It's Wednesday, and time for another adventure with my fellow deskers.
For more WOYWW fun, you can head for the hub of the fun over at the blog of our fearless leader, Julia Dunnit HERE.
Some of my fellow deskers already have some idea as to the challenges I've continued to face since the optic nerve to my left eye malfunctioned at the end of summer of this year. Many of you have continued to boost my morale with kind comments. That's really been lovely, and I want to say a fond Thank You now for your recent kindness towards me. As I haven't been able to comment to your posts as much as I used to, such generosity has genuinely touched me.
One thing I keep discovering: my eyesight's strength has had either worse or better days. A better day was when I tried doing a man's face. That was 2 posts ago. I risked the strength of both my eyesight and my morale that time by trying something that I'd never done before: a full color painted sketch of an old portrait.
Most days have not been as easy for my eyesight as that day was. All of it is tough to get used to in that I need to be constantly vigilant of how my eyes happen to be doing. I'm forgivably clumsy at times when there's delicacy required. Such challenges have often put a damper on my mood. I'm learning how not to lose patience with the whole situation as well as how to content myself with what CAN be done each time that I attempt something.
Junk Journals offer unique challenges, too, especially in the area of materials used in the building of any junk journal. This one has a tendency to buckle at times, so I've had to use a curly paper clip whilst taking this week's photo.
For more WOYWW fun, you can head for the hub of the fun over at the blog of our fearless leader, Julia Dunnit HERE.
Some of my fellow deskers already have some idea as to the challenges I've continued to face since the optic nerve to my left eye malfunctioned at the end of summer of this year. Many of you have continued to boost my morale with kind comments. That's really been lovely, and I want to say a fond Thank You now for your recent kindness towards me. As I haven't been able to comment to your posts as much as I used to, such generosity has genuinely touched me.
One thing I keep discovering: my eyesight's strength has had either worse or better days. A better day was when I tried doing a man's face. That was 2 posts ago. I risked the strength of both my eyesight and my morale that time by trying something that I'd never done before: a full color painted sketch of an old portrait.
Most days have not been as easy for my eyesight as that day was. All of it is tough to get used to in that I need to be constantly vigilant of how my eyes happen to be doing. I'm forgivably clumsy at times when there's delicacy required. Such challenges have often put a damper on my mood. I'm learning how not to lose patience with the whole situation as well as how to content myself with what CAN be done each time that I attempt something.
Junk Journals offer unique challenges, too, especially in the area of materials used in the building of any junk journal. This one has a tendency to buckle at times, so I've had to use a curly paper clip whilst taking this week's photo.
This time, I'm trying the November Pick a Stick Challenge, the prompts for which may be found by following the link HERE.
The challenge calls for making a pocket. I've opted to make a folded paper bag pocket out of a sheet of deli paper to which I added one of the pretty embellished papers which Win Dinn sent me recently for our paper trade. The diagonal phrase I cut from a newspaper, while the other two collaged word bits are both from a magazine, as per the prompts.
The words mean something on a very deep level to me today. I believe that art can help me keep adjusting even if it is my biggest challenge. As for the advice to not "stress about it," well, that would be another of life's challenges.
I remember that portrait - you did amazingly well, Rose! You did so well with this challenge as well - it never occurred to me that pain is just a letter away from paint! Will keep that in mind. I hope your eyesight improves over time, but I must admit I don't know anything about that condition, so I can only send you my best wishes. Happy WOYWW! zsuzsa #20
ReplyDeleteHi Zsuzsa! Thank you for the well wishes. The eye has yet to show signs of serious improvement. We'll have to wait to find out more.
DeleteA waterolorist friend of mine used to have a print on her studio wall which was just the word, "paint." She just recently lost her husband. Thoughts of her and what she must be feeling have permeated my life a lot lately.
But that print has stayed with me over the years, as it so cleverly highlighted all but that final letter "T."
Hi Rose, I remember the portrait too. I really admire your perseverance. Happy Thanksgiving and happy WOYWW. Sarah #17
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah. You're very kind.
