Rose Earrings and Little Sister's Prom Night

So this weekend ended up going pretty well... I'm surprised I've managed to write so frequently! But, I guess that goes along with the territory that I'm supposed to stay off my feet and quiet... And that means computer (and cat!) on my lap!

I've managed to help my Mom clean out some of her craft room over this past week, and in doing so I found some really pretty glass beads she had started making in to earrings. She wanted me to show her how to wrap them really well- so I did, then took some snapshots. I think because of this venture, I'll have to expand more into the decorative glass beads I've seen around.... Don't get me wrong, I love Swarovski Crystals and how they look... But these pretty glass baubles have SO much potential too! After I finished these little earrings off, I hung them upon a pair of custom earwires I had made and decided to take some pictures.

These were really beautiful since the pinks were a few different tones, and they swirled from dark to light. If you look carefully through the bead- you'll also see some delicate whirls and swirls of very fine gold "dust" in there. The leaves swirl... And the entire bead just looks like it's perpetually in motion.

In a silly reverie of my own, I could totally imagine a beautiful woman down at the Kentucky Derby, in an beautiful wide-brimmed hat, dressed in white... And having the finishing touch not be her shoes- but these earrings! Hahaha, there you go! My silly little reverie!

Imagine to my delight, nearly the instant I posted them up for sale- they sold! A friend of mine is gifting them to a very special lady for a very special occasion- and that's all I'll say about that. I sure hope she enjoys them- and I hope she might even send in a fan photo of her modeling them for me.

So now for the second exciting part of my post.
Last night was my little "big" sister's prom. I know, I had mine years and years ago... I remember it like it was yesterday- and I have to say... I haven't had this much fun doing makeup or helping my sister out in a long time.

The theme was Hollywood, and she wanted her makeup done dramatic- but not over the top. Classic. I had just the thing. The only thing I'm kicking myself about is that I didn't get a close up of her face when I had finished- the colors were amazing! The only makeup I now use myself (except for foundation) is Orglamix. I used Champagne Toast all over her eye. This was followed by a shimmery gray called Sesame was the base for her lid. Smudged out a bit, it was just enough. What she didn't realize was that I wasn't done... Not yet! I had her apply black eyeliner in a very thin line on her upper lid, then went over the black with an amazing eyeshadow called Fog. (Its a shimmery purple/blue/iridescent!) It darkened the top, I swiped along the bottom to line and bring her eyes out a bit more... And it was gorgeous! Swiped Quartz over her brow bone. Foundation went on, finishing powder, and a touch of bronzer on her cheeks just to make them sparkle a bit. Mascara, lipstick- and BOOM! My sister looked like a princess!

I hardly had time to get ready on my own... But I managed as best as I could- going slower than a snail of course. I just wished I had smiled more- I was still in quite a bit of pain, but could have sworn that I had a better face on. I suppose it happens- I'll tell you though, I had a great time with my baby sister!

We also had to get the great shot of my sister an my parents- and I have to say, even though it's a teeny bit blurry- it's still a great shot. Mom was almost crying- and Dad was so cute! It's hard to catch him in a smile... But one of these days I will!!

It was so nice to see so many of the girls that chose really pretty, nice dresses to wear. There were a few there that chose- ahem- not so classy dresses- but I suppose you get those anywhere, right?! For the most part... The friends that my sister had surrounded by looked wonderful! It's also such a big difference when you're used to seeing kids in every day wear... Then there's a special occasion, they get dressed up... And WOW! They're beautiful!

And of course... The night went off as a hit. She had a wonderful time with her friends, and more pictures I'm sure will show up from random other students that attended!

We told them to show a little leg... And I think this one came out just absolutely adorable! Hope you enjoy!

I got another blog award!!

So I finally read up on my blog comments tonight.

Not to say that I've been ignoring anyone... I just, well, haven't been in the right frame of mind recently. Imagine to my surprise, though, that a very talented artist who I avidly follow concerning her amazing beadwork nominated me for the "Kreativ Blogger" award!

