He's 49!!! ....really....(lots of b-day photos.)

Well, my hubby hit the age no one believes in yesterday.  He's 49!  In preparing decorations for what was originally going to be a very small celebration, which then, seemed to grow and grow- turning out to be a truly wonderful gathering of friends and family- Kallie, two of her friends and I painted "over-the-hill" type sentiments on scrapbook paper. 

I painted, "No one believes you when you say you are 49.  But, with you, its 'cuz you look 29!"  While I'm not quite sure he could still pass for 29, Tony does get comments on a regular basis from people who cannot believe he's not still in his 30's.  Since I don't get those comments anymore...I find all the ignorance rather annoying, but am blessed that Tony is still so nice to look at! Here's a photo of him as he came around the back of the house when he was just getting home from work.  It's un-posed, and it looks like he was saying something to me...but I was busy being photographer so- not sure exactly what he said.

Yeah, he still has all his hair, none of which is gray, except more and more of his goatee, and the wild hairs that we shave off his neck (or quickly photo edit out if need be :)  TMI??

The day before his birthday, I was watering my flowers outside (yes, it seems summer has finally decided to creep upon us, here in OR) and lamenting a bit about not being able to have a job so I could have my own money to surprise him with a gift.  Its just not the same when I take money he made, to shop for him...especially, when its the end of the month and I've been told NOT to birthday shop...he "doesn't need anything."  Well, you can imagine my elation when I got a care-package in the mail about an hour later containing some clothes, some craft materials and voila...a check!  An unnamed benefactor had sent me some "mad money," but, boy, did it make me happy!  Kallie, her boyfriend and I, loaded up and headed to Albany for some birthday shopping!

I've had in my mind for a while now that Tony "needs" a fire pit for our deck.  So we hit several different stores, compared models and prices, and finally decided on one that we all liked, and which also happened to be on sale! 

So, we grabbed the pit, and the brick pavers; as it turns out, you aren't supposed to sit the pit directly on a wood deck, and headed for home.  The next day, (Tony's birthday) while Tony was at work, all the kids pitched in, including Kallie's beau' to put together a party.  Speaking of "putting together," the boyfriend, Justin, actually assembled the pit itself, while Caleb helped him with the pit, carrying the pavers and all the other outside chores....collecting sticks for kindling, cleaning and sweeping the deck, mowing the yard, etc.  Kallie and I worked on the inside of the house.  Since my crafting stuff seems to creep out and take over certain areas of the house, I had a lot of re-organizing to do. Kallie and Michael did some of the basic house chores. Kallie made the cake and a double batch of brownies, and Michael shopped for food. Of course, we bought hot-dogs with all the trimmings and s'mores makings.

I just can't give my kids enough kuddo's on their helpfulness.  There is no way I could have put the party together without their help.  AND, they all worked with very little attitude or instruction.   Finally, after everything was ready and our little back porch arranged for the party, I got a shower and then, broke out the camera to get some shots of the party set-up.

There were actually a few things that Tony did need...well, probably still does need more of- clothes!  He is so hard on his clothing- because he works so hard.  Also, being on the worship team at church, I feel he needs something a little classier than stained carhart jeans and tee-shirts, so, we also got him a few items of useful clothing!

It seemed that the fire pit was a hit, and for the most part, the smoke stayed in the "right" direction.  I think that just about everyone, except the birthday boy, roasted a "dog" and a marshmallow or two in the pit. (Tony fixed a turkey sandwhich on whole grain, sprouted bread...of course- but hey, it was his birthday!)

We missed having Julie and Dan and brother Steve and family with us, but it was truly a wonderful surpise to have Tyson join us.

(Well, I obviously don't yet understand the finer points of posting photos in this blog as I can't get them to line up side-by-side when I want or in the order I want...but, anyway, they're all here somewhere!)

It turned out that after a few hours of chatting, celebrating Tony and filling up on dogs, chips, and s'mores the party started to dwindle and at the end of the evening (which was only about 6 PM...can anyone say...old farts?) when it was just the kids and Tony and I left, we went inside and realized we hadn't yet "cut the cake."  It was actually kind of a special moment; Larissa and I lit the candles on the cake that Kallie had made, and just a few voices hesitantly sang the birthday song after Tony successfully proved, by blowing out all the candles in one try, that his lungs are still as young as he looks.

