I can’t believe it’s almost here! Monday we leave for France! I’ve had a mixture of feelings about this trip - anxiety about being in a strange country and with limited knowledge of the language; excitement at the idea of seeing France; trepidation about the flight, since I don’t know how it will affect my balance and my health. But, above all this I am looking forward to time alone with my husband. Yes, we will see friends and colleagues, since Dave is presenting his research during our visit, but much of our time will be spent in the romance of France.
Yesterday I spent the morning with Angie since I won’t see her for a while. She came over and worked on some beading while Max sat in the den and watched the Cartoon network. Max is now obsessed with arm wrestling, and tries really hard when we arm wrestle. I promised him that when I get back we’ll have a rematch!
After Angie left, I decided it was time to start organizing all my “stuff” for the trip. I packed most of the carry-on, making sure I had my quart-sized baggie with all tiny bottles that will fit in it. I packed a few small cases filled with the essentials for the flight. FIrst is an audio case for my audio adapter for the Baha and my iPod. I’m using my Palm Centro as an ebook reader, so I have plenty to read and no bulky books or magazines. I also packed some comfort stuff: special protein bars, tissues, some mints, including all my medications in their original bottles (to prove I have prescriptions for them). I also had to make sure that I had a way of expressing my allergies to the chefs in France - they love their dairy and poultry there, and I’m severely allergic to both, among other things. So, I found a company online, Allergy Translation, that creates custom cards for you to carry in English and the language of your choice! I did this a few weeks ago, since I didn’t know how quickly the process would work. Well, it’s almost immediate! So, I printed out a bunch of cards (this way I won’t panic when I don’t get one back from the kitchen!) and laminated them and put them in my travel wallet. I also made sure that my MedicAlert account was up to date with all my medications and allergies. I’ll be wearing my MedicAlert bracelet on the trip, so if there is an emergency, there will be an easy way to get information.
All that’s really left is for me to pick up some soy protein packs and to finish packing, and to wait for Monday! My art supplies are packed in my day pack, along with my folding cane. I bought some hook and loop tape to make sure that my basket stays on my walker, and it appears to be working. I’ll test it today by adding something to the basket to see whether it holds. And, have the list of things I still need to add and later today, I’ll pack my clothes.
Once I got the carry-on all figured out, I decided to turn my attention to my small travel journal for the trip. It’s a green square handbook journal
. The cover is made of canvas board, and the size is great. But it needed something to make it “mine”. I looked at my pile of collage crap somewhat organized e
phemera and I found text about France, in French, maps of France, and some travel stickers. I had been hoarding saving these things for a special project (no, there was no particular project in mind when I came across these things!).
Well, there isn’t anything more special than our trip to France! So, I began by pasting in the map of France. Then I added some quad paper for some tables (what I did today, travel itinerary, etc.) and to add whatever I wanted to those pages. Then I added some ink to age the pages. It was the last thing I did before turning in for the evening. I was feeling excited, but I knew that there was something missing. The colors were too dull for all the energy I feel about this trip. So, this morning, I added some warm colors - yellows, oranges, reds. Now it looks a lot more like me! It’s all ready for the trip!
I’ll try to post more before I leave, but while I’m gone, my CreativeTherapy Catalyst responses will publish! Have an awesome weekend!
June 27th, 2008
Posted by
Fran |
Creative Every Day, art, health, journaling, life, living with chronic illness, travel |
2 comments
Well, as usual, I’m completely wiped out from treatment. I woke this morning groggy, but I felt good for about an hour and a half. Then the fatigue smacked me down. So, here I sit, in front of the TV on the den couch with my MacBook. Yesterday I was ok for a short time in the morning and then I took several short naps and one 3-hour-long nap. I suppose by now I should be used to it and I shouldn’t be surprised by the level of fatigue I feel. But I’m an optimist, so I always hope that it isn’t going to be as bad this time. Add to that the additional side-effects of the medication that I’ve been noticing more - hair loss being the one that bugs me the most. Vanity, I suppose… 
Today is Sunday, which means that the catalyst for CreativeTherapy is posted on the blog with our design team submissions. This week’s catalyst is “What’s your happiest memory?” I do hope you take a moment to go visit and learn what is behind the picture to the left. Unlike my usual drawings which ar done with some sort of source image as the basis, this one was done from memory. And, I hope you’ll participate with your own response to this week’s catalyst. Take a look!
