesterday, I will put these varied and important events in a very small nutshell for you- in the form of a list. Yay, lists!
Things that have happened since my last post- not in strictly chronological order:
1. I just read through my posts going through January and have concluded I'm a huge dork.
2. I'm okay with number one.
3. I've had another umpteen million doctors/ specialists/ therapists visits and have become quite friendly with the receptionists and nurses.
4. My mom and I heard about qigong and how people have made dramatic changes in their health by practicing on a regular basis.
5. We went to Colorado and met with a master to learn techniques, exercises and meditations.
6. I started acupuncture after a particularly discouraging visit with my hand surgeon.
7. After 3 weeks of acupuncture and Chinese herbs and qigong practice (and staying on all my meds, of course), the necrosis seemed to stop spreading.
8. Three weeks after that, there's new tissue being formed and less pain.
9. I've stopped taking almost all my pain medicine.
10. My right index finger finally healed (it took 6 months instead of 6 weeks, but i'll take it).
11. I went to Key West (and ended up in a clinic with an infection, ugh!) and chilled like a rock star for a week or so.
12. I have confirmed I have the most amazing parents the world over.
13. I read the entire Twilight saga again in preparation for the movie, Eclipse. I'm still smitten.
14. My house is gradually being filled with all the art I've been acquiring since... well, since forever and it looks like real people live here.
15. My puppy continues to grow like a weed- a very large, strong weed. She's about 11 months and 95 pounds. (she has 7 more growing months)
16. The boy continues his campaign for sainthood by being understanding (and silent) while I occasionally have complete meltdowns and act completely irrational and yell at him for being logical. This happened recently.
17. My sweet little ride- the '95 Maxima- is finally being retired.... with 195,000+ miles on the odometer. It is being replaced with another Nissan- hey, I'm loyal, okay?- that will better accommodate my pony. Oh, I mean dog- an suv to better accommodate my dog.
18. I have rediscovered my love of music.
19. I have reconnected with some old friends and I'm so thankful they found me.
20. I have determined an acceptable alternate life path would have been to major in English due to my love of reading, writing, words and the English language.
So that's what I can think of right now. I won't promise to post tomorrow, for that is the surest way to guarantee an extended absence. So... I'll see when I see you.
xoxoxo
Oh, and I love you all, Nyssa, Jaime, Cristalynn, and Lyn. You fill me up. Thank you.
Well, many, many things have happened since I last wrote. And since I am the type of personality that cannot tell you about today unless you know about yesterday, I will put these varied and important events in a very small nutshell for you- in the form of a list. Yay, lists!
Things that have happened since my last post- not in strictly chronological order:
1. I just read through my posts going through January and have concluded I'm a huge dork.
2. I'm okay with number one.
3. I've had another umpteen million doctors/ specialists/ therapists visits and have become quite friendly with the receptionists and nurses.
4. My mom and I heard about qigong and how people have made dramatic changes in their health by practicing on a regular basis.
5. We went to Colorado and met with a master to learn techniques, exercises and meditations.
6. I started acupuncture after a particularly discouraging visit with my hand surgeon.
7. After 3 weeks of acupuncture and Chinese herbs and qigong practice (and staying on all my meds, of course), the necrosis seemed to stop spreading.
8. Three weeks after that, there's new tissue being formed and less pain.
9. I've stopped taking almost all my pain medicine.
10. My right index finger finally healed (it took 6 months instead of 6 weeks, but i'll take it).
11. I went to Key West (and ended up in a clinic with an infection, ugh!) and chilled like a rock star for a week or so.
12. I have confirmed I have the most amazing parents the world over.
13. I read the entire Twilight saga again in preparation for the movie, Eclipse. I'm still smitten.
14. My house is gradually being filled with all the art I've been acquiring since... well, since forever and it looks like real people live here.
15. My puppy continues to grow like a weed- a very large, strong weed. She's about 11 months and 95 pounds. (she has 7 more growing months)
16. The boy continues his campaign for sainthood by being understanding (and silent) while I occasionally have complete meltdowns and act completely irrational and yell at him for being logical. This happened recently.
