I find myself getting angry with mom the last few days. She has been showing signs of surrender, which will seriously seal her fate if she doesn't watch out. I worry about her level of commitment to heal. I worry about her ability to do so.
Specifically, the lack of movement on her strong side (left side) is particularly shocking to me. Even a week ago, she had been squirming to get comfortable. Now, she sits scrunched down with her feet awkwardly positioned until she can get some 'boosting' help (which she won't even ask for unually). I fear that she is becoming comfortable with the success of her first hurdle (the swallowing/eating) and that she thinks that this is enough for now. It's totally not enough! She also will try to get you to feed her with the spoon, or put the cup to her mouth to drink, or change the channel on the tv, even though she can do these actions herself (and has multiple times). She seems to be settling into the comfort zone of a 2 year old.
It's not enough.
Her care coordinator called me yesterday to make an appointment about what her care will be after leaving Spaulding. We had that appointment in Dolly's room today, with Dolly present. I'm not sure that she fully understood the conversation. I was shocked that this conversation would take place so soon after her arrival, but it was based on her progress, and these prognosis will be a biweekly discussion until the end of June at best. We will have to decide on a sub-acute rehab to which she will be transferred after her discharge from Spaulding. This can be postponed, if she makes some good progress. I hate to have to make this decision since I am not ready for her to leave Spaulding, but this is the way of recovery...you either make progress and they keep you going, or you don't and they put you in a nursing home. The latter is not what mom wants, we have talked about it.
I need her to make some more progress.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Changes
It's really amazing how your life can change in a split second, for better or worse.
Since my mother's stroke, I have been beside her taking care of her moral, her needs and rooting her on to recovery. Each day brings new challenges and sometimes we take steps backward in the hopes of moving forward. It's been physically and emotionally draining.
I have finally realized that my own needs have not been being met. Scott and my cell phones got shut off last week... thankfully since mine is attached to my hand these days, I caught it right away and they were working again in less than 10 minutes, but seriously, things like this are not acceptable at all. I haven't been to a supermarket since before I left for vacation on May 14th. I am out of moisturizing lotion (among at least a dozen other creature comforts) and there is no food in this house. Things around here need to change.
I am going back to work tomorrow morning. I need to resume my schedule back to where it was before the stroke. I hate to leave my mother for such lengths of time during the day, but she is in one of the best rehab hospitals in the country and I just have to keep reminding myself of that.
Since my mother's stroke, I have been beside her taking care of her moral, her needs and rooting her on to recovery. Each day brings new challenges and sometimes we take steps backward in the hopes of moving forward. It's been physically and emotionally draining.
I have finally realized that my own needs have not been being met. Scott and my cell phones got shut off last week... thankfully since mine is attached to my hand these days, I caught it right away and they were working again in less than 10 minutes, but seriously, things like this are not acceptable at all. I haven't been to a supermarket since before I left for vacation on May 14th. I am out of moisturizing lotion (among at least a dozen other creature comforts) and there is no food in this house. Things around here need to change.
I am going back to work tomorrow morning. I need to resume my schedule back to where it was before the stroke. I hate to leave my mother for such lengths of time during the day, but she is in one of the best rehab hospitals in the country and I just have to keep reminding myself of that.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
One Red Bead
On May 17th, 2009 my mother had a massive stroke.
I was in Las Vegas when I heard the news late morning of the 18th, having just arrived in LV about 12 hours before I got the call. Needless to say, our vacation was cut very short. Scott and I took the redeye that night back to Boston. We arrived the next morning, retrieved our car and went straight to Brigham and Women's Hospital where Mom was in the neurological ICU. Later that day, Anna arrived from SLC. Julie and Kathy had been with her since she was found on the floor in her condo (approximately 18 hours after her stroke). The window of stroke reversal opportunity was well closed by this time.
She spent 7 days in that same ICU until she was moved into a shared room on a different floor. She spent 4 days in that room. Today, she was moved to Spaulding Rehab Hospital. She is our little miracle. We hope she is Spauldings miracle after they are through with her.
