Pick Up Now

This image was taken during a much needed detox bath filled with hot water and epsom salts. This ritual means more to me than absorbing the minerals offered from the salts. It also means release of pent up emotions and stress, a deep sigh into the water, which releases soothing negative ions, with the promise of 45 glorious silent minutes to myself.

I often read when I take a detox bath. I submerge my body in the water but I submerge my mind in a pool of words and let them carry me to another time and place where I become one of the characters, free from the pains of this body of mine.

I am very protective of this time because I know how good it is for my heart, soul, mind, and body. This year I am minimizing in all aspects of my life, including stress. If you've never tried an epsom salt bath, I highly recommend it.

Sending peace and love.

xo

Spiraling

Spiral staircase inside the Walter's Art Museum, Baltimore City, Maryland
Photographed with iPhone 6S plus

I probably shouldn't be giving an update on my Chronic Lyme treatment today because I just am not in a positive frame of mind. I was going to just skip writing this altogether but then I realized that I am entitled to be truthful; not whiny, but truthful.

So, here is the truth. I am not getting any better since the last update. In fact, I may even be worse. I am still in a plateau and that is so excruciatingly frustrating that some days I just want to give up. At the beginning of this journey, I was expecting to be completely better this far along in the process, so the fact that I am far from the end of this marathon is defeating. But, I can't give up. I have a husband, 4 kids, a mom, a brother, and friends that are relying on me and looking to me to be strong and keep going. So, here I am.

In January I began a few new things to try and help my healing along. I began a regimen with an outstanding and highly recommended acupuncturist. I have gone a few times and will continue to go once a week at least through January and then will reevaluate how often I need/should go. I also went for my first visit with a doctor that specializes in bio-toxins. She gave me a neurological assessment to see if the neurons in my brain were firing correctly or if neuro-toxins were interfering. The results were really terrifying for me as I didn't test well at all which means there is something still interfering with my brain function. She is also aware that I have a gene mutation for the MTHFR gene, which causes a sluggish detox in my body but doesn't think that is causing the whole issue. Clearly something either in my body (bacteria, parasites, or viruses) or in my environment (ie: mold) is still causing me issues with neuro-toxins, so she sent me for a whole new slew of blood work that won't be back for a few weeks. Hopefully the blood work will help us identify what specifically is causing the neuro-toxins and I will be able to eliminate them from my body/environment. In the meantime, I am continuing to eat whole organic foods, take my medications and supplements, and rest.

So, I am dealing with pain, word loss, brain fog, exhaustion, and the likes on a daily basis. I am not whining about it. I am just simply stating fact. I still get up every day. I still homeschool the twins every day. I still work every day (either real estate photos or art). I don't let it stop me, but it does slow me down.

I will continue to speak out, be truthful, and try to help more people who are in my shoes. Just this week I had another friend who reached out to me because she had a positive Lyme test. Because she has been following my story, she was suspicious about her symptoms and requested a Lyme test from her doctor. She was one of the "lucky" ones whose test came back positive on the first try. It is always bittersweet to hear someone say I am the reason they were diagnosed because while I am so glad speaking out and being public about this terrible disease helps bring the issue to everyone's attention, I never ever want anyone, even my worst enemy, to have to suffer. And those with Chronic Lyme suffer. Every. Single. Day.

It is my duty to pass on the knowledge I and others have accumulated through our research and our own journey. It is my duty to help others in this situation know they are not alone. It is my duty to keep trudging through to be a role model for others who want to give up.

One day I will blog about my biggest fears regarding this Chronic Lyme journey I am on. But for now, this is enough.

Working, Working, Working

As seen on a recent trip to New York City

I was happy to be able to take a quick trip to Lynchburg this past weekend to visit my mom. I hate that she lives so far away, especially now that she is alone after my father passed away in June of 2014. I keep trying to convince her to move back north near me, my brother, and her sister, but so far she seems content to stay put. It was good to leave work and homeschooling behind for a while and just relax and spend quality time with her.