17. My sweet little ride- the '95 Maxima- is finally being retired.... with 195,000+ miles on the odometer. It is being replaced with another Nissan- hey, I'm loyal, okay?- that will better accommodate my pony. Oh, I mean dog- an suv to better accommodate my dog.
18. I have rediscovered my love of music.
19. I have reconnected with some old friends and I'm so thankful they found me.
20. I have determined an acceptable alternate life path would have been to major in English due to my love of reading, writing, words and the English language.
So that's what I can think of right now. I won't promise to post tomorrow, for that is the surest way to guarantee an extended absence. So... I'll see when I see you.
xoxoxo
Oh, and I love you all, Nyssa, Jaime, Cristalynn, and Lyn. You fill me up. Thank you.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Let it flow
Hi Everyone,
I'm feeling very emotional right now, so this probably isn't the best time to post, but I've been waiting for the right time to post since March and we can see how well that went. I'm emotional because it's been a long week full of therapy (for my hands) and doctors and not-so-good news about my "condition". And I'm tired. I'm so tired of being sick. I just want to be normal again. I want my hands to feel warm and strong instead of painful and weak. I suppose I'm just feeling a little sorry for myself. And scared. I'm scared I won't ever get better. That this is how it will always be- everything revolving around the current health crisis and all the doctors and treatments that we're hoping will work. And I'm scared that at some point the people I love will get tired of all this just like I do and will begin to fade away into the names of people I "used to know".
So this is real. This is the real me. No front of endless optimism and strength and self reliance. Although most of the time I am filled with faith and hope and gratitude that I have wonderful doctors and medical professionals treating me and amazing family and friends that support me and pray for me, right now I feel very small and scared. And that's so hard to admit. But it's the truth. A friend, a dear friend, told me that I need to be more open with my heart and emotions and that will help me heal on the inside and the outside. So this is me trying. Trying to be honest and open about the parts of me that I don't let others see. I know it is possible for my body to heal itself- I know it deep down in my heart- and will pursue every avenue that can aid in that healing... including sharing my emotions, if that is on the pathway to good health. Having said that, my intention isn't for this blog to become my own personal pity party, but perhaps I will share more of the spectrum of emotions I'm going through. I'm not sure what that will accomplish, but maybe someone will read my words and realize they're not alone, or maybe my friends will feel better connected to me, or maybe it will just allow me to feel lighter without carrying around extra negativity. Who knows? Either way, someone will benefit. I'm sure of it.
As for an update on my life, I go to hyperbaric therapy everyday for 3-4 hours. I had another surgery last week, this time on my left hand. This time I have 3 new scars- one's even zig-zag. Kinda cool. Unfortunately, once the doctor opened up my palm he realized there was not much he could do because I just have so few and such small blood vessels in my hands. Surgically he's done all he can besides removing the finger (because it's causing so much pain). The rhuematologist has changed my medicine in an effort to improve the circulation and hopefully keep the necrosis from spreading more and me losing my finger- or a bigger part of it. I hope that it works.
Alright, I must retire for the evening. More tomorrow.
xoxo
I'm feeling very emotional right now, so this probably isn't the best time to post, but I've been waiting for the right time to post since March and we can see how well that went. I'm emotional because it's been a long week full of therapy (for my hands) and doctors and not-so-good news about my "condition". And I'm tired. I'm so tired of being sick. I just want to be normal again. I want my hands to feel warm and strong instead of painful and weak. I suppose I'm just feeling a little sorry for myself. And scared. I'm scared I won't ever get better. That this is how it will always be- everything revolving around the current health crisis and all the doctors and treatments that we're hoping will work. And I'm scared that at some point the people I love will get tired of all this just like I do and will begin to fade away into the names of people I "used to know".
