Ah, more health news...

Well, the allergic reaction drama seems to have played itself out, only to be replaced by something else. Since Monday I've had a little stabbing pain in my right side, which sometimes (just for variety) radiates around to my back (kidney?). I tried to ignore it for a few days and then decided it might be good to get it checked out. My doctor may grow tired of seeing me on his doorstep.

So, I went in for a checkup today and I now have an appointment for an ultrasound in the morning. He, at first, suspected it was my gallbladder, but the pain seems to be a little lower than that. Anyway, hopefully the ultrasound will shed some light on things. My bloodpressure was down to 105/something, and is usually in the 117/75 region. That's probably why I feel sort of cold and fatigued. Updates to follow. (Sorry!)

The good news...MY TAXES ARE DONE! Yay! Next on my To-Do List is the annual reapplication for student loan payments. Then in March and April I'm on call for jury duty.

Sorry, no art at the moment. Just not feeling like it the last couple of weeks. Hopefully tomorrow's checkup will reveal something that can be fixed, and all will return to normal. Whatever that is! :)

My current reading book is called The Ladies of Ivy Cottage. It was slow to begin with, but I'm getting into it more as I go along. So, I think I'll read and relax tonight. Oh, and check some blogs!

I'll be fasting after midnight, so I'd better do some eating while I can!
Thanks for stopping by, friends and family!
Shalom to all. :)

Hooray for B12!

Hopefully, this will wrap up my yacking about health matters. I know it's really exciting for you all to read about every detail. But I did want to mention that I took a B12 tablet yesterday (which I've had all along, I just wasn't taking them) and the effects were almost immediate. First of all, let me mention that I had looked up symptoms of B12 deficiency and saw many that matched my own. One thing that had concerned me was a feeling of muscle weakness. When I tried to write my hand didn't want to cooperate. After the B12 that weakness went away, my mind was clearer and I really just felt good! I wasn't expecting such a fast result, so I don't think it was a placebo effect, but I sure do intend to keep taking it! I read something by Dr. Weil where he said it isn't possible to take too much. The ones I got at Walmart are 1000mcg, and the recommended amount for an adult is 2.4mcg's, so I was concerned about taking too much. He also recommended a B-Complex, which I will buy when I run out of these. I guess I hadn't been eating enough meat or something that I needed for B12, but it sure is a necessary thing! I'm not sure if this has anything to do with what I thought were allergic symptoms. Maybe I was just mistaking my symptoms for allergies and it was really a need for B12.

Poor Micah and the kids are dealing with a stomach bug now. It just seems to be one thing after another lately. Let's all just stay home, okay? :)

I'm slurping on a smoothie and trying to eat better. This one has raspberries, blackberries, kale, oj, grape juice, melon and a little banana. I use mostly frozen produce since I can't use up the fresh stuff fast enough. The oj and grape juice are mainly to thin it out. Tastes pretty good. Yesterday I added a little powdered milk and turmeric. It's different every time, but that makes it more fun!

Jody, if you're reading this, do you guys still drink coffee? Or just tea? I'm trying to decide if I should keep coffee as my one treat. I would have to have sugar and creamer in it, so it breaks the rules, but I had a headache this morning and I wondered if that was what it was from. No coffee. I did get a small one at the store when I picked up my mail, hee hee. Headache's gone.

I felt like doing a little art today, but I didn't want the mess of watercolors, so I did some color pencil drawing. This is copied from an ATC I did a long time ago. It was kind of a fun change of pace. I just used some Crayola colored pencils. I'd like to do more of this sketchbook sort of thing so I can actually save some pieces. Perhaps I can come up with some paintings and drawings that could be printed up on blank note cards. I may get my ideas from old ATC's that I've given away.

I'm reading Idyll Banter, along with a few others I've been reading for a while. I think it's a pleasant read. I enjoy his style and humor.

You folks have a pleasant evening. I'll be checking up on you!
Shalom!

Makin' changes...

I don't mean to go on and on about my allergy thing, but I thought some of this might be helpful for someone else somewhere along the line. I've decided to start following a "way of eating" (I hate the word diet) that includes as many anti-inflammatory foods as possible. This is a good idea for everyone; I'm just more motivated since feeling so lousy! I've, actually, been trying to eat healthy for some time, but then I start sliding off the wagon and drinking pop, eating at McDonald's, keeping junk food around the house. You know. If this anti-inflammatory diet will make me feel better I'm ready to do it!

