JoAnnA's Art Journal

Organizing Where I Create

I've been a very busy gal.  My art room was such a mess and I have had it.  I moved back into the "ugly yellow" room (wrong color yellow). If I knew we were staying in this house, I would paint it a creamy white.  Well, I started to organize all my stuff, and oh my goodness, do I have stuff!!!  No more yard sales until I use what I have, a promise to myself.  I got bins and containers and now everything has it's place.  I have one more dresser to go through and I think I'll be done.  It feels really good to create feeling organized.  After I'm done with my projects, I've promised myself to put everything away where it belongs.  I hope I can stick to that rule I've made. 



I like these brown cloth cover bins.  I plan to make hanging tags to identify each one.  Here is the other wall.



I made a little sewing section too!



Walking into the little room.



So that is what I've been doing lately.  How sweet some of you have written to ask where I was.  All is fine around here.  Ron is doing well.  Today we are going to see Brenda Bliss (an art buddy) visiting her dad from Tenn.  We met Brenda a couple of years ago so it will be great to see her again.  I'll share pictures later.

Hope you all are doing great and had a happy 4th here in the US.  We did not do anything special.  I did reflect on our freedom and the price that has been paid for it.  Lindsay, my niece, was home for a couple of weeks.  She is still in the Army but stationed in New York.  I did not get to see her since my sister lives far from us.  Last night I watched a program about the Purple Heart.  Lindsay was offered the Purple Heart after she and her team were attacked in Iraq.  She turned it down because she felt she wasn't injured badly.  Bless her heart.  I am very proud of her and all our soldiers who have served and are serving our country.  Thank you so much.

I think I am going to create my own Purple Heart for Lindsay. 

xoox  JoAnnA

Another Tire Ordeal

Well, Ron and I were on our way to SF yesterday, and would you believe another tire blew apart again!  It was the same side and place where the other one blew when I was on my way to SF just weeks ago.  There was no way I was going to drive on with what is on my car.  We are now hoping to get FOUR new tires.  $$$$$ Just crazy!!!  Our car has almost 250,000 miles on it.  Are we pushing our luck?  Not long ago we got a new rebuilt transmission, so I'm hoping we still have some miles left.  Life is surely an adventure!

Talked with Ron's doctor's office yesterday.  They are thinking now he needs to be shunted.  That would mean another surgery soon.  Just crazy, really.  Maybe they could do it while he is under for the throat surgery.  Ron is bummed, to say the least.  Poor guy.  His body is really having to undergo so much. 

Thank you so much for your nice comments on my Angelique piece.  I am working on some more today that I will offer for sale. 

Angelique's Remnants

 

Today we got a call to come back to San Francisco tomorrow.  Ron's doctor wants to see him regarding the steroids, etc.  At first I got really depressed.  I'm so tired of that drive, leaving home, etc.  I had to pull myself together and focus on the fact Ron is still recovering from brain surgery.  His health right now has to be number one. 

So I pulled myself together and decided to give my hand at creating once again.  I had put all my fabrics away, thinking I wanted to play with canvas and paints.  But the fabrics were once again calling my name and back out they came.

I have a couple of old washboards that I really love.  Once I created this fabric piece, I pulled out one of the washboards and mounted my piece on it.  I really enjoyed the process today.  I don't normally create telling a story.  I find that once I'm done creating, the story comes to me.

California was a sleepy place until the gold rush came about in 1848.  Down the road from us is a road named "French Camp".  So many people came from all over the world to find gold.  I started to think how the French came across the sea and landed in San Francisco. From there, some came to  Sutter Creek, where I live, which is about 140 miles Northeast of San Francisco.  I complain of having to drive three hours by car to get to SF.  How many DAYS did it take them, like my fictional character, Angelique, to travel from SF to here? 

Wild West - Paris Style

 

Washerwoman

(taken from -Louisa Clapp's diary) from the gold rush days

"Magnificent woman that, sir," he said, addressing my husband; "a wife of the right sort, she is. Why," he added, absolutely rising into eloquence as he spoke, "she earnt her old man," (said individual twenty-one years of age, perhaps) "nine hundred dollars in nine weeks, clear of all expenses, by washing! Such women ain't common, I tell you; if they were, a man might marry and make money by the operation.".........

