Life's Glitches and Bumps

Greetings, all! It's been two months since my last blog; you likely thought I'd fallen off the face of the Earth, but that's not what happened! I've talked a lot about my wonderful family and the beautiful people we've met along the way; now I'm going to back up a bit, to help explain how we got here.

We moved to Oklahoma almost eight years ago. Charles and I were born and raised in California, as were our kids. Living in the middle of the country was new to us all. "We adjusted quickly," I thought! Being taught to bloom where you're planted, we quickly grew to love it here. Glitches and bumps inevitably occur; just not the ones I foresaw!

Around two and a half years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. By the grace of God, it was caught early. Little surgery, little radiation, and a lot of recoup time. It was the five-year endocrine therapy that got me. I've struggled with weight control my entire life; no really...I was the fat kid!

I finally achieved notable weight loss during menopause, which I sustained for a few years. However, the move to Oklahoma, the loss of my dad, and a few other things caused me to start putting weight back on. So, now facing therapy that causes you to lose hair on your head in favor of your face, as well as weight gain, I had some research to do. I went into my oncology appointment with a plan! The plan worked...for maintaining my weight.

In all of this, we decided to plan our 30th wedding anniversary trip. We were going to do something we'd never done...The Bahamas! Now, I really wanted the weight off! Just 20lbs, that would be great. Couldn't do it, so I told the Lord. I asked Him to just take that weight off so I'd be comfortable in a swimsuit...at 60 years old. Word to the wise: be careful what you ask for!

One year after my surgery, we celebrated Easter with all our Oklahoma family. It was wonderful, until everybody got the flu in the next two days. We all got it! Took a couple days and everyone was back on their feet, except me. Something wasn't right; I couldn't eat, and started dropping weight. It took Charles 6 weeks to convince me I needed to get checked out. Long story short (maybe) I went to the doctor. After a plethora of tests, it was determined to be my gall bladder. July 2023, we got that taken care of. I didn't lose 20lbs...I lost 45lbs! Wow! That's great...yes and no.

Now that I've exposed myself and feel a little vulnerable, I'll get to the point of all this. Recovery on a two-year health battle was not easy. I like to be busy and I love projects. I had a lot of rest time, which drives me nuts! I didn't want to embroider, or quilt, which were my passions; I wanted something new that was less taxing. I started surfing...Pinterest! I came across an unusual form of art that I'd never seen. Texture relief, Bas relief, 3D art. I soon discovered the technique was similar to that used in drywall texturing. I could do that, I had learned that while working with my dad! Some canvas, drywall mud and paint, and I was on my way. It was relaxing and rewarding. Soon, I was being told I needed to sell my art. So we opened a little online store, I began blogging, and Jess started wowing us with her crocheting...we've got a business! We opened, and shortly after, it was getting harder to see the computer and the artwork! I was losing concentration and getting frustrated. Off to the eye doctor...cataracts! You've got to be kidding! Remember that Bahamas trip...planned and paid for? It was now March, we were leaving early June. God made the impossible, possible! Had the eyes done one week apart and enough time to heal before we left!

I can see! It was truly amazing! Now I was ready to get back to work...after we get back from the Bahamas of course.

Instead of life glitches and bumps, I should say life lessons. God is never done teaching us.

Hence, the reason for this blog. We went to the Bahamas to enjoy each other, the ocean, and get some rest! We got all that and more. The most enjoyable thing about the Bahamas is the people! We met some of the most joyful souls! And yes, I mean joyful in the Lord! So here it is, folks: we started a business. Our hope is to encourage people to get into the arts or find a hobby...or so I thought. One thing I know is when I'm working on my art, it's my time to reflect and talk to the Lord. I believe that's why art is so important to me. We're making some changes or adjustments to our little journey. Jessie is going to start teaching a beginners crochet class at CAG, our Community Art Gallery. First class will be June 28th, 2024. We are also starting an online Bible Study after the 4th of July. We'll be doing it through Teams and Recording it. All are welcome to join.

May the Lord bless and keep you, and may you be encouraged!