She is lucid beyond reason, aware of her surroundings, and very talkative.
My sisters and I are contributing to a blog chronicling everything she and we go through in her recovery. Please visit One Red Bead the blog about Mom's recovery.
I was in Las Vegas when I heard the news late morning of the 18th, having just arrived in LV about 12 hours before I got the call. Needless to say, our vacation was cut very short. Scott and I took the redeye that night back to Boston. We arrived the next morning, retrieved our car and went straight to Brigham and Women's Hospital where Mom was in the neurological ICU. Later that day, Anna arrived from SLC. Julie and Kathy had been with her since she was found on the floor in her condo (approximately 18 hours after her stroke). The window of stroke reversal opportunity was well closed by this time.
She spent 7 days in that same ICU until she was moved into a shared room on a different floor. She spent 4 days in that room. Today, she was moved to Spaulding Rehab Hospital. She is our little miracle. We hope she is Spauldings miracle after they are through with her.
She is lucid beyond reason, aware of her surroundings, and very talkative.
My sisters and I are contributing to a blog chronicling everything she and we go through in her recovery. Please visit One Red Bead the blog about Mom's recovery.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Wedding Rings
Anne Marie and Rob are going to be married on May 23rd. They commissioned me to make their wedding bands (an honor that I will not soon forget) and I decided to take some pictures of the process.
I started out with half round wire for the rings, 6ga for Robs, and 10ga for Anne Marie's. I cut a length that gives me a little play room in case I mess up with the stamping...which did happen on Anne Marie's (10ga is tiny to stamp on, especially wobbly half round wire).
For stamping and general manipulation of the metal, it needed to be annealed first. This process makes the silver molecules loose so that they will take a stamping much easier than if this step is skipped. I actually had to anneal these rings many more times throughout the process.
I stamped on a hockey puck (from my nephews bar mitzvah...don't tell him!) so I didn't mar the outside of the wire too much. The wire gets a little funky when you stamp it. This looks awful, but no worries, it all works out in the end.
After I got the insides of the rings stamped with the inscriptions, I use my ring mandrel to eyeball the length of wire I need for the size of ring I want, and saw it away. Then I formed the bands around the mandrel to get them sort of roundish so that I can solder them closed.
I shape the bands as much as I can turning the cut ends in to form somewhat of a straight edge to get ready to solder. The 10ga was easy, but the 6ga definitely needed some more annealing. I couldn't even move it anymore from the position it is in the photo above, even with leverage! So annealing I go again...
After the soldering, there are some solder spots/pools left on the metal, I have to file that off, inside and out. I also filed into the edges on the inside, making the rings very smooth, and comfortable for always and forever wear.
Here is my fancy ring mandrel, isn't she pretty? I use a rawhide hammer to make the ring a circle and then to size the ring, hammering the ring down, turning the mandrel all the time until it is at the correct size I desire.
Now it's time to sand, sand, sand...and then polish. My mandrel has sizing grooves that leave little marks on the inside of the rings, not to mention all the other accidental tool marks from the forming. I start with #80 sanding paper, and work my way down to #30 finishing paper. In sandpaper terms, that might be 320 grit to 600 grit.
It's a lot of work sanding the inside and outside by hand, but the results are wonderful. When the finish is desired, it's time to polish. I am using tripoli to polish these rings to a mirror shine, inside and out.
Here they are finished.
These were really fun to make, I hope to be asked again!
I started out with half round wire for the rings, 6ga for Robs, and 10ga for Anne Marie's. I cut a length that gives me a little play room in case I mess up with the stamping...which did happen on Anne Marie's (10ga is tiny to stamp on, especially wobbly half round wire).
For stamping and general manipulation of the metal, it needed to be annealed first. This process makes the silver molecules loose so that they will take a stamping much easier than if this step is skipped. I actually had to anneal these rings many more times throughout the process.
I stamped on a hockey puck (from my nephews bar mitzvah...don't tell him!) so I didn't mar the outside of the wire too much. The wire gets a little funky when you stamp it. This looks awful, but no worries, it all works out in the end.
