Two posts in one day!

In keeping with the theme of many Etsians, I have a few Pink items in my shop. 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/28938872/delicate-pink-and-white-bracelet  This is a delicate pink and white bracelet made with porcelain beads.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/32732215/pearl-ring  This ring is made for the hand of your little Princess.  It can also be made to fit the Queen of the Manor! Just email me the size(s) you want!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/32637662/dark-rose-pearl-ring 
Here is another ring made with a cranberry colored freshwater pearl.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/14921051/spring-flowers-bracelet  The focal of this beautiful pastel bracelet is a lampwork bead made by the Artisan, http://www.lajewelrydesigns.com/.
I hope you've enjoyed looking at these pieces!  I certainly enjoyed making them!
Please feel free to leave a comment and let me know you stopped by!

Fancy Fashions by Laura

I am going to try to convert this blog to be about my jewelry rather than my personal life. After this post. I am working on a song to sing in church called "Where's the Line to See Jesus?" It's a beautiful song and I would love for you all to hear it! Once I have it down and sing it at church, I will try to add it to my FB page. If I can add it here I will.
Now, jewelry. I found I love working with wire, particularly copper! I love the feel of it. I love twisting and pounding it! That can really work out frustrations as long as you keep your fingers out of the way! :)
I sold my favorite 2 copper bracelets at my last show. I was sad to see them go! So, I guess I will have to make me a few new favorites. I like that my hubby enjoys going to the hardware store with me. He is surprised at what I pick out for my jewelry. I haven't even gotten into anything outrageous yet.
I hope to start being a better blogger! I also hope you all enjoy reading my blogs. Please feel free to leave comments. Good ones of course.

How do you do it?

I have had several people ask me "how do you do it?" And now they have started asking Mike. So, I thought I'd try to explain it here.

I have Lupus, osteo arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and several other health issues. Lupus and the arthritis are the ones that affect (or bother) me the most. I have pain and fatigue nearly everyday. But, I don't want to just sit back and wait to die. Who would? I exercise in the pool at the YMCA 3 times a week. The water helps a lot to keep moving and sorta flexible.

The main thing is God keeps me going. He encourages me and comforts me. He has also given me common sense and some pretty good doctors. The doctors then give me the medicines I need to cope with my diseases. Remember, there is no cure for Lupus.

I am in a study for a new medicine for the Lupus that really helps. I get it every four weeks. The med only works for 3 weeks. The week in between? Well, let's just say I try to not do anything. I sleep a lot those days and take a lot of pain meds. We are hoping the study med will be approved by the FDA soon and that I will be able to get it thru Medicare or the manufacturer. And to get the infusion every 3 weeks instead of 4.

Remember, God gave me common sense too. I know when I am "DONE" for the day. Mike knows if I tell him I am done, then that is all I can do. I might as well have a seat or go to bed. The common sense comes in to know when you are reaching your limits and either slow down or stop. What good will you be to the rest of your family or yourself if you over do it? I know what I need help with as well. So, I am no longer afraid or embarrassed to ask for help.

How do I do it? I have a loving God, a wonderful and supportive husband, good doctors, good meds and common sense.

Hope this has helped.

Saturday Nights

What do you do on Saturday nights? Tonight is a tiring night after a long hard work day at a craft show. It was a good show. Indoors finally instead of outdoors. We didn't have to fight the wind at all! Wonderful! Sales were ok too. That always helps. But now is down time. Mike is watching a war show and I am on the pc. We did eat dinner together! Pizza. Mike is such a good cook. :)

I have been working with copper wire lately. I really enjoy it. I'll post pictures here soon...I hope. But if all else fails, you can find them on Facebook/FancyFashions. The wire is really different. The heavy gauges need annealed before working with them. Annealing is heating. Mike likes to take me took shopping so long as I am spending my own money. He did buy me a tumbler for my birthday. :)

Mom and I have been having Friday dates. I pick her up while she has a sitter with Dad. We go to lunch then shopping, running, or whatever. We only have 3 hours to be gone. She has been making fingerless gloves for my shows and she is selling quite a few! I am happy for her. She is excited about our M/D dates! I am too. I am not much of huggy, touchy feely, but I am enjoying my time with Mom. I visit with Dad when he is awake. But more and more he is sleeping the day away. His aggression is getting worse and more frequent so he needs to take his meds a little more often.