So this is real. This is the real me. No front of endless optimism and strength and self reliance. Although most of the time I am filled with faith and hope and gratitude that I have wonderful doctors and medical professionals treating me and amazing family and friends that support me and pray for me, right now I feel very small and scared. And that's so hard to admit. But it's the truth. A friend, a dear friend, told me that I need to be more open with my heart and emotions and that will help me heal on the inside and the outside. So this is me trying. Trying to be honest and open about the parts of me that I don't let others see. I know it is possible for my body to heal itself- I know it deep down in my heart- and will pursue every avenue that can aid in that healing... including sharing my emotions, if that is on the pathway to good health. Having said that, my intention isn't for this blog to become my own personal pity party, but perhaps I will share more of the spectrum of emotions I'm going through. I'm not sure what that will accomplish, but maybe someone will read my words and realize they're not alone, or maybe my friends will feel better connected to me, or maybe it will just allow me to feel lighter without carrying around extra negativity. Who knows? Either way, someone will benefit. I'm sure of it.
As for an update on my life, I go to hyperbaric therapy everyday for 3-4 hours. I had another surgery last week, this time on my left hand. This time I have 3 new scars- one's even zig-zag. Kinda cool. Unfortunately, once the doctor opened up my palm he realized there was not much he could do because I just have so few and such small blood vessels in my hands. Surgically he's done all he can besides removing the finger (because it's causing so much pain). The rhuematologist has changed my medicine in an effort to improve the circulation and hopefully keep the necrosis from spreading more and me losing my finger- or a bigger part of it. I hope that it works.
Alright, I must retire for the evening. More tomorrow.
xoxo
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Words to live by
Oh, I love sunshine!! It's gorgeous outside today and I'm so happy! I love the feel of the sun on my face, such a nice warmth. I have so much to share and write about, but my to-do list is literally about a mile long and working in another time crunch is jumbling my priorities up. It's that constant struggle between what is really truly important to you but not urgent (like making art and other creative pursuits) and what is urgent and needs to get done but not necessarily fulfilling (like vehicle inspection stickers and unpacking the suitcase from the last trip. And yes, I am a little embarrassed that it's still sitting half-packed in my bedroom. But only a little.) So, today I will be uploading my pics from Vegas and maybe Costa Rica so I can share a couple recent adventures with you before I leave for Key West. In the meantime, I'll leave you with a quote I ran across today. The author is unknown to me.
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to
dance in the rain."
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to
dance in the rain."
Friday, March 5, 2010
New Stuffs a'Comin!
So much to share with you guys!
I really do love having my blog, so I'm going to recommit to posting regularly. So coming attractions will be some pics from Costa Rica, Vegas, the Art and Soul classes, updates on my hand- I think I'm finally ready to share what it looks like, New Projects, New Art Acquisitions, Stella "the Beast" Gonyea-Lee, and much more! Are you excited yet? I know you are, I can feel it. I need to make myself presentable because I think the boy will be home early and I've been doing housework all morning, and -bless his heart, he's endured enough days of unwashed hair, no-makeup, and pajamas to last awhile, I think.
In the meantime, here's a pic of Stella pooped after a day at Camp Bow Wow- she's so cute!- and the new short finger, Frankie. My hand looks pretty normal now that the scars from surgery are healed and the stitches are out. There's still a scab on the end of my finger, but that will take time to fall off little by little- still a little gross looking. But this is night and day compared to my hand right after surgery (very Frankensteinish), maybe one day I'll share those pics if anyone actually wants to see them.
Be back soon!
xoxoxo
I really do love having my blog, so I'm going to recommit to posting regularly. So coming attractions will be some pics from Costa Rica, Vegas, the Art and Soul classes, updates on my hand- I think I'm finally ready to share what it looks like, New Projects, New Art Acquisitions, Stella "the Beast" Gonyea-Lee, and much more! Are you excited yet? I know you are, I can feel it. I need to make myself presentable because I think the boy will be home early and I've been doing housework all morning, and -bless his heart, he's endured enough days of unwashed hair, no-makeup, and pajamas to last awhile, I think.