June 22nd, 2008
Posted by
Fran |
Creative Every Day, Creative Therapy, art, drawing, health, living with chronic illness, watercolor |
2 comments
We’ve officially reached the 10-day countdown to our trip! Woo!
So, right now I’m at home getting my monthly IV my treatment so I can be “ready” for the trip with my balance, hopefully, AOK!
This week I did the usual running around to get as much done as possible before my treatment, since I never know how it will affect my energy levels. I’ve also been working on the next few CreativeTherapy catalysts. I’m planning to set up some posts with my CreativeTherapy responses to publish while I’m gone. I hope it will work! I just have one more to do and then I’m covered for our trip.
I’ve still been exercising and I’m feeling pretty strong. Yesterday I went to do some volunteer work for Cochlear about the Baha. This was to meet some of the audiologists in the area and to show them that we’re available to share our experiences with potential implant recipients. I love to share my story, since the Baha has made such a difference in my quality of life! We all met for lunch at the beautiful Vu Cafe in Fountain Hills. I had never been there before, and it was small, but lovely. It overlooks the Fountain Hills Golf Course, which is beautiful. And, of course, since we’re in the Valley, there are always mountains in the view, too!
Since we’re having temperatures over 100 degrees each day this week, I’ve been careful to stay inside and to manage my energy. And, I’m getting more and more excited about our trip! I’ve found that I had some success with Rosetta Stone, but it was difficult to use for me because of my hearing loss in my left ear. However, I did find a less expensive substitute: I’ve been learning French with Coffeebreak French, a free podcast. I went ahead and paid the small fee to get the printed lesson guides and extra lesson information. It has been very good to learn and it is quite a practical learning guide. They teach some good conversational French, which is what we need for our trip! I highly recommend it if you’re interested in learning French.
So that’s my update for this week. Not much going on art-wise. I have done some doodling and some work on the catalysts, but I won’t show them until they’re published on the CreativeTherapy blog on the appropriate Sundays.
June 20th, 2008
Posted by
Fran |
health, living with chronic illness, travel |
one comment
There is really not much to report here. No art to share…
The good news is that I’m feeling well. I’m exercising regularly, making sure I’m ready for all the walking we’ll do in France. And, happily, I’m also finally shedding some of the pounds and inches that have been bugging me for a while. I’m also sleeping better, which has always been a by-product of regular exercise for me. Though, to be honest, I’m happiest when I try on a top or pair of shorts that are loose, where they either were a bit tight or are fit perfectly. I bought two new pairs of shorts in April and both are a bit loose. I couldn’t be more pleased!
I’ve been practicing my French, though I am sure I will not be near fluent in it. I can translate the jist of the written word, but hearing the words and understanding them is a challenge. Even with the Baha, it’s still an issue with my hearing. It’s one thing to listen to English and to understand because I can make a few good guesses to figure out the words by the context and with the clues of the sounds. With French, it’s going to be a challenge. I suppose it will just add to the excitement of the visit. At least, that’s what I hope!
I’ve been doing some art, but I have not been inspired to do anything in particular. It’s too hot out and the ozone warnings are too high for me to just go and sit and draw. I am working on a painting that I started a year ago that I finally had the courage to start working on again… You know how it is: You get to a point in it and you’re afraid you’ll ruin it. Well, I’m done with worrying. I just dove in. I don’t have a clear vision of where it’s going, but I’m letting it flow. It’s how I prefer to work, anyway. I’ll try to post a photo of it in-process later this week. It’s different for me.
In addition, I do have my CreativeTherapy catalysts to work on and I’ve been doing that. Tonight there will be a catalyst posted along with the artwork from the team, so that’s something for you to check out later today. I’m trying to get the next month’s done in the next two weeks, since I’ll be gone for three of them and then I am sure I’ll have the usual post-travel fatigue.
