Another MRI??

To say I'm bummed is putting it mildly. My neck is finally starting to feel better, but still achy & stiff so I went for a series of trigger point injections today. While there, I mentioned to my neurologist that I've been having sharp burning pain in my left knee & numbness around the knee cap.

He examined it & doesn't feel it's arthritis. He thinks it's related to my lower back & ordered an MRI & EMG. I have an appointment for the EMG this Thursday. Now just need to wait for approval from my insurance company for the MRI. Funny thing is that my lower back doesn't really hurt me. Not sure which way to root....lower back or arthritis? I guess neither is too wonderful. I just want to live pain free! Is that so much to ask??

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Beads of Courage

Let me just say that I've only been back on the torch recently after a 3 month hiatus following spine surgery. And, living in NY and it being WINTER, we've been hit by lots of snow and cold weather....not the ideal torching weather when your studio is in the garage as mine is.

When temps hit 40 the other day I decided to turn on the space heater and brave the cold. I turned on the kiln, lit the torch, but somehow it just was not my day. The kiln fairies must have been visiting someone else that day because it sure wasn't me. So instead of forcing things I decided to work on some butterflies for Beads of Courage (BOC)

For those unfamiliar with BOC, it's an amazing program for children coping with serious illnesses. If you want to see what it's all about and some of the children it's helping, watch this recent video broadcast on CBS Sunday Morning.

They collect all sorts of beads, but 2 in particular have special meaning. Purple hearts, which indicate the end of treatment and butterfly beads, which are given to parents who have lost a child.

Now back to beads....I have never made butterflies before, but decided it was time to test my creative skills in this area. Nothing else was working that day so I thought it would be a good day to attempt some butterflies. I am fairly pleased with my 1st attempt and will be sending these off to BOC (once they're cleaned of bead poop of course) along with some orphan beads that the kids might like.

Saw this on a friend's facebook page earlier and just had to share it here where it will be a permanent reminder of what life is all about.

Skeleton Key Beads Anyone?

 

So, I've only been back on the torch a couple of times since my surgery. I had a session or 2 of soft glass and then most recently I made some skeleton key beads that were tons of fun to make. A customer requested some for a necklace for herself. Once I got started I had such a good time that I just kept making more. :)

What do you think? Have a favorite? Maybe I'll make some more necklaces up too to sell once she selects her favorite. Oh and sorry for all the bead poop in the photo. All the keys are cleaned out nicely now. :)

Happy New Year!!

I've decided NOT to make any New Years resolutions this year. I always start out with good intentions, but after just a few short weeks or months (on those years when I'm particularly ambitious, I fall off the wagon. I'm not necessarily talking about dieting either, though that seems to be one of my most often used resolutions.

Rather than  set myself up for failure &/or disappointment, I've decided instead to list some of the many things I'm grateful for from the past year. It was a trying year for me, having gone through some medical issues and major spine surgery that knocked me out of commission for over 3 months. However, I am to the point where I feel that I'm over the hump and well on my way to recovery. I see a light at the end of the tunnel and it is beautiful and bright.

So, here is my gratitude list:

1. First and foremost, I have regained my health.
2. I have a wonderful husband and a very dear friend (you know who you are!) who got me through the past several months following my surgery. I am eternally grateful to you both.
3. I have a wonderful family and am fortunate to have my 89 year old mother in my life.
4. I have a sweet father-in-law that's always there for us.
5. I will have a daughter soon as my son and his beautiful girlfriend just got engaged.
6. I am grateful to my many customers who have purchased from me, allowing me to continue practicing my art.
7. I have 'met' and become friends with so many wonderful people across the globe thanks to the internet that I would not have met otherwise. Several of those have become close friends.
8. I'm fortunate to have a working studio, albeit small, where I can melt glass to my heart's content.
9. I have a roof over my head & food on the table.
10. I'm grateful for a new year ahead!