Fingerpainting 101

It seems every day I do housework and more housework! No matter how hard I try, there is more to do.  So, today, I decided to ignore the messes here and there--they will be there later anyways. I focused on what I have been preparing to do for the past week.

I purposed this year to spend more time on my art.  One thing I have wanted to do is an art journal.  This kind of journal is like the by product of art and scrap-booking on steroids.  It is different but for me will be an oasis of peace.  A time just to let go and create on paper doodles, pieces of memorabilia, writing and more.

I bought some books on the subject and also rented a DVD on it.  I hit a block--the white paper block and actually, the DVD addressed that first.  The recommendation was to finger-paint.  The artist did several pages with various colors for background to have on hand when inspiration hits.

Today, I stared at my blank book, picked up some of my craft paints, squirted a couple or three colors on the page and went back to Kindergarten.  I have to admit that it was fun and stress releasing too!  My fingers went everywhere on the page with different patterns and texture....no paint brush!  I was actually pleased with the results. On some areas, I used an expired Barnes & Noble card and scraped the paint.

Fun!  Now I am not so intimidated!  I am looking forward to making my first journal page!

What To Count

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;

Count your gains instead of your losses.

Count your joys instead of your woes;

Count your friends instead of your foes.

Count your smiles instead of your tears;

Count your courage instead of your fears.

Count your full years instead of your lean;

Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.

Count your health instead of your wealth;

Count on God instead of yourself.

~Author Unknown~

Trust

I have been reading the devotional "Jesus Calling".  On January 4, the devotion was about learning a new habit.....try saying "I trust You, Jesus" in response to whatever happens.  This simple practice will help one see Him in every situation thereby acknowledging His sovereignty in every situation. One receives blessings knowing that they come from His Hand of Grace. Trusting Him will strengthen my relationship with Him and keep Him close to me.

THAT is what I want!  So my mantra in every situation is "I trust You, Jesus!"  I have done this in the last 24 hours and I feel peace and blessings.  Yes, there are things in my life and those I love that I can't control but He can--He knows best and this has been such an empowerment to me.  I am at peace when I say those words, "I trust You Jesus!"

I wanted to address my lack of healthy eating, a recurring resolution that has collected dust on every New Year's resolution.  Setting myself up for failure is not something I want to do but unfortunately it happens.

I bought the book, "Made to Crave".  It isn't a diet but a Bible study that shows you how to satisfy your deepest desire with God, not food.  It is a totally different perspective. It is an honest Biblical approach to craving food (in my case, sugar and fat).

I discovered that the thing that I thought about, ran to, took comfort in, found refuge in was food more than it was Jesus.  Not good. According to the book, we are made to crave, desire, want greatly, one thing and one thing only: God not food.  It is ok to consume what we think about but the danger is in when what we think about can consume us if we are not careful.

Again when the craving for sweets or fats, I say to myself "I trust You, Jesus" and the craving slows down and I focus on trusting Him.  I then pick a healthier choice.

So, no New Year's  resolution because I don't believe in them anymore.  I will trust in You, Jesus.....You won't let me down!

My Angel

This is my Christmas present from my dear friend and spiritual mom, Carolyn.  In our TOPS group, she drew my name and I drew hers.  My present for her was a mother's journal to write in while she is recovering next week from heart valve surgery.  I am sure she has many stories to put into that journal.

When I opened her gift, I loved it from the moment I saw it.  The different glazes reminded me of sculpture that I did years ago.  Her wings are a red oxiode stain I have used on many pieces, even one angel that I sculpted from a picture of a headstone in my grandparents' final resting place.

The hair actually reminds me of my true color--yes, I am a redhead.  The dress is a glaze I used with some of my pottery.  I wasn't that good with throwing, so most of them became recycled.

What a wonderful gift full of memories.  When I look at my angel, I think of Carolyn.  She is a true blessing in my life!  She daily holds up Wayne, Alison, Leslea, Bob, my mom, brother and sister up to the LORD in prayer.  Carolyn is very humble, not wanting the attention on her and I love that about her.  Her friendship and prayers are such a blessing--beyond what she can imagine!

