Three Years Ago Today (Part 1)

Three years ago today, I was training at the Bob Ross Art Workshop in beautiful New Smyrna Beach, Florida. How quickly things change.

I wasn't well...not by any means. I was on a walking cane and sick a lot, but fairly functional and not taking a minute for granted. I made every effort to work at least part time even though I was on a downhill spiral with permanent weakness due to Periodic Paralysis. At that time, I had no medical help...I appeared mostly healthy with the exception of the cane, and I couldn't get anyone to listen to me or take my history with the condition seriously even though I had a documented diagnosis.

So, I carried on with life as best as I could. I returned to Florida for training so I could improve my craft and increase business. My students were wonderful, and I desperately didn't want to let them down. I was so happy to be doing what I loved, as seen by the cheesy grin on my face there.

I look at these photos now and wonder how on Earth I did it. It seems so long ago, it's hard to believe that I'm the same person and that is me standing there only 36 months ago. It almost doesn't seem real.

But it was real, and I miss it all so very much.

No Fri Funnies Today. Here's Why...

It has been a sad week, with lots of thoughts and prayers and sleepless nights.

Two high-schoolers in my hometown, Brandon and Caleb, died in a skiing accident. This has crushed the community. Pascagoula is known as one of the 100 best cities to raise a child as it is a very youth-oriented, and when something terrible happens to one of them, everyone is affected. These kids planned to play football for the local community college. Instead, the college has set up a memorial scholarship in their names. Such a terrible loss.

Shortly after this occurred, I got word that a friend's five year old son was in a horrendous accident at an airport hangar. His arms were crushed and his left hand severed. He was rushed via jet to Duke hospital in North Carolina, where he underwent 15+ hours of surgery under a microscope. He has been put back together by an incredible team of surgeons, but there is no blood flow to his left hand and he needs a miracle. Please pray for Ben, and feel free to check his church's website for updates.

It has been a sad week, but let's all count our blessings and look forward to a better one next week.

I'm working on several blog posts and articles. Talk to you soon.

Wordless Wednesday: Not sure where this came from, but it certainly is accurate.

The Tangle Project: Baby Elephant

"Baby Elephant"

Acrylic on 9 x 12 Canson Paper

(Matted to 11 x 14)

Tangles are fascinating. I never know what they're going to turn out to be. In fact, I had named this piece something completely different until I uploaded it to my computer. Then I realized I saw a baby elephant. Hope you like. :)

Friday Funnies: The Brain Game

Principal Fires Security and Hires Teachers, Transforms School

Via Good News Network

"A school constructed in 2003 for children in Roxbury, Mass., was already mired in violence and failure when principal Andrew Bott showed up in 2010.

He shocked a lot of people when he got rid of the security guards and reinvested that money into the arts.

Soon everything at the K-8 school started to change.

Now, three years later, the school is almost unrecognizable; essays of achievement grace the walls and students from kindergarten to eighth grade fill the revamped studios with dance, music and art.

Besides the colorful posters decorating the hallways, student achievement is rising, test scores are up, and discipline rates are back down."

Read More About This At The Daily Nightly.

I thought this was a beautiful success story. I have seen first hand how the arts can make a difference in a community. I have been both the recipient and the assistant in the genre of therapeutic art, and believe wholeheartedly in its validity and importance. It can truly change a person's life. Its value is priceless.

(Countless Stories and Statistics Here)

Doctor Who: My Theory On Clara Oswin Oswald

The big mystery of the season...who is Clara Oswin Oswald?

I really like her, although she is acting a bit timid at the moment. I'm ready for her to evolve into the kick-butt character we all know she is. I realize this will be a process, however. They have started from her beginning and will no doubt work up to how she became Oswin of the future. While she appears to be completely human, we already know that can't be true.

I think Clara is the Doctor's Gallifreyan wife. She escaped the time lock or was exiled, and doesn't know who she is. This would explain several things:

1. she dies and comes back

2. she is drawn to children (being separated from her own)

3. she is extremely intelligent with moments of exceptional courage

4. the Doctor instantly fell for her but isn't sure why

5. Clara/River/Doctor supposedly have a love triangle coming up

6. the Doctor's name (which only his family knows) will be in the spotlight again

I believe Clara Oswin Oswald is his wife. Quote me on it.