In the meantime, here's a pic of Stella pooped after a day at Camp Bow Wow- she's so cute!- and the new short finger, Frankie. My hand looks pretty normal now that the scars from surgery are healed and the stitches are out. There's still a scab on the end of my finger, but that will take time to fall off little by little- still a little gross looking. But this is night and day compared to my hand right after surgery (very Frankensteinish), maybe one day I'll share those pics if anyone actually wants to see them.
Be back soon!xoxoxo
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
It's Vegas, Baby!
Ohmigosh! There's so much to do!
This Saturday my mom and I will head out to Las Vegas- Sin City, baby! Well, not really. I am going with my mom after all! We'll be attending an Art and Soul Retreat and I'm so excited! It's my first ever art retreat and I've been wanting to attend one ever since I learned about these magical little gatherings. I remember sitting in front of the computer in my old house (about 5 addresses ago) and poring over the websites for hours and adding and calculating and racking my brain to figure out how I could possibly make it happen. But you know, things happen when they're supposed to and not always on our own time frames. So, now I am finally getting to go and I'm getting to share the whole thing with my mom- so awesome!
I am so tremendously blessed and in such a great place in my life right now; I just couldn't be more excited about what the future holds for me and my family and my career and so much of that has to do with my partner, the boy- as you might know him. I try to keep his specifics out of this blog because he has a corporate job and I wouldn't ever want to write or post anything that would put that in jeopardy, so let's just say he's an amazing and wonderful person and has really been here for me throughout all of the trials over the last few months. It has truly been a test for us, as individuals and as a couple and I'm so happy to say that we are stronger and more in love (at least on my end!) than ever before.
Okay, I'm going to be back in few hours with some type of pretty pictures of something creative. I don't know what yet, but I'm determined!
xoxox
This Saturday my mom and I will head out to Las Vegas- Sin City, baby! Well, not really. I am going with my mom after all! We'll be attending an Art and Soul Retreat and I'm so excited! It's my first ever art retreat and I've been wanting to attend one ever since I learned about these magical little gatherings. I remember sitting in front of the computer in my old house (about 5 addresses ago) and poring over the websites for hours and adding and calculating and racking my brain to figure out how I could possibly make it happen. But you know, things happen when they're supposed to and not always on our own time frames. So, now I am finally getting to go and I'm getting to share the whole thing with my mom- so awesome!
I am so tremendously blessed and in such a great place in my life right now; I just couldn't be more excited about what the future holds for me and my family and my career and so much of that has to do with my partner, the boy- as you might know him. I try to keep his specifics out of this blog because he has a corporate job and I wouldn't ever want to write or post anything that would put that in jeopardy, so let's just say he's an amazing and wonderful person and has really been here for me throughout all of the trials over the last few months. It has truly been a test for us, as individuals and as a couple and I'm so happy to say that we are stronger and more in love (at least on my end!) than ever before.
Okay, I'm going to be back in few hours with some type of pretty pictures of something creative. I don't know what yet, but I'm determined!
xoxox
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Costa Rica or bust!
It's already February! What the heck? Well, they say distance makes the heart grow fonder so I'm just going to assume you guys are really happy to see a new post from me. No? Oh well.
So this past month has been... hmmm.... a bit of a rollercoaster. Some days are good, some aren't. Some days are marked by relentless pain, others by nausea, and others by so much exhaustion that I literally sleep for 20 hours out of the day. And then some days, for a few hours, I feel almost a little bit normal. And it's during those times that I think okay, we're making progress. In fact, today I'm going to pack my bags for a little trip to Costa Rica! The boy and I will be basking in glorious sunshine and 93 degree weather. I can't wait to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin. This is an incentive trip through his company and I've been with him on every one he's ever earned, so I just couldn't bear to miss it. I know I won't be able to participate in most of the activities and socializing but I figure if I'm going to resting most of the day, then at least I can do it somewhere warm. Not to mention, that my mom needs a break from taking care of me, poor thing! Hopefully I'll come back with some great pictures to share that will inspire feelings of warmth and sunshine to help us get through the rest of winter.
