Cre·a·tiv·i·ty

Here I am, home again, on my (hopefully) last day off sick with bronchitis. My hope is to go to work tomorrow, with a more healthy body and more positive attitude. I still anticipate a rough morning, since the mornings have hit me like a ton of bricks and then I start feeling better in the afternoons. So I may go in a bit late in order to get some of that behind me, before I have to focus and concentrate on my work.
'''cre·a·tiv·i·ty /ˌkrieɪˈtɪvɪti, ˌkriə-/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[kree-ey-tiv-i-tee, kree-uh-] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1.
the state or quality of being creative.
2.
the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination: the need for creativity in modern industry; creativity in the performing arts.
3.
the process by which one utilizes creative ability: Extensive reading stimulated his creativity.
[Origin: 1870–75; creative + -ity]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.'''

Anyhow, in my bit of laying around taking it easy, I have done a lot of blog surfing, in the creative arts blogs, i.e. papercrafts, quilting, knitting, photograph and fine arts (even cooking). I used to think I had a bit of creativity in my bones, but after seeing the absolutely incredibly creative work out there on the web, I am humbled by my little speck of creativity. I am absolutely envious of the projects and work of the people posting. Even the ones that I do not personally prefer show such great talent and versatility, that it puts me to shame. But it also inspires me to do more to increase my abilities. I love the arts and our world would be so bland and unliveable without it. I love creating a project and being inspired by others. So my goal is to do more of it and add it to my blog. One quilting project that I have done, although it has been some time since I did it, is the first picture I am adding to my newly inspired blog. This was actually a pattern, but it was such a joy to put together and I am so proud of it. It hangs in my foyer.

It's the weekend

It's the weekend and I am trying to use this time to get better. I have bronchitis again and it is miserable and is very slow in moving on. But spring is coming and as a sign of that, I snapped a picture of our first crocuses the other day. Although I really do like winter, I must admit that I think I am ready for spring, including spring flowers, robins, sunshine, trees with leaves, April showers and all the stuff that goes with it. Now if I could just get my body in shape for Spring, it would be great. It would help if I could get back on the treadmill, but the bronchitis keeps me from that.

On another subject, I happened to be folding laundry and came across this pillowcase that my mother made. I have very little of hers, but was glad to see this handiwork of hers. I remember that she used to embroider and thought it might be good to put this on my blog, given the recent incidents. I should try and think of something neat to do with it. It's one of the old preprinted designs that we used to be able to get at the dimestore. Any thoughts, anyone? - leave a comment. I would love to hear.

First of all, I must give credit for the picture. No it is not mine. It is from one of the blogs I read, but this lady's knitted dolls are darling and I want to get to where I can knit like this. I thought i would share her work with you. Give me a few more months and I hope to be able to do this. She recently had a contest for one of her pieces, which I entered, but there were so many entrants, that I really didn't have a chance.

Notice the link. I am getting better and better at this blogging stuff.

Happy Easter!!!!

Well, I am home from Northern Indiana and it is Easter. The beginning of all things new. How time flies. I seem to have picked up a bug and it is taking a few days to get over that, but tomorrow is a work day, so I will be up and at 'em in the morning (I hope)!!!

I got up this morning to a basket of treats from my husband. How nice is that?!?!?!. So I, in turn, made him the sweet potato biscuits I mentioned earlier in the week. I think he will agree that they were yummy.

We have a mutual joke between us where he will say, usually on a trip, how fun it would be to be a truck driver and see the countryside, enjoy the big rigs and all the hype that goes with it. Then finishing the thought with, if I only liked to drive. So I in turn follow the same idea by noting how cool it would be to be a chef, and make really cool recipes, if only I liked to cook. But sometimes I do manage to try a new recipe from time to time.

I had an opportunity to have lunch with an old friend from Northern Indiana when I was there. "It was so good to see you, Norene" I am not very good at keeping contact, but hope to do better in the future. It was great to see her and her daughter, Krissy. Melissa and Kristen grew up together.

Hospital Update

Well, the doctor has made an appearance and it seems that mother, along with the antibiotics is fighting the infection. Her white count has gone down, her vitals are okay and the doctor is releasing her to the nursing home tomorrow, assuming she continues to improve. The infection leading to the sepsis was caused by the catheter and the pneumonia a common affliction associated with the sepsis. She has slept most of the day, which has certainly helped her. Lissy and I will probably be heading home later tomorrow (Thursday). She is a tough lady. Sepsis is a tough one to fight. More later.

I am ready to get home and found a recipe for sweet potato biscuits that I want to try. What a lucky guy you are, Leon!!

Wenesday at the hospital

Well, it is Wednesday. I am at the hospital and mother is staying pretty stable. Temperature, blood pressure and pulse are normal. She does not appear to be any worse than yesterday, although she is sleeping a ton. Not may complaints today, mainly because she is sleeping. The doctor has not yet been in. Lissy and I got up at 6:00 this morning to be here by 8:00. The nurse last night said that he usually did his rounds between 8 and 9. It is now 12:30 p.m. and I am still waiting. Lissy just went to lunch with her aunt. She is just about going stir crazy, being confined in this hospital room. She really wanted to go to Hacienda. I wanted to add a picture, but didn't want to compromise her dignity, so this picture is small and is not looking directly at her.