I love reading about the woman of west, especially the ones that came here.  They have given me strength so many times.  This piece became remnants of Angelique's pretty things, though tattered now, that she brought with her from Paris, many many years ago.  I was lucky enough to have found them and create a little memorial to her, even if it is only in my imagination.  But there were real woman who came here (though few) and were quite amazing. 

Can you imagine traveling to California from Europe, when it was the wild wild west?  I read the woman were either very good or very bad.  I do believe Angelique was a good girl, but I'll never really know, will I?

Bottle Art Today

 

On this very hot Sunday afternoon, I pulled out my soldering iron and melted my encaustic mixture.  I really enjoyed creating these today.  You will be able to find them in my Etsy Shop.  I really have been struggling with finding my creative side.  Today I found it and hope it lasts. 

Ron has been feeling sick.  He has been tapering off the steroids and realize it is the higher altitude that swells up his brain.  I really don't know what we are going to do.  Tomorrow, hopefully we will speak with his doctor.  Meanwhile, he took extra steroids and is feeling so much better. 

MASTER OF MINIATURES



Judy Keefe, of JMK Originals, my friend, creates the most amazing miniatures, dolls and assemblage art.  Look at these darling tiny earrings she made.  She also made these characters  for The Mad Hatter Blog Party.  You can read about that on her blog.

  I have seen her work up close and personal while visiting her in Boston.  She is really gifted and a very talented artist.  Check out her Etsy Shop.

Short but Sweet

Ron and I had a delightful short trip back to San Francisco.  We were walking around the area where we were staying and the word ART caught my eye.  There we met, Artist, Keith Race and Walter (in the doorway).  Keith is a really super nice guy and a great painter.  I really loved seeing his use of texture and how he captures movement in his paintings.

Now if I could dream, I would love a a small studio like that and live above it  in San Francisco.  We were in the Pacific Heights/Russian Hill area.  I think this is my favorite area that I have visited in San Francisco.  Each trip back I get to know the city a little bit more. This was so much better than hanging out at the hospital.  But we will have to go back for a few more days in a couple of weeks for Ron's new surgery.  Plus he will have to have follow up visits so I'm thinking we should just move there.  Ron thinks the noise would get to me after awhile.  I think it would be fun to try.  Just wish it wasn't so expensive.  But then I think I could probably find a good oncologist there since I don't have one, and should.  I'm suppose to be going every three months.  Also, Ron and I both realize living at altitude is not the best for us.  I think it effects his brain and I know now it does my Lymphedema.  My arm was getting better but soon as I came home, problems again. SF is at sea level so I just think that is where we need to be.

Here are few pictures of the area we were in.  I just love the detail in the buildings.                        
Then as we were walking, we came across this place.  Okay, now I'm really dreaming.  






 Loved this Russian Church.  

We didn't see the bush guy

I stand corrected from my last post.  The guy is called the bush guy, not tree guy.  Last night we did go down to Fisherman's Wharf.   We never did see the guy.  Here is a video I found that you can watch to  see what he does.  It is so funny.  I saw once on a news report (several years ago) that the guy brings in some $60,000  a year doing this.  Hey, maybe Ron and I should see if he is hiring...lol.

Not Alone in San Francisco This Time

We are in the city once again, but I'm thrilled that my honey is with me tonight.  I had way to many lonely nights here in this romantic city without my guy.  Ron had an appointment today with Dr. Courey, Dept. of Otolaryngology.  It was so interesting watching the camera taking pictures of Ron's vocal cords and such.  His right side is still paralyzed and not working at all.  Dr. Courey wants to perform a surgery on Ron, trying to repair the damage in three weeks.  It will be an over night hospital stay...oh my.  This time at Mt. Zion hospital here in San Francisco.

Swallowing tests were performed on Ron today and he has a pass now to experience eating a few foods.  He is a happy guy!  He has to do a lot of exercises to strengthen those muscles.  He will diligently do them, I am sure, because the prize is more food.  Bless his heart.  This surgery should also give him a stronger voice back.

Dr. Courey wondered if they might have cut the nerve during his brain surgery.  We have not been told that, but we don't know.  That would explain why that side of his throat has stopped functioning.  But it could just be the affect of the surgery.  It's all about location.