So, my angel sits on the console and I look at her often, appreciating the one who gave me her as well as a reminder of a love of sculpting.  I guess I will have to put on my to do list to get back to sculpting!

Happy! Happy! Happy!

Today, I went in to get my stitches out and received a big surprise!  The doctor said that I don't have to wear my brace anymore!! SWEET!  He was pleased with my progress and even said I don't need physical therapy but told me if I feel I do need the PT to call and he would arrange it.  If I need it, I will do that, otherwise, I won't spend the money.

It felt great walking without the brace.  Granted I walk slowly and still stiffly....but PTL, I walk!  For that I am grateful.  We went to Costco and I did pace myself but even so, I got home beat and put my leg up.  I put ice on it, rested a bit and then did some house work.  Amazing how good it feels!  I still have to use the cane here and there but I am supposed to wean myself off of that.  It is also great to sit and not have to keep my leg straight.

Top pictures=left outside of my knee, Bottom=right inside of my knee.
My future: Partial Knee Replacement

My doctor reviewed my pictures he took in my knee.  The amazing pictures were of my knee from the left side to the right side.  The left  outside is healthy bone-no issues (top pictures)....but the right inside (bottom pictures) is full of arthritis!  It is his opinion that in the near future a partial knee replacement is in order.  Sigh, I guess I will have to store my brace well to bring it out when that happens but for now.....happy dance on one leg and a cane!

Limitations

Today, I drove to Fred Meyers!  Not as easy as it sounds with my brace but I worked out a system of getting in and out of the car.  Granted I need a parking space that had no one parked on the driver side because I have to swing out the car door as far as it could go to get my leg with the brace out.  Yes, tomorrow, I will be asking my doctor to sign the form for a temporary disability parking permit!  I don't mind the walking but I have not so much luck finding the extra room to get out.

It was great to be on my own!  However, I really tired but I pushed through.  I had to go to the bank, Safeway and Club Fit (where I hope to do my PT).  I was spent when I got back.  I needed shorts for PT and now I see that I need some tights to go under my shorts.  These are shorts similar to basketball players...I definitely do not meet fashion guidelines but what the heck, I am comfortable!

Tomorrow the stitches come out.  We will be going to DMV (if my doctor signs off) and then Costco...well maybe on Costco.  I have to accept that I have limitations and listen to my body on what I can do.

Sigh, I can't wait to divorce this brace and get back to working out and walking!

New Years Eve

For the last part of 2013, I caught the stomach flu.  Mind you, I didn't enjoy it one bit!  We thought it was food poisoning but not all the signs were there.  I don't recall being so sick before in my life.  My poor body was trying to recuperate from surgery and then to get hit with this!

Now it is New Year's Day and I still feel puny but at least I am not puking.  I feel so weakened and pray for healing. Normally, I sit down and do my Resolutions list but today is not the day to do it.  No energy.

Tomorrow, I am hoping for better.  I went out to the car and slipped--more like struggled into the driver's seat to see if I was capable of reaching the floor pedal.  Success happened but I had to navigate onto the console and the front passenger seat to get in and out.  So, tomorrow--road trip!  Wayne has to work and I plan to go to Fred Meyers for some shorts for physical therapy.  I have one set that actually fits me with this brace.

I praise the LORD that soon I will be walking again and feeling better again.  I miss seeing Hunter and Grace but maybe tomorrow they will come by.   Wayne has been the best husband ever through all of this--love that man!  He shows signs of tiredness.  He does housework in stages and that is OK, I can't right now without a long rest between even the smallest task.

One thing the LORD has taught me is to rest.  I guess my body needs it.  I have my short "To Do List" and once that is done, I am done.  I rest in Wayne's chair with my feet up and I just veg.  Time for rest.

I will compile my list for New Years but it will have to wait.  I love what Alison did for hers. She listed two things and then a wish.  I think I am going to try to simplify this year and do that too.

For now, I rest.