Gotta go get ready for a doctor's appointment, but I think I'll take my laptop and post from Costa Rica since I'll probably be spending a good amount of time on my own. I want to take advantage of the time away from home to clear my head and examine my goals for this coming year and create some journal pages to illustrate them. So, here's looking forward to having lots of pretties to share. We all need a bit of pretty during these dull, cold months. And I don't even live somewhere cold, like Minnesota or Wisconsin. Ugh, I can't imagine!
So this past month has been... hmmm.... a bit of a rollercoaster. Some days are good, some aren't. Some days are marked by relentless pain, others by nausea, and others by so much exhaustion that I literally sleep for 20 hours out of the day. And then some days, for a few hours, I feel almost a little bit normal. And it's during those times that I think okay, we're making progress. In fact, today I'm going to pack my bags for a little trip to Costa Rica! The boy and I will be basking in glorious sunshine and 93 degree weather. I can't wait to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin. This is an incentive trip through his company and I've been with him on every one he's ever earned, so I just couldn't bear to miss it. I know I won't be able to participate in most of the activities and socializing but I figure if I'm going to resting most of the day, then at least I can do it somewhere warm. Not to mention, that my mom needs a break from taking care of me, poor thing! Hopefully I'll come back with some great pictures to share that will inspire feelings of warmth and sunshine to help us get through the rest of winter.
Gotta go get ready for a doctor's appointment, but I think I'll take my laptop and post from Costa Rica since I'll probably be spending a good amount of time on my own. I want to take advantage of the time away from home to clear my head and examine my goals for this coming year and create some journal pages to illustrate them. So, here's looking forward to having lots of pretties to share. We all need a bit of pretty during these dull, cold months. And I don't even live somewhere cold, like Minnesota or Wisconsin. Ugh, I can't imagine!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Just the tip
My apologies to my loyal readers... er, reader? Well, no matter. The week presented a host of new challenges resulting in hand surgery where they (people with scalpels and anesthesia) took part of my finger. The correct term is amputated, but I just say "took" because the word "amputation" is scary sounding. Freaks people out. Freaks me out. Anyhow, on Tuesday I go back to the surgeon so he can remove the dressing and I'll get to see my newly shortened index finger. Kinda weird.
Part of me wants to mourn the loss of my fingertip and lament, "Why me? Why do I have to have some crazy autoimmune diseases like Raynaud's and Scleroderma and PBC? What did I do to deserve this?" But that only lasts about a minute and I recognize it's only a fingertip, not my legs or an arm or even my hand and my boyfriend isn't so shallow that he'll dump me because my right index finger is strangely short. And I am so incredibly blessed to have great health insurance that allows me to see some of the best doctors and specialists around that will hopefully have me back on the path to health real soon. And of course, I am so, so, so grateful for my family that has been praying for me through every doctor's visit and mri and "procedure" and hospital stay and surgery. They give me strength and courage knowing I am not in this alone. And my friends that send flowers and well wishes and my amazing boyfriend that has never once wavered (at least in front of me) in his commitment, even when the diagnoses have been scarily unknown and cast an eerie shadow over the future. I could not be more supported and cared for. And my mother, my amazing mother. I don't have the words to express how she has been here for me- strong and positive and optimistic and faithful and caring and understanding and everything I need and nothing I don't. I absolutely do not know what kind of shape I'd be in without her. And my dad, who loves me and my mom and my dog and even my boyfriend so much I know there's nothing he wouldn't do for us. I quickly remember all of these things and I pray for all the people who are suffering and fighting similar battles- and scarier ones, but they're doing it alone or while they're also raising a family and managing a career. I can't imagine the strength it takes and I know I'm the luckiest girl around.
All these things are what's been on my mind over the last week- at least in my moments of clarity, when I'm not in some drug induced haze. And unfortunately my dominant hand is the one buried under a splint and half a pound of bandages so no journaling or making of anything lately. But I think tomorrow I will do some drawing exercises with my left hand. I've been meaning to work on being ambidextrous anyway. In fact, I'm surprised how quickly I can type with only my left hand!