DeleteHope it is a great week for you too
:)
I love your journal pages and how you changed pain to paint, very clever. I hope your eye & nerve heal and that soon you will be pain-free. Thanks for the visit! God bless you!
ReplyDeleteCarol N #19
Thanks so much, Carol. May God Bless you too!
DeleteHave a blessedly thankful day tomorrow!
xo
I'm liking that junk journal!! have a good week Helen #2
ReplyDeleteThank you Helen See you next time!
Delete:)
Hi Rose, I love the colors going on with this journal page and the bag pocket too :) ~Stacy #27
ReplyDeleteHi Stacy and thank for stopping by. I've been on an autumn color way kick lately. But then, i think orange is fun anytime
DeleteHello. Love the junk journal page. I admire your attitude to your eye and sight difficulties. Thanks for popping by and I hope you have a good week. Anne x 22
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Anne. See you next time
Delete:)
Loving your journal pages. Let's hope that your eyesight settles a bit soon. Have a very happy woyww, Angela x10x
ReplyDeleteHi Angela Thanks for visiting. So far, not one of the doctors I'v e been to see has said they could cure this problem. For some people, it may wear off, so to speak within about a year or 2. We'll have to wait to find out.
Deletexo
Hi Rose, just letting you know I've joined your blog too, thanks for becoming an encourager on mine also I'll link over and welcome you on my next post. Hopefully some more filks might join.
ReplyDeleteI've just a fww days ago posted a blogger tips on building a successful blog that you might find useful.
Sorry it published and I'd not finished https://calligraphycards-shazinoz.blogspot.com.au/2017/11/blogger-tips-on-how-to-build-successful.html
ReplyDeleteThat's the link, if you copy and paste.
Love the pocket and sayings pn your work, well done, clever. Hugs Shaz in Oz.x#4
Hi Shaz in OZ Thanks stopping by and also for returning my Follow. I'm actually not exactly into building this blog so much as I'm into interacting with others here once in a while. I have an older blog, but it's mostly on hold now owing to my current health issues. But I do appreciate the thought. It's kind of you. Thank you.
DeleteHi Rose, it is so hard to accept limitations, when once we could do things so easily. I think the hardest part of any recovery, as well as coming to terms with our limitations, is accepting that sometimes we have to ask for, and accept, help. Waiting to see how things fix themselves is difficult, even for the most patient person. Sending you big hugs, Have a better week, Shaz#4 XxX
ReplyDeleteThank you for being so understanding about things, Shaz. You're right. Accepting help can be a real challenge. I guess that must be true for a lot of people experiencing health issues. It requires admitting a weakness or a need and that makes a person feel vulnerable. Not great for morale.
DeleteMaintaining dignity in the midst of pain and fear in a hospital setting isn't any fun either, but humor has helped at odd moments. Mainly, my faith deepened during those rougher moments. Life goes on no matter what we are given to handle.
Sending you big Hugs in return. xox
Adore your junk journal and the deep message. I myself am dealing with pain in my foot which can't be diagnosed. Thanks for the visit BJ#9
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, BJ. I'd no idea that you had such a foot problem. I've never heard of one before that could not be diagnosed. That must be awful for you, but if you hadn't told me, i;d never have known. Blessings on that foot, now
Deletexo
I so admire your determination to keep on keeping on in spite of the pain and discomfort, Rose. I salute you, you most courageous woman, and I LOVE your page!!!
ReplyDeleteWin Thanks for stopping by and taking a few minutes away from your busy grandmothering time to leave your encouraging words. I really appreciate your support. I do hope my envelope has reached your mailbox! Wishing you safe travels.
Deletexoxo
Your journal page seems to be just what you need at the moment - I often find this to be the case with mine as well. We draw from our subconscious, it comes out on the page, and we say "aha! Yes! that is how I am feeling, or yes, that is good advice!" The Pick-a-Stick is an interesting idea, and is a great challenge for journaling! Thanks for your earlier visit, have a great week! Lindart #26
ReplyDeleteHi Lindart thanks for the thoughtful comment. Maybe we enjoy art journaling mainly in that our journals do tend to reflect ur inward selves to us. Sometimes, it's been painful for me. Sometimes it's been a catharsis that's been needed. Other times, it's more playful. But in every instance, there's that reflected feeling, thought or attitude.