I took advantage of the long 5 hour ride home yesterday to type out the article I had to write for my feature in Artful Blogging. I was nervous that the theme of my article wouldn't be what they were looking for. The editor was pretty open as far as topics on which I could write in her initial letter to me, so it really was wide open. I ended up with 848 words (in an 850 word limit). To me it wasn't difficult because as I have been told by my family and others, I can be wordy. :) I sent the article off to the editor yesterday and I received notification today that it was received and approved! I previously sent them 15 high resolution images of my work and that was approved as well. I am so glad I finished way before the August 3 deadline. The magazine hits newsstands on November 1, so be sure to check it out!

Now that I am finished with that opportunity, I need to focus on my featured artist show coming up in the month of October and get some work printed and framed for that. I am currently working on getting model releases and deciding which work I will be putting out there. I am hoping to pair up with a local Lyme support group to raise money for Lyme awareness and Lyme support. I want to give back to the community a portion of the proceeds I make from this art exhibition.

In addition to preparing for the show, I have to get ready to teach Photography to 18 middle and high school Homeschool students. Starting in September I will be teaching a class once a week until May. I am very much looking forward to it, however, I need to get the syllabus and class material list completed before too awful long here!

That about sums up the craziness going on here. I hope your life is filled with things that make you happy and fulfill your soul's desires! Have a wonderful Wednesday!

xo

Dejavu

As I've mentioned before, I am a people watcher, which is why my true love in the photography genre is street photography.  Recently, on our trip to New York, I found myself on the street outside a wonderful little restaurant called Serendipity 3 (see below).  We had 9:00 PM reservations to try out their famous desert menu (my one splurge while in New York) but we arrived about a half an hour early, not being sure of how long it would take in a cab to get there.  I never mind arriving to places early, although I can't stand being late, because I can always people watch.  There was a crowd gathered outside the restaurant, all trying to get in, as it were, and it was a perfect scenario for me and my iPhone.  As I walked up and down the row of stores (I happen to love glass window fronts too), I happened upon this scene and it really captured my attention.

I loved that the store's name was Dejavu and that the woman was sitting there, in front of the window of a closed store, just gazing at the display.  Her body position and head tilt really spoke to me and I imagined that she was daydreaming about the outfits in the store, perhaps reminiscing about a younger time in her life when those outfits would have been more practical.  The lighting coming from the window set such a great mood and I couldn't resist stepping back and capturing this scene.

Today is a wonderful day because I am beginning our homeschool journey with my twin second graders. They are excited, as am I, and I can't wait to find our rhythm and groove in daily life.  Since my studio/office space is still under construction (but getting closer!), we will be working out of my kitchen, temporarily.  Maybe one day I will put a picture up of our temporary "classroom" on Nine Acres Designs Facebook page.  During this transition time where we are finding our stride, my blogging may take a more sporadic schedule, but I am going to do my best to keep up with it as much as possible.  Please say a prayer for us that this was the correct decision for my kiddos and family!

I'm hoping everyone has a fabulous week...sending love all around.  xo

At the Train Station

I love people watching.  I could sit in Penn Station for a full day just watching people.  We are a fascinating species, are we not?  All hustle and bustle...

and then wait...

and wait...

and wait...

In Lancaster, PA when we boarded the train for New York, there was an Amish family boarding to go to Philadelphia.  It was a young couple with an infant girl.  They were panic stricken because they needed some form of government ID to board the train.  I felt really sorry for them, but apparently they got it all worked out and made it on to the train.  As they walked by on the boarding platform, my husband said to them that he was glad to see they worked it out.  The male responded that they were "ignorant" about such things and for some reason it broke my heart.  It shouldn't because the Amish choose to live outside of society, but I guess it bugged me because we need to be so cautious now days that even the Amish can only move about the country on mass transit when in possession of identification.  Sad state of affairs, if you ask me, which you didn't, so I will move on.