An alternate idea that I cannot take credit for because I saw it elsewhere: Clara will become the next Doctor.

It's a valid notion. It would explain her intelligence, her reincarnations, her bisexuality (River would still be the Doctor's "wife"...see The Wedding of River Song if you don't know what I mean), and the internet buzzing about whether or not there should be a female Doctor. It would also mean the 12th Doctor had a name...Clara Oswin Oswald...although that's not to say that name applies to the other Doctors. It's possible that the 11th Doctor is meeting his 12th Doctor self, who perhaps succumbed to a Gallifreyan pocket watch like the 10th Doctor did in Human Nature. A bit confusing, but not a bad theory.

Unless Clara is the next Doctor, there is no way they are revealing the Doctor's name, at least not in a language we can understand. It would kill the entire basis of the show. I can't even imagine.

I love Matt Smith, Jenna-Louise Coleman, Alex Kingston, and the rest. I'm hooked, and can't wait to see what happens next!

Edit Note: I didn't realize it was Jenna's birthday today! Happy Birthday, Sweetie!


2nd Edit Note, May 12: I woke up this morning with the notion that Clara could be River Song. I have no idea where that came from and I'm not sure how that would be possible, but I'm intrigued. I love River Song's character and look forward to her return, even if things start to go badly between her and The Doctor (she was raised to kill him, after all).

Alton Brown, who is a huge Whovian, seems to think Clara is a TARDIS. Interesting. Very interesting...

I also talked to someone who threw the idea out there that Clara could be The Master. WOW! I never even thought about that. It makes sense, but what a huge twist that would be!

Have a theory? Feel free to find me on Twitter @ugottafriend and share!

I'm still saying Clara is The Doctor's wife. Can't wait to find out next week!


3rd Edit Note, May 17th: This new interview with Jenna-Louise Coleman states that she is NOT the next Doctor, not River Song, and not a Dalek. She didn't say she wasn't his Gallifreyan wife, though. I'm still standing by my theory! :-)

Friday Funnies 4/26/13

Awesome Articles 04/26/13

I spend a lot of time reading articles online. I thought it might be nice if I start sharing some of them with my readers who aren't on Twitter or Facebook. My list will be very random, but not thoughtless...each one is something that I feel is worth checking out.

So I present to you the first volume of Awesome Articles. Enjoy!


Why Mapping Your DNA Could Save Your Life


13 Year Old Boy Takes Six Bullets To Protect Friend


Slashing The Salt Would Save Lives


Science Confirms "Doctor Who" Type Planet


Tumors and Organ Damage Found in Rats in Monsanto Corn Study


15 Wonderfully Geeky Sand Sculptures


10 Great British Songs Performed By The Muppets


Contrary to "Entitlement Society" Rhetoric, Over Nine-Tenths of Entitlement Benefits Go to Elderly, Disabled, or Working Households


What Caffeine Really Does To Your Brain


The Truth Behind 10 Old Wives Tales

3AM Soapbox: Kindness Paranoia

Story of my life, folks. And frankly, I'm sick of it.

It is upsetting that I can't compliment some people without them acting suspicious, uncomfortable, or defensive. What on Earth is happening to our society?

It is my character to embrace people and cheer people on without an ulterior motive or intentions of any kind. It is who I am, but I've been bitter about this for a while since being treated like I was some kind of creep by a few peers who were briefly in my life. I'll never know what was said about me to cause it, but they couldn't have been more wrong and I can finally say without hesitation that it is their loss.

I've found that it's becoming much too common, though. There was a timely message on my Facebook news feed tonight about this very thing...the fact that we can no longer give compliments without people wondering what you want from them. It is a screwed up world we live in when we can't even be kind to people without them getting weirded out. Sad times, truly.

But I have decided, as my friend declared on Facebook, that I am not changing to please the paranoid. This is who I am. If you are present in my life whatsoever, you'll just have to deal with it, and please consider not making me a scapegoat for whatever your internal issues are.

Good night and God bless.