So here we are, spending the night together in San Francisco.  This time we are not far from Fisherman's Wharf.  Maybe we will jump on a trolley and head down there.  Hoping to see the tree guy.  Anyone know of the tree people there?  Too funny.

Now That's A Lot of Journals!!!

 

18 in all, listed now in my Etsy Store.  Since they have been popular, I thought I would make more.  Okay, now I am journal-ed out!!!  Can't promise when I'll make more.  That is how I work.  I do something for a bit, but then have to move on in a different direction.

I have three sizes available.



WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SUMMER?

Ron and I would love to take a road trip up to Oregon this summer.  We are praying about moving there.  California is just getting too expensive.  Not sure yet what is really going to happen to our house, but I can tell you right now, making journals and selling them isn't going to keep our house.  Okay, you have to laugh.  I think that is funny, but so true.

COLORADO ANYONE????



Now if I could pick something really amazing to do, it would be to take KC Willis' in PERSON WORKSHOPS

I can say that just taking KC's online workshop opened up my eyes and creative spirit in a way that hasn't been touched before,  but can you imagine what would happen to spend two days or more with her LIVE?  KC writes: "If you thought Collage Camp was inspiring...the in-person workshops will be nothing short of...dare I say...life-changing?"

Oh, I want some more life-changing experience (well, have had that lately) but I mean in the creative aspect, ya know what I mean? 

And I love this what she wrote: "We will make art and make plans for your artistic future. An investment in you,"

It really is all about investing in ourselves in the gifts God has given us.  It's not like the stock market where you chance loosing something.  No one can take away what we build in ourselves...amen?

I just asked Ron, "honey, is Colorado on the way to Oregon?"  He paused and said, "well....."  Of course we both know it is not, but hey, we can make it so.  God willing, I say!!!

20% off from KC's in person workshops- key word - MOSS HILL
STUDIO

smiles

Missing My Daddy

Happy Father's Day!!! 

Today I am really missing my dad, yet comforted that he is with his Heavenly Father.  Though I do not remember sleeping next to my daddy in this photo, I remember how much he loved each of us kids more than anything else in life.

Come into my Heart

 


It was back in March, when Kathee contacted me about making a piece for her dear friend, Roxi, who had just lost her mom.  Of course since I'm still grieving my mother's death, I was happy to say yes.  But life, as you know, changed quickly for Ron and I.  Now that things have settled down, I was able to finally create this piece for Kathee to gift her friend.

Ruby Elaine Brice
July 20, 1922 - March 6, 2009

I feel honored to have been able to create with this beautiful woman's photo and memory.  To read her story was so touching.  I would have loved to have met her.  She truly was a treasure to her family and friends.  She also loved Jesus, so I know one day, I will look for her in heaven, say hello, and give her a big hug.

OUR LEGACY



Kathee sent me this beautiful poem, Our Legacy, and asked if I'd make a tag to go along with the canvas.  I hope you can click on it and enlarge it to read the beautiful words, written by Edna Moore Gunnison Hawley, Prairie Violets - 1907

Doing Dishes!

Okay, I think this picture tells you how well Ron is doing.  He just washed a ton of dishes that I was ignoring.  I've been too busy creating.  Doesn't he look great!  He looks better to me (in his eyes) than he has in many years.  I can't believe he had brain surgery just five weeks ago.  He did not recover this fast and well nine years ago.  Think about that for a minute.  He was nine years younger and this time, the tumor was much worse.  Is it technology that has gotten better or was it because of his surgeon?  Maybe both?  Just so happy!!!  We are singing our praises to our Maker and Creator.  The sun is shinning after the storm. 

More Pocket Journals

Created some more pocket journals today.  The last batch sold pretty fast - thank you so much!  Each little journal comes with a pouch embellished with a heart charm - made with love.  Now selling in my Etsy Shop.

Well, I listed these, and my dear precious Bailey Dog got a hold of four of them and ate the cords off of them.  I'm a little upset at the moment.  Does she understand that these will buy her dog food?  Geez - oh well, what can I do, eh?

What Inspires You?