Let me take a moment to introduce you to an amazing beader also known as Krafty Max. It's a total understatement to say that her work is incredible- from the design process, to choosing the colors, weaving the beads, and having the finished product... I'm telling you, I hardly have that patience! But it'll suffice for me to sit back and watch this amazing woman create her crafty goodies! I think by and far her favorite piece she's made that I've had my eye on is the framed Mermaid. Click the picture below to be taken to the listing- you can see other pictures, and really admire this beautiful piece of artwork!

Please also stop by and fan her Facebook Page!!

Ok know rules for me passing this on.

I have to list 7 things about myself that I haven't previously revealed. And tonight, I will admit, it'll probably be a tough one considering I'm a wee bit out of it. *grins*. At least the pain is subsiding- right?! So here goes... And if I happen to repeat something anyone remembers me saying and can quote me... Well, I'll owe you each TWO more random things. How bout that for a challenge?!

Here it goes...

1. I'm collecting succulents for a garden. I've all of a sudden fallen in love with these easy to take care plants, and while I don't have specific names for each of them- I plan to have pictures taken this week because they're just too pretty to not share. Plus, they grow fast. Which means I can share with my friends and family! My favorite ones especially are the multi-colored ones... For instance, Aeonium. It fades from a pretty yellow-gold middle flower, to pink tipped edges, to green under leaves. Very delicate! The one below is just a random, beautiful collection someone online has... I think I'll have to find the ones used, and make my own... :)

2. I've been known to scrapbook in some additional time I have- but being away from home, I didn't bring my supplies with me. Since I'm indefinitely home now, recuperating and recovering from this back injury- I think I can manage to sit around, cut some paper, print some pictures, and make an album or two worthy of passing down to my family, sisters, parents, boyfriend, etc.

3. I'm a compulsive cleaner. This is not a good thing when I'm told to stay quiet (as my doctor has- but I'm doing well and listening) I'm not obsessive about it... I just like things in their place. But I also do like to change things around a bit too- so it all depends on my mood, and how my outlook for the day is.

4. I love the smell of Johnson's & Johnson's Baby Lotion. The original, in the big pink pump bottle. It's so soft and silky... And the only thing it smells better on than myself is a little baby. Babies just smell so darn good anyways- provided they've got a clean diaper and no spit-up anywhere in sight. But then again- they can't help it.

5. When I can get back to it, I just want to drive. I like to get in my vehicle, put the windows down, blast any kind of music, and just follow the road where it takes me. Sometimes to the city, sometimes to the forest- it can be anywhere. Solace is my friend. And taking a friend along for an impromptu road trip is always a plus- and so much fun!

6. I miss camping. I think this year it's going to have to be accompanied by an air-mattress (so I don't totally kill my back once I hopefully get it healed), but a few brews, good friends, and a beautiful night under a black sky with bright stars is nearly perfection for me. Plus- there's something just so nice about cuddling next to your sweetie inside a sleeping bag. And yes- I do mean just cuddling and falling asleep together. Some of the wild animal noises creep me out though! LOL

7. I'm the oldest of four children. I am the shortest, and am the jewelry creator in the family (Just wait till you see some of Mom's things though- I'm working on getting her on it!). My brother is the tallest, and in the Air Force- stationed in Vegas. I'm jealous! My middle sister has the biggest attitude, but is the first person to help you out if you need it. She's quite an artist, and is currently a horticulturist. My youngest sister has her prom tomorrow night, and is graduating high school in just a few short weeks. This is depressing- because 11 years ago I did the same thing! LOL My youngest sister is the tallest of us girls, and absolutely beautiful. Here we are below... In order, of course!

Ok... Now that I've gone and done a ton of explaining- instead of a simple "Here's 7 things...", I'll get to the good part! I get to name 7 blogs I follow because that's how this award is passed along.

I hope you visit each blog and end up following them as well! They sure make for some interesting reads!!

1. First up is a delightful, colorful, and unique shop called Burnt Mill Candles and Soaps

Who can resist the name of a soap called "Crackling Firewood for Men"... !

2. Pick number two in my list is Number two is L-G Designs, Gems Crystals & Wire

Such intricate and detailed work- who wouldn't love a piece like this of their own?!