Hopefully my hand will heal quickly and my doctors will get me on all the right meds so that my body will stop trying to hurt itself and start working towards health. In the meantime, my friend C-note has given me a temporary honorary membership to the Lefty's Club of the Greater United States and I plan on wearing that thing out! Thanks Cris!
Part of me wants to mourn the loss of my fingertip and lament, "Why me? Why do I have to have some crazy autoimmune diseases like Raynaud's and Scleroderma and PBC? What did I do to deserve this?" But that only lasts about a minute and I recognize it's only a fingertip, not my legs or an arm or even my hand and my boyfriend isn't so shallow that he'll dump me because my right index finger is strangely short. And I am so incredibly blessed to have great health insurance that allows me to see some of the best doctors and specialists around that will hopefully have me back on the path to health real soon. And of course, I am so, so, so grateful for my family that has been praying for me through every doctor's visit and mri and "procedure" and hospital stay and surgery. They give me strength and courage knowing I am not in this alone. And my friends that send flowers and well wishes and my amazing boyfriend that has never once wavered (at least in front of me) in his commitment, even when the diagnoses have been scarily unknown and cast an eerie shadow over the future. I could not be more supported and cared for. And my mother, my amazing mother. I don't have the words to express how she has been here for me- strong and positive and optimistic and faithful and caring and understanding and everything I need and nothing I don't. I absolutely do not know what kind of shape I'd be in without her. And my dad, who loves me and my mom and my dog and even my boyfriend so much I know there's nothing he wouldn't do for us. I quickly remember all of these things and I pray for all the people who are suffering and fighting similar battles- and scarier ones, but they're doing it alone or while they're also raising a family and managing a career. I can't imagine the strength it takes and I know I'm the luckiest girl around.
All these things are what's been on my mind over the last week- at least in my moments of clarity, when I'm not in some drug induced haze. And unfortunately my dominant hand is the one buried under a splint and half a pound of bandages so no journaling or making of anything lately. But I think tomorrow I will do some drawing exercises with my left hand. I've been meaning to work on being ambidextrous anyway. In fact, I'm surprised how quickly I can type with only my left hand!
Hopefully my hand will heal quickly and my doctors will get me on all the right meds so that my body will stop trying to hurt itself and start working towards health. In the meantime, my friend C-note has given me a temporary honorary membership to the Lefty's Club of the Greater United States and I plan on wearing that thing out! Thanks Cris!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Monday, Monday
Oh, I'm so tired. Been fooling around on the internet too long. I had a coffee this afternoon and I think that might be the reason I'm still sitting here. Perhaps through all these health- shall we call them "adventures"- I am cleansing my system of the monumental buildup of caffeine from the last 15 years and as a result am becoming less immune to the effects of coffee, redbull and espresso. Hmmm, perhaps.
I really just wanted to check in and say hello and that I'm still here. This weekend did not go as planned, I ended up dealing with a lot of pain in my right hand which resulted in an increase in pain killers which resulted in a decrease of accomplishments. Very frustrating. However, God willing, my situation is only temporary and I am reminded of all those people who live with chronic pain- Everyday- and are forced to live out their daily lives in what I can only imagine must be an exhausting, thick fog of drug-altered consciousness. My heart goes out to them and once more I am grateful for all the many blessings in my life and the amazing doctors and specialists I have the privilege of seeing that are working to figure out this "auto-immune thing" and conquer it once and for all. And I just can't explain how I lucked out to be surrounded by the most loving and understanding and supportive family and friends and boyfriend that a girl could ask for. If any of you are reading this: I love you so much and I will never fully be able to express to you how much it fills me up to know I am in your prayers or to hear of the well wishes you've sent or see the card in my mailbox or the flowers on my bedside table. Thank you, thank you, a million times thank you.
Forecast for tomorrow: A jewelry giveaway! Creative EveryDay update! And a sneak peek at some journal work I've been doing!
