{January Birthday’s and Totally Random}

26 Jan by 5 Comments

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Today I am celebrating my oldest son Ian’s 29th birthday! I cannot believe it has been 29 years since he arrived in this world. He brought some Pud Thai (which I have not had in years) for lunch and we ate at my house. We also celebrated the occasion with “Grumpy Cat”…my new friend I received at Christmas from my nephew Hunter. “Grumps” hangs out in the studio with me and always makes me smile with that smooshie face.

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This is an oldie card from the archives. My fingers are not at that point of creating things like this, but I am getting pretty darn close.

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My little Grandpup Kane turns 3 on January 27th. I have not seen him for a few months now :-( and hope to change that soon.

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My official “6 Month Recovery” photo. I know it is strange, but I try to document as much as I can about this process. Maybe it is the former scrapbooker in me? This past week, I went shopping with some Christmas money and bought a few things for myself. I have been “trying” to treat myself well. New tops and comfortable clothes always pick up anyone’s spirits! :-)

Happy Monday!

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Filed Under: stroke recovery Tagged With: , ,

{Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You? Journal Page}

20 Jan by 10 Comments

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Hello Dear Friends! I managed the past few days to hang out in the studio. My mojo has been pouring out, my energy not so much. I go with the flow…and Sunday it was really pouring. This is a new page in the chipboard journal I started last year. Layers of paint, texture, more paint. I used images and alterables (fence, wings, and hearts) from Paper Whimsy. The song lyrics are from an old Stevie Nicks song that I have always loved dearly.

I wanted to thank you again for your continued support, messages, and those who have come out of lurking yet again. It really means so much to me.

 

 

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On January 24, I will be at 6 months since the stroke. How is that even possible? It seems just like yesterday, but at times so long ago. I’m doing PT at a new location 2 days a week right now. Today, I stepped on a treadmill as I now have an AFO for my leg. It was set VERY low, but I did 5 minutes before my toe was dragging and we stopped to rest. I cried, my physical therapist hugged me and she reminded me that it was a HUGE accomplishment.

Filed Under: altered books, collage, journals, stroke recovery Tagged With: , , ,

{A Little Faith – Post-Stroke Journal}

7 Jan by 19 Comments

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I am so happy to share another project with you this week I started working on as part of Occupational therapy in October. This journal contains snippets from my recovery August 18 – December 23, 2014. Special moments, memories, milestones and friends that got me through. There are so many FRIENDS online that have been there for me 110% too!

I selected a 7 Gypsies album (Kraft) and altered it using aqua craft paints, old recipe ephermera (from a cookbook) and white doilies. I sealed that all with matte gel medium. The photos were taken into a photo editing program and changed to a “sepia” tone. I included bits of computer text as well. My handwriting is still pretty much gone for my standards. I used to have really pretty handwriting, but I can write and that is how I need to look at things for now.

I am really pleased yet again that I DID IT. When I was in acute rehab at the hospital, my goal was to use my hands again…forget walking. Walking comes first though, and the fine motor comes later.

Today, it is a high of 9 degrees Fahrenheit and my foot and hand are FREEZING. I am feeling sorry for myself and took this picture of my foot that took quite a hit from the stroke. I am flat footed and my right foot actually has an arch now. I’m coming out of the closet to share this so publicly (I shared it on Facebook with my friends earlier today) and yes I am a bit whiny today. Probably I should have stayed under the covers today!  :-)

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I started round #4 of Physical Therapy this week at a new location. I’ve been there before a few years back, and I requested the same girl. She will work wonders, and yes we will be concentrating on this foot. I knew in July, that the foot was one thing they were not sure would recover…but then they aren’t sure on any of it. Each patient if different. Each stroke is different. I just want back what I had and the fight is not over till I say so!

Thanks again for your ongoing support and sweet comments of encouragement. One thing I love about this is so many of you have come of “lurking”…I knew you were out there from my web stats…but that you actually say things now means a lot!

Happy Wednesday!

Filed Under: journals Tagged With: , ,

{Brother’s Altered Canvas}

4 Jan by 16 Comments

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This is one of my first mixed media projects post stroke that I completed. I am happy with it. Even though the process is soooooo slow now, I can do it! A great deal of patience and some rest when my hands tire.

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The tissue paper and ephemera was a gift from a sweet art friend, the cabinet card a Mother’s Day gift from my three children. Some old bits of lace and buttons from my stash.

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Happy Sunday!

Filed Under: altered canvas Tagged With: , ,
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