Happy Friday, everyone!  I hope you've enjoyed a few of my images from the train.  See you Monday!  xo

The Amish Horse Team

Yesterday would have been my father's 73rd birthday.  Ever since his death in June, it has been a struggle without him.  We butted heads a lot, my father and I, but his love for me was endless and he was a great father.  I miss him dearly.  Holidays and special days are most difficult.  I found myself very quiet and reflective yesterday, remembering and honoring my father.  If I am not careful, I can let the sadness of it all overwhelm me and I know my father would not have liked that.  He would have used that tough love of his and he would have told me to stop being sad and feeling sorry for myself and get out and do something.  So, I did.

I took a drive in and around Lancaster, PA.  I just couldn't sit home and mope, so despite the -3 degree temperatures, I ventured out.  Along the way, I came across an Amish farm where I found this team of horses waiting patiently to head out into the frozen day to do some work.  I only stopped briefly to grab this picture and then I was on my way again, but something about them grabbed my attention.  I swear they knew I was taking their picture.  All 4 of them seemed like wise souls...the way they watched me somewhat interested in my presence yet somewhat detached and more interested in their owner letting them begin their day.

I'm glad I was able to get out, but the truth is, I am still sad.  I do miss my father every day and time doesn't seem to heal a thing when it is a loss this grand.  I am confident I won't wallow in the sadness of being without him, but I am also confident it won't ever become easy.

The Hanging Tree

Are you, are you

Coming to the tree?

Where dead man called out

For his love to flee?

Strange things did happen here

No stranger would it be

If we met at midnight

In the hanging tree.

~The Hanging Tree

(click the title above to hear the song)

James Newton Howard featuring Jennifer Lawrence

The Hunger Games:  Mockingjay Part 1 Soundtrack

I began taking another online digital art/mixed media art class this week.  Unlike the other classes (2 previous ones now), I actually am learning and enjoying this one.  I feel like I connect to the content and it is motivating me to create again.

One of the things that happens to me when I listen to songs is I create images in my head that go along with the lyrics.  Sometimes it is a very literal interpretation of the song and sometimes it is not...it is just an abstract representation of how the music makes me feel.  I decided to actually take one of the images I've had in my head from hearing the song The Hanging Tree and make it a reality.  This was the final result.

I really enjoyed working on this piece and am looking forward to continuing this exploration of music and art.  I already have plans to do one for the song Centuries by the Fall Out Boys.  I think that one may end up being a bit more abstract...we'll see.  It feels like air in my lungs to be creative again.  I hope I stay well enough to continue!

The River Walk

Walking along the river today, I didn't feel cold.  The thermometer said it was 23 degrees and there was still a breeze blowing off the water...remnants of the harsh, bitter, cruel wind that howled last night, ushering in the cold front.  Yet I was bundled nicely in my warmest and softest clothes, which kept me snug.  I thought about how lucky I was to be in this place at this time; able to walk with some (but not much) pain to where I could observe the frozen river before me.  True, I was exhausted.  Exhaustion seems to be the lingering enemy of this Lyme disease and while I felt fantastic for three weeks now, yesterday the bone deep tiredness came creeping back.  I was exhausted, but still able to make this short walk.

When I arrived at this spot I allowed all of my senses to be alive and take in the moment.  I noticed that it was particularly quiet and still...silence is so golden to me now when before Lyme silence was a heavy weight.  I also noticed the mixture of the warm radiance of the sun against by bare cheeks with the simultaneous bite of the cold wind that made my cheeks burn.  Ah, the burn of cheeks on a cold winter's day...it was a joy to have my body feel something from an outside element rather than pain coming from inside my own body.  I noticed the reflection of the sun off the frozen river that was hurting my eyes...so bright after days of grey and clouds.  It was so good to be there, even for a few minutes.  So glad I had this chance today.  While I was standing at the water's edge, I thought of my father, who so loved this area, this river.  I feel the closest to him near open water.  I vow to myself, before turning and walking back to my truck, that I must get out more often, even if it is for a short trek.  It makes me feel connected and alive.