I knew it was time to retire to my reading book when after 2 days of preparation, 2 days of cooperation, 2 days of everyone on their best behavior, Kallie and Caleb started to have a sibling moment.  Don't let the innocent look on Kallie's face fool you. The tongue sticking out of Caleb's mouth tells it all.But, really...everyone seemed to have a good time... I think Tony was blessed...and in the end, it was a fabulous way to mark the beginning of a new year in Tony's life...And no one will believe he's 49 anyway.

New Stuff Coming Soon.

I know I've neglected to keep on top of my blog and my Etsy store.  Truth be told, its been a hard winter, and I hit a bit of a personal stale-mate.  But, my husband is charged with some creative ideas, and his enthusiasm is catchy.  I have some updating to do. It will take a few days, maybe weeks to get it done, but keep a look out.  We're going for it!  Thanks for your support!

Wedding Anniversary #23 !!!

Well, yesterday, my husband, Tony and I celebrated 23 years of wedded bliss!  Actually, it still feels like our anniversary today, as it is almost 4:00 AM as I begin this long over-due blog and I have not yet been to sleep.  We had a lovely day, starting with me sleeping in (surprise!) and Tony going to the gym for a work-out.  Actually, I've had so much trouble sleeping for the past two weeks or so, even when Tony came and woke me up so we could start our celebration excursion, I still did not want to get out of bed as I had finally been sleeping so soundly.  But, alas, getting up and getting started proved to be a great idea as our anniversary day was, by most accounts probably conservative, but was special to us, none-the-less.
The plan was to have a late lunch at the Olive Garden in Salem, which evolved into a stop at Borders Books and after lunch, a brief stop "for just one thing" at my favorite craft store in Salem.  Luckily for me, Tony had in mind a trip to Costco on our way in to Salem to pick up a "boho" style sundress which I had recently admired as his anniversary gift to me.  I love it so much, and was even more in love with it after I put it on and realized that while it is definitely a "sundress" it is styled for full coverage so there's no worry about what type of slip or "other support" to wear under it.  No spaghetti straps in other words, which I so wish I could wear, but don't really feel comfortable or have all the latest and greatest under-styles to pull the look off.
Then, we proceeded to Borders books in Salem where Tony bought his own anniversary gift. A book he'd heard about on the radio and a weight-lifting magazine.  (We are so extravagant!)  A company gift card provided the means for our Olive Garden lunch, and finally, I managed to leave the craft shop with only the one item I needed and an extra for good measure. I mean really, who can buy just one item in a craft store??? My lack of self-control manifested itself in a  $1 notepad...so, I don't feel too bad about "going wild."

So, why am I so awake at this hour of the morning.  Chalk it up to POTS dysautonomia.  Oh, I forgot, Tony did insist that I get a book at Borders entitled "The Hand Made Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and Online," by Kari Chapin.  That book, coupled with a reminder that its time to sign up for a fall craft show have my adrenaline dumping and pumping through my veins as I consider all I have neglected to do, put off because I was not feeling well, all I need to catch up on, and new projects that might be of interest in the Hand-Made marketplace.  I get so excited, and have such plans, this book has given me some direction, as well as setting off a POTS reaction that apparently must run its course as sleep just will not come...or has not, yet tonight.

I didn't think to take either a photo of me and my hubby together on our anniversary, or a pic of me in my dress.  I will post a pic soon, but probably have my favorite female model, stand-in for the dress photo.  It fits her well also, and somehow just looks that much better on her figure.  Actually, I am encouraged as I should be on the losing side (or is that the winning side?) of the battle of the bulge.  Not that it is showing yet, but the almost 30 lbs that I inexplicably gained in the three years since our move from AK has finally shown a link in part of the dysautonomia complex...low thyroid.  Yes, its a glandular problem!  It couldn't possibly be the 40-something curse.  Truly though, I am anxious to get back on thyroid meds as I lost weight almost immediately when I went on them, then, had to have some "tests" run, went off the meds and voila'  extra mass of Sheri! 

Finally, a word about POTS Dysautonomia.  I have inwardly debated every time I mention the condition as you know, I "don't look sick." But, to quote a wise woman, "It is what it is."   And I have it.  I believe in miracles, I believe in healing, and I also believe in telling it like it is.  I haven't experienced physical healing yet, but am much relieved emotionally, knowing that POTS "won't kill you, it'll just make you wish it would." (Thanks Doc.)  Anyway, I guess all this is just to say that I'm tired of tip-toeing around my critics, whose lack of compassion is truly a comentary on them... not me.  I realize that as I get older, most of my doubting Thomases age also and if I look in their eyes...they don't look blind. But, I wish I could challenge them, if you can't see to drive, take off your glasses cuz your eyes look okay to me.  Or, if you can see "out there" but need reading glasses, before reaching for those store-bought magnifiers, read the time on the face of your watch or an article in the newspaper...your eyes look just fine to me.