3. Up on deck for third is a great little shop I happened to come across-

mostly because of the name! Come on by and check out My House Party!!

Looks like a good time in there.... Who brought the wine and cheese!?

I can't help it... I love plants...!

4. Number four is one of my favorites, across the board.

She's been an awesome influence both in Blogland and Facebook,

and is absolutely giving 1000% dedication to helping other artists succeed

in addition to her own business. Without any further ado- The Handmade Gift-Guide!

Relax... I think I need a basket of these right about now!!!

5. One sweet shop that caught my eye was The Little Fox

So sweet, romantic... And yet, totally not over the top.

True beauty and talent!

6. For number six, another fellow jewelry maker has also caught my eye-

and I'd like to you to take a look at Monique Jewelry Designs

So sweet, simple... And just absolutely darling!

7. And last, but certainly not least... An irresistible pick I couldn't pass

up from Rose Lullaby Dolls

Who doesn't love finger puppets?

Or ones with such adorable faces?

I couldn't resist!

I hope you enjoy these shops and blogs as much as I do!

And don't forgot- you can fan them on facebook as well!

Long Update- Grab a Cup of Joe!

I just wanted to let everyone know that I've been holding up ok.

And so is kitteh, as evidenced in her new hangout spot within my houseplants!

Since early March, I've been plagued with a back spasm that just hasn't let up or given me any relief. After seeing my PCP, and her subsequently telling me that she wouldn't give me the combination of medications I know would have cleared this up... I had to resort to making an appointment with a neurosurgeon.

Needless to say, don't trust the fancy name unless you know someone that has seen them before and can provide an excellent reference. It took me nearly three weeks to get in to see this doctor, and after being poked, prodded and made to do move in ways that I had already explained were extremely painful for me. His recommendation for treatment was "Heat/Ice Therapy, Chiropracter, Physical Therapy, Narcotics, Tens (electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapy), Accupuncture, Giving Up, Some Fine Surgery".

Giving up?

GIVING UP?

Seriously? A doctor, a neurosurgeon, told me to give up.

I'm certain some of my readers here have dealt with pain... And some even with chronic pain... Would you for even a moment think of giving up????

I left his office empty handed. No medications, not even prednisone which in my case would have been used as an anti-inflammatory which was badly needed. I made sure to insist I had an order for an x-ray, and MRI. Symptoms thus far had been the back spasm, on my spinal column, radiating out toward just above my right hip. From here, the pain radiated upwards a little bit, but the majority was the shooting pain, numbness, and pins and needles that would go right through down my hip, bum and all the way down my leg and out my toes. Random times I'd fall. Just be standing, then boom- on the ground. Go to stand up from a sitting position, boom, right back down on the floor. Kneel down, attempt to bend, it could be anything. Boom... Falling on my knees, bum, side.... It didn't matter.

I had the X-ray done. Then the MRI. Refused to go back to the "neurosurgeon".

The second doctors I got ahold of, the "Orthopedic Specialists" who took me another two weeks to get in to see them told me they didn't see anything wrong with my back. Not from the MRI, not from anything. He sat there, asked me questions, checked my reflexes in my knee.... And that was the end of my appointment. The audacity of this doctor that got me the most was that he said this was all in my head. And obviously I have a nerve problem.

I thought this was a little silly- so I questioned him... If there's no problem, why are you saying there's something wrong with the nerve in my right leg. Particularly the sciatica. His response was to promptly get up and leave.

His assistant was kind enough to come back with a prescription to refer me to yet another specialist- to have a nerve test done. I didn't need that- I needed my back fixed. I was only at that point able to broach the subject of taking short term leave from work to get my back issues sorted out, diagnosed correctly, and fixed. The assistant left, then came back and told me it would be $175 for this new doctor to fill out the paperwork. Three pages. Two hundred bucks. I was appalled. I questioned that- cried in the office, I was so hurt at this point. In this amount of pain, no medication, driving myself to the limit because things needed to get done and I was the only one I could rely on... I was having a mini-break down.

That doctor popped his head into my waiting room and simply said "I won't fill this out for you. You need to see the neurosurgeon you had initially seen to get this done. Have a nice day."