Time Change

Local restaurant illuminated by my headlights as darkness falls much earlier now

Just as the time has been set back an hour and the days are shorter, the cold nights longer,
my progress has been set back as well.  One baby step forward and five giant leaps backward.
To be honest, as my absence has probably shown here, I have been struggling physically and emotionally with this.  I am hoping it is a phase and I can pop out of it at any moment.

There are still things I am very grateful for despite my piss poor attitude.  My oldest daughter earned her high school letter for academic achievement in her freshman year.  As she nears the end of first quarter of her sophomore year, she is continuing to hold a high GPA and strives for excellence.  In addition, her U16 soccer team won the championship for their league in three hard fought games.  Her team was undefeated and didn't let an opponent score on them the entire season!  So proud of her and her accomplishments.

I am also very proud of my oldest son who was not content with the hours he was getting at his job and went in search of an additional job.  He used his resources to land a better job and is now working at a very nice restaurant in Bel Air.  I love that he is motivated to earn and save his own money and that he had the gumption to change his situation when he wasn't happy with it.  Very proud of him as well.

And of course, there are my twins, who make me smile every day.  I just had conferences with their teachers and they are both adjusting well and making great progress in first grade.  They have completed a successful year in clinic soccer, having learned so much about the sport.  They will both begin basketball next week!

I will let these happy moments sweep me through these latest set backs (I'll update the Lyme page soon) and hopefully I will be leaping forward again soon.

If You Know Me...

You know I love football.  You also know that I am very competitive.  So today what I am thankful for wraps both of those traits about me all up in one.  For the second year now, I am participating in a football pool with the real estate office I work with.  All I ever wanted last season and this season is to come in first place for one week!

Well, this week I went 12-3 and won Week 7 of the NFL Office Football Pool!  I was so stinking excited when I checked the standings.  If I never win another week the rest of the year, I will still be a happy girl.  Right now I am sitting in 6th place for the season out of 45 participants.  Not bad, if I do say so myself.

Each week I love doing research on the teams and comparing their skills and trying to guess which team will win.  So far I haven't been too shabby.  And for that, I am thankful.

xo

Taking It All In

As seen on the beach of Cape May this summer

I had a shoot today in Port Deposit, Maryland.  

I was a little skeptical when I left the house as the weather was humid and cloudy,

looking like a possible rain threat.  No good for a real estate shoot.

I called the client (I was over 40 minutes from her and the weather can be very different

from my home to Port Deposit) and was happy to hear that the sun was beginning to peek out from behind the clouds where she lived.  The shoot was a go.

As I drove, I had the window cracked and I could smell autumn...

that damp smell that comes with fallen leaves and rain.

The colors of the changing leaves popped with the mist still clinging to the surface 

as I drove through the rural tunnels of trees that overhang so many roads here in the boonies.

I played soft, spa music quietly on the stereo and I decided to forget my worries

and enjoy the drive to my destination.

As I drove east, the clouds did indeed begin to part and the sun began shining brightly, enough to make me put my sunglasses on.

I could immediately feel the temperature change and the humidity begin to lift, as did my spirits.

As I pulled into to Historic Port Deposit, there were still puddles on the road, but the weather was glorious...low 70's and the sun shining brightly.

I arrived at the location for the shoot and was greeted by a lovely, kind lady who had a beautiful apartment right on the water.  Her double level deck looked out to the water and the docks.  What a glorious place to greet the morning with a fresh brewed pot of coffee in the morning!  I could see myself wrapped in my robe with warm cup of joe watching the waterman move about in the early morning light.

After I completed the inside of the house, I walked to the common courtyard of the complex to take pictures from there.  As I walked out, the owner of the unit called to me from her deck and pointed in the air.  "Look there," she said.  "A bald eagle is showing off for you!"  And sure enough, my eyes followed the direction of her finger and not far above me was a glorious bald eagle soaring above the water just off shore.  I stood mesmerized by the sight and I knew in that moment, the warm sun filling me up, the breeze from the water rustling my hair, and that eagle flying above me, that this moment was what I was thankful for toady.  I let all my senses record that moment so I could have it with me all day.