MDA/Renal Clinic Update, Fighting, and Gratefulness

Cross-posted from The Fight Against Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis

Hard to believe I've been blogging online for over 10 years now. It has been a lonely road with this disease, but I feel worlds better since finding others who know what I'm going through. Having a mother who has the condition but refuses to acknowledge it is not easy. Had she been willing to pursue diagnosis and treatment, perhaps we could have dealt with this together. She has made it clear, though, that she wants to be left alone. It's her choice, and there is nothing I can do to change her mind. I just hate to see her and her husband with lost quality of life as a result.

I'm forever grateful to have my aunt and uncle. They stepped in when the rest of the world stepped out. I would have never made my way to the docs in Jackson had my aunt and uncle not decided to help. Thank you thank you thank you.

I'm grateful for the support groups on Facebook and the PPA/PPI Listserv. What I have learned there has saved my sanity, if not my life. In spite of the occasional drama that rears its inevitable head, it is imperative that these support systems remain. I hope the powers-that-be realize how much they are needed.

I also can't say enough about the doctors in Jackson. I become discouraged often between visits, but I am always encouraged again after I've talked to them. Having the MDA team and Dr. Fulop on my side is a blessing that I do not take for granted. Dr. F continues to deal with my ups and downs with the utmost kindness. I always arrive to the office feeling sad, and end up laughing about something by the time I leave. God knows I find humor wherever I can; sometimes I think it's the only thing that keeps me going. I wish I could clone my doctors and send them to every hospital in the world.

My heart breaks when I think about my friends with HKPP who still can't find someone who listens or takes the condition seriously. I lived that nightmare for 20 years, and I am a broken person for it...albeit, stubborn and perseverant. When things became much more serious in recent years, I launched into "sink or swim" mode and became what my friend Katherine now calls her "snarky, loving, tender, angry soul sister". That cracks me up and makes me a bit sad all at the same time. God knows I've never wanted to be the fighting type, but I've been forced to be and it's a big reason why I'm still here. I've had some terrifying times...moments when I didn't know if I would see tomorrow. I've learned that living this way can alter one's perspective about life. I am an old soul. I'm very tired, I get cranky, maybe even angry, yes; but I'm also quite passionate, empathetic, and grateful as a result. I pray with all my heart that the latter triumphs over the former. I want everyone with this condition to never give up on finding the medical attention you need. Get angry and fight if you have to, but whatever the case, hang on to hope and don't surrender. If I can do it, I know you can too.

My appointments in Jackson went well, with the exception of my legs paralyzing half way through the day. I was in a wheelchair by the end of lunchtime (lunch was at Babalu, by the way, which was amazing). I met the CNP at the MDA clinic, as Drs Veda and Witt were out of the office. Carolyn was great. We discussed my current condition and medications, and she ordered A1C and vitamin blood work. We agreed to put me back on Vitamin D 50,000 IU weekly, as I seem to be deficient otherwise. I'm still waiting on B12 results, but my A1C already came back and it was fantastic at 5.7. This was a bit of a surprise, as I have not only gained 15 lbs over the past 2 years, diabetes runs heavily on all sides of my family. Praise the Lord, I beat the odds again. I met with Dr. Fulop and one of his students in the late afternoon. I told them about the acetazolamide, and there was no hesitation that I should remain on whatever dose I can tolerate. I admit I have mixed feelings about staying on it because, God help me, I'm such a miserable person on this drug. Nevertheless, I agree wholeheartedly that I should continue with the regimen due to the slight reduction of paralytic attacks. We also discussed Inspra and agreed to double it. I'll let everyone know how that goes. I return to Jackson in July.

I think I forgot to tell Dr. F about Dr. B, who has rewritten some of the scripts (perhaps he realized this, when I didn't ask for refills) so Medicaid would cooperate. They have a problem with the fact that Dr. F is in Mississippi, even though the hospital itself accepts Alabama Medicaid. Frustrating situation. Hopefully it will all work itself out. My next appointment will be at Dr. B's office in a few weeks, where we'll discuss the latest news from Jackson and take a look at labs.

I was going to tell my doctors about Alexander's death, but I knew I couldn't get through it without sobbing, so I didn't. Maybe next time I'll be able to talk about him.

Planning to post quite a few articles soon. Stay tuned.