I broke down. Took my records, didn't give them any further paperwork, and informed them I was not going to be back ever- nor refer their practice to anyone else.

So started the Emergency Backup Plan.

14 days, turned in to 7. I packed up some of my things, made an emergency call to my parents- and said I need you to come pick me up. They drove down to VA to come get me... Packed what I needed, and scooted me back home. Now my doctor up here had all my records before I had seen him- which is what I planned.

A good piece of advice for anyone with back problems- see first an DO- Doctor of Osteopathy. My doctor here has helped me through this since my first two injuries- my car accident in 2007, then falling down the stairs right after Christmas that same year. I've had flare-ups since then- but nothing this severe or long lasting.

Over the last week, he's helped me more than both those other two nuts did in two months. I have medications- muscle relaxants, and a pain reliever. He was appalled that all I've been taking was Excedrin Back & Body for the amount of pain and spasms I was literally hunched over with. My first appointment, he couldn't touch me- I was too bound up. This was when the pain meds and muscle relaxants were called in. I also had a steroidal shot in my rear end that would bring down the inflammation. Waited two days- and had to see him again. Not much relief- which not only was he surprised at, but he could feel in my back as well. He couldn't touch me for fear of hurting me.

So last week, he put me on an oral dose of steroids in addition to the rest of the medications. Today marked the day of the time passed, and I went to see him again. I had fallen twice this past weekend. Once on Saturday on to pavement (of course, the one day I venture out) and this morning, coming down stairs. That wasn't so bad, as I made myself push back and just sort of landed on the stairs sitting down hard. Diagnosis from me? Pain is alleviated to manageable, but the spasm has not let up. He felt as much as well. On the table, he had me relax as best as he could, then moved my right leg around. Excruciating in most positions.

Then he says, there... That's it.

What's it?

He said "You've got a severely torn ligament on the right side of your spinal column. This makes sense- it wouldn't show up on the x-ray or MRI, but I can feel it slipping. Your disc is slid out. This is the reason for the amount of pain you're in."

Me "Oh. Great."

Doctor "Well, you're young... You'll heal... But this will take a while, and you need to stay absolutely quiet. I need to do a procedure on you to help this give you relief- is that ok?"

Me "Yes. Anything, please. I don't want to hurt."

Doctor "On a scale of 1-10, right now where are you?"

Me "Between 9-10."

Doctor "High threshold of pain?"

Me "Yes. Usually why I end up hurt more than I should by the time I get to the doctor."

Doctor "You need to not wait that long from now on, ok?"

Me "Ok."

So.... Today.

Two nerve blocks, with more steroids. Let me tell you.... Having it done wasn't as bad as it seemed it would be. My doctor has magic hands- he really does. Told me there may be a slight chance of bleeding, or infection to the injection site. It would hurt- the medicine going in. It did... But only for a moment. And in that moment... Relief. Pain level went from 9-10 to 7 in 5 minutes. Level 5 in another 5 minutes. Here I sit tonight, and I'm at a level 4. Manageable. Didn't think I would feel this kind of relief for a while, nevermind by having my doctor suggest this as an alternative.

As it stands, I have to go back in another week for a checkup with him. As I'm making progress more slowly than he'd like, and I'm going a little stir-crazy in the process, whatever it takes to get me back to semi-normal would be just fine with me at this point. I'd be quite thankful. If this block lasts for at least the next week, that means he'll be able to help me more and we'll have at least some sort of idea at a treatment plan. However, if things backtrack- it would mean that other options- including surgery- would then have to be discussed. But when that time comes upon me... I shall do so.

As things look, I'll be working sporadically. I'm not used to sitting around and being idle.... But I'm also having some trouble making my jewelry since my hands are still shaking. I think I'll try to make some tomorrow- but we shall see just how well I progress along. I'm also home amongst my scrapbooking stash- which makes me rub my hands together and grin! So many stickers and embellishments... I don't think I'd have room for another shop on Etsy! Perhaps I'll just make them for my friends and family... Who knows.

