Silent Finger to the Sky and Stars- Digital Art by Tracey Grumbach

An instinctive taste teaches men to build their churches with spire steeples

which point as with a silent finger to the sky and stars.

-Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Just as I have an obsession with barns, I also have an obsession for the architecture of churches. The subtle differences in details between each of them intrigues me. I am particularly fond of steeples and bell towers. One day I plan on making a collage of all the different barns I've photographed and separately, all the churches I've photographed. I think it will be cool to see them all together. I don't have any clue just how many different ones I've taken. Probably dozens!

I have my monthly doctor appointment today with my Lyme specialist. Except for last week, my pain levels have been a lot better while on this restricted diet, which is a plus. I am still dealing with ridiculous levels of exhaustion, but hopefully I can find answers to that at today's appointment. He will be presenting the results of my ALCAT blood test and helping me fine tune my diet so that I can avoid trigger foods for my system. Frankly, I am petrified that my digestive tract is so screwed up that all I'll be able to eat is lettuce and cucumbers. I will find out for sure today and let you know on tomorrow's blog. I will also find out the results of my liver function tests. I pray that my liver is holding up to the onslaught of antibiotics I am still on. I would appreciate any prayers for the doctor's wisdom and my patience as we move through this difficult process.

I found out late yesterday afternoon that Brenna needs to go in for emergency oral surgery to remove her wisdom teeth today. Please say a prayer for her as well. I hope the surgery goes smoothly and her recovery is swift. Poor thing got back from Canada Sunday night, had a emergency dentist appointment yesterday afternoon and surgery scheduled for 11:00 today. I am sure this is the home coming she was hoping for!

I'll see you here tomorrow with updates on my doctor visit and Brenna's surgery. Happy Tuesday, y'all.

xo

Highland Presbyterian Church

Highland Presbyterian Church, Street, MD

How many of you completely forgot yesterday was a weekday? I kept thinking it was Saturday and was thrown off every time I realized it was, in fact, Tuesday. I am thankful Brian had off yesterday, but it sure did make me confused on what day it was!

While visiting family for a 4th of July cookout yesterday, I wandered off a bit to examine a beautiful church across the street. It called to me with its church bells, which chimed every hour, and then drew me in with its beautiful steeple and stained glass windows. It was the epitome of a country church with its white clapboard siding, perfectly manicured landscaping, decorative windows, and of course, the church bells. This digital image was the result of my exploring. I could have stayed there for hours checking out all the details including the quaint graveyard, but the family celebration continued on across the street and my obligation was there. I'm glad I have this image to remind me of the few minutes I had, quiet and alone, drinking in the splendor of this quaint church.

Today I am working on another article for The Mighty discussing why holidays can be stressful and anxiety-ridden for those of us with Chronic Lyme Disease and other chronic illnesses. I find the writing process to be very cathartic and soothing, especially after a difficult day like yesterday, so please keep your eyes out for that, if the article is chosen by the editor to be published.

I hope you all had an enjoyable and safe Independence Day yesterday! Have a beautiful Wednesday!