Saturday, February 16, 2008

Slowly returning to life

I want to thank everyone who has been so kind to check up on me in my absence -- has it really been a whole month?? I got my cast off on January 28, but have been wrestling with pain and depression ever since. I did NOT expect to lose so much of the use of my hand. After 6 weeks of forced immobility, it was a blow to realize that I still couldn't do so many of the things I used to be able to do as easily as breathing. It is getting better, but I still take a lot of Advil and continue to use my left hand for a many tasks.

Spring is coming though, and my spirits and hand have improved to the point where I feel like doing more than the bare minimum. This is my kitchen window -- aren't the candles pretty? It gets SO dark here in the winter, and my candles are such a comfort. Yeah -- I have regained enough grip strength to use the lighter again!

The dressform holds my next project for my Altered Clothing Round Robin. Oh my, I like this outfit! It took me a while to think of what I wanted to do -- because there are two pieces, I think this one is a little more challenging. I want to balance the top and bottom, so I am going to play with a design around the skirt hem to coordinate with the pocket on the cardigan. I got to place an order at Dharma Trading Co. to get what I wanted. That is enough to brighten my day right there, LOL!


If you look close out the window, you can see that the sun is shining today. The worst of the Winter Dark is just about over. At last! If it warms up just a little bit more, I am going to see if I can take my bike out for a spin.

8 comments:

Jacque Uetz said...

Goodness Judi A you look like a real seamtress with that dress form:The outfit looks great hanging there..Can't wait to see what you are doing..
So sorry about the pain and depression, recovery seems forever but you are doing great with all your projects!
Your candles look lovely in the window, maybe I should do something that makes me smile during these harsh winters.

Shashi Nayagam said...

Hi Judi, I am sure your RR will help you get over the hump and ofcourse the brighter and longer days help. Glad to know your hand is healing but sorry that it has been a painful and depressing process. I know the feeling. I am sure you will see the light soon. Already you have started thinking of the RR and the coming warmer months so that is a good sign. Take care now.

Linda Fleming said...

Love the picture of your candles! We just noticed and commented yesterday that our days are getting longer and the suns stays up a bit longer each evening.

I just love these pictures you all have been showing with the clothing RR. I have never attempted anything like this, but it sure looks great.

Kai said...

There's my girl! It's great to see you posting! LOVE the candles. They look so warm & inviting! And that piece for the clothing RR is going to be great! I've seen a number of the pieces on various blogs & all are really nice! Take it sloooow & easy with your arm, Judi! You'll heal all in good time. Maybe there's something your body is trying to teach you as you heal. No, I'm not being silly (for a change!) I really believe our bodies send us messages. (Of course, MINE is telling me to STEP AWAY FROM THE COFFEE POT! Sigh.)

Judi W. said...

I am so glad to have dropped out of this RR - this would absolutely terrify me. I know you can handle it because you are a wonderful seamstress and artist. I'm sorry to hear that your wrist is causing you grief - but it will heal and these months will end up in memory. Which doesn't help you much now unfortunately. I'm such a ditz when it comes to writing. Take care!

Yvette said...

So glad you are on the mend. Hope that you heal really fast!
Your outfit is wonderful. Can't wait to see what it turns out to be. This looks like a challenging but fun RR.

Courtney Short said...

I am thrilled to see you posted.. I was about to send out the sheriff to check on you :-) I can imagine it would be rough having limited use of my hands - that is so desperately needed to do our artwork.. know that I m praying for you and I agree with Kai - take your time so it heals fully and properly.. perhaps not being able to do what you "normally" do will encourage you try something out of the ordinary to learn :-) Missed ya sis - glad to see you back.

Jennifer A. said...

So glad to see you back.