After I got the insides of the rings stamped with the inscriptions, I use my ring mandrel to eyeball the length of wire I need for the size of ring I want, and saw it away. Then I formed the bands around the mandrel to get them sort of roundish so that I can solder them closed.
I shape the bands as much as I can turning the cut ends in to form somewhat of a straight edge to get ready to solder. The 10ga was easy, but the 6ga definitely needed some more annealing. I couldn't even move it anymore from the position it is in the photo above, even with leverage! So annealing I go again...
After the soldering, there are some solder spots/pools left on the metal, I have to file that off, inside and out. I also filed into the edges on the inside, making the rings very smooth, and comfortable for always and forever wear.
Here is my fancy ring mandrel, isn't she pretty? I use a rawhide hammer to make the ring a circle and then to size the ring, hammering the ring down, turning the mandrel all the time until it is at the correct size I desire.
Now it's time to sand, sand, sand...and then polish. My mandrel has sizing grooves that leave little marks on the inside of the rings, not to mention all the other accidental tool marks from the forming. I start with #80 sanding paper, and work my way down to #30 finishing paper. In sandpaper terms, that might be 320 grit to 600 grit.
It's a lot of work sanding the inside and outside by hand, but the results are wonderful. When the finish is desired, it's time to polish. I am using tripoli to polish these rings to a mirror shine, inside and out.
Here they are finished.
These were really fun to make, I hope to be asked again!
Friday, May 08, 2009
Paws New England Charity Concert
Band Gig has another charity concert tonight!
This time it's for Paws New England
Once again, I have made a donation to the cause for the raffle. This little dogbone necklace...so cute!
Doors open at 7:30pm $10 donation at the door.
This time it's for Paws New England
Once again, I have made a donation to the cause for the raffle. This little dogbone necklace...so cute!
Doors open at 7:30pm $10 donation at the door.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
A walk through Walpole
Rusty and I took a long walk today through East Walpole, into Walpole and back again. We walked through Bird Park (Francis William Park) and all the way to Plimpton Street. We actually made it almost to Main Street, but I got scared and turned back because Plimpton Street is not a street for walking, I found out. Very narrow, no sidewalk, but what really made me turn back was a super friendly black Chow Chow dog not chained in his unfenced yard who bounded over to say 'hi' while I kept saying 'no' trying to pull Rusty away from him (can't be too careful!). It was a nice day for a walk, very sunny but nice and cool. I did find my dream house on Plimpton Street though (in my dreams).
Bird Park is blooming like crazy, a lovely time to stroll through.
We had a wonderful walk, I googled our route when I got home and we did about a 5 mile loop. Rusty was actually walking almost behind me the last 1/4 mile...he was done! This is what a worn out dog looks like.
Look at those eyes, he is just exhausted!
Julie borrowed my car for tonight, so perhaps I will take Rusty on an even longer walk tomorrow to pick up the car at the Gallery. It's nice to have a worn out dog...especially one that is usually barking at you for attention.
Bird Park is blooming like crazy, a lovely time to stroll through.
We had a wonderful walk, I googled our route when I got home and we did about a 5 mile loop. Rusty was actually walking almost behind me the last 1/4 mile...he was done! This is what a worn out dog looks like.
Look at those eyes, he is just exhausted!
Julie borrowed my car for tonight, so perhaps I will take Rusty on an even longer walk tomorrow to pick up the car at the Gallery. It's nice to have a worn out dog...especially one that is usually barking at you for attention.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
1000 Markets
1000 markets is a selling venue that is juried and fabulous. There are wonderful things to be seen and bought here, please browse around!
I just found out that I was accepted, and I am so happy! Please check out my shop there, and if you are so inclined, buy something! Haaahhaa!
It's late, they approved me moments ago, so forgive me for my overexcitability, please!
I can't believe that I got in! Yay!!!!
I just found out that I was accepted, and I am so happy! Please check out my shop there, and if you are so inclined, buy something! Haaahhaa!
It's late, they approved me moments ago, so forgive me for my overexcitability, please!