INSPIRATION

I have so many things in my head to do with creating right now, due to the past few months.  I see all that we have been through as inspiration for my creative soul.  I hope I can get it all out.  Today I created this piece, inspired by the beautiful nature Ron and I live in.  After being in San Francisco for so many weeks, the peace of nature truly does inspire me.  Today Ron and I saw the tiniest little baby deer with it's mommy.  That was so thrilling to see.  I had to stop my car twice this week, thankfully in time, to let mama turkey and her many little chicks cross the street.  That just makes me smile.

So with that said, I created this piece today, again inspired also by my friend, KC Willis.  After taking her workshop, I learned some new ways to be creative.  I then add my own spark and here ya have.  It is now listed in my Etsy store.

RON'S PLEASURES



Okay, my sweet pea can't eat...we got that.  Now he is in to flavored toothpaste, just to give him some sensation of taste.  Bless his heart.  I tried to talked him into the bubble gum flavor but he passed.  Now he keeps saying, "should have gotten the bubble gum too".   Can you even imagine not being able to eat?  I can't!  Monday we go back to San Francisco so he can be re-evaluated.  Sure will be nice when my guy can eat again (real food, not liquids through a tube).  But for now, he is enjoying his strawberry and watermelon flavored toothpaste.  Maybe I should try it, I might like it...lol.

Just to let you know, Ron is doing exceptional!!  Oh my gosh, I can't even express how great he is doing.  Dr. Parsa from UCSF surely did an amazing job!!!  We are so thankful.  Compared to Ron's last surgery, this is just a pure miracle, performed by an amazing team of doctors.  One thing we reflect on is the total professionalism Ron received.  Even the paper work they sent us home with is so much appreciated.  We never got this before.  I am grateful, indeed.  Thank you God for sending us to UCSF.  Now that the storm is clearing, I am truly see clearly, Ron too!

I'm on a Roll, and so is Ron!

 
CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE - offered in my Etsy Shop

I created four more larger journals today.  I'm pooped!  Too funny.  I am just so excited my muse is back.  If any of my blog readers purchase one of these journals in the next week, I will refund you 10%.  Just let me know via email that you read this.

Okay, my dear husband is so on a roll too.  I mean literally!  He has driven twice today, rolling away from home in our car!!!!  He is feeling so terrific, better than he has in years.  I am so happy for him.  We are going to cancel all home care.  Ron wants to be independent, and I can't blame him.

It really is feeling normal around here.  The only thing that does not feel normal is cooking dinner for my guy.  He is still on that feeding tube and it's driving him nuts.  I miss eating together, I really do.  I miss cooking for him.  I know that day will return one day soon, I do hope and believe.  His voice is still a whisper.  Still hoping that will return. 

So life has been very good around the Pierotti household this weekend.  We are so thankful.  Hope you have all had a great weekend too!

Pocket Journals Listed in Etsy

Wow, I really did it!  I listed my little journals in my Etsy Shop.  I almost forgot how to do that...lol.  Three have already sold.  I will be working on some large journals today.  I tried listing them in my Artfire Shop, but it would not except my photos.  Anyone else having problems with Artfire?

Here is another little journal that will be traveling to England.



This one, and some others are still for sale.

A Creative Day

I can't believe I actually spent the entire day creating and it felt normal.  I made ten little journals, all in fabric.  I really love how they turned out.  Ron likes them too.  They are a bit different for me, compared to the journals I've done in the past.  They have a real organic vintage feel to them.  I will be listing them for sale tomorrow.



Ron is feeling so great it makes me so happy.  Can you believe he hardly has to take the major pain meds any longer!  He is mostly doing a low dose Tylenol.  I think this storm is really over, I really do.  I feel it all around me and so does Ron. 

Happy and Joyful!!!

My Giveaway Winner

Gosh, it was over a month ago I posted this giveaway.  It is time!  Ron drew the name of the winner this morning and it is

Debi Minter from Wyoming

Congrats Debi!  And a big thank you to you and everyone else who helped us out.   I will be doing another giveaway soon.  I am still trying to find my creative side.  I know it is there somewhere.

Happy Weekend Everyone!!  Everything is just wonderful around here.  Ron is doing well.