My sincere apologies for ranting and raving on and on to everyone... But I wanted to let everyone in on what's been going on, and why I haven't had the chance to be online much at all.

The Little Guardian

He watches over Mom's garden. All seasons, through rain, snow, sunshine and foggy days. He's there, quietly pondering some unknown thought. Protecting the flowers whether they're hibernating for the winter, starting to poke through the dirt in the spring, or in full bloom come summertime.

I don't think he has a name. Not a formal one, at any rate. He's just The Little Guardian.

With Spring just ushered in through the door, it's hard to believe there are already such vibrant colors in the garden this early in the season. Yes, I do realize it's near the end of April... But still... Up here in New England, it tends to find its way much slower than elsewhere. Enjoy the pictures I've taken for you- with permission from my little stone friend- and hopefully it will put a smile on your face.

Little Grape Hyacinth


Lambs Ear
So soft to touch!


Little Johnny Jump-Up!


A Little Pine Cone


Red and White and Yellow!


Hens 'n Chicks
Succulent Heaven!

As a personal update... I'm hoping very soon to be able to start working on my jewelry again. It's just been difficult, seeing as I'm not really able to concentrate very long, and my patience level is next to nothing. I want to create beautiful things- but, still, my hands shake too badly to make anything. The good news is that I see my own doctor next week- and I know he'll be able to help me with the back thing that's going on. I can't describe to you how badly I miss making my jewelry- but then again, I wrecked some chain and headpins just trying to wrap for a new piece. So, I'll keep to things that don't really require fine motor skills for now!

So glad the end of the week is nearly here- and I get to see my fella this weekend, which has me tickled pink. I'm hoping now I have more time to devote to getting better at blogging. I miss it!

Thank you everyone that's sent me kind thoughts, prayers, wishes and good feelings my way.
It's very much appreciated!

Featured, and an Update

I can't tell you how glad I am that I can leave my windows open during the day and evening, and have it be comfortable! There's nothing quite like waking up listening to the chitter chatter of the birds- but most mornings, I'm up well before them!

I'm finally awake enough to sit an concentrate, and to tell you the truth- I miss blogging! I know the last post said I'd do my best to post at least once a week... But that's before life got in the way. I'm sure once things settle down, I'll be back online more frequently!

To kick things off, I want to share with you a Pixie Lily. I bought two for Easter- and gave one to a friend of mine as a hostess gift. She got the amazing yellow one, while I held on to the pink blush plant. I like them since they're miniature versions of the beautiful white Easter Lilies, and they don't stink up the house or make my allergies go absolutely haywire! They're about a 1/3 of the size of the regular large lilies, and bright! So pretty I couldn't resist.

I've also been featured on my friend Joyce's blog today- it really cheered me up! Come on by and check out her blog at Happy Cloud Moments. She did an absolutely gorgeous display of how "Link Love" works- and it's one I look forward to featuring this upcoming weekend as well. Why?! Because "Link Love" rocks!!!!

And now to update everyone as to why I've been a bit... Absent lately.

I've been living with bad back problems for going on 5 years, and up until this point I've always been able to manage the pain and spasms. About 4 weeks ago, I had a bad knot in my back... Which turned into a full blown spasm... Which did not ease up over the course of 2 weeks. Every day- pain. This time was different, though, because I noticed that my leg was getting pins and needles often, and would go numb. About 5 days into this new spasm, I fell. My right leg, without warning, just gave out on me. I didn't think much of it... Until it happened again.

In my rush to be seen by a doctor (which down here in DC is no easy feat- I swear the orthopedic clinics have never heard of an emergency or sudden injury) things have been absolutely chaotic. I had an x-ray done first (after my initial MRI request was denied by insurance), and it reveals in there that there's a little bone chip that's fractured off my L4 vertebrae. The X-ray "technician" said there wasn't anything wrong- but I'm sorry, if my chiropracter/Sports Medicine doctor says it's a bone chip- not a calcification like the tech said it was- I'm going to tend to believe the doctor over the other quack. He said it was also something that I did recently- as a traumatic injury, which I figure... Falling. It's been often- and landing the way I do, it wouldn't be surprising if that's what ended up giving me this new injury. Great.