After finishing the outdoor shots for the property, I began my journey home.  I was sad when as I moved west again, the clouds began getting thicker and the sun disappeared.  It's funny how just a few miles can make a difference in so many things...including weather.  I was sad I was returning to the mud and moisture of my hometown, but amazingly enough, as I approached a curve in the road, about 5 miles from my house, I lifted off the accelerator because something huge caught my eye.  A wide-spread white tail was fanned out just yards ahead of me with great yellow talons hanging down, grasping a large squirrel and flying straight down the middle of the road above the double yellow line ahead of me.  My jaw dropped.  Could I be this lucky in one day?

Sure enough, the creature veered right into a clearing of the woods and as it began to land, breakfast in talons, I saw the telltale white head...another bald eagle!  Bald eagles are occasionally seen around my home, but rarely...maybe one or two times a year.  But here was one only feet in front of my windshield in all its glory!

Wow.

I'm hoping your day is as magical as mine is...it's difficult not to smile when you can fill yourself with the natural gifts God has given us.

xo

Locked In My Heart

Heart lock seen along a footbridge on a trail at the Susquehanna State Park

I woke up to the sweetest post on my Facebook timeline this morning...

A former student of mine who I taught when she was in 5th grade...19 years ago...

posted a picture that brought back such great memories.

It was a picture of a flyer given to all the 5th grade students in our school at the end of the year

that listed each student (and teacher's) favorite memory from that year.

I had the biggest grin on my face as I was reading through it remembering each of the students

and the events that happened that year.

It made my heart swell with pride when I read that I had an impact on their learning 

and love of school that year.

After reading through the list, I noticed my former student had tagged two others in the photo.

I was so excited to see that the other two people tagged were also former students of mine!

I clicked through to see their beautiful, now grown-up faces, and I teared up!

It's so funny how I feel such a sense of parental pride and warmth for these kids!

I noticed two of the students listed colleges on their profiles and I was so proud of them!

All three of those students look happy, healthy, well-adjusted, and grown up!

I do miss teaching, as I have mentioned before, and truly think it was my gift.

I don't know if going back is ever in the cards for me, but I certainly do cherish all 

of the good memories and the wonderful students I had through the years.

It was a wonderful way to start my morning and I am thankful for that.

Happy Friday, y'all...go ORIOLES!

xo

The Ceiling

Looking Up at the ceiling in the Red Robin Restaurant
(who were delighted to serve me a grilled chicken breast wrapped in lettuce and a side of fruit cup).

Today I am thankful for:

~the Orioles beat the Tigers in 3 games...we haven't had baseball this exciting in Baltimore for a long time.  My youngest son is LOVING watching the games and learning more about baseball.

~for puzzles...I have worked my way up to working 1000 piece puzzles at home.  Since I am supposed to be quiet and resting, it gives me something to do.  If anyone else likes puzzles and would like to swap with me, let me know...we can trade! 

~the professional reputation I have worked so hard to build.  It is very nice to get phone calls about business opportunities.  Unfortunately, I am in the infancy stages of recovery from Lyme, so I can't work right now (other than a real estate shoot here and there), but it sure felt good to be asked. 

xo

Ready For the Chill...Armed With Hot Chocolate

Today I am thankful that I finally figured out a way to quiet my craving for a warm drink.

Since I am now dairy and gluten free, I have been struggling to find a hot drink 

that will satisfy my craving.

I only like coffee when it has sugar and cream, which is a no-no right now.

Of course, most of the commercial hot chocolate drinks are not dairy free/gluten free,

and to be honest, I am sick of tea.  

I think I have every herbal/non-caffeine tea there is out there to have.

Most of the time it is fine, but it doesn't have that creamy texture I've been craving.

The same is true with hot apple cider...delicious but missing the texture I want.

