...Old Fashioned Iris...I did this drawing a couple of years ago
and posted it here today because it always makes me feel good.
The starts for this little iris were a gift from
my grandmother when we first got a place of our own.
It went with me each time I moved.
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I'm not one to be sick or let a little pain keep me from 'life'. Therefore, once the major symptoms were past (fever, nausea, severe headache), I forged ahead...resuming my regular day to day schedule, pushing through the fatigue I felt.
This return to work took much more out of me than I expected and when I complained of lack of energy and stamina along with the continued sporadic nerve ending pain...I was told plain and simple by my Doctor to (slow down and rest more to give my body time to heal)!
I've always had tremendous energy and stamina to push forward through any obstacle to get things done....this experience really through me for a loop! For someone who has always been early to rise and late to bed...burning the candle at both ends, this was a most difficult prescription to follow.
I had to rethink my daily life. Do the things that absolutely NEEDED to be done and let the other things slid. I continued to work my salon schedule (although cut back a bit on the hours) and worked my tech. support job in the evenings...after all the bills did need to be paid!
Backing off from the house work was easy...I hated it anyway and could always find something else more important to do like write in my blog or draw! But I followed my Doctors instructions, putting my creative life on hold to allow for the down time to let my body heal.
You're going to laugh but I actually covered my drawing board with a huge bath towel...so I couldn't see it. I put my paints in the closet and shut the computer off except for work hours.
Well OK...I will confess, I did do some reading on the computer...but no blogging! And, I also did a few quick sketches as I sat in my chair watching TV...that was a change for me, I never watch TV (still not sure I get the attraction).
I usually draw or paint in the early afternoon and on the weekends, but instead actually took a nap or read a book. Yes, the Doctor put a bit of fear in me when he said that if I didn't slow down I may never get over this. I think he said something like "Your body is telling you it needs rest and you need to listen."
I'm not sure I'm up to par quite yet...but do believe at this writing, I'm most definitely getting there. My energy level is returning and plan on getting my paint brushes out tomorrow.
It's awful...I feel like if I don't do something creative I'm going to 'burst'.
Any way...I thought I would sit down and let you know that I had not dropped of the face of the earth and that I hope to be posting a new painting soon.
I want to thank all of you for your prayers and encouraging emails. It's amazing the relationships you can build with people you have never seen or spoken to. You have been such a blessing.
It's just great to be back.
10 comments:
Sorry to hear about your bout with shingles. I had shingles two summers ago. They came at the end of being sick with a virus and I think my immune system was depleted, hence, shingles. I remember how debilitating it was. The only good thing is that I haven't been sick since. Take good care of yourself, Marsha. You'll be back to good health soon. Just try to be patient.
Janelle,
Thanks for your encouraging comments. For someone who is rarely sick, this has been quite a humbling experience. I am much better but still tire easily. It's one day at a time. Hopefully when all is said and done...I will be like you and not get sick again. What a blessing that would be.
Marsha,
I am glad to hear you are feeling better. I was wondering about you. I had the shingles a couple years back and I got the darn things 3 times in a row before they finally went away. It did take a while for me too. Glad to have you back!
Its good to know you're getting back to doing the things you want to do and are feeling better.
I too get frustrated at slowing down and it seems true. Your body will tell you when you need to ease up a bit. You're wise to pay attention.
Marsha, it's nice to read your voice again! Shingles are nasty and take loads of time to get over.
I hope you are feeling stronger and fitter ready to enjoy the summer months and a new floury of creativity:)
Lisa,
Wow...I thought having them once was bad. Three times in a row, you must have thought someone put a curse on you:( It is good to be back and good to truly feel better.
Jeanette,
Slowing down was hard. So much of every day life still does have to be done. My creative side really took a hit (oh yes, the house did also)!
Sheona,
Thanks for your well wishes. I am feeling better...yet still have to make myself step up the pace a little at a time. My body is still quick to scream when I've overdone it.
Slowing down is hard when you are used to doing so much - but it is very needed! I love your blog and I'm glad you are feeling better - but I can wait until you are well to see your lovely artwork!!! Praying for good rest and a quick recovery!
ps *winks* I have some of my fathers purple iris that he moved from home to home. They were first planted in the late 50's at our home in Phoenix, AZ.
Hi Marsha, great to hear that you are feeling better! You have been missed. You have posted a lovely iris. I have a clump of irises from my first home that I have divided and replanted with each move. I guess a lot of us do that. :-) Take care of yourself and take it slow as you pursue your pleasures.
Hi Marsha,
Glad you're on the road to recovery... Stay the course and treat yourself right.
It's amazing how much of our health we take for granted isn't it? I suppose we shouldn't but then we wouldn't want to go around fearful all of the time. Still, common sense should rule, so listen to your doctor!!
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