Do As I Say, Not as I Did

It's that time of year again. Mammogram. Ugh! But unlike years past, this one wasn't really uncomfortable. Now that hospitals are using digital equipment, there is a lot less compression involved which translates to a lot less discomfort (or in some cases downright pain!). I was for several years very active in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in honor of my wonderful sister-in-law who is a many year breast cancer survivor. But I have to admit that I skipped the last several years and have not been getting my annual mammogram. I don't expect bad results as we don't have a genetic history of breast cancer in my family. But I am more apprehensive than years' past since if there is a problem, it may have been hiding for several years rather than just a few months. But I want to encourage anyone who reads this to NOT do as I did. Get your mammogram each year. It really is important.

Joy Journal: That wonderful, delicious, chewy oatmeal cranberry cookie I just ate!!

Creative Week In My Future

I am actually planning to take some time for myself next month. Yes, really! I've signed up for two workshops in polymer clay from Dan Cormier, one of the leading innovators in the medium (his site is slow so be prepared). One workshop will be in the general Atlanta area over a weekend and the next one will be in Asheville, NC the following Tuesday and Wednesday. I've made arrangements for Saint Gene and my brother to take over my baby-sitting duties and I'm going to take a WHOLE WEEK just for myself. I'll be staying with a friend in Asheville so my expenses will be only the workshop and food. A sample of some of the gorgeous work he does is in the picture. It involves "ghost imaging" which makes the bead surface look textured but when you touch it, the surface is absolutely smooth (known is "mica shift"). A great look and a great technique and I hope to make some gorgeous, gorgeous jewelry when I return.

I took my mother back to her home for a visit yesterday. She is so homesick and I don't blame her. I know she enjoyed getting a chance to see some of her neighbors but it is going to make tomorrow difficult when I have to go to work and leave her alone again. The dementia seems to be showing signs of progressing and it is getting harder and harder for her to stay at home by herself while I'm at work. A sitter comes in for three hours each afternoon but I feel like pretty soon I will be having to set up adult daycare for her. And then we're talking some serious money. This is a cruel thing that has happened to her and it is really testing my faith. But I'll keep on keeping on. I don't have a choice.

Joy Journal: Sending off my enrollment form for the Cormier workshops!!

Valentine Beauty

Doesn't she look pretty? Took my mother out yesterday and had her hair done at the beauty shop. They really did a nice job, and she is quite proud of it. Wish I could make it look this good for her. But she looked great for Valentine's Day!

Joy Journal: I'm going shopping by myself for a few hours. Looking forward to the time alone.

There isn't much color in the landscape right now so seeing the bright colors of the Leatherleaf Mahonia leaves is such a welcome sight. We have had beautiful weather this week - of course, I've been indoors most of the time working away like a good little worker bee, but it's been peaceful just knowing the sun was shining and I could wear open-toed shoes to work. See, I'm easy to please.

Joy Journal: signing up for a weekend workshop, something I haven't done in over a year.

A Sheltered Life?

It was late in the fall when I took this photo. The rain had just stopped and the sky had cleared to a brilliant blue. It was cold and slightly windy and the trees around me were virtually bare. The leaves remaining were faded and worn out looking, a lifeless brown. But suddenly I saw this bright spot of yellow in the middle of the little gravel path - an unexpected treasure. Had this little leaf lived a sheltered life? How had it retained it's color so long after the others? I'll never know, but I know that it was a much appreciated spot of beauty.

Joy Journal: The weather yesterday was a balmy 66 degrees - in February!