I’ve also been doing a lot of reading. I just finished reading The Other Boleyn Girl which was quite intriguing. I studied English and American Literature in college and along with it learned a lot about British history. This series by Philippa Gregory has me hooked! I’m now reading the book that came before it, The Constant Princess, which is the story of Katherine of Aragon. I’ve always liked historical fiction, so it makes me happy to read a series like this that attempts to get into the minds of the women who were a part of the history. I know how women were used to build alliances, improve a family’s station in life, etc. It’s quite interesting to read these from the woman’s perspective and to see how the author really makes them heroes for what they did, rather than as subservient pawns in the game. The author shows them as women with ambition, as well.
Dave has been on call this week, so it’s been a hectic week for him. It used to be that June and July were quieter in Phoenix because the Winter Visitors (snowbirds) would head north. Not so this summer. It seems as busy as it was in the winter. But we’re doing fine with it. Unfortunately, Friday evening, my MIL called that my FIL was having some tachycardia again. His pulse was at 150. This is the second time in a month that this has happened. When she called, she had already called 911 and the ambulance was on the way. Dave went and met them at the hospital. Luckily, his heart reverted to its normal rhythm and Dave drove them home. He got in at around 2 am on Saturday morning. Poor guy was tired all day.
So now Dave is rounding at the hospital and will call when he’s headed home. I’m going to have a protein shake and then exercise. When Dave calls, I’ll be ready to go. We’ll go to visit his parents and have lunch with them and see how they’re faring. I hope you all have an awesome Sunday!
June 8th, 2008
Posted by
Fran |
Creative Every Day, Creative Therapy, books, family, living with chronic illness, painting |
3 comments
Yesterday the latest of the CreativeTherpy Catalysts was published. I participated, so stop over there to take a look at my response to this week’s catalyst, if you haven’t already! It felt so good to draw again and to pick up the watercolor pencils! I’m trying to work ahead on some other catalysts so I can be ahead before I leave for our trip and so I can be prepared for the health stuff that inevitably happens along the way.
I spent the early part of last week working on finalizing plans for our France trip. We ordered lots of travel things from Magellan’s, so we can have what we need to be safe and comfortable. Since I will have my walker with me, I needed a slash-proof backpack to use while we’re there. Better safe than sorry. We’re taking all the precautions we can to be safe and comfortable during the trip. Thank goodness for Chico’s Traveler’s line. That will be my wardrobe during the trip and I love that it is wash and wear and non-crinkle! We are not bringing computers on the trip. We don’t need the extra weight, especially with airlines charging for checked baggage these days! I’m only planning to bring a small journal, some Pigma Microns, a Koi water brush, an eraser, two dozen Albrecht Durer watercolor pencils, a pencil sharpener, and a graphite pencil. Not much, but things that easily fit into my backpack, and are easy to take out in a small area and don’t take up a lot of space.
If you can’t tell, I’m really getting excited about our trip! It’s going to be a blast! 
June 2nd, 2008
Posted by
Fran |
Creative Every Day, Uncategorized, art, health, life, living with chronic illness, shopping, travel, watercolor |
2 comments
I’ve been trying to write this blog post for the past three days. I’m having some pretty severe vertigo, so if it doesn’t make sense, I apologize.
This week went by quickly. I had several things to do this week, including a doctor’s appointment Friday with my neurotologist. I see him every 6 months unless I need to see him more often. It was time for my 6-month evaluation. Usually I get the perfunctory hearing evaluation on my “good” ear - the right. However, at this point, the doctor feels that unless I notice a sharp problem that I didn’t need to go through that. In my “good” ear, when I am not having allergy problems, vertigo or imbalance, my hearing is at 100% in that ear. In addition, loud sounds and the act of having my hearing tested will often cause me to get vertigo or imbalance. So, I was relieved when the doctor didn’t want me to go through it.