I just had a smoothie containing kale, super blend (broc., cauli, carrots, brussels sprouts, etc. shredded in a bag. I get it at Walmart.), a small banana, orange juice, 1 T. non-fat dry milk, probably a T. of oatmeal, turmeric (a sprinkle), 1/4 of an apple, and a little lemon juice. Basically, stuff I already had around the house that was on the "okay to eat" list. It was green and chewy, but drinkable. I know it probably isn't possible, but it seems like I could feel my body cooling down as I drank it! I also took a garlic capsule.

Anyway, I got my list of foods from WebMD. Here's the link. I could have searched through multiple sites, but knowing myself well, I decided to just stick with this resource. If things get too complex I have a hard time sticking with it. This is just common sense stuff we've all seen before. I just needed to refamiliarize myself with the rules. So, I'm throwing out the sugar, processed foods, etc. I don't have a ton, so that's good.

I'm learning that I have to make more of an effort to take care of myself as I get older. I can't keep giving into those gluttonous urges to binge on junk. It comes back to bite me! I have an appointment on Monday to see the doctor again and let him do a blood draw to check other things. He mentioned wanting to check for something that had the word lupus in it. I'm not expecting that to be positive, nope. But I also don't want to be irresponsible and do nothing. If I feel a whole lot better by Monday I may cancel, but for now that's the plan. I'm not itchy right now, but I feel "puffy" in the face and neck, although I don't really look puffy. My blood pressure was higher than usual at my last doctor visit, but hopefully the dietary change will take care of that.

I've also been trying to remember to focus more on the Lord when I'm not feeling well. It always helps to remove any fear. And allergic reactions can be fear inducing! It really brings home the fact that we are completely dependent on Him for our next breath and heartbeat. Any feelings of self-sufficiency and independence go down the tubes when your health fails and you feel vulnerable. It makes me so grateful to know He will never leave me and all will be well.

I just wanted to share the painting I received from another person from our January canvas swap. I repeat. I didn't paint this! :) This gal is a professional, I think. She's from Canada. I just thought it would make a pretty thumbnail for my blog post, lol.

Thanks for dropping by! Have a wonderful rest of your week!
Shalom!

A visit to my doc...

I went in and saw my primary doctor, Dr. Ericksen, today. He seemed to agree that the steroids weren't the best idea. I told him I wasn't sure which symptoms were  my original allergies and which were caused by the steroids. One of their hundreds of side effects is hives! So, I left those meds with him and will continue using Benedryl. He said to give it a couple of days and if I don't get better he'll do some sort of blood test. He couldn't do it today because the steroids I took yesterday would have effected the results.

I rewashed everything in the house thinking maybe there was something in the laundry detergent. I bought a different brand (Seventh Generation) and then realized that the brand I was using was also supposedly fragrance free and made for sensitive skin. I don't know if there still might be something in it I don't like. I had bought different brands than usual the last time I shopped of laundry and dishwashing detergents, so I replaced both of those.

I'm still getting a red, hot face with a little swelling and some itchy spots here and there. I've gotten rid of everything strawberry. So, hopefully that will do the trick. Prayers appreciated! I don't want to be hypersensitive to everything! The Lord still heals, so I'm believing for that! (I'm hungry and I don't want to be afraid to eat!!) LOL!

Thanks friends and family! Y'all have a good evening!
Shalom!

Trip to the E.R.

I know. Sounds exciting, right? I'm glad it was fairly boring and uneventful. I was having some allergic symptoms such as a swollen tongue and numb lips. When I started to go to bed at about ten o'clock I felt a little anxious, like, "Is it a good idea to go to sleep with this going on?" So, I called up my dear daughter to see if she would drive me to town to get it checked into. Adam was still out working on their barn (they're putting heat in it and it's almost finished) so he came in to be with the kids and Micah came over and picked me up. She got to sit in the car for about 1-1/2 hours, because nothing is ever quick at the ER! With all the flu going around I didn't want her sitting in there exposed for no reason. She managed a quick trip to the grocery store and McDonalds, and then played on her phone, so it was kind of a vacation for her, I think, lol.

The NP prescribed a five day course of steroids along with Benadryl as needed. I'm going to call my regular doctor tomorrow and see if the steroids are a bit of overkill. The Benadryl might just be enough by itself, and with the looooong list of side effects on the steroids (Methylprednisolone) I'd rather not take them if I don't need to.

I couldn't think of anything particular that I've eaten that was different in the last few days, but then I thought of strawberry jam. I've had reactions to strawberry flavored things in the past (yogurt and a strawberry shake). That's been many years ago, but I've avoided most strawberry stuff. I just started using the jam again recently. So, I'll try cutting that out. Also frozen strawberries in my smoothies. Of course, I already ate some jam this morning before I figured this out.