So, I googled vegan hot chocolate and I came up with a recipe that I adapted 

from reading the ingredients to several other vegan hot chocolates out there.

Here it is, if you are interested.

Dairy Free/ Gluten Free Hot Chocolate
Makes 2 servings

1 can (13.5 oz)  Unsweetened Organic Coconut Milk
1/4 cup Vanilla Almond Milk (Regular Almond Milk would probably work too)
1/4 cup Organic Agave Nectar (I used a bit less than this as it makes it very sweet)
pinch of salt
1/2 tsp. Organic Vanilla Extract (I use the non-alcohol kind due to medication restrictions and clean diet
             restrictions)
1/8 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Square of Unsweetened Baking Dark Chocolate, coarsely chopped

1.  In a medium saucepan, combine coconut milk, almond milk, and agave nectar.  Heat on medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until a boil just begins.
2.  Lower heat to low and slowly add the cocoa powder, whisking constantly to incorporate fully into the liquid mixture.
3.  Once the cocoa is fully mixed, take off heat and add the vanilla extract.  Stir.
4.  Pour into mugs and sprinkle the chopped baking chocolate on top.

Enjoy!

So excited to enjoy this rich and creamy treat while watching the Ravens today!  The chill in this morning's air has gotten me all excited for fall!

xo

All My Kin

Today I am thankful that the kids and I had a good check-up at the dentist,

but more importantly, I am thankful that I felt good today and was able

to have lunch with my mom, my aunt, my brother, and all 4 of my kids.

I have always been very attached to my family, sometimes too attached,

(if anyone knows my WVU story, you know what I am talking about!),

and I have always known how incredibly important family is in my life.

However, since my father passed away in June, it has really pushed me to 

take as much time to spend with family as I possibly can.

Time is short and no one can be guaranteed another minute here on earth.

That is why I was so excited that I felt up to meeting them out to lunch today.

I am very close to not only my parents and brother, but also my aunts and uncles.

My father was an only child, so I don't have any aunts or uncles on his side, 

but I have 3 sets of aunts/uncles on my mother's side.

I love them all dearly and I truly love my cousins too!

My cousins were my first friends and my longest friends.

I know they'd have my back and I hope they know I have theirs.

As we all get older, it is a thrill for me to see my extended family and spend time with them

because they mean the world to me.

I hope they each know that.

I also am glad that my kids know and love their uncles, aunts, cousins, 

grandparents, and great aunts and great uncles.

I want to instill in them that life is so much sweeter when you 

can experience it and share it with your family.

This image is from my Looking Up series...betcha can't tell where I was when I took it. ;)

xo

Footsteps Toward Health

This journey to better health has brought many blessings.

One of those blessings, that I am thankful for today,

is that my children are more open to trying new healthy food choices.

They have eaten quinoa, ancient grains, gluten/dairy free crackers, 

squash, zucchini, etc.

Today I had a brainstorm about how to sneak in more greens into their diets.

Normally everyday I have a health shake that I make from organic

foods such as kale, spinach, nuts, almond milk, chia seeds, and fresh fruit.

It is a great way to get a nutrition blast and yet it tastes like 

I am drinking a delicious smoothie.

It dawned on me that my kids would probably love the taste of these shakes.

So today I created a healthy concoction that I then transferred to 

popsicle molds and froze for a refreshing, nutritious treat.

Here is how I made it if you are interested:

Delicious Nutritious Health Popsicles

Dairy Free and Gluten Free

1 cup Organic Baby Spinach Leaves

1 medium sized organic banana, sliced

1/2 cup sliced organic strawberries

1/2 cup no sugar added frozen organic berry mix

(my mix had cherries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries)

1 stalk of organic celery, sliced

1/2-3/4 cup of organic almond milk

Add all the above ingredients to a Nutri-Bullet and liquify.

Pour/spoon mix into the popsicle molds and freeze for 6 hours.

ENJOY!