Mike's Dad has had a triple by-pass and then a mild stroke. He is healing slowly. Mike's Mom has finally been diagnosed with Alzheimer's this last week. We knew she had it, but now it is official. She has worsened a lot over the last year. We all need prayer in one way or another.

Rachael is in her 3rd year at BBC. I think she is more homesick this year than before. But, I am very proud of her. She will be a great servant for the Lord!

Mixed up thoughts

I was going to put how I have been sick with bronchitis all week. With all these new meds added to the old ones. I've been inside except to the doctor. I missed the Y all week, church, other appointments and now my grandkids. Really stinks to be sick.
But, I received a call today from the USAG office. Sentencing for the man who assaulted my dad will be in 19 days. Although we have waited for this day, now that it is definite, it is also sad. How a man let one moment of anger ruin the rest of his life as well as ours. And his own family. Dad will never be the same. But, nothing I do will fix that. This man will never be the same either. He can get better. He can, if he lets God in and allows Him to help him.
I have forgiven this man, I feel sorry for this man, but I also feel the need for him to pay the price for his crime.
I am not angry. I am not happy to see him "get his". I do believe you have to be held accountable and responsible for your decisions and actions. Even if these actions are out of character for you.
This man does not seem like someone who goes around beating up feeble old men. I think there were probably a variety of things that contributed to his actions. These actions resulted in a broken and shattered humorous bone at the shoulder joint, banged up head, and emotional trauma to my 82 yr. old father. My father is in the final stage of dementia. He was in the hospital to get behavior meds under control.
Yes, he was aggressive when he was admitted. However, at the time of the incident, he was ready to come home. His meds had him stabilized and he was back to his "normal" self.
The attack was unprovoked. I know this because I have watched the video of the attack myself. I watched a few times. I just couldn't believe it was actually happening.
There wasn't a trial. The man plead guilty. Now it is time for sentencing. We will be going. I don't know if we will say how this has affected us or not. We gave our statements of it's impact to the USAG office and the judge has set the date for sentencing.
I hope and pray this never happens to anyone ever again. I know it probably will. But, I still hope and pray.

Doctors and more doctors and tests and more tests

Good grief. One doctor after another. I see a doctor on the average of 2 per week. I get poked, prodded, squished, xrayed, and so on. Some appointments are good. Like my infusion...I am happy to go get that one. It makes me feel good, well better, for 3 weeks. The forth week, let's just say don't leave home without lortabs. For that matter, don't stay home without lortabs!
Lately, I have had 3 biopsies and one culture done. All 4 tests have come back negative for whatever...negative mostly for infection. But...something is wrong. It's just that no one knows what it is! If you don't know what it is, how can you treat it?

I was given a steroid cream to use on a rash, actually 3 different ones. All three rash locations were different, yet something the same. The tests showed no fungus, no infection, nothing. So, the steroid cream didn't work. Then it was the anti-fungal cream. Still not working. Then the anti-fungal pill...may be working. But I am not sure on that one.

So, what in the world is going on with my body?

Earlier this week I had a stress test. First they said, chemical and not a treadmill. I get there and they decide the treadmill. I am leery about this. I know my limitations. But, I did make it through...barely. Then today, the dreaded mammogram. Strip from the waist up and put this sheet over your shoulders. Then walk down the hall to the exam room. Then throw the sheet over your shoulder to expose yourself. Then has the tech adjust the machine to just the right height. You need to stand in an awkward position, and she manually lifts one breast to the lower platform of the machine. Holds it there while lowering the top platform until you are compressed completely. Then she runs and hides behind the safety glass, tells you to hold your breath until the machine is done taking your picture. Afterward, she lets you stand there until she is sure the photo is clear. Then, she turns you, positions the other breast on the wretched machine, lowers the compression plate, then takes her position as the machine again takes your picture. All done! NO! The machine is then set to a 45* angle and you start over with each side. Only this time the machine hangs up on my IV port! Stop, reposition, start again.
I despise this test! I know it has it's place, but not for me! The other exam is next month. It is also humiliating.