Since I’ve been living with this disease for more than half of my life, the doctors always ask me to evaluate my symptoms and allow me to help manage my own care. I know better than they do how my life is and, I think, because I have a positive “can do” attitude about things and I do my best to honor my body’s needs, that’s an appropriate partnership. So, today, when he asked, “How are things going?” I actually wanted to share with him my increasing problems with my balance. More and more often, I just feel like I’m going to fall over or that the world is tipping over when standing still or even walking. So, I was given vestibular exercises to do at home. I am to do these twice a day to, hopefully, improve my level of balance. Apparently, the balance system in the body can be, to some extent, trained.
Of course, no exercise is without its pain. For me, the exercises cause the vertigo and imbalance to re-occur, even if for just a few moments. It’s a process, just like working out is. I can’t expect my fledgling vestibular system to work at peak capacity immediately, and I can’t ever really expect it to be like that of a healthy person, either. It would just be nice, though, to at least do less mis-stepping.
Saturday we attended a Bar Mitzvah of a friend’s son. Micah did a lovely job of reading the Torah and his Haftorah. I was fine during the service, but started to tip over during the Kiddush, and I grabbed Dave’s arm. He instinctively held me close while we were talking with other guests. As everyone else walked into the ballroom for the light snack, I was able to tell Dave what had gone on. We went into the ballroom and said our congratulations and headed home. I proceeded to take medication and get into bed when we got home and then I slept for two hours. I was determined to try to get to the reception in the evening. I did go, and though I didn’t participate in the Horah, I did get to congratulate the family and enjoy the day.
Yesterday we went to visit my MIL and FIL, as we do each week. We went to lunch and I brought my quad cane with me. I really needed it, unfortunately. Soon, however, it wasn’t enough. We left to come home because the vertigo had gotten quite bad. Dave brought my walker in and I took more medication and went to sleep for a while. The exercises have not been done since the first attempts. I do hope to get going on them, but I can barely move my head at all right now without things moving. Heck, they move when I don’t move my head!
I’m using my walker today and I’m waiting for the nurse to call saying that they’re delivering my solumedrol and inserting an IV. I have three nights of limited sleep ahead of me, but hopefully, I will have less vertigo and I will be able to do some art.
To say the least, Every Day in May has been set aside to some extent. I did some drawings, but it’s difficult to focus on something when it’s moving! I’m headed to use the shower chair in a bit and get my hair washed before I’m one-handed for a few days.
May 19th, 2008
Posted by
Fran |
health, living with chronic illness |
7 comments
The 
past two days have been hard for me physically. Yesterday I spent most of the day in bed with fatigue and vertigo. I did draw yesterday - two things, so I’m going to count them as yesterday’s and today’s in case I can’t get drawing done today (but I’ll still try!).
Today I’m tired and achy. But at least I’m up to posting on my blog! To the right is EDM Challenge 23 - Draw your Foot. Since I went and had my manicure and pedicure while Eliana was here, I figured drawing the foot was a good thing to do. I drew the cool little flower and the lines at the top of the big toe - the only one you could really see (I have teensy toes and even more teensy toe nails!). I decided not to use any color in this and to see if I could create it with just the Pigma Micron 02 and 08 pens. I like how the pants leg came out, in particular. I rarely do this kind of shading, so it was a good challenge.
To the left, you see a drawing of my reading glasses. I have several pairs of reading glasses - mostly from Target’s dollar spot! I buy them in bulk when they have them there. I have found that since my 38th birthday (yes, two and a half years ago!) I’ve needed to wear these reading glasses with my contacts to see up close. Reading without the is greatly straining on my eyes. So, I figure some funky glasses should be owned. The pair depicted here is actually black, clear and gray - sort of a plaid.
My husband is just finishing up doing his rounds at the hospital. He’s taking me out to lunch when he gets here. It will be my first time out of the house since last Monday. I’m sure I will be exhausted when we return home, but getting out of the house is really necessary right now. Have a great Sunday, everyone!