In other news, I did some painting and stamp carving yesterday!
I tried to do a very "loose" painting of this little group of under ripe plums from a picture in one of my art books. Being loose with my painting has always been a challenge. I always outline things and fill them in completely, and I really prefer the looser look. I guess both are okay. Just different. Anyway, here's my attempt.

I also made this little bunch of "inchies". They don't have a home yet, but they are ready for a Blind Inchie swap. I claimed some inchies that another player had made and then offered my inchies to whomever wants them. When someone claims them they'll get mailed off. They have to accept whatever theme you've made, which I like. This way I can make them at my leisure without a deadline. They're a little harder to see in the packaging, but I didn't want to unpack everything.

Here are some more stamps I made. Some need a little trimming, but mostly I leave them looking kind of rough. I like that look. ;) I made the "plumhill" stamp backwards accidentally, then cut it up so I could use the little "sun rise" effect around the edges by itself. I also used the other side to make stamps. Clear as mud? (Plumhill is my user name on the ATC site. I'll try again on this stamp so I have something to stamp my name on the back of my cards.)

A button and some "sunrise" like stamps I rescued from the botched plumhill stamp.

I did trim that excess on the exclamation point.

Plants and suns. (Or flowers?)

 The painting below I made from a video I paused. I've been watching lots of "Rosemary and Thyme" murder mysteries on YouTube and they always take place in picturesque locations. Lots of good painting material!

Well, I'll just be taking it easy today. (What's new?) I hope you'll all have a restful Sunday, as well!
God bless you every one and shalom! :)

My new passion!

Who knew that erasers could be so exciting?
I finally got down to some serious stamp carving today, and once I started I couldn't stop! Several people online had recommended this brand of eraser for stamp carving. Magic Rub erasers. So, I dutifully ordered a box full from Amazon. I found them very hard to carve. It's easy to slip and cut yourself when you have to exert too much pressure on the carving tool, so I had to develop my technique to avoid holes in my fingers. But they worked okay once I got used to them.

 I also have some of these erasers which I bought at Walmart. These are really soft and nice to carve. I'll probably just use these once the others are gone. I may also order some larger sheets of carving material so I can do larger images. This was just a test to see if I really enjoyed carving stamps. I DO! Larger images would be good for stamping on greeting card size surfaces.

After my first attempt I was hooked!

Fortunately for me, the rustic look is trending in the stamp world. Ha ha! Actually, I've always loved the rustic look. They look more like old wood cuts. I did finally trim around the edges to get rid of a lot of those extra lines.

One thing led to another...

a wonky tree

a leaf

That was supposed to be another crow on the right, but it looks more like a pigeon...

owl, mushroom, house...

moons and stars...

a skinny house.

Here are all the stamps I made today.

Some I carved on both sides.

What will I do with them? These are a good size to use on ATC's. But maybe I'll make some to illustrate a book? I could even use this size if it was a tiny book. There are lots of fun possibilities! One thing I like about stamp carving is that it's something I can do in my lap without needing to use the computer for a reference photo. I use a large hardback book under a stiff, plastic notebook divider. It works well, and the book insures that I don't poke myself.

Well, enough of that for now! Maybe some reading for a change of pace?

Almost forgot! Here's my finished 6x6 canvas for the January canvas swap! I think the flying saucer is swooping down to pick him up for the work commute.

Keep up the good blogging, gals! I sure do enjoy looking in on your lives! I hope warmer weather is coming down the pike for everyone. Ours will climb a few degrees. Spring is on the way! :)

Shalom and love to all!

The Sound of Paper

Hey y'all! It's been a nice, kind of productive, kind of relaxing day.

Productive? I did FIVE loads of laundry. After recovering from the flu not only was I behind on the laundry (I'd been procrastinating for a while.) but I decided to wash all my bedding and the quilt and pillow shams from the couch. It just makes me feel like I'm cleaning out the germs! It cost a pretty penny at the laundromat, but it was nice to get it all done quickly.

After putting everything away the relaxing part started. I was surprised to see that I'd actually avoided the computer for about 4 or 5 hours! Instead, I've been reading The Sound of Paper by Julia Cameron. She also wrote The Artist's Way, which I have on my bookshelf but haven't read. I've been putting off reading her books, thinking she was sort of a new-agey person. I'm still not sure, but I think she's more orthodox in her beliefs than I first gave her credit for. At least, if she has new-agey beliefs she's not making a big deal about it. I'm really liking what she has to say about creativity. She's very inspirational. She helps me to see that my creative pursuits aren't unimportant or a waste of time. I just really enjoy her writing style.

