Heart Health and Me

It's been quite a while since I last posted, and to be honest, I haven't missed it.  My life has been a deluge of sorts, with heart health issues.  Luckily, there are doctors and nurses with amazing healing skills for those in my family who have been struck by different heart issues.

First off, on May 11, 2010, my father-in-law went in for bypass surgery, and ended up with a quadruple bypass.  We consider this an amazing miracle, because he could have had a massive heart attack at anytime.  He followed promptings to see his doctor, and now he is on the road to better heart health.

As we are all trying to do better, this is a quick layout I did of our after dinner walk, a healthy tradition we will all endeavor to adopt.  Grandpa Clawson is out in his bathrobe, and his hat of course, but he is slowly making his recovery.  While he made it just a couple of houses down before turning back home, the rest of us took a longer stroll and had a delightful time.  Of course, the kiddos and their crazy energy took off and ran most of the way.

While Dan's dad has been recovering and relapsing, and recovering again, we have had more drama in our life.  My dad called last week to inform me that my mother was in the hospital with chest pain.  After taking a couple of days of tests, we found out that two of her heart valves are damaged and open heart surgery was her only option.  First it was thought she would be able to wait until the end of June for repair, but truth be told, it was worse than anyone thought.  Today I'm blogging from the waiting room while my mother is in surgery at this moment.  They hope to repair the valves, but if not, they will be replaced.  Either scenario would be acceptable, as long as she begins to heal, we will be happy.  I'm thrilled that both my brothers are here with me as we keep my dad company.  All together.  It made my mom cry, and all of us became misty eyed as we realized the enormity of the situation.  It has been wonderful to be together during this difficult time.

While we tried to keep the mood light, and I did need a few pictures to document the process, because one never knows when they will be valuable, it was a tense time.  We joked and laughed, reminisced and loved.  I don't know if Mom will remember any of it when it is all said and done, but it was nice.

The sun is out today, so I know that things will turn out fine.  We have a fantastic doctor, great nurses, and a great hospital.  More things to come!!

Filled the Bucket of Writerly Ways

A quick little post, to let you know that I've not completely disappeared, but am immersed in a variety of things that are making my dream a little bit more of a reality, although it could still be years away.  I spent last weekend, filling my bucket at my first writer's conference, LDS Storymakers.  It was a boon my heart and soul needed to recharge and revisit my dream.  I met wonderful people, only known virtually thus far, and rubbed elbows with those who are talented beyond belief!  If I only have a small fraction of their talent, I will be immensely blessed.

My priorities have shifted and I shall not be as present, commenting and following blogs.  I have a story to write, and dang it, it won't get done if I don't sit my hind end in the chair and write it.

Hugs and love!

I'm Baaaaack!!!

A few weeks ago, Daniel asked me why I hadn't updated my blog in so long.  Apparently, he reads it!  I said at the time, I didn't have anything to write about, which was only partly true.  I was in a writing slump, and didn't realize that I needed to write to get out of it.  Suffice it to say, I am now feeling my writing mojo once again, and I think I may need to credit it to this fantastic little device Daniel bought for me.

May I introduce my new digi-toy?  A NOOK!  Yes, it is an e-reader, and I know there are many, many of you out there that are tactile readers, enjoying the feel and smell of the books in hand.  I do too. This is just an enhancement to my reading experience. And best of all.....You can check out books from the library on it!!!!!  If your library subscribes to Overdrive, you can check out e-books, just like a physical book.  It is tremendously addictive, and for anyone who knows how much I love to read, this is heaven.

I've spent that past month, re-reading favorites (Hello, all of Austen's books can be downloaded for FREE from a variety of sites), reading some brain candy, reading new authors, and just plain enjoying the wonder of my new toy.  In retrospect, I think I may have needed to spend that time, not thinking about my own ideas, but immersing myself in the worlds my imagination could create from the words of others!

Yesterday, I opened my mailbox to find my sweet Nook cover from JAVOedge.  I LOVE it!  So cute and keeps my new toy nice and secure.  How I love to accessorize my digital necessities.  I'm just waiting for Daniel to put his foot down when it comes to all these "toys" of mine.  So far, he enjoys watching me, or at least gets a good laugh at my expense.

In a couple of weeks, I am heading to Provo for the LDS Storymakers conference.  With the writing slump I've been in, perhaps this will be the push I need to move in the write (hehehe) direction.  Ok, that was a terrible pun, but I couldn't resist.  I'm so excited to go and rub elbows with some great people in the industry.  I've followed blogs from some of these amazing people, and have delved into their writing.

Today, I will leave it at this.  No need to go overboard and document my month long hiatus. That would be brutal.  Happy Spring!

03-03-03

Seven years ago, at this very moment, I was giving birth to my little guy.  Daniel tried to talk me into holding out for a 3:00 pm birth to go along with my 03-03-03 motif.  I was not amused.  Of course, like he's come to show, Nemmett's birth was an indication of how he was going to be.  It started out, us starting labor via the pit-drip, like I have always had to do, forcing the kid along.  Of course, once it started, he took over and decided to come at his own, quick pace.  Just like getting him up in the morning...it is pulling teeth, until he decides he is ready, and bam, he is ready to go.

This morning while I was in the living room, I heard Daniel retell the story of our son's birth.  I had to smile when he told Nigel that Mommy was really unsure of having a boy, but it only took one look for me to fall in love.

I am amazed at how fast the time has flown.  Many people have told me to treasure these years because they fly away too fast.  I am wont to agree.  Wasn't it yesterday that he was smiling at me with his big toothless grin, milk dripping down his chin while I nursed him?  I think that his milestones come and go at a faster clip than those of his older sister.  Partly because I've experienced them before, partly because I dread the fact I won't experience them again.

I've enjoyed the journey so far, and can't wait to see what