Sweet Dreams

As I held my peacefully sleeping niece, I prayed that she would be safe and happy in the crazy, chaotic world she's been born into. I can't imagine how things will be when she's my age, but if this world still stands, I have no doubt she will be standing with it, making her best possible contribution to society. I'm thankful she has wonderful parents in John and Kayla, and even though she lives two states away, I hope she grows up knowing that her Aunt Kelli loves her more than life.

Sending Love To Boston

Credit: Lucius Art

This nightmare is beyond my understanding.

Words seem inadequate.

We love you, Boston.

You are strong.

You will rise above this nightmare.

May God bless all affected.

No Apologies Necessary

I read this article from Digital Journal today, and I must agree - we women are notorious for apologizing for our basic humanness. I don't believe the writer is condoning irresponsibility where one's health is concerned, just driving the point home that we are bringing injustice on ourselves by too often apologizing to the world for doing what we need or want to do.

At one of my law office jobs, I went to lunch with the gang sometimes and I recall one particular day when we went to a BBQ restaurant. They ordered soup and salad. I ordered a rib basket and got laughed at. I wondered why that was worth laughing about. I may not remember exactly what they ordered from the menu, but I bet some of them would remember even today that I ordered ribs and that it was funny to them. Perhaps my body was trying to tell me something back then about what I was lacking in my diet. At the time, I didn't know I was supposed to be taking in high amounts of protein to help control my Muscular Dystrophy. I simply craved BBQ ribs, so I ordered them, and was content in doing so in spite of snickering coworkers.

But I've been down the long road of apologizing too much. I recall very well the mindset of needing to fit inside the world's box, to meet their expectations, and the fear that if I don't measure up in every way, I should feel ashamed and be sorry.

After many years, I finally realized...sorry for what? That I'm not shaped like a beanstalk? That I don't look like an airbrushed icon in a magazine? That I have...drum roll please...CURVES? Oh my God, the horror!

Newsflash, darlings: women were designed to have curves. Curves are perfectly normal (gasp), and Heaven knows there is little else about me that fits the definition of "normal". So what the heck am I apologizing for?

I've been different all my life. I grew up listening to different music than my friends, and I never apologized. I didn't drink, smoke, or cuss, and even when bullied at school about it, I never apologized. Peers told me dirty jokes that I didn't understand, were frustrated that I couldn't relate to their drama, and criticized me for not having an interest in dating, and I didn't apologize.

I'm a Christian, and I don't apologize. I'm non-partisan, and I don't apologize. I'm happily divorced, and I don't apologize. I still don't date, and don't want to, and I don't apologize.

You know why I don't apologize? Not because I'm confident, selfish, or rude...not even close. Being socially inept, I used to apologize for so many random, insignificant things that somebody finally yelled at me to "shut-up" because I was "annoying the crap out of everyone". Ouch.

For the sake of well-being and quality of life, I had to learn to embrace a healthy decision to be self-aware and rational, and accept the fact that I don't owe anyone an apology for my life...beliefs, baggage, ugly flaws, goofy quirks and all. Not now. Not ever. I am me, always have been and always will be...like it or not. I'm an old soul in an old body, but of sound enough mind to choose the path that is right for me. That journey is between me and my maker. It doesn't apply to anyone else, just as everyone else's journey doesn't apply to mine. So why would I apologize for decisions, both huge and tiny, that I don't regret one iota? Why does such a small box exist for such a simple, yet complex concept? The ideal woman. The world's standard. The almighty "normal".

Screw that. I don't know a person on this planet who has the authority to decide what every woman should be, do, or look like. Have we really evolved so little that we still allow ourselves to be controlled by those around us? Some of our peers aren't even aware, mind you. More often than not, we are our own undoing. They just happen to be there, like the lady behind the bakery counter who wants to scream because we keep apologizing for wanting the brownie she's selling. Somewhere along the way, a trigger was welded into our brains that informs us that we are out of our comfort zone, we're not worthy, and we ought to fear being rejected because that is what we deserve. And so we apologize. Why...how...WHAT?

We are such a broken race, we silly humans. There is so much out there that we should be truly concerned about. So much trouble and suffering, and Earth-altering choices that we could apologize for. Instead, the way our bodies don't compare to others'? A personal life decision that works for us? The fact that we EAT, of all things? Are we crazy?

