For Kim

I’m not sure how I found Kim Klassen’s blog and TextureTuesday but I was amazed by her style of photography and the idea of adding textures to a photo.  Then I found that little link to subscribe to her free textures.  Something free, who could resist. It was on January 15, 2011 that I downloaded my first free textures.  While following along with her and visiting all the blogs linked to Texture Tuesday I was introduced to the use of textures and a new style of photography and art.  I never would have guessed at that time, Kim would have had such an influence over my photography and blogging.  

A few months ago, Kim’s husband was diagnosed with cancer.  Being a Canadian, I know her husband is being very well taken care of in the hospital.  The best of medical care is available to him.  The one thing that is not offered is help and support to the caregiver, Kim.  Being put into the position of the caregiver, the strong one, can stress out the strongest of people.  I’m sure this time has been filled with ups, downs and feelings of being alone.  But she has not been alone.  Many of us think of her daily and pray for her husband’s recovery.

During a course offered by Kim I met an amazing group of ladies “The Groupies” who share and support each other.  When one discovers a new website or course, it’s posted in the Facebook group. Photoshopgrunge.com was one of the interesting links posted recently. The course which many of us Groupies are doing right now, Photoshop Artistry is taking us through a different thought process of using textures. Many artists have contributed to this course with “freebies” and of course Kim was one of the generous artists. Our challenge this week,  was to simply, send some love to Kim.

So Kim, just to let you know many of us are grateful to you for the so many things you have done for so many.  You are always in our thoughts and prayers.  Stay strong, have faith and know that you are not alone.

Textures used Kim Klassen's Cherish and Letgo.  Sharing with Texture Tuesday.

A very short weekend walk.

My weekend walk was a very short one, but it started last weekend when I came down with a very nasty cold.  By Wednesday, the pain from my eye to my jaw was telling me I had a bit of a sinus problem, so I started taking Tylenol for Cold and Sinus.  By Friday afternoon, a couple of tablets were relieving the pain for only an hour.  I picked my husband up after work (we carpool) and asked him to take me to a doctor.  This is very unusual for me, as I’ve been pretty lucky and rarely get sick, so I don’t see doctors often.  The time was now about 5:30 pm and he told me it was highly unlikely I’d be able to see his doctor at the Mediclinic, as the wait times can be 4 – 5 hours.  We knew of one other walk in clinic and decided to try it out.

Walking in the clinic was like walking into a different country.  Alberta has pretty high standards for health care and we have top notch facilities.  I’m not really a snob about furnishings but the interior of this clinic had seen many years of better days.  A few people were sitting in the many rows of chairs that I can’t even date, they were so worn.  I looked at my husband and he looked at me asking me what I wanted to do.  At this point, I was in so much pain I would have seen a vet.

The wait was not long.  Within a half an hour, I was told to go to room #3.  I’m used to being shown to the little room, not being yelled at by the receptionist across the room.  Still in pain, off I went to room #3.  Upon entering the room, I was seriously questioning my decision on staying.  Looking around the room, I thought the doctor must be a real doctor and I didn’t need an examination, only a prescription, so I sat waiting.  The more I sat and waited, the more I thought I should get out my camera, but a little afraid someone would walk in and catch me, so the iPhone worked perfectly. 

The doctor did give me a prescription for antibiotics and by Saturday night I was starting to feel better already.  It’s now Sunday night and I’ve taken nothing else today for pain, as there is no pain.  Will I go back to this clinic?  Not really sure.  The doctor seemed to know what he was doing, but the place is a little frightening. 

Crochet for baby

Hours spent sitting and waiting can be quite boring if you don't have a little project to take along.  During the summer, my little project turned out to be a series of crochet projects for the baby that could easily be tucked in my purse and taken with me at a moment's notice.  I haven't crocheted in years, but sometimes life just brings you back to simple activities to keep your hands and mind busy.

The first project was an afghan for the new baby.  A new take on the traditional granny square. 

Random fact #1 Crochet work has been around since the early 1800's

The second project was a crocheted rattle ball.  Because we were to have two new grandbabies this fall, two balls were needed. 

Random fact # 2 Toy rattles help children improve hand eye coordination by stimulating their senses.

The third was a set of Converse booties.  These were started on the day that Charles was unexpectedly born, a project that was to keep me busy during the mom's parathyroid operation.

Random fact #3 Pinterest is a great source for great crochet patterns.

Since the baby would be a little too young to go out for his first upcoming Halloween, it was decided that he would dress as an owl.

Random fact #4 Owls can rotate their heads and necks as much as 270 degrees

The last, a cuddle cocoon and hat.  Definitely my favorite.