I can't believe that I got in! Yay!!!!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Rusty has a new hobby!
Jape played some agility games with Rusty today while Suzanne and I watched. Apparently Rusty really likes jumping!
Some activities he was not so interested in, particularly the frisbee...
I think he had a fantastic time playing in the backyard with Jape. Rusty came home with his own hula hoop, so we may practice some tomorrow in the backyard.
He liked jumping the stationary rake, too.
Alright, it took over 1 1/2 hours to upload less than 2 minutes of video. Gha!
Some activities he was not so interested in, particularly the frisbee...
I think he had a fantastic time playing in the backyard with Jape. Rusty came home with his own hula hoop, so we may practice some tomorrow in the backyard.
He liked jumping the stationary rake, too.
Alright, it took over 1 1/2 hours to upload less than 2 minutes of video. Gha!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Old Cemetery
So, yes... I have been amongst the missing, I know it. I apologize to the few readers who have been wondering when and if I would ever post another bit of nonsense, mainly Suzanne and Kim...LOL!
Anyhoo, to celebrate my return, here are some pictures of a cemetery I have recently discovered.
I pulled over and walked around for a bit the other day. It was an incredibly sunny day! I think I need to go exploring more on an overcast day, or when the sun is not so high in the sky.
I would have never even known this cemetery existed had I not decided to change my route because of construction. It's quite lovely, on a hill (although the pictures don't show that well) and very small. I don't even know what the proper name of this cemetery is, but I think it is a non-conjoined part of Sharon Memorial Park.
Just beautiful!
Anyhoo, to celebrate my return, here are some pictures of a cemetery I have recently discovered.
I pulled over and walked around for a bit the other day. It was an incredibly sunny day! I think I need to go exploring more on an overcast day, or when the sun is not so high in the sky.
I would have never even known this cemetery existed had I not decided to change my route because of construction. It's quite lovely, on a hill (although the pictures don't show that well) and very small. I don't even know what the proper name of this cemetery is, but I think it is a non-conjoined part of Sharon Memorial Park.
Just beautiful!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Some new shows
I have added some new shows to my list this summer.
Thursday, June 4th
5pm - 9pm
JP First Thursdays
The Lawn at Curtis Hall
20 South Street, Jamaica Plain
Sunday, June 14th
Boston Handmade at SEOM
SOWA
10am - 4pm
540 Harrison Ave,
Boston, MA
Thursday, July 2nd
5pm - 9pm
JP First Thursdays
The Lawn at Curtis Hall
20 South Street, Jamaica Plain
Hope to see you there!
Thursday, June 4th
5pm - 9pm
JP First Thursdays
The Lawn at Curtis Hall
20 South Street, Jamaica Plain
Sunday, June 14th
Boston Handmade at SEOM
SOWA
10am - 4pm
540 Harrison Ave,
Boston, MA
Thursday, July 2nd
5pm - 9pm
JP First Thursdays
The Lawn at Curtis Hall
20 South Street, Jamaica Plain
Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Native American Hand Puppet
I made this hand puppet in 3rd or 4th grade.
This is the only artwork from Elementary school that I was able to keep over the years. My family moved from Los Angeles to Boston in 1978, and we literally packed a suitcase and moved to Grandmas house. We did not 'pack up the house' we were told to only take what was most important to us (if it fit into a suitcase). Somehow, this hand puppet was important to me.
I made her with my own hands, and I have kept her safe now for over 34 years. Her necklace has seen better days, her dress is a bit tattered, and she shows her age with her cracked face, but to me she is beautiful and I am proud that she hasn't fallen apart after all these years.
She is surely not my first art/craft, but she is the oldest one still in my possession. I love her.
This is the only artwork from Elementary school that I was able to keep over the years. My family moved from Los Angeles to Boston in 1978, and we literally packed a suitcase and moved to Grandmas house. We did not 'pack up the house' we were told to only take what was most important to us (if it fit into a suitcase). Somehow, this hand puppet was important to me.