I wanted my husband to go with me today, because I wanted him to see what I had to go through so he would understand why I hated it. "Big deal, it's just an xray!" But he was too busy. Rather convienent I think. So, I am going to find a vice and 2 plates, one metal and the other acryllic. Just like mine were. Then I am going carefully place his parts in the vice and snap a few pictures...of his contorted face!

I will insist on the next one though. He thinks it is terrible to have a prostate exam 2-3 times in his life. Poor baby. What does he think we women go through every year, and then multiple times when pregnant?!

Don't get me wrong. I love my husband dearly! We have been married 32 years. But, he needs to really understand a few things. I think I have been patient long enough. Time for him to see what I do to try to stay healthy for him.

Winter Strikes Again

Winter is at it again. Rain, Freezing Rain, Sleet and Snow. Ice on the windshields and wet roads. The heater is working great, no power flashes...yet, and a pot of beans on to cook. Had Malt-O-Meal for breakfast. I have had a cup of Chai Latte tea and then a cup of Mint tea. Coffee is brewing.
This is a work inside day. We knew it was coming, so we planned ahead. Except...we ran out of milk already. Mike is going to go to Braum's and pick some up. School is out all around. County offices have closed some of their doors. No appointments today! We even rented a few movies.
So, I begin with my study on Esther. I'll be teaching it again this next Monday. Esther is such a cool book! After that I will work on my office until my work table is clear. Then I will create! I haven't made any jewelry in over a month. Time to get busy. I have a few repairs to do and a custom order or two.
I love lazy days. I'll probably even take a nap later! Enjoy!

A Stroll Down Memory Lane

Today was an awesome one in the Lord. We had back to back services with a pot luck lunch thrown in. Bro. Jim N. is leaving us here in OK, getting married in NM and moving to CA with his new bride. Bro. Jim has been a big part of our church here in Del City. He will be 83 later this month. But he is so young at heart. I think his desire to serve God is what has kept him so 'young'.
We will certainly miss Bro. Jim, but don't let that stop you from serving God here with us!
The work continues as always.
Bro. Jim, enjoy your new life. Get those Californians straight about God! Come see us every now and then. We love you. Jean, keep up with him. It will be a challenge!

Happy New Year

I hope you all have had a great start to the new year. I've decided to change my blog around just a bit. I will try to whine less and praise more.

This year is starting out extremely cold. However, one of our dear ladies at church gave me an electric heated throw! How awesome is that? I love it. Mike uses it when I am in the other room. Plus, we left our fireplace out in the front room. I know it is only cardboard, but....it's the ambiance!

I am also going to try to get my office/studio clean and organized by the end of January. If I do well, I will post pictures.

My health is about the same. I have added Eczema to my list of ailments. It itches so much! However, the steroid cream is starting to help. I managed to stay off all steroids for 3+ years. I guess a little cream for a couple weeks won't kill me.

Ok, let's see if we can "get 'er done" this month with all the new stuff going on. 2009 is over, is still has issues to resolve, but 2010 has just begun!

Another comment on Dad

I watched the video today of how Dad was hurt. It is very damning to the one who did it. I signed papers today allowing it to be used by the Administration. It cannot be made public. That would be a violation of the HPPA and privacy laws. I can revoke that permission in writing any time I choose.

On another note, we did not leave on time. Rachael is ready. Her father is not! Hopefully soon.