Well, the X-ray had to be first because my insurance company wouldn't approve the MRI to be done until they had results. I'm pretty steamed by the radiology tech's report- because there is obvious degeneration in my lumbar area, in addition to that bone chip. And funny enough- you can see the "squishy" material of disc in between each of my vertebrae- except for the last two right before my tailbone. There's no clear outline of the disc material which shows as a faint gray, and the L5/S1 (last vertebrae and beginning of tailbone) disc was "black". As in empty space...

I spent 10 days calling my Dr's office trying to get the authorization for the MRI. The woman/receptionist was awful- telling me that she'd call when she had an answer, and that I had to be patient. She also said it didn't look like anything was wrong with my x-ray... To which I told her "Thanks for your opinion, but you're not the doctor." So, finally, the day before I have the MRI scheduled- she and the second "quack" realized how much pain I'm in. And I'm falling down, frequently. She asked me if that was the case- to which I stated that I did in fact put on my "check in sheet" that was one of the problems I needed to be seen for: back spasm, back pain, falling down. They didn't even read my chart.

Mind you, while having to deal with this weeks later, I haven't been on any sort of medication other than ibuprophen that I've been eating like candy. This isn't good for your liver, but it was taking the edge off the pain I was in. Upon talking to said receptionist- she was shocked I wasn't taking any medicine (Uhh, hello! I left their office empty handed, because I'm sure the "Dr" thought I was making a bogus reason to be seen...) and they ended up calling in a prescription for me. It's a weaker narcotic, and it's barely taking the edge off for me... But it's better than eating the ibuprophen the way I have been. And do not worry- I'm absolutely not taking it when I have to drive somewhere. Yes, that's right... Most days at work now I'm suffering through the 8 hours on sheer determination and anger- I'm not letting this get the best of me.

I was able to get the MRI done last Friday- and while I'm no doctor or certified, I did a little research of my own. I Googled regular spine pictures, and ones of herniated discs. Made sure I looked at an array of them, to make sure I wasn't jumping to conclusions. I realize this isn't an official diagnosis, but I wanted to get an idea of why I'm in the incredible pain that I am. It turns out with a lot of detail being shown with the MRI pictures- the L4/S1 disc is not level. There is degeneration in my lower lumbar spine, which I already knew and have been maintaining, but this was different looking that low. Instead of the disc between L4/L5 and L5/S1 being equal in spacing- they're pinched a bit. It's most evident on the lower one, where the "front" side- looking in from your belly- is much thicker than the back side. And it appears that the "bumps" (sorry, I'm too tired to remember the technical term!) you feel on your back when you run your hand down your spine, those two lower ones appear to be "rubbing" and touching. No wonder I have pain...?! I'm assuming that whatever is happening in there, the nerves are being affected as well... Which would explain why my leg just stops working and I fall.

For certain, though, I get an answer tomorrow.

I was able to find an orthopedic clinic that's not far from home, and I'll see the doctor tomorrow morning. I've already decided that whatever is going on, I'm going home to New Hampshire to have it fixed. This visit for the doctors is for work- so I'll be able to take time off to get home and be fixed. My family is around 24/7, and I'll be able to have the surgery, recovery and not worry about pain anymore.

That's a novel thought...

It's sad when you block out pain for so long, it just seems like it belongs there, it's a part of you. I'm looking forward to the day- very soon- which is coming, and I won't have to hurt like this any longer. Dealing with this type of pain literally takes everything out of you... I'm tired all the time, I have absolutely no energy, I don't sleep well, any movement wakes me up, walking is more like shuffling, I drag my foot without meaning to. The day is soon here I don't have to worry about any of that... And I can go for a walk and not have to worry about how sore I'll be later that evening.

I haven't been ignoring you, my readers and fans.

I've just been too tired and foggy to really sit down and complete a regular thought- nevermind try and attempt to write about it. But I managed to do ok tonight! I'm not looking for sympathies either- just words of kindness and encouragement.

One of my favorite sayings: This too, shall pass.

And to soon be fixed, to me, is exciting to look forward to.