Home Again

We arrived home around 7ish last night.  It took forever for Ron to get discharged.  By the time we got out of there we were stuck in traffic.  We stopped on the way home to get him some liquids, for he was a hungry guy.  I guess food just is not important to the staff.  If there were a next time, I'll grab some cans of food for him.

I am happy to say Ron is now following ALL the rules.  No eating by mouth and doing the things they have told him to do.  Maybe it took this trip to ER to show him the consequences.  One of the things when you are on feeding tube, you have to take salt every time you eat.  Ron was not doing this.  He was very low in sodium.  They explained what the lack of sodium does to your brain and body, but I can't remember exactly.  I never realized how important sodium was...did you?  We prefer sea salt.  A good sea salt will dissolve in water, where as table salt does not.  I was out of the sea salt I get from my herbalist and she has been out of town.  I like what she sells because it has a ton of minerals and iodine in it.  I couldn't believe it when I stopped at a vegetable/fruit stand on the way home, and they had it.  How cool is that!  Oh how those little important things in life become a blessing.

Ron really looks well.  He feels great.  Once again we are glad to be home.  I think I caught up on my sleep.  I have a hard time sleeping in San Francisco.  It is so noisy at some of the hotels.  This one was close to the hospital, and ambulances went by all night long.  The last hotel, a train went by outside my window every five minutes until midnight and resumed at 5:30 am.  There is no place as quiet as where we live.  The only noise are birds and turkey gobbling.  Oh, and my neighbor's rooster!  Got to love it!  A month ago today is when we first left for San Francisco.  When I wake up in the middle of the night these days, be it in a hotel or my home, I have to keep figuring out where I am.  It felt so good last night remembering I was in my own bed.

Okay, I really am going to try and create today.  I have the whole weekend without appointments for Ron.  Lets see if it really happens.   I will be announcing the giveaway I started weeks ago now that Ron really is home, a little later today.

Happy Weekend Everyone!!!

Happy News Update

Ron gets to go home today.  We are so happy.  They did not find any infection - good news.  They believe his brain was swelling so they put him back on steroids and he is feeling so much better.  He will now be sent home with steroids and this should keep him feeling well by keeping the swelling down.  We are waiting for the Dietitian to visit and give Ron instructions for his feedings.  This has not happened since he left Friday, so this is good.   Then we will be on our way back home. 

Thank you once again for your prayers.  Home really has become the sweetest place, yet we appreciate the care Ron receives here at UCSF by his doctors.  The nurses were so happy to see him again.  They were raving about what a wonderful patient he is but it is after 11 am and Ron is hungry.  The food issue continues.  For that reason, being home is great, because you don't have to depend on others to completely do their job.  Just hoping they will bring some cans in soon so he can eat and go home.

It is such a blessing that we have found Rose, a dog sitter.  She is a licensed technician, insured and bonded, very professional.  I called her yesterday and she resumed feeding Bailey and Bobo.  It is so comforting to know they are in good hands.  Wish I had found her years ago.  Now Ron and I might be able to really get away now and then.  The dogs are always an issue to take with us. 

The Dietician is here - talk to you all later.

Emergency Room Update

Hi again.  Well, here is the scoop.  When I posted the previous post about my sleeping beauties, little did I realize Ron wasn't feeling well.  He was sleeping for quite awhile.  I finally asked him if he was okay and he said no.  His headaches became much more severe and and felt nauseous.  He said he could not stay awake.  He also told me he didn't want to tell me because he didn't want to go back to the hospital. 

I called his doctor and they told me to bring him to ER immediately, which I did.  He was really wiped out by the time we got here.  They put him on Morphine right away, and they took his pain way down.  The did a CT on him and that came back okay, thank God.  They want to keep him over night to see if he has a infection. 

So here I am back in a hotel room in San Francisco.  The room I am in has a view to the hospital.  I like that.  Soon I will walk back up there.    I told Ron I really missed San Francisco...lol.  He said, ya right!  Oh well, it is what it is.  We had a few nice days at home and I know we will again.  I just want my man well and healed.  It is just taking a little longer than we hoped, but he will.  I have a total peace and calm. 

EMAIL:  Attn:  KC - sweet friend, I tried to email you but for some reason I'm unable to send out emails.  I'll try again - but thank you sweetie so much.  It will really help.