DeleteSee you next time I'm able to join in
;)
I agree wholeheartedly about how difficult it is not to stress over. My palsy nurse said to try to change my thinking to accept it as my 'new normal' and it has helped enormously. My eye isn't damaged per se, I have no moisture or tear ducts left so it's dry and sore and although that doesnt compromise my eyesight, it does really - the gunk I have to put in it to keep it moist and useable is just grease that I can't see through. Not the same for you, you are having to be far more aware and careful and I dont envy you at all. However, am impressed and delighted that you push on and are getting something out of your works....one day it's cathartic and another day it's just something done and out of the way. Funny creatures aren't we.
ReplyDeleteJulia Thank you for sharing your own experiences with eye health trouble with me. I'm sorry that you have no choice other than to "grease" your poor sore eyes. Although the alternative would be far worse, that still must feel dreadful. I guess we neither of us can be envious of the other, can we? I am finding myself truly marveling at your own perseverance that benefits every desker.
DeleteSometimes, (for me, anyway) I have required a good nudge from the odd approaching Wednesday to try and make something in time for another WOYWW. It can even be downright therapeutic at times! I'm finding your comment to be therapeutic as well.
I like how you wrote: "...one day it's cathartic and another day it's just something done and out of the way. Funny creatures aren't we." So true! Sometimes I've needed to rest both eyes. No choice. And let the boredom begin. That can be really tough to resign oneself to. I'm sure you've had days like that as well. Yesterday, for example, all that I had enough "oomph" for was to coat 2 pages of the Rough Cut journal with some matte gel medium.
Yet who can say what tomorrow or next week's Wednesday could bring?
Blessings on both precious eyes of yours
I really like your page layout! You can push through, you are very talented and can keep your motivation. Have a lovely day!
ReplyDeleteEllie #13
Ellie What a nice comment you've left here! Thanks for every kind thought.
Delete:)
So sorry your eye is impacting on your crafting, especially your painting. Still you have made a lovely journal there.
ReplyDeletePlease be careful and don't take too many risks. If your eye can improve with not straining it please stick at it. I know it is not easy if you have an eye patch on and things don't look quite the same but if it has to be put one on and try to do your crafting. Am sure the other eye will adjust and compensate. Or am I talking a load of old rot?
I remember having my eye bandaged by a medic and then I was sent off to another hospital - driving my car - very difficult as things were not as they seemed with the bandage. I took it off! Then when I got to the other hospital and told them (thinking I had done wrong in removing it) they were hopping mad at the other hospital as they said they should not have sent me driving like that. That is what I was trying to say above.
You take care, will hold you in prayer.
Hugs and Thanks for visiting me, Neet xx
Thank you for all your kind thoughts, especially holding me in prayer. Fortunately, there is no eye patch to deal with, but I still really do need to be careful to never overdo things.
DeleteI'd have been "hopping mad" too in the 2nd hospital's position. Well done you for removing the darned bandage and so glad you made it there safely!
Thank you for your concern and encouraging words. They mean a lot.
Blessings xo
A great page LO and I went back to your previous post and think you have done a great portrait. Talent is only practice, practice, practice. Sandra de @11
ReplyDeletesandra Thanks for the nice reminder. Maybe I'll make a journal spread about "practice, practice, practice."
DeleteI appreciate the kudos. I only wish that I could have been more accurate with my copy of that old painting.
;)
Rose, so sorry for taking so long to reply to your 2 sweet comments for which many thanks - I've been frantically busy this week sorting kitties, knitting socks, and dealing with 4 big pheasants my hubby was given last week, involving hours in the kitchen creating a variety of meals from them! I am finally getting down to dealing with all my lovely WOYWW comments this week.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the most helpful suggestion about natural yoghurt for Lily - I'd forgotten all about that as something to try, so I've been giving it to her on her food since you mentioned it and she absolutely loves it! She's also on some meds from the vet to settle her tummy and the diarrhoea is slightly better now, but above all, she's a lot more lively today so we think she is already feeling better. She finished the antibiotics today. They are still in the little suits and are going back to the vet to get checked this week.