So, POTS affects and to a great extent, rules my life.  My strength is that I'm still here.  No one knows the bones its taken to face a failing body, to face doctors who don't know what they are looking at and would rather pass to the next patient and deal with a little arthritis, and face loved ones, and ones who are supposed to love me, but seethe judgement- even in the sudden silence when I mention my condition, or in their lack of interest to find out how POTS affects people, or judgement in outright mean, evil statements.  But, hey, I choose me, my family, my God and the things that I can do, on the days, during the moments when I can do them...even if its in the middle of the night when "normal" people are asleep, and I will be quietly judged lazy for missing church tomorrow.  God knows.  He knows all.

Quote on this post card published by: Invisible Diseases.com

Love is invisible.
Hope is invisible.
Friendship is invisible.
...But, they are all real!
So are Invisible Diseases

I am thankful for my ability to create when I can spend some time upright.  I am thankful for books to read when I can't. I am thankful for most of my family. And I am thankful for 23 years with the most optomistic, biggest chearleader, most devoted, man I know. But, I am done hiding.
Dysautonomia. It is what it is.

"Maritime Law"

8x8 inch collage now at my Etsy Store.

http://www.pieceofpicreations.etsy.com/

                                                                "Mostly Crabtree"

Visage of a Pirate

http://www.pieceofpicreations.etsy.com/

                                                            "An Unseen Forest"
                                                       http://www.pieceofpicreations.etsy.com/

                                                         Dancing Leaf-Fairies
 My first artwork on profile stretched canvas.  I've had the profile board as long as I've had the regular canvas board, but haven't been brave enough to use it yet :)  It was fun, and I do love the look of the width from the side, as it sticks out from the wall.

So, all five of these pieces are new to my Etsy store as of today. I've given previews of a couple of them on my blog here, but just got to the process of loading onto Etsy...and it IS a process!

I've been sitting at this computer for 6 hours now, so don't know what I'm going to do next, but it will probably be away from the 'puter.  Maybe puruse some art magazines...or knit.

Happy MLK Day!

sheri

Three Projects in progress

This piece, under the working name "Pirate" is definitely a break from my usual stylings.  It came about by mishap, as the paper-mached mask did not turn out as perfectly proportioned as I would have liked, so I added a bit of artist's paste to fill-in some divits and smooth some bumps and left it to dry on the kitchen table.  The next day, our boarder, Luke, came through the room admiring the mask, until he realized it wasn't a finished piece at all.  I had all but decided to trash it as it was clear it wouldn't be useful for my initial intended purpose, but with Luke's favorable response to it, I decided to stretch myself and see what I could make of something that "hadn't turned out."  This piece, mounted and coated, is finished (I think).  I know its a break from my usual, and probably won't appeal to many who are used to a certain style from me, but since I never attended art school, I do certain things to challenge myself to think "outside the box" and stretch my comfort zone.  Enjoy (if you can :)

This bust of a mermaid is an addittion to my line of paper-mache "ladies."

She is definitely still under construction...although I'm not sure what is next to do on her, so she hangs in my dining room, "auditioning" until the muse strikes and I know what she needs - and how to do it :)

I guess I'm obviously in a nautical mood with pirates and mermaids all being the projects at hand.  This is an 8x8 inch piece...also still unfinished....in fact, the white fishes and the mariner's compass are not yet adhered, but are auditioning, as I look for inspiration to bring this piece to a close.  Or should I say to "clothes"...my children are embarassed that this mermaid is bare-chested, but when making a decision about this particular detail, I enlisted Luke's advice- he advised me that mermaids are only bound by maritime law. LOL...so, I guess that means she's allowed to go au naturale'. 