I've almost finished my next canvas for the January swap. This lady listed "a monster drinking tea" as a theme she would like. After looking at hundreds of cute monster images on Google I came up with this little guy. Sort of a composite. 

 Then I painted him and a little space ship. I also have a little planet which I will also use in the picture.

 I'll cut out the monster and space ship and glue them to the canvas below, then finish with a coat of varnish. It's very similar to how I made the vintage spaceship last month. I know I've been doing a lot of "star" backgrounds lately. This may be my last for a while, ha ha.  I'll post a pic of the finished canvas as soon as it's completed.

In another trade the recipient likes paintings of Frida Kahlo. She has quite a following in this art community. I think it's the uni-brow and the fact that she had an "interesting" life. Anyway, this is the first portrait I've done of her. This was postcard size. The picture was taken before I cut out the card, so it's a little messy looking. She's on her way to the UK. :) (I used my Susan Branch alphabet stamps to stamp her name on the card. Woo hoo!)

My brain is full of things I want to do, so I'm off to see what I actually get done! (Carve stamps, work in my scripture journal, read some more...who knows?)

God bless the rest of your weekend!
Shalom, friends and family!

Chick Lit!

I was excited to find my copy of M.K.'s book, Punkin and the Littlest Mouse, in my mailbox today!
It turned out really well, M.K.!

  I love that you used your own farm as the model for your paintings. It's very familiar to those of us who follow your blog! (Not to mention, your own chickens!)

 I love all the delicate watercolor paintings!

 These feathers turned out beautifully. Gives me an idea for a stamp!

 Pretty leaves!

 I also love the coat of arms! Very cute!

 

This is my second book by M.K. I also have her e-book, Three Against the Darkness. I guess that makes me a collector!  Thanks again, for this cheerful little book. Someday I'll make one for my grandchildren.

 M.K., I know you are presently traveling to your parents' home for your dad's funeral. My prayers and love are with you. I know you love your daddy a lot! I also know that you rejoice that he is eternally healed and is in the presence of Jesus and all of those who have gone on before. May God wrap you and your family in peace that passes understanding.

God bless everyone!
Shalom

Spinning and Knitting a Hat

I loved this peaceful and meditative little video of Matilda spinning and knitting a hat for herself. This little channel on YouTube was mentioned on someone else's video so I decided to check it out. Very sweet. :)

I love the rustic look of this little slouch hat. I thought of you, MK. A project to try with your spinning wheel someday! :)

As I perused their channel further I found this little gem. It's titled "Homeschool Highlights" and I was fascinated to watch these young girls at their various pursuits. They really are artistic and talented! Once again, it reminded me of MK as they drew and painted in their homemade books. I also remembered that they are from the UK and they live in a very English looking area.


Hope you enjoyed the videos! (I'm currently binge watching them. I'm so impressed with this family!)
Happy weekend, everyone.
Shalom. :)

Breakfast with some old friends...

Last evening I woke from a nap (fell asleep on the couch while reading) and found a Facebook message inviting me to come to breakfast this morning with a few gals I used to work with at the deli! I was so excited! I'd been missing my friends from work and wondering how we could all get together. A couple of the ladies had been making a plan and decided to just jump in and DO IT. There were only four of us this morning, but we're hoping to make a monthly thing of it and hoping a couple more can come. We've all retired or left the deli except one younger gal who still works there. It was fun catching up. It's been 10 months since I've seen any of them other than on Facebook! I've had a problem with getting my introverted self out and about to meet new people. This is an answer to prayer!

After visiting for a couple of hours I decided to wander around town and do a few errands. I'd like to make as few trips to Park Rapids each month as I can, so I tried to think of things I needed to do. I dropped off some items at the thrift store that I've been carrying around in my car for a long time.  Then I drove a few blocks to Ben Franklin's to pick up a 5x7 canvas for my monthly canvas swap. I could only find a 6x6 one, so I bought it and I'm hoping they'll let me use it this month. If not, I'll just sit out this month's swap. I also went to another thrift shop looking for some large knitting needles and also made a stop at Walmart. So, here's what I got below.

The canvas is from Ben Franklin's and the little card of rick rack is from the thrift store. She threw that in for free. I thought it would be a cute embellishment for some of my collaged ATCs. Above the canvas you see two bottles of India ink (one black, the other burnt umber) that I'll use with my dip pens and the bamboo pens. I also have a stamp pad coming to use with my stamps.