I made her with my own hands, and I have kept her safe now for over 34 years. Her necklace has seen better days, her dress is a bit tattered, and she shows her age with her cracked face, but to me she is beautiful and I am proud that she hasn't fallen apart after all these years.
She is surely not my first art/craft, but she is the oldest one still in my possession. I love her.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Crystal on Martha!
Boston Handmade member Crystal Hanehan of VintagebyCrystal will be on The Martha Stewart Show tomorrow! Airing here in Boston on Fox 25 at 10am...check your local listings!
I'm really excited to see her segment! She will be demonstrating this needle felted nest for Martha's 'Easter Crafts' inspired show.
Deep breaths Crystal, I'm sure you'll do great!
I'm really excited to see her segment! She will be demonstrating this needle felted nest for Martha's 'Easter Crafts' inspired show.
Deep breaths Crystal, I'm sure you'll do great!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Stressful times
In this troubling economy, many people are losing their jobs.
My jobs are safe because I don't have a steady full time job, I have my hands in many small time efforts that fill my day and give me many small paychecks that amount to a fair pay that I am comfortable with. If I lose one job, I will still have a couple. If I lose two jobs, I will have more time to make more jewelry to sell. I feel lucky in that I am not a slave to any one of my part time jobs. And I feel lucky to have a husband who supports me in every one of my small time efforts, and in the long run, a pension that will take care of us in old age.
Ramble aside....one of my part time jobs is being assistant to a wonderful man who deals with people's retirement funds, 401(k)s and annuities. I have been feeling his stress every time one of his highly paid clients loses his/her job and it has been affecting my overall happy attitude. I haven't posted much to my blog as the market has taken a dive with the Bears pushing down as hard as they can. This likely won't change for years. There will be upswings and down swings, but over all, this won't be over for quite some time I fear.
When the Bulls strap on their harnesses and are ready to pull us up and out of this financial mess I'm sure to have a cheerier attitude. I'd love to be posting happy thoughts, but this is on my mind at this moment, so there you go.
Come on Bulls, we're ready for you!
My jobs are safe because I don't have a steady full time job, I have my hands in many small time efforts that fill my day and give me many small paychecks that amount to a fair pay that I am comfortable with. If I lose one job, I will still have a couple. If I lose two jobs, I will have more time to make more jewelry to sell. I feel lucky in that I am not a slave to any one of my part time jobs. And I feel lucky to have a husband who supports me in every one of my small time efforts, and in the long run, a pension that will take care of us in old age.
Ramble aside....one of my part time jobs is being assistant to a wonderful man who deals with people's retirement funds, 401(k)s and annuities. I have been feeling his stress every time one of his highly paid clients loses his/her job and it has been affecting my overall happy attitude. I haven't posted much to my blog as the market has taken a dive with the Bears pushing down as hard as they can. This likely won't change for years. There will be upswings and down swings, but over all, this won't be over for quite some time I fear.
When the Bulls strap on their harnesses and are ready to pull us up and out of this financial mess I'm sure to have a cheerier attitude. I'd love to be posting happy thoughts, but this is on my mind at this moment, so there you go.
Come on Bulls, we're ready for you!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
A few of my favorite Boston Handmade things.
Being a member of such a talented group of artisans and craft people can have it's advantages. I have the first look at some of the most wonderful new items, and sometimes...they are gifts!
During the annual meeting in January, we exchanged gifts as a group. I was lucky enough to score two of these wonderful coasters from Lucie Wicker which have become a staple on my coffee table ever since. Hubby and I love them!
During the BH Downtown store's run, I had purchased an eyeglass case from Elizabeth Brennick designs which I have put to use as more than just an eyeglass case. I use it to hold the faceplate for my radio when I park in Boston, and when I am not parking in Boston...eyeglass case it is!
I also bought a painted wooded brooch from Wellerwishes (my sister, Kathy) which I wear all the time and love so much! Her pieces evoke a long lost imaginary magical time. So whimsical and colorful!