To work I go then,

sheri

Haunted House

This abandoned home, sitting in the middle of large acreage not too far from where we live has been a temptation for me since we moved to OR. It is a spooky place, especially at certain times of day, from particular angles...and when apparent squatters (or ghosts) hang sheets in the broken-out windows which then, move in the breeze. I'm not sure we hit the perfect time for the eeriest lighting, but then again, I'm not sure I'm brave enough to be there at that time of day! To tell you the truth, the scariest thing was a closed, upstairs door which I was afraid might reveal squatters just wanting to be left alone. Not sure who had the courage to open that door, either Tony or Kallie, but it was eventually opened and we did have fun exploring. I even found a little bird's egg which had dropped from a nest. A sad story, but, I do like to use them in my art and feel that if they have to be abandoned "in the womb" at least they can have a chance to adorn some collaged art-piece and have a place to belong for at least the life of the art. Just as we were leaving, a car pulled into the driveway, blocking our car's exit. I had arranged for Tony to pick me up on the road, so wasn't with him and Kallie when they were stopped. I was so afraid that someone belonging to the property had shown up and would be upset by our intrusion. It turned out to be Tony's mom and a friend, but, being on the other side of the property, I couldn't tell what was going on...adding to the overall angst of the "haunted" experience. Glad to get that temptation photographed and finished!

Christmas '09

Well, we made it through another year.  Lots of ups and downs in this one, but as usual, the overall sum is better than some of the parts.  Christmas day, as well as the whole season was lovely.  Of course, I love having the kids home from school for Christmas break (or whatever PC title they give it :), but the one who was sorely missed, was our big guy, Michael J.  Having moved back to Alaska to work at getting a job where the economy is a bit more insulated, and way better than it is here in OR, its been a tough adjustment not having him around the house.  I miss the day by day stuff, but have to admit my most obvious "mom moments" come at certain points that are holiday related.  Hanging stockings for instance :~  Yeah, that was a tough one, but I was blessed by photos my mom sent showing Michael opening "His" Stocking (as I sent it up to AK so he would have his own!) on Christmas Day.

The other kids had great Christmases.  Caleb seemed to be the kid that took away the "haul" this year.  No matter how we try to keep it all equitable, it seems there's always one who just gets a bit extra.  With a set of 3 microphones and stands, set up in the front room when he came stumbling, sleepily out of his bedroom, Caleb's morning started with a very nice present from his Aunt Michelle and Uncle Adam.  Caleb also received a video camera from his Granparents in Alaska (I've forgotten the name of the camera) but, it was "just the ticket. The very camera that 'all' the bands use to shoot their little tour updates" and it will allow him to make music (and any other videos) and post directly to You Tube.  What more can a guy want!

We also still have Michael's friend, our boarder, Luke living with us and were happy to have him home for the holiday.  He had taken a trip back to his parents' in AK, the week prior to Christmas, but was traveling with a friend who lives here in OR and needed to be back here for Christmas Day.  Luke said they had a great a visit in AK and Luke also has famiy just 30 minutes away from here, in Salem, whose house I believe he visited for Christmas dinner. Luke received a couple gifts from us, including a "Magic Bullet" mixer/blender system.  Tony has one that Luke loves to use, and while I don't think Luke has immediate plans to move out of our home, he is thinking about it, and has mentioned several times how he loves to have his "own" appliance type things that he will someday use in a home of his own.  Luke gave thoughful gifts to each member of our family...my favorite being my set of yummy smelling body lotions and bath jels from Bath and Body works!  My extended family also always includes Luke in their gift-giving.  He's just like one of the kids around here!  We love him.

Kallie came away with a smaller load, but somehow, the cost was about equal.  Its just that IPods are a small package with a nice price tag!  A gift card from her Aunt Michelle and Uncle Adam allowed her to  shop, shop, shop, for clothes...and already has- making some fantastic purchases!  Kallie got a great coat from her Grandma here in OR.  Carlene shows remarkably good taste! Kallie also got lots of smaller gifts of things that she had asked for.

Christmas is always special for Tony and I...because its special for the kids.  We ended up with some very thoughtful and fun presents from family.  I just spent my gift card to Michael's craft store that I received from Michelle and Adam (had to take advantage of those end of the year sales!)  Funny thing was the cashier asked if I'd gotten anything particularly special for Christmas, and we all laughed when I handed over my gift card.  A fabulous nightie from Mama and Daddy makes me feel like I'm about 12 years old.  Very young looking, but fits an old, chubby gal, and still looks great.  What more can a mom ask for. Oh, perhaps the fabulous green cable knit sweater from my hubby... with all the right details ( a wide, cowel-type neck, cables, a center sweatshirt style pocket and a perfect fit ) from my favorite clothing store, Christopher and Banks!  There is more of course, presents from Grandpa, Aunt Julie and Uncle Dan, and the list goes on... but the greatest blessing of all- the birth of our Saviour is always our best reason for celebrating - and having such a blessed, amazing family adds to the magic.

Hope you enjoy the photos...
Happy New Year to you all!