MY CELL PHONE:  I forgot to bring the charger to my cell phone.  Not sure how long my cell will work.  Silly me.

I'll update again in the morning.  Thank you so much.  What a blessing to turn on this computer and see so many comments of prayers and good thoughts.  I feel like you are all with us.  God bless you!!!

Emergency Prayer

Hi all, real quick, we are on our way back to the emergency room in San Francisco for Ron...symptoms are not good.  Will write later...please pray...thank you.

My Sleeping Beauties

click on image to enlarge

I walked out to our front room to find my little family sleeping away this morning.  It was a beautiful sight for me.  Everyone looked so peaceful with full bellies.  As you can see in the photo, Ron is lying on the couch with his feeding pole, bag full of his delicious food.  They delivered eight cases of this, so he is set for awhile.  He has backed off from eating by mouth, as he was told it is not a good idea until he is re-evaluated.  We will be going back to San Francisco on the 22nd for that doctor's appointment.

Yesterday our local doctor's office removed Ron's sutures.  He is healing perfectly.  He had a rough night a couple of nights ago, scared both of us, but all is well now.  He still is suffering from intense headaches.  We are hoping they will diminish in time.  He had a PT come out and give him some exercises.  Today a home care nurse will be coming by.

One thing about that pole with his food, it creeps me out.  It brings back my chemo days a couple of years ago.  I'm trying not to remember, but it is hard.  One thing though, I've been wanting a pole like that for my flex shaft.  That would be so cool.  Maybe they will let me buy it once Ron is finished with it.  It would make a great addition in my studio.

Speaking of my studio, I am really going to try and create today.  I know I keep saying that, but everything else is consuming my time.  Ron has to be my priority but I need to get back to work.  I know the nurse will be here and she just called to tell me there is a lot of paper work to fill out when she comes, so there ya have it.  Will I really have time to create?  I am surely going to try.

Oh, and by the way, the nurse I spoke of that said Ron could go a couple of days without food, was a HE.  It is funny how many assumed the nurse was female.  I think men think differently.  Had it been a female nurse, I do believe Ron's departure might have been better.  Woman just have that natural nurturing side of them.  Ron had several male nurses, and they did great, but he did say they were rougher.  He prefers female nurses.  Me too!

Update on Ron

Just to let you all know, Ron is doing great.  He is sleeping really well and even eating by mouth.  He felt he can swallow just fine, so he is eating some yogurt and soups, and some other soft things.  He is also doing something like Ensure through his feeding tube that I can purchase at the grocery store.  All the paper work says not to eat anything by mouth, but Ron felt they were being overly cautious.  Good thing he has because UCSF totally dropped the ball getting him the equipment and food he needs. There was no paper work filed to get what he needed.   Finally this morning something is happening.  A delivery is expected here in an hour with all the supplies he needs.  It was a bit crazy trying to find out anything for him over the weekend.  Had I not taken the syringe from his room, he would not have been able to take his medications and the feedings he needs.  The home care company is so upset that this happened to him.  I can't tell you how many times I asked at the hospital about this before his departure.  The day he was leaving, I had even asked to take some of his cans of food in the room, but was told no.  The nurse told me that he can survive a day or two without food.  Sometimes people say things and I go into a bit of shock, not knowing how to respond.  Would like to see that nurse go a day or two without food.  Isn't that so strange?  The home care nurse can't even be here until Wednesday.  Thankfully, Ron knows how to hook up his feeding to the pole and stuff.  I would have no clue how to do any of that. 

We are not getting stressed about any of this.  Life is too good at the moment to let any stress enter our life right now.  We just keep smiling at each other.  I feel like we are on our honeymoon again, but even better (not the typical honeymoon activities...lol).  Our love has only grown deeper and for that I am so grateful.  I think we both appreciate each other so much more.  My husband is alive and doing well, he is not starving, what more could I ask for!

Sistah Love

I have to say, creating again felt so good.  It took me a bit longer than my norm, but I so enjoyed the process.  My inspiration came from taking the One and Only Incredible KC Willis' Collage Camp Online Workshop.  I had viewed her super professional videos prior to Ron's surgery.  I was so excited to start pulling out my fabrics once again and experience the cool techniques that KC so generously shares in her workshop.  The horse ride to camp just took a bit longer than I had anticipated, but I finally arrived.