I'm guilty, and I apologize. But not to those who don't "get" me and wish I met their standards. I apologize to God, and to myself, for apologizing too much. How about that? Apologizing for apologizing. Gotta love it.

How much nicer would life be if we all stopped assuming, obsessing, disrespecting, and being so darn offended by everything?

Can we try trusting, letting go, respecting, and accepting? Not just each other...ourselves too.

Can we lose the tiny box of ideals created by our feeble minds, and instead allow ourselves and others to be content and at peace?

It may be wishful thinking, but what a world it would be. A world with no apologies necessary.

Friday Funnies...are BACK!

And all the owls say...YAAAAAAY!

Purpose

Two years ago today, I was taken to the emergency room with a serious paralytic episode. I wasn't treated correctly, and it began a downward spiral of episodes that affected my entire body and could have easily been the end of me. I never fully recovered, and my life has never been the same.

I knew the condition, and I knew I was getting worse, but hoped and prayed things wouldn't get this bad so soon. My biggest fear came to pass. Nevertheless, I have to believe that in spite of this nightmare, I am still here because I have a purpose.

Regardless of my struggles, regardless of my disabilities, regardless of my pain, and regardless of my sorrow, God is in charge of the blueprints. Has been since the day I was formed, and will be until I take my last breath.

Purpose. Whatever it is, I pray I am worthy and capable of fulfilling it. I pray that my life...the good, bad, and ugly...will not be in vain.

Whatever it is, let it be done.

Current Projects, Operation 2013 Update, and General Rantness

I've been wanting to blog, but I'm not sure what to say. My brain is all over the place, so I guess I'm just going to spill whatever comes out.

Today is Dad's birthday. He would have finally been retirement age. I hate that he's not here to see the kids (my much younger siblings) grown up, graduating from school, having babies, etc. My youngest sister just graduated with her Bachelor's in History and is moving this very day to Michigan. My little bro and his wife just had their first baby (my darling Zoey), and my other sister graduates from college and gets a huge job promotion in May. My youngest bro is a high school graduate, now following in Dad's footsteps in the seafood and petroleum industries. This is all so surreal. I don't see them often, but I hope they know how much I love them and wish them the best that life can bring.

In other news...

I have been terribly snarky lately. Since beginning the new treatment, senses are heightened and everything bothers me. Lights, sounds, people...heh. Twitter is depressing and Facebook has become one big email chain letter hoax. I feel like I'm in 1999 again with all the garbage I'm seeing on the news feed. Then, of course, there are the people fighting about everything they can find to fight about. And if the extra special ones don't find something to fight about, they simply make it up. Drives me batty, y'all. I find myself running to funny profiles such as Grumpy Cat, Alton Brown, and Drunk Hulk (<-did I just admit to that one?) to keep my sanity. Ha! I suck at life right now.

In my defense, I am my calm, quiet, boring self again after hours of real sleep, but that is so hard to come by. I'm not sleeping at night at all, mostly just dozing off and on during the day. I'll be the first to admit that I am a mess when I'm sleep deprived. I'm in a great deal of pain all the time, and I can't get in any position and be comfortable. When I do fall asleep, I have disturbing dreams. No rest in sight. My head also never stops hurting thanks to acetazolamide, which I've confirmed I cannot ditch without falling back into frequent daily episodes of paralysis. What I would give for a solution to the chaos.

Speaking of med regimen, I am thankful that Medicaid is finally paying for some of the meds. Unfortunately they aren't paying for all of them, stating that I don't need them, as if they would have any freaking clue. Potassium is everything where HKPP is concerned, yet they say I don't belong on that much of it. Hate to say it, but this is a pretty solid example of state government failing where medical care is concerned. However, it is no different with insurance companies, so there's simply no winning this particular debate. At least Medicaid doesn't reject me altogether, like BCBS has (emphasis on BS, if you get my drift) for the last 18 years. So, I'm out of luck on the kidney, heart, and muscle meds that Medicaid is refusing to cover. This treatment is vital, but tough luck, eh? I am forever slipping through the cracks. Our medical care system is sad.

I did not intend for this entry to become a rant fest. As I said, that's pretty much what life has been lately. I'm just too tired and need some relief. I know, get over it Kelli. Moving on.