Dad

A lot has happened since my last blog.
An Administrative investigation is nearly finished. I wouldn't want to be the guilty. The criminal investigation is ongoing. It will be nastier.
Dad's arm is getting better. He should begin therapy next week sometime. His lungs are improving as well. He is eating a pureed diet. Looks like...well, it could be better, but they try. His behavior is better as well. They said he was singing to some oldies on the radio Sunday. Knew the words too.
The Social Worker is trying to find Dad a SNF...Skilled Nursing Facility.
There is a video of Dad being assulted without his provocation. That is just arrogant and sadistic.
We are leaving to take Rachael back to school tomorrow. I hope she is ready to leave on time...noon!
I have a few things to do in the am before we leave, but shouldn't take long.

My Parents

Wow, where do I begin? Two weeks ago tomorrow, I took mom to get cataract surgery. While they were prepping her, she had a heart attack. I sat and watched as the nurses were all working with her. It was a mild one with minimal damage, but still very scarey. I stayed with her most of the daytime that she was in the hospital. Dad was in daycare, so that really helped.
Until Saturday when he got hostile toward the staff there. Mike was picking up Dad and staying with him until I got home. Then we stayed the night with him while Mom was in the hospital.
Dad has severe dementia. He was very confused when Mom didn't come home nights. She was finally released on Sunday. We took her home and stayed with them one more night to be sure they would be ok. The next day, Monday, Dad went to daycare again.
Then Tuesday morning he became violent again. At this point he has hurt 4 staff members by pushing, hitting or scratching them. My son, Ben, and I took Dad to the hospital in the ER.
They finally, after 13 hours, admitted him. He is still there.
Yesterday we had a conference with his medical team. Then we were allowed to see him outside regular visiting hours. I went to hold his hand but he became extremely protective of it. We mentioned it to the team as they were still there. They did seem concerned, but not exceptionally so. They took xrays and found his humerous bone, upper arm, was broken. An Orthopedic doctor is to check him today to see if surgery is required.
He was to go home tomorrow, but now that is changed.
This has been quite an experience and very stressful!

About me

The following is a list of diagnosis and why I am on disability. I debated for 6 months whether or not to file. I finally decided that if God wants me to have it, I will be approved. If He doesn't want me to be on disability, it would be denied. However, if I didn't apply, I couldn't have a chance to be approved.

After 4 months I was approved. No denial. No doctor visit. Pay was made retroactive. I should receive my first monthly check next week.

I am excited this has happened and a little sad too. I will keep doing whatever I can physically. I have had to give up a lot already and don't want to give up any more!

I can't bend without pain, can't go outside without coverup, must wear a headcovering (I am mostly bald), I must sit to hold my grandkids. I can't stand or walk more than 20 minutes without pain. After sitting a while my feet and ankles swell till they hurt.
I am anxiously awaiting State Fair time. Mom and I will rent hoverounds and go to the fair! We had a blast last year. For 5 hours!

Alopecia, Lupus, Asthma, Restrictive Lung disease, Rosacea, Rhumatoid Arthritis, Osteo Arthritis, Sleep Apnea, Runner's Knee, Reynaulds, High BP, Chronic Sinusitis, GERD, Degernerative Disk, Bulging Disks, Torn Disk, bone spurs on spine and feet. Oh, a benign tumor in my right lung.

I take about 8 pills in the am, 5 at nite, infusion once a month, and a few meds in between as needed. I have had a Port put in to make the infusions and blood tests easier as I have very small veins.

I got a new "cranial prosthesis" with my disability money. The wig takes a little getting used to for me, but I like it.