I really just wanted to check in and say hello and that I'm still here. This weekend did not go as planned, I ended up dealing with a lot of pain in my right hand which resulted in an increase in pain killers which resulted in a decrease of accomplishments. Very frustrating. However, God willing, my situation is only temporary and I am reminded of all those people who live with chronic pain- Everyday- and are forced to live out their daily lives in what I can only imagine must be an exhausting, thick fog of drug-altered consciousness. My heart goes out to them and once more I am grateful for all the many blessings in my life and the amazing doctors and specialists I have the privilege of seeing that are working to figure out this "auto-immune thing" and conquer it once and for all. And I just can't explain how I lucked out to be surrounded by the most loving and understanding and supportive family and friends and boyfriend that a girl could ask for. If any of you are reading this: I love you so much and I will never fully be able to express to you how much it fills me up to know I am in your prayers or to hear of the well wishes you've sent or see the card in my mailbox or the flowers on my bedside table. Thank you, thank you, a million times thank you.
Forecast for tomorrow: A jewelry giveaway! Creative EveryDay update! And a sneak peek at some journal work I've been doing!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Lookout 2010!
The first day of the New Year went much like the last four: I watched the boy regret not quitting while he was ahead the night before. What can you do? Some lessons are harder to learn than others I suppose. On the upside, despite the severe lack of sleep, we did have a pretty fun night just hanging out with friends and playing some cards and eating way too much food.
But the best thing about today was the opportunity to journal in the morning. And although the pooch was being outrageously demanding (food! water! pee! poo! play!), I did manage to get in my morning pages and remind myself of how writing fills me up and clears my head at the same time. So that was my creative activity for the day. I was hoping to do some visual work or some jewelry making, but it's always hard to fit those in when the boy is off of work. Now in case you haven't noticed the little button to the right there begging you to click and find out more about the Creative Everyday Challenge for 2010, I'll tell you that I signed up to participate in said challenge in an effort to reinforce my daily creative habits. I have a desire to infuse creativity throughout my everyday life so that everything I do becomes a little more fun, adventurous and fulfilling. The challenge was originally created in 2008 by Leah Piken Kolidas for the same reasons and she decided to start a blog and put the invitation out there to others to join her in embracing creativity everyday whether through singing, dancing, cooking, drawing, painting, or anything else. There are no strict rules or policies to follow in order to participate, but for myself I will be checking in on the weekly check-ins and probably uploading photos to the Flickr group when I have something visual to share, and of course, talking about it here on my own blog.
I hope this added layer of accountability (that's wrapped up in lighthearted sharing) will be another tool in my arsenal I can use to stay focused and on track. Plus, don't you just love seeing what other people are up to? Especially artists and designers and all around awesome people? I'm inspired just thinking about it.
So until tomorrow, lovelies! And I promise I'll have something visual- perhaps a jewelry giveaway!
But the best thing about today was the opportunity to journal in the morning. And although the pooch was being outrageously demanding (food! water! pee! poo! play!), I did manage to get in my morning pages and remind myself of how writing fills me up and clears my head at the same time. So that was my creative activity for the day. I was hoping to do some visual work or some jewelry making, but it's always hard to fit those in when the boy is off of work. Now in case you haven't noticed the little button to the right there begging you to click and find out more about the Creative Everyday Challenge for 2010, I'll tell you that I signed up to participate in said challenge in an effort to reinforce my daily creative habits. I have a desire to infuse creativity throughout my everyday life so that everything I do becomes a little more fun, adventurous and fulfilling. The challenge was originally created in 2008 by Leah Piken Kolidas for the same reasons and she decided to start a blog and put the invitation out there to others to join her in embracing creativity everyday whether through singing, dancing, cooking, drawing, painting, or anything else. There are no strict rules or policies to follow in order to participate, but for myself I will be checking in on the weekly check-ins and probably uploading photos to the Flickr group when I have something visual to share, and of course, talking about it here on my own blog.
I hope this added layer of accountability (that's wrapped up in lighthearted sharing) will be another tool in my arsenal I can use to stay focused and on track. Plus, don't you just love seeing what other people are up to? Especially artists and designers and all around awesome people? I'm inspired just thinking about it.
So until tomorrow, lovelies! And I promise I'll have something visual- perhaps a jewelry giveaway!
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