Current projects:

I have a small editing gig. It's a children's coloring book. Hopefully it will lead to more small gigs, and perhaps I can eventually, actually work a little bit again. I'm dreaming, but I can't help it. I'll never stop trying to better myself, even from my sickbed.

I'm slowly increasing my online presence after all these years. My most recent place to connect is LinkedIn. My entire resume is there, and a few other tidbits about me. I will eventually add links to my sidebar of most of the places I can be found online. I already have a few links there, and I'm rebuilding my main page at ugottafriend.com. Not that it matters a whole heck of a lot. I'm really not that interesting.

My latest tangle-in-progress:

My eBook for charity is coming along, but I have no idea when it will be finished. There is a lot that I want to do with it...lots of info to share...and I am not willing to do this half way. It is completely not-for-profit and will be free to download, but I want it to be worth reading at any rate. It is important to me that I release this eBook before I try to publish anything else. I'll keep everyone posted.


Operation 2013 Progress:

Operation Organization - One step forward, two steps back. I'll get there.
Operation Pound - Only three pounds lost, but at least I'm losing. I'll get there too.
Operation Grub - Learning how to cook, but my health has thrown a wrench in my progress. Trying to remember to tackle one meal at a time, as I am able. I'll get there!!!
Operation Orlando - I'm still in need of $400-500 before October. I hope to God I'll get there.

I feel so stupid mentioning this again, as I am NOT (!!!!!!) a solicitor. Feel free to disregard if you're not one of the friends who asked how to contribute towards this effort. The ChipIn account set up by friends went poof (the company out of biz), but I am still raising funds for my attendance at the Periodic Paralysis International Conference. This event includes genetic testing, research, and advocacy for care and quality of life. I have stuff for sale in my Etsy shop, with more coming soon. I can also accept donations via PayPal at ugottafriend4life@gmail.com. Thank you so much...

Last but not least, I'll bring back Friday Funnies soon. Yaaaay.

In the meantime, please pray for sleep so I don't punch anybody in the face. I would surely appreciate it!


P.S. - I've never punched anybody in the face in my life, and I never would.

I think. :)

TARDIS Youth Ball Cap Fundraiser

TARDIS Youth Ball Caps

Now in my Etsy Shop

All profits go toward my attendance at the

Periodic Paralysis International Conference.

More to come! Thanks for looking.

TARDIS Tote Bag Fundraiser

Hand-painted TARDIS Tote Bags, now in my Etsy Shop.

All profits will go toward my attendance at the

Periodic Paralysis International Conference.

More to come! Thanks for looking.

Grateful To See Another Year

Acetazolamide Treatment Update (Alternate Title...March Madness?)

The Score:

Side effects - 99
Kelli - 0


I have been taking acetazolamide (DIAMOX) since mid-November, and I am not willing to sugar-coat how I feel. It has made my life truly miserable. I cannot begin to express how difficult the side effects have been in spite of titration. I have tried so hard to tolerate it, but I am losing the battle.

My side effects include: lethargy, drowsiness (but no restful sleep whatsoever), nausea, dizziness, loss of balance, paresthesias, tinnitus, hearing dysfunction, alteration of taste (dysgeusia), generalized and localized pain (head, bones, muscles, nerves, kidney, urinary tract), kidney stones (I'm on potassium citrate for prevention), hypersensitivity of all things sensory in nature (light, sound, touch, even emotional triggers), occasional delirium due to sleeplessness, and more. Some of these things are new, while others were an issue before the treatment but have been noticeably heightened by the drug.

The problem with getting off of it is that my paralytic episodes will increase again. I proved this by quitting it for several days. I quickly found myself back in a near-constant attack of paralysis, especially in my upper body, as I often was before starting the treatment. I got back on it, and the paralysis lessened again. I still have random episodes, but not like before the acetazolamide. It's hard to explain...all I can say is take my word for it. The lessened paralysis is the only reason I am still taking the drug. It is too important to ignore, and I still hope for a solution to this madness.

Having to choose which misery to live with is a difficult place to be. I will meet with the doc who prescribed it sometime in April to discuss, but he has not returned my phone calls so I am on my own until I meet with him face to face. I'm aware that he doesn't know what to say or do at this point, but we will discuss any further options and I will ultimately, hopefully make the right decision.