It feels very good to take care of her. Her life has been so tragic and so unfair. Although I was emotionally unable to maintain any kind of contact for most of our lives, I feel very tender toward her now and have for 2-3 years. I feel badly that she was unable to live the normal life that we all take for granted; that she was unable to mother her children. I think she would have been a great lady.

I missed posting on St. Patricks day. I wanted to share our dinner of corned beef, cabbage, red potatoes and Irish soda bread. I was so proud of my soda bread and am so disappointed that I didn't take a picture to post. So I will just have to describe it. It was cool looking and really good. It was the first time I ever made it and it had raisins in it. The top had a big X on it and it was like a round loaf of bread, sort of primitive looking.

I hope to be home for Easter, although I think it will be just Leon and I. But that's okay, we need the time.

Well it has been nearly two weeks since I last posted and so much has happened. As you can see, from my last post, we lost our friend and pet, Molly. She has been such a wonderful dog and we all loved her very much. It was a true loss. This is a picture of her just days before she died.

Now, however, I am sitting in a hotel room in Elkhart after a call came through saying my mother had sepsis and pneummonia. In spite of the complicated relationship, or lack thereof, I decided I needed to be with her during what could be her last days. We have not lived our lives together in a warm and loving relationship, but she is a human being that was dealt a raw deal in life and I am her daughter. I want to give her this last thing, a bit of myself.

In Memoriam

1999 - March 9, 2008 - Molly Girl

Snow Day

Well, we got up to a definite blizzard this morning - even in Northern Indiana standards. Here are some pictures. I tried to get a feel for the depth, but didn't really feel like justice is served.

We're having a blizzard. The snow is coming down and it looks like we won't be getting out for a couple of days. Work sent us home at 2:30. The worst is still to come according to the news reports. It is supposed to get really bad over night and tomorrow with a possible storm total of 16 inches. Wow! Pretty amazing for this area! I will post a picture tomorrow!


Happy Birthday, Dad
Today is my fathers birthday, so I always spend some time thinking about him, on this day each year. He has been gone for over 20 years now. He was a member of "the greatest generation" (as in the Tom Brokaw book). He was very much a member of that generation in values, ethics and so many other ways. He was a proud american, strong work ethic, proud veteran, committed to God and family. He had many trials and tribulations in his life and I wish his life had been easier. I must admit that when he died, there was a part of me that was glad he would now be at peace. And one thing that I can always say, despite all the dysfunction and problems that I have been through, is that he loved me and I believe that it helped me to live a good life. On many levels, I really do owe him my life. "I miss you, Dad, and if I had it to do over, I would love you better!! Thank you for all that you have done for me".

Molly, our dog, is in the hospital and it doesn't look good.. but I can't write about it right now. Maybe tomorrow.

Voting day in Ohio

Well, I just got home from voting, which I must admit is generally outside my normal pattern of behavior, however, I have voted in the last two primaries and presidential elections. I really do have issues with the whole voting process, from the electoral college to the candidates saying whatever they have to, to get where they want to be. With that said, I will say that although I am not a political animal, I have tried to be a bit more in the know and although the corruption is rampant, hope to support those people most likely to impact our country in a positive way. Want to know how I voted???? Not telling!!!! But above you will see my sticker proving I voted.

The last few days have been full. Pshew!!!! Busy,busy, busy.

First of all - happy news. Leon is now working. He has secured a temp-to-hire position running high speed copy machines at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, OH, just 10 miles north of our home. There are many positives to this position. If he is hired, and he has received conflicting signals on that count, the pay will increase and benefits are good. It was founded as a United Methodist university, although I am not sure what their theology, if any, is now. He will be able to take classes free to finish up his degree, which he has always wanted to do. We are blessed. The job is 3 months and then we will see what happens.

We officially joined our church on Sunday, along with Melissa and Chad. We have been attending there for about 7 years and have never taken the plunge. I actually had reasons for holding off, but the church is attempting to address those issues. Secondly, sometimes you just have to be part of the solution and I have decided to attempt to do that. The wedding will be there, as well.

I have been on vacation yesterday and today, mainly because Leon and I had a hearing to attend today. For those who are in the know, it turned out fine, although I was very nervous. Tomorrow it is back to work, which is a good thing. I really do like my job. Sometimes it gets a bit stressful, but when that happens, I am able to take a couple of days off to re-charge. It is nice to build up some time.

Bridal gown shopping

Well, my last baby is getting married. Ahhh the memories!!! Anyhow, this weekend Melissa, Carrie and I went wedding gown shopping. Carrie came from Indianpolis for the event and it was girls only for the day. The only negative was that the future bride has been sick and was still pretty much under the weather. But being the shoppers that we are, we forged on. We had appointments at two shops and took the entire two hours at each shop with lunch in between. She tried on numerous gowns probably 20, at least and came up with 2 possibles. I think we will look again when she is feeling better and to go to another place or two. She also wants to check out Cincinnati, where there is apparently a bridal district.

Enough of the logistics, now a bit of the reflection. What a big decision to get married. I think Melissa is very much in love and I hope for them all of the blessings and goodness a truly wonderful marriage can bring. If they are patient with each other, life can get better and better, although never without bumps along the way. Okay, enough. I want to show a picture of her in a wedding gown, but do not want to ruin any of her secret choices, so I am adding a picture of her in a dress that I really liked, but she did not. After all, it is my blog, right?

New subject....

I also want to add a picture of the incredible fog we got up to last weekend. Talk about the veritable 'pea soup'. I snapped a picture and here it is. Pretty haunting, eh?