KC, my friend and Sistah, has helped me look at fabric in a new light.  She also encouraged me how to process my thoughts as I worked each piece into my art.  I think of how the journey Ron and I just went through, has changed us in how we now piece the minutes and hours together each day.  The things we took for granted, or did not value, we now do.  Just like things we might throw away, think they have no value, but as mixed media artists, we see things differently.  KC opened my eyes to things I would have never thought to use in my art.  Clumpies anyone?

My quote says, " Sistah love, be it by blood, by marriage, or the World Wide Web, Ye are blessed."  KC is famous for writing her eye catching quotes.  They make you feel what the gal or guy in the photo may be saying.  My quote speaks my heart, what I feel about my dear friend, KC, and all my artist connections, some whom I've met, and some whom I only hope to meet one day.  The love and encouragement has healed my heart through the joys, the trials and and the in between.  The outpouring has been incredible, to say the least.

I have been so humbled, yet blessed by the support we have received.  It has been more than I could have ever even have thought to desire.  If all that has not been enough, now my blessed KC has taken the support even further.  Words can not express what this means to Ron and I.  KC, you are my Sistah, and friend, and I love you dearly.  To learn more about what she is doing, read her blog.  I don't even have the adequate words, I really do not. 

But what I can say, is you would not be disappointed joining KC's Camp.  You should see the amazing work the campers have created.  I can't wait to do more and do better.  KC has also opened up new workshops. I can't believe she is going to share all of her again.  Check out Mixed Media Mania.  Does this look exciting, or what!  Thank you KC for who you are, your heart, and what you are giving to the creative ones, like me.  Your crown surely will be sparking brilliantly in heaven.  I love you Sistah!!!!! and all my sistah's and brothah's out here in the big ol' Wide World Web!!!!

My Man Is Really Home

A NOTE FROM RON

Hi Everybody,   After 3 1/2 weeks and two surgeries I am finally at home with Joanna and the dogs, but especially Joanna!!!  YAAAAAAA   I want to thank everyone for praying for Joanna and me during this time. Your prayers and genuine concern meant so much to us that I can't even begin to explain! The Lord, with your prayers, gave us the strength to get through the hospital and to get home.

  And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
2 Cor 12:9  

Ron

 
Life feels so good again having Ron here at home.  Seeing him in his normal street clothes is so wonderful.  He is so happy to be home and of course me and the doggies are too.  Ron can not take the smile off his face.  He feels so free and so alive.  He is still sleeping at the moment in his own bed.   It is the first night in weeks that he has had a full nights sleep.  I slept like a baby too, knowing my man was next to me. 

He has lost twenty five pounds.  He has lost all his muscle too.  Ron remains on a feeding tube and we are not sure how long that will be.  On the 23rd of this month, we will be going back to San Francisco to meet with a doctor about his situation.  I was told he can not get him in for that surgery until August.  It is so hard to eat in front of him, but he is such a great guy, he doesn't want me not to.  They will also try and  bring his voice back too.  We are hopeful.  Oh, and there will be a home nurse coming in, I hope today.  She needs to bring Ron some food, etc.  They did not send us home with anything to feed him.  He is hungry.  It is so strange that I can't feed my hungry guy.

And great news for me...since he lost his voice, he stopped snoring!  Ron use to rock the house...lol.

Ron is thrilled that he can write and walk straight once again.  No cane needed!  Hoping his headaches will diminish with time.  That would be wonderful for him.  As far as the second brain surgery, we do not know anything of that right now.  He will need a follow up MRI to see what is left.  But Ron says he could not go through another one anytime soon, and I don't blame him for that.  Time will give us the answer to that question.

Life is starting to feel a bit normal.  I have been creating and will share something later today.  I plan to get back to work.  I will have another giveaway, so stay tuned.  Our appreciation for all of your support, prayers and encouragement have carried us through.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  It has been quite a journey, and without all of you beside us, it would have been so much harder.   Thank you so much!!! 

Well, my guy just got up, so I want to go be with him.  I am such a happy girl today!!!!  To God we are thankful for so many many many things!