My birthday is tomorrow. I am not able to spend much time out of bed, but I'm going to try to drive to the Island for gumbo and a show...the rolling walker in tow. Instead of being in the prime of life, I'm fighting for whatever life I can get. I don't know what to say to that because I still can't believe this is my reality. Nevertheless, I will keep fighting. I appreciate those who are on the front lines with me, as well as all who have offered your thoughts and prayers.

The Tangle Project: Vase of Wildflowers

I've been going through a hard time with systemic disease and all the pain and drama that comes with it.

A really hard time.

Lately I've been a bit snarky, depressed, and just flat out sick and tired of being sick and tired.

I guess you could say I've needed some cheering up.

So, I decided to give myself some flowers.

"Vase of Wildflowers"

Ink on 9 x 12 Canson Acrylic Paper

The cool thing about a Tangle is that it has a mind of its own. There is no plan. There is no explanation. It develops its own strange and wonderful personality. No one can argue with it, because it simply is what it is, and offers no apologies.

This and other works can be found on the Gulf Coast Art Studio blog, as well as my new Facebook page. I'd love to see you there.

The funniest obituary you will ever read

Oh, how proud I am that this gentleman was from the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

This is priceless. I know it's long, but do yourself a favor and read the entire thing. Trust me.


~ Harry Stamps Obituary ~


Heaven has gained an endearing soul.

I regret that I didn't know Him.

May God bless his family.

No More NICU!

Our darling sweet cheeks is home where she belongs!

HOORAY ZOEY!!!

She's on a monitor. She will have to wear it until they know for sure she's out of the danger zone. Zoey is doing very well otherwise...already growing like a weed, and so alert (when she's not snoozing). I am incredibly relieved for John and Kayla. It was such a stressful few weeks.

I hate living two states away. I miss my baby doll. I felt the same way about Jo when I had to leave her after she was born.

Aunt Kelli needs a TARDIS.

Back In Bama, and a Zoey Update

BIG yawn! :-)

Oh, I love that baby soooooo much, y'all. Zoey was diagnosed with Periodic Breathing, which amounts to borderline Sleep Apnea. She is on a titration of caffeine citrate, which stimulates the brain and has been proven effective in training newborns to take regular breaths. She will hopefully grow out of the condition as her brain and body continues to develop. Until then, she will be on a sleep monitor at home.

It broke my heart to leave. I wanted to see my brother and sister in law take her home where she belongs, but I am so incredibly thankful that she will be okay. She should be released from NICU in the next few days if treatment goes according to plan. It has been a very long, stressful two weeks for my family. We greatly appreciate everyone's prayers and well-wishes for our sweet Zoey girl.

In other niece news...

Copyright 2013 Simply Impressive Photography

...it's Layton Josephine's birthday!!! I can't believe she's two years old. She is such a funny, adorable girl with a huge personality. Jo loves to dance to anything that resembles music...doesn't matter what it is. We can turn on a TV commercial or randomly hum a tune and she busts a move...hilarious! Love her!

I finally made my way home to Alabama on Saturday, but my heart is still very much in Louisiana. I hate being so far away from my nieces. Traveling is difficult and sometimes impossible, so I don't see my out-of-town family often. My muscles are not in good shape at the moment and sometimes I think I'm going to lose my mind over the pain, but I wouldn't trade this trip for anything. I am very grateful that I could meet Zoey, see Jo, and be there for John and Kayla during this roller coaster of a time. Walker in tow, I managed to buy groceries and cook several meals for the family. I did veggie beef soup, bacon mac n cheese, loaded baked potato soup, a taco/burrito bar, and burgers. Everything turned out well, and I was so relieved. Ha.

I'll try to catch up on blogging this week. I have a lot to talk about concerning goals, health, moving out, travel plans to Georgia and Florida, shows I'm watching online, and perhaps I'll give you some insight into my boring life by sharing a bunch of random pics too.

Sweet dreams, my lovely peeps.

Rare Disease Day 2013

                          Show awareness by spreading the word.

                        Learn something new about a rare disease.

                      Offer support to someone fighting their battle.