I'm Still Walking

Walking with strength

with power, 

with heart and dignity.

I walk with a limp,

a foot dragging. 

I walk with weakness,

very slowly....

...with fragility.

I walk with intention,

with stillness

and sometimes sorrow.

I walk with laughter

keeping my sense of humor close by.

I'm still walking

smiling, filled with joy.

My strength,

creativity,

spirituality,

and love 

keeping me going.

Still walking... 

...with gratitude.

Houseplants make my home warmer, the air cleaner and even reduce noise.

I've always had a green thumb.  I got it from my Grandmother.  She could grow anything.  My newest addition to our  indoor garden is called Croton (Codiaeum hybrid).  I am hoping that it will do well over the winter months, because I've read they're difficult to please indoors.  In the warmer months, I'll keep it outdoors.  In the meantime I'll keep you posted on how it's doing.

Floral Dreams

I created this drawing using colored pencils.  When I was satisfied with the results, I then scanned and altered my drawing in Photoshop, creating an original digitally altered drawing.

Coming in August...

I've been busy creating new drawings, mixed media creative pages and more beading adventures.  I will be posting new items on my blog, on Etsy and on facebook.  Please stay tuned!

Until then...

Here's a sweet photo of our 17 year old cat, Nell

The simple things in life bring great joy.

Last weekend my husband and I attended our friend Fernanda's craft party to make buttons and fabric flowers for her upcoming wedding.  My husband was there only to drop me off, however he was quickly sucked into the female vortex, challenged by the women to use the sewing machine.  He rose to the occasion and began cranking out straight and curved seams that impressed all.

Master of the machine.

While this was going on, I was busy cutting out images of owls and rabbits to make buttons with a button-making machine (which I've never used before).  I was so excited about using the machine that I cut out as many images as my hands could bear just to keep using it.  If you've never used one, I highly recommend it.  If you have used one, you know what all the fuss is about; pure fun and deeply satisfying. 

Button-Making Machine makes Jeanette happy

Sorry, no photo of me with machine...

...next craft party

International Crane Foundation

Last Monday, I went with my friend Dee to the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, WI.  http://www.savingcranes.org

I highly recommend visiting this hidden gem.  It is such a peaceful place.  The crane calls are so primitive and the birds so gracefully.   The tour is educational and the work they do at the foundation is vital for the future of cranes.

They also have a a lovely gift shop.

I've been thinking quite a bit about the small things in life.

I've been thinking about the small things in life that surround us, the everyday things, the things we don't take the time to see.  I feel it it so important to pay close attention to the small things in life.  For example: a rain drop running down your kitchen window can be filled with quiet beauty.  The sun reflecting on water can look like glistening diamonds! If you look closely, glistening diamonds and quiet beauty surround us in every moment.  How many of us take the time to stop and really look at the beauty or even the ugliness in our day-to-day lives?  Are there small things in your daily life that bring beauty and wonder to an otherwise mundane day?  Look closely...small surprises are all around you. 

Have a glorious day!

Succulent Layers

Leaves and Lace

Spring Flowers

Succulent Beauty Blue

February has been a difficult month.

I've had an MS flare-up this month that has really kicked my butt in ways that it hasn't in years.  I think I can express my pain, frustration, and sadness best through poetry.

I have lived with chronic illness for 22 years

This awful month of cold, snow-darkness

My legs are betraying me again

8 months of difficult work in physical therapy - gone

Three day treatment - did not help

Of course, I will begin again

Through physical pain

Through lack of understanding by others

Through my anger 

Through my tears

Through my laughter.

I feel betrayed

By my body - again

By the people in my life who don't really want to hear 

about how difficult this is.

I am not feeling sorry for myself nor my friends who live with this disease

Of course, I will begin again.

Through patience with myself and others

Through understanding

Through love

I begin again the daily work of moving my body from point A to B

By not allowing MS to win;

It may in the end,

but that is not now.

So, I begin again

to work hard on moving my body

in yoga 

at home

exercise to stave off

weakness,

atrophy,

despair.

I will begin again 

To let go,
to heal.

Bronze Etching

Abating Winter Doldrums