Since I first discovered Mimi Kirchner's dolls...yes, when I first joined Boston Handmade, I have longed to own one of her dolls. Lucky for me, she had these magnets for sale of her masculine tattoo men who now grace the front of my refrigerator. Someday I will own a real Mimi doll, but until then, I get to look at images of these beautiful tattooed men...
I am a huge fan of Breton Bleu Studios, I am lucky enough to own a few of her original paintings. I'm a huge fan! My favorite is a mini painting of a marsh that reminds me of Prince Edward Island...even tho I know that it was either from the coast of Massachusetts or of France. Here are a few together.
What are your favorite Boston Handmade items?
During the annual meeting in January, we exchanged gifts as a group. I was lucky enough to score two of these wonderful coasters from Lucie Wicker which have become a staple on my coffee table ever since. Hubby and I love them!
During the BH Downtown store's run, I had purchased an eyeglass case from Elizabeth Brennick designs which I have put to use as more than just an eyeglass case. I use it to hold the faceplate for my radio when I park in Boston, and when I am not parking in Boston...eyeglass case it is!
I also bought a painted wooded brooch from Wellerwishes (my sister, Kathy) which I wear all the time and love so much! Her pieces evoke a long lost imaginary magical time. So whimsical and colorful!
Since I first discovered Mimi Kirchner's dolls...yes, when I first joined Boston Handmade, I have longed to own one of her dolls. Lucky for me, she had these magnets for sale of her masculine tattoo men who now grace the front of my refrigerator. Someday I will own a real Mimi doll, but until then, I get to look at images of these beautiful tattooed men...
I am a huge fan of Breton Bleu Studios, I am lucky enough to own a few of her original paintings. I'm a huge fan! My favorite is a mini painting of a marsh that reminds me of Prince Edward Island...even tho I know that it was either from the coast of Massachusetts or of France. Here are a few together.
What are your favorite Boston Handmade items?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Monday, February 02, 2009
Be Mine on Friday Feb. 6th!
Another great Boston Handmade exhibit!
Stop by for a visit and a wonderful shopping experience!
Be Mine
The 2nd Annual Boston Handmade Valentine Show
Friday, February 6 ~ 5pm to 9pm
450 Harrison Avenue ~ Gallery #31 ~ 31 Thayer Street
South End, Boston, MA - Boston Handmade announces the 2nd Annual Be Mine Valentine Show featuring hand crafted Valentines and gifts for friends, family, and lovers, to be held on Friday, February 6th, from 5-9pm at 450 Harrison Avenue. Sponsored in part by GTI Properties and the individual members of Boston Handmade, this one-night-only event coincides with the First Friday open studios and gallery receptions in the SoWa arts district of Boston's South End.
Twenty local artists, artisans and craftspeople will be exhibiting their one-of-a-kind and limited edition works at Be Mine, which is the 2009 Boston Handmade debut after their successful 2008 Downtown Crossing holiday gallery. This special Valentine event includes live acoustic music by Peter Paulousky and new exhibitor designs created especially for the winter season and Valentine's Day.
I hope to see you all there!
Stop by for a visit and a wonderful shopping experience!
Be Mine
The 2nd Annual Boston Handmade Valentine Show
Friday, February 6 ~ 5pm to 9pm
450 Harrison Avenue ~ Gallery #31 ~ 31 Thayer Street
South End, Boston, MA - Boston Handmade announces the 2nd Annual Be Mine Valentine Show featuring hand crafted Valentines and gifts for friends, family, and lovers, to be held on Friday, February 6th, from 5-9pm at 450 Harrison Avenue. Sponsored in part by GTI Properties and the individual members of Boston Handmade, this one-night-only event coincides with the First Friday open studios and gallery receptions in the SoWa arts district of Boston's South End.
Twenty local artists, artisans and craftspeople will be exhibiting their one-of-a-kind and limited edition works at Be Mine, which is the 2009 Boston Handmade debut after their successful 2008 Downtown Crossing holiday gallery. This special Valentine event includes live acoustic music by Peter Paulousky and new exhibitor designs created especially for the winter season and Valentine's Day.
I hope to see you all there!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
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