May 4th, 2008
Posted by
Fran |
Creative Every Day, EDM, art, art challenge, drawing, journaling, living with chronic illness, sketch |
3 comments
Today I am still feeling fatigued from the treatment. No surprise there… However, I am still challenging myself to keep up with at least one drawing each day. Today I did two challenges from the Every Day Matters Group.
EDM 31 - Draw something you collect.
I brought my grandmother’s vintage train case into the den, where I am sitting in front of the TV. I drew the train case open with the photos in it. My grandmother took very good care of it. Her address from The Bronx is still in it, easy to read! The mirror is still perfect, as well. It’s quite heavy, or I’d use it for travel. For now, however, it will remain in my studio as storage.
While the pictures and the train case were here, I posted more of my vintage photos and cabinet cards for sale on my “Supplies for Sale” page. Take a look. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, send me an email and I will see if I have what you need in my collection!
EDM 164 - Draw your camera.
I also drew my point and shoot Canon Powershot Elph. This camera has been with me for a while. It’s 4 mpx, which was huge a few years ago! It will be coming with me on all my trips, since it fits so easily into a purse or backpack.
Now it’s time to relax and try to keep from getting more fatigued. Hmmm… Perhaps a nap?
May 2nd, 2008
Posted by
Fran |
Creative Every Day, EDM, art, art challenge, drawing, living with chronic illness, sketch |
4 comments
While my niece was here, I did get some time to do a bit of drawing. As always, drawing always keeps me grounded. That’s why it was even more important for me to do it while I was hosting the family.
To the left is my CreativeTherapy response to “What makes you, you?” which is Catalyst 7. Here is the journaling that goes with it:
“Like a tree growing from the rocks of the Grand Canyon, I am a survivor. I work my way past obstacles that might make others sit back and cry. I may not be flourishing with bright green leaves all the time, but I am strong and I can and have survived many challenges through my life. That makes me, me.”
To the right is a drawing of two pillows that were on the floor of an office I waited in yesterday. They looked so soft and inviting that I had to draw them. Even better, they fit EDM Challenge 138 - “Draw something soft”!
Tomorrow is my treatment. I’m drinking lots of fluids in the hopes that the IV insertion will be a smooth one. Last month it took six tries before we got it in and that’s just not OK! So, I’m drinking lots and lots of water to keep myself hydrated.
April 29th, 2008
Posted by
Fran |
Creative Every Day, Creative Therapy, EDM, art, drawing, health, living with chronic illness |
one comment
It’s Monday. After a long weekend of fatigue and nausea, I was able to sit in the studio for a while today. I cleared off my desk and even did some sewing today. I finished up two small journals for Beads-n-More/SunSpirit Studio in Bisbee. Another of my journals sold there this weekend and they’re having a grand re-opening while I’m in Chicago. I promised to send some journals by Friday so she has them on hand for the opening. I sure hope things keep going well for her in Bisbee!
I did start to put together a tote for a friend. I cut the fabric, fused the fusible fleece, and pinned the fabric to prepare for free motion quilting. I hope to do that tomorrow so I can start to pull together the bag. I’m planning to put one of the portraits I painted on the bag, but a print of it. I placed an order with Staples to be delivered tomorrow, since I usually don’t drive for at least 5 days after my treatment. I hope to finish up additional journals and the tote tomorrow. If I don’t, that’s fine. I can go slowly. If I only complete one or two more of the journals, that’s fine, too.
I don’t think I mentioned that I have put some cabinet cards up for sale on this site. I love to shop for things like good photos of cabinet cards, but I have not used them. My new rule is that if it’s not being used, it’s time to pass it on. Take a look at what I have to offer. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, let me know. I do have quite a few others that just haven’t made it to the page. It’s a long process, and since they’re all one-of-a-kind, it’s a lot of work. Note, please, that you are receiving the original cabinet card!
I’ll let you know when I update with more. I hope to do some of that tomorrow. I have over 100 cabinet cards. And that’s not even looking at any of the vintage postcards I have! Fran’s cleaning out the studio, so keep watching!
April 7th, 2008
Posted by
Fran |
Creative Every Day, business, fabric, health, living with chronic illness, sewing |
2 comments
