The Long Distance Hug

"My Long Distance Hug"

It's been pretty quiet here lately. I've been experiencing some reoccurring health issues the past couple of months that escalated in July, preventing me from working in the salon. I have fortunately been able for the most part continue with my Tech Support job and do a little painting.

I told you about the issue with Shingles in April...well in the last part of May I began to have repeated bouts with diarrhea. It was first diagnosed as diverticulitis. The most recent tests found NO diverticulitis, No polups, No infection, and best of all No Cancer. (no real answers)

I still don't have any definitive answers but have started eating a gluten free diet the last few days and do seem to be edging ever so very slowly to having less pain. Since I'm also on medication I don't know if it is the change in diet or the medication that finally kicked in. Either way I am thankful for the relief.

The pain and diarrhea are at their worst late afternoon, throughout the night and into the mid morning. The flowers you see arrived this Wednesday morning, after a particularly rough night. I was setting at the table wondering how I was going to continue and not sure I wanted to.

My stamina and my energy were tapped out. I was so blessed to know it wasn't cancer but didn't know if I was going to be able to tolerate things until answers came.

You know, GOD does know just what you need and when you need it most.

The doorbell rang and I was handed this beautiful bouquet of flowers sent from my fellow FASO Tech Support Team. They live throughout the US...Texas, California, Colorado, and New York.

The timing was perfect. It was the HUG that I needed...I could almost feel their arms around me as I read the enclosed note.

I have another Dr. appointment Tuesday. Pathology reports should be available then and perhaps some more difinitive answers.

You may not hear much from me here as I work through this. I thank you for your love and prayers.

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Psalm 30:2
O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.
Psalm 30:1-3 (in Context)

Kreativ Blogger Award...passing it on

Karen at Karen Blados Artist and Designer presented me with the Kreative Blogger award last week and I'm just getting around to passing it on. Karen is a successful graphic designer, sharing both her art and her life's struggles on her blog...sometimes humours, sometimes very serious. but always making you 'think'. Her illustrations are pure 'eye candy' from the candy jar. I enjoy visiting and hope you will as well.

I now need to list seven things about myself:

1. I love to listen to soft jazz while working in my studio.
2. I enjoy 'doing alleys' on early evening bike rides.
3. At the age of 30 I won the Demolition Derby at our local fair...great fun!!
4. With regret I tell you that I have never visited a foreign country.
5. I will do anything to get out of housework.
6. I used to show and raise Standard Schnauzers.
7. I would 'die' for a piece of my daughters coconut cream pie.

Finally, I'm passing the Kreative Blogger Award along to seven other deserving artists. I hope you will take a few minuets to visit their sites and enjoy their beautiful art and inspiring words.

1.Fay Taylor...works in Watercolor, creating the most wonderful paintings, telling the story of her Oregon country side. I once told her that "her paintings made me want to ride horses".

2.Karen Cooper...works in Acrylic. Her lively figurative paintings interpret our everyday life. They are bold with color, posses wonderful composition and stimulate your emotions.

3.Susan Carlin...works in Oil. Susan is a portrait artist. Her portraits are exciting...she has a real talent for not only capturing the essence of the subject but the emotional feeling of the moment. Susan freely shares her talent in weekly online painting sessions and workshops.

4.Karen Hargett...works in Pencil and Pastel. Karen started out as a pencil artist working in graphite and has most recently fallen in love with pastels. Her graphite drawings are to be envied but I have to admit, I just love the soft smokey quality of her pastels. She has a style all her own and a great eye for composition.

5.Annlein Beukenkamp...works in Watercolor. Annlein is someone whose ability and style I envy. Her paintings are loose and expressive. Annlein's willingness to let the medium just be itself is evident. Most definitely an inspiration and a quality to aspire to.

6.Belinda Del Pesco...does Watercolor and Printmaking. Belinda's paintings fascinate me. She has done many paintings of interiors and has the uncanny ability to capture light and shadow in a way that makes you feel as though you are there sitting in the room.

7.Tracy Hall...works in Watercolor. Tracy paints the most wonderful miniatures. I'm amazed at the detail she packs into a 1.75 x 2.25 space and I believe you will be also. She also shares a video tutorial on her blog that you won't want to miss.

As you visit these wonderful artist's websites and blogs...be sure to let them know much you appreciate their dedication and willingness to share. It is through the works and words of other artists that we all learn the most. ENJOY

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Romans 8:28
[ More Than Conquerors ] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:27-29 (in Context)

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