Busy Week

This has been a very busy week. It will be all over tomorrow evening. Sunday night is the beginning of our weekend. Monday night is the end of it.
The week started off ok with a trip to the YMCA for aquatics, but went downhill after that.
Wednesday a friend called on her way home from work stuttering like crazy. I took her to the hospital after church, she wouldn't go any earlier.
Then, because of that I didn't finish my taxes on time. Good thing we are getting a refund. Oklahoma's taxes aren't due until next month due to all the wildfires last week.
Well, I finished taxes on Thursday. But only after I had to hustle and get the house cleaned. The landlord wanted to show it all of to his sons in from NY. Oh, my aching back!
Friday we had a lady in our church get a diskogram (?). It is a very painful test in the disks of her back. It turned out not as bad as expected. Then it was SNO night. Those seniors keep us out really late! We had fun with grilled cheese sandwiches and games. We usually don't get home until 11 pm. Not bad for a bunch of old folks. But I had spent 2 days up at the hospital already.
Well, it is now Saturday night. We had a pizza party and played catch phrase with the young adults tonight. The Home Builders class. Had a lot of fun. Got to see both my boys and 3 of my grandkids.
I am doing laundry, blogging, practicing for a solo tomorrow, and wishing I was in bed asleep!

Peridot Bracelet..part 2

I made a simple pair of earrings to go along with the bracelet below. Ginny loved them both. She is giving this set to her daughter. She is also requesting more jewelry made for her in OU colors...crimsom and cream. That ought to be fun! I can do a custom order for you too!


www.fancyfashions.etsy.com, http://tinyurl.com/bbxogr

Peridot Bracelet

I made a new bracelet tonight. It is with faceted peridot and sterling silver tubes and beads. It is 7 3/4". I had a special request for this one. Hope she likes it!

New Gem stones in!

I have some new gemstones come in yesterday. They are beautiful!

Pink Tourmalene
Smokey Quartz

Prehenite Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald

Peridot

Lemon Quartz I have some new gemstones come in yesterday. They are beautiful!

Ronnie Warren Concert

This was an awesome concert! Ronnie Warren played 7 different instruments and sang. Not all at once of course. I have a video of him playing the saw, but it is turned sideways and I can't figure out how to make it right. Maybe Ben will show me. Here is Ronnie Warren on the harmonica.

Of course he plays the violin and guitarAnd a melodica...and keyboard...and tin flute. Who knows what else he can play or will learn to play. If you get a chance to hear him in concert GO. His whole family are musicians.

Elizabeth Louise Murray

Mrs. Murray's funeral was a reminder of how special she was. It was also a reunion of sorts. Pastors and friends from all over came to pay their respects to the Murrays. Seeing the children all grown up! My goodness. It has only been a couple of months or even a couple of years since seeing some. But 17 years since seeing others!

Did you know kids change an awful lot in 17 years!

I know she will be greatly missed. At the same time, she is with her Savior, son, parents, and many friends.

Elizabeth Louise Murray, we will miss you my friend!

Alopecia Aeriota

Alopecia is simply baldness. The hairroot goes dormant and hair falls out. Alopecia Aerota is "areas of baldness", Alopecia Totallis "is no hair on the head...at all", Alopecia Universal is no hair anywhere on the body.

I have Alopecia Aerota. I have been completely bald twice (on my head). Right now I have a wide "mohawk" with bald spots. I can get my hair up in 2 pin curls! One on top and one in back. That's how my wig stays on.

If the hair cannot grow back with pigment, it may try without pigment (pure white). I have a few strands of the pure white hair.

I wear a wig to church, hats or scarves everywhere else. I let it all go at home. My scalp is very sensitive to the lace and other materials in the wig. Plus, even though it is a medical wig (airy) it does get hot.
But I don't have to worry about the rain. I just take the wig off, shake it out, and put it back on. Or just tuck it into my purse to stay dry!

Alopecia is not painful but can be emotional. It can be treated with prednisone injections into the scalp. These help the regrowth of hair for a while. But steroids have a lot of bad side effects and for me it just isn't worth it anymore.

I began the injections when I was 12. So long as I continued with them, my hair grew back. But, the steroids over the years have caused weight gain and emotional issues. I have had steroids for lung problems and joint problems as well. So, for the last 2 years I have avoided all steroids, pills, shots, inhalers... I am going to try to go 5 years without steroids of any kind. We will see how it goes!