 Below are the fat knitting needles which I wanted for knitting a scarf. I have some fatter ones and some thinner ones, but these are juuuuust right. :) The thrift store has bunches of needles for $2 pair. The trick is finding a complete pair! I also got some white erasers to begin practicing stamp making. I have some ordered, but my cutting tools already arrived and I don't want to wait for the erasers! I also got a little pad of notepaper for writing notes to tuck in the envelope when I mail ATCs.

 My bamboo pens and stamp cutting tools arrived yesterday, so I'm looking forward to playing with them! The book is one I'm reading for the Goodreads Challenge. It was written by Troy Brewer who is the pastor of the church in Texas where Jordan used to be worship leader.

 

 The grandgirls are out of watercolors, so I picked up a new set at Walmart.

 And, you guys, I couldn't believe what I found at the thrift store right next to the knitting needles! A set of Susan Branch alphabet stamps!! The package is still sealed, and I'm hoping they're all there. I realize that I'm going to be making my own stamps, but a full alphabet like this would take FOREVER to make, and hers have a lot of personality. ;)

 I had fun recounting my day to Micah as we picked Audrey up from school. That's what I miss most being by myself. Someone to share my day with. I feel very blessed to have Micah, and now my little group of deli friends to meet with. (I'm going to have to think of something else to call them. Gotta leave the deli behind!) Oh, and I'm VERY thankful for those of you who come here to listen to me rattle on!

So, that was my very pleasant day and I'm grateful to God for all of these blessings!

I think we have a warming trend after tonight. Yay! Hopefully that was our shot of extreme cold weather for this winter and things can average out a little.

Shalom for now and have a nice evening!

A generous gift...

Hello, all!

Well, I think the temps are on the rise. That's kind of a relative thing, of course, but we'll take it!

My wise and wonderful daughter, Micah, and I were visiting after picking Audrey up from school. I was apologizing for becoming one of those old ladies who worries and fusses about things (like the less-than-ideal tires on her van, and my furnace). I've never wanted to be THAT LADY. She said, "Yeah, Mom. You worry enough for nine people!" This has been one of my life's struggles. I know worrying is the opposite of faith, and sometimes I really have a handle on it. Sometimes I feel like I have to worry more because Micah isn't worrying enough, ha ha! Of course, God is able to take care of us without my feeble help. So, I will continue to try to whip myself into shape on that front.

I truly admire Micah. She and son Jordan seem to have the worrying thing licked. Jordan used to quote me all the "cast your care" scriptures when he was still a wee lad. And he still has that same outlook on life. They inherited that from their earthly father as well as their heavenly one. Thank you, Bob and thank You, Lord! They are a blessing!

One of the perks of trading art on the ATCs for All site is this little thing called pocket letters. A pocket letter is a nine-pocket plastic sleeve designed to hold baseball cards. This is filled with ATCs or any other treats the creator wants to include. It then folds in thirds and fits in a business size envelope. I've done a couple of these swaps and I've seen all kinds of "stuff" used to fill them. Mine tend to be a little more modest than some, but probably on par with others. The one I received today was over-the-top! This gal included everything but the kitchen sink!

First, this is her nine-pocket page:

This contains 6 ATC's and three "tags" (middle row)

Then she included a bunch of plastic baggies containing tons of little "embellishments" and other goodies used to make collages on ATCs and other art to trade. I'm always short on this kind of thing since painting is my main focus. So, I LOVE to receive it. She was kind enough to tell me I could give some away if I didn't have a use for it. That's also fun. I will probably share some of this with people I send ATCs to. It's always fun to find some extras in the envelope with your ATCs!

Tiny paper cut-outs for collage and some "bling".

The two white squares are zentangle tiles. Never used those before! Also some doilies to cut up, tiny puzzle pieces to glue on to a collage, some tiny collage cut-outs and some pretty stamps for collage.

On the left is a plastic envelope with washi tape wrapped around it. The tape peels right off so I can use it. The cute butterfly notecards are about 2"x2".

Several cards with illustrations and scriptures. The black card in the middle and the one above it have preprinted phrases to cut out and use on collages.

A ton of tiny colorful pictures to use for collage. So cute!

Beautiful cards with matching envelopes. Too pretty to use? We'll see!

I'm feeling blessed!

I made a nice crockpot of beef stew and I've already enjoyed some. The wind is whistling around outside, but it's staying warm in here. Now to make a batch of brownies!

Brownies, coffee, and reading. Sounds like a plan!

Shalom and warmth to everyone! ((HUGS))