Random fact #5  I am not fond of spiders or snakes

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A time to be Thankful

Canadian Thanksgiving is this weekend and even though blessings are not only bestowed on us this one weekend, but every day of the year, we usually take time to acknowledge what we are thankful for in our lives.  During this past year, I have thought a lot about what I am thankful for in my life.

First, my husband of 37 years who has been my partner, my friend and my rock.  I can’t imagine my life without him.

My children, each special and unique in different way.  They have brought me years of laughter, joy and pride.

My daughter-in-law and son-in law.  Both intelligent, thoughtful and caring people.  They have completed our family.  They bring joy to my heart and knowing that my children will be taken care of long after I’m gone, gives me peace.

The grandchildren.  The special little ones who have come into our lives.  Little beacons of light that light up the dreariest of days.

I’m also thankful for life. To be able to get up every morning and watch the sunrise or see the Northern lights dancing above our house, hearing the coyotes howl, the birds sing or even the crunch of the leaves as the squirrel scurries about.  The friendships with the people I've met over the years and the friendships I've developed over time online with so many wonderful photographers and great women have helped me through some rough patches this year. 

So many things to be thankful for, but I am really not  thankful for this nasty cold that has developed over the weekend.

A Week of Healing and Growing Stronger

It's been a week of healing for Mom and a week of growing stronger for the baby.  The IV tubes have now been removed from Charles and mom is starting to feel a little stronger herself.  This is the little bed Charles has been in since birth.

Today was supposed to be graduation to his big boy bed that is sitting in the corner waiting for him.

But the doctor felt a little more time under the blue lights would be good.  Perhaps tomorrow he'll get to try out his new bed.

Jennifer had a surprise today, with being "released" from the hospital.  It actually meant a move to a family room, just down the hall from NICU, that she can share with her husband.  More blood tests, plenty of rest and a visit with the OB team will follow next week.  The family room also means that the baby's dad, Jennifer's husband now has a bed to sleep in at the hospital.  No more nights in the reclining chair. (Update - After publishing this post Sunday evening, Jennifer was readmitted to the hospital during the night with an infection)

Speaking of baby's dad, this man is amazing.  He's been with the baby for all the doctor rounds, he's been with his wife for her doctor rounds and he's the one doing the round the clock milk deliveries and feedings when Jennifer can't make it. When Jen's been feeling better, he's the one making sure she gets her trips to the NICU.  He's quite comfortable doing diaper changes, feeding and taking care of the baby while taking care of his wife.

If the way he cares for his wife and baby are any indication of the way he takes care of us while serving his county, we can all rest a little easier knowing that men like this are taking care of us.

World, please meet Charles

After months of agonizing side effects of hyperparathyroidism, my daughter was wheeled into surgery yesterday morning.  For those who have followed my dailies on Smugmug or Facebook, you've seen the shots of hospitals and intravenous and heard about the constant kidney stones. You might remember that she was 34 weeks pregnant.  After a couple of hours waiting and waiting, the surgeons informed her husband and I that the surgery had gone well.  They removed 2 of 4 of her parathyroid glands, but the baby's heart rate wasn't recovering as fast as they would like it too, and a C Section was recommended.  At 11:40 yesterday morning, a little baby boy made his entry into the world, weighing 7 lbs 2 ozs.

He was off to the NICU, where against all odds has proven what a strong little guy he is.  Seven hours later, he was moved to a low risk pod in the NICU. His calcium levels are remaining stable, he has developed a voice and all his little parts are perfect.

The little guy will remain in NICU for a while and his mom is now in a comfortable room, recovering from the two surgeries in one day.

So without any further delay, world, I would like to introduce you to our newest grandson, Charles.

Life for Grandma and Grandpa will return to normal, but a wonderful adventure is just starting for a new family.  To make sure our life is not too normal, we're expecting another grandchild in November, our son and his wife are expecting their second child.

Ted and Lois Hole Healing Garden

With a weekend of hospital visits, it was only natural to take a walk around the Robins Pavillion, part of the Lois Hole Hospital for Women.  Lois Hole was a remarkable woman http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lois_Hole and we found a beautiful garden in the hospital, appropriately named The Ted and Lois Healing Garden.

Water features and stained glass great the visitors as they enter the garden

Stained glass "fences" provide shade and privacy

The gardens are colour coordinated of course

And I think my favorite from the garden is the abundance of grasses, giving you a feeling your in the prairies and being able to escape the reality of the hospital.

My daughter now has an appointment with a surgeon at another hospital on Tuesday, so we're remaining very hopeful.

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