So glad you like my gesso and infusions pieces - I love the subtle effects you can get with gesso and a variety of materials.
I am very sorry to hear of your continuing problems with the optic neuritis - you are in my thoughts and prayers for a good outcome and some news as to the cause in the near future. I agree 100% with Shaz's comments - like her, and you, I have also had to learn to adjust to limitations caused by health problems and one lesson I have learnt is that in life, there are times and seasons, and as one season closes and you move on into the next one, even if it does involve a loss of ability or some limitation, the important thing is not to dwell on the past and regret what you can no longer do, but allow fresh opportunities to arise out of your new circumstances. It was only after I developed M.E. back in 2007 and my high level of activity and fitness was suddenly curtailed, that I had time to develop my art, and through it, to make new contacts and friends, and learn new skills. Getting cancer in 2015 resulted in a complete cure of my ulcerative colitis (removal of one's colon has that effect lol!) and once I'd got used to Kermit, my stoma, and the necessity for a bag for the rest of my life, things are soooo much better than before and even if I could go back to how I was, I would not do so for anything! I have learnt so much, and made so many new friends through my cancer and feel my life is enriched as a result, although I live with ongoing health problems. Acceptance is quite different from giving up, and it brings contentment in the end, as long as one can keep positive and look on the learning of new skills and adapting to one's limitations as an adventure rather than as something negative. Being forced to rest can give you a new perspective on life and give you time to appreciate things you never had time for before.
Hugs, and a happy very belated WOYWW,
Shoshi x #7
Dear Shoshi
DeleteThank you ever so much for leaving me such a lovely comment. I am very pleased that Lily likes the yogurt you are giving her. It can take months till everything can get back to normal in her gut. Will your other kitty eat it too? I've only known 2 cats that would not eat it.
I'd guessed that you had a condition akin to my own. Myalgic encephalomyelitis is painful and unpleasant. I was diagnosed (here in the states) as having CFS with Fibromyalgia, altho' the neuritis had one r thinking that it might be M.S. instead. The MRIs said not, and as I've had the same condition now for many years, without any M.S. symptoms, per se, I think it is safe to say that I more than likely never had M.S. to begin with.
Like you, I've made more art since becoming unable to earn a living. I call it Art Therapy for One given by One - Me for Me!
Both you and Shaz are clearly correct. Dwelling in the past would only spoil this moment now, today. I really have missed certain things that I once knew I could do with ease. Patience toward my own limitations has been slow to develop. I keep working on that portion of the journey.
I really like this part of your comment very much:
"Acceptance is quite different from giving up, and it brings contentment in the end, as long as one can keep positive and look on the learning of new skills and adapting to one's limitations as an adventure rather than as something negative. Being forced to rest can give you a new perspective on life and give you time to appreciate things you never had time for before."
Spot on correct. I could not have worded it better.
xoxo
Creating a junk journal sounds like fun and doable with your eye, good luck with your health and I hope you find/have more projects that are easy to do so you can craft for fun without getting frustrated. Thanks for stopping by my blog last week - time flies, it's Monday already! Big hug from Holland, Marit #18
ReplyDeleteHi Marit! thank you for stopping by. I actually made the junk journal just before my left eye's optic nerve became unwell. It has a wrapped binding, which is a kind I am certain that I can manage to use one-eyed, so there is that to consider.
Delete(Needles with lowered ability to aim? Maybe not a good idea!)
Here's to more creative projects with little or no frustration!
;)
I am always amazed at your strength. Loving the junk journal (and swirly paperclip too).
ReplyDeletekyla
Awww thank you, Kyla. I assure you, I still get scared. art is good therapy for what ails me. I feel blessed knowing it's still possible, even when it will need to be approached a bit differently.
DeleteThe swirly paper clip is a part of a set that came to me in some Happy Mail.
:)
Hi Rose, just letting you know I’ve linked over to your blog in my current, Rudolph day card and snippets challenge, hopefully some folk might pop over and say hi and maybe join,
ReplyDeleteHugs,Shaz in OzX.
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}
Thank you Shaz in Oz! How nice!
Delete:)