The cool thing about this recipe is you can change the greens to kale

or a super-green mix of other leafy greens.  You could add cashews,

walnuts, pistacios, etc. for a protein boost. You can add chia seeds

or other raw seeds as well.  You can switch up the fruits and add some 

fresh peaches, pineapple, or whatever is in season.

The possibilities are endless.

The natural sweetness of the fruit and berries "cover" up the 

taste of the greens and the kids never know they are there.

I do recommend using a whole medium banana no matter what other

fruits and add-ins you use because it 

gives the mix a good, creamy texture.

Hope this recipe inspires you to go crazy!

Let me know if you come up with a great version...

I'd love to try it.

xo

Leap of Faith

I don't like constantly talking about my illness

because it is not who I am and it does not define me.

With that being said, the reason I do talk about it publicly is

because if I can help one person or make one person

feel as if he/she is not alone in this battle, 

then talking about it is worth it.

Today I am thankful that my family and I have been able to raise awareness

about the dangers of tick-born illnesses to people we know and care about.

My husband had a call from a tearful client today 

and she expressed gratitude that he had saved her life.

 

This particular client always asks about me and the kids when she calls my husband,

so he had told her about the struggle we have been going through with my illness.

Turns out she was bitten by a tick over the weekend and didn't think much about it

until the next day when she noticed a bruise developing around the bite site.

She remembered what my husband had told her about my illness and about 

tick-born illnesses in general and she got an uneasy feeling about her own tick bite.

She sought medical advice and it turns out she did indeed have a dangerous tick-born illness...

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

That trip to the doctor for early diagnosis very well may have saved her life.

She is being treated for the illness and is expected to make a full recovery.

In every dark time, there is light that shines.

All of us can use our own stories and experience to connect with and help others,

whatever that story may be.

Our common experiences connect us as humans and if that means 

giving up my prideful ways to talk about this disease in order to possibly help others,

then so be it.

Many have been asking me to discuss more about my experience with Chronic Lyme 

and I have agreed to do that, but I don't want it to be the focus of the blog.

So, I've added a tab at the top where I will add some information little by little

in hopes that it may help others.

This picture was taken at the bus stop with the twins. 

Each of them found a rock and using their imagination,

played hopscotch on a non-existing hopscotch grid.

Ahhhh...to be in first grade again with unlimited enthusiasm, energy, and imagination.

I love those kids.

xo

Sneak Attack

Today I am thankful to be home after spending the day in the hospital yesterday.

There is certainly something to be said about sleeping in your own bed

as opposed to a hospital gurney.

Unfortunately, the start of school also means the start of many illnesses 

coming home from all four kids being in close indoor contact with other children.

Normally it is just a part of life, but for me it is dangerous because my immune system

is so depleted that a simple virus can land me in the hospital with 

severe dehydration and in need of IV fluids.

Severe dehydration can then cause heart rate issues and shortness of breath,

which is what happened to me.

After a course of anti-vomiting medication and several bags of IV fluids,

I am now home again.

Thank goodness...

This image was taken near my feeder when two finches decided to 

try and peck each other's eyes out.

No harm was done to either bird that I could tell and both

eventually agreed to feed on opposite sides of the feeder.

;)

At the Bus Stop

Today I am thankful for sunshine and long shadows.

I am also thankful for the Ravens kicking the Steeler's butt.

Even though I couldn't stay up to watch the whole game due to a migraine,

it still felt wonderful waking up to the news that they beat the team I hate.

Happy Friday, y'all.

xo

Through the Fog

Today I am thankful for the passing of bill HR4701 in a Congressional session yesterday.

I cried while watching this video...they are talking about me and hundreds of thousands of others.

While I am excited that the government is acknowledging this horrible disease 

I am wary that government red tape will stop this bill from ever making a real difference in the day to day lives of the people.

After spending last night praying to die,

I hope this is not too little too late for so many of us.

Today I just exist in this fog of pain, trapped in my own body.

I can only hope that all the treatment I am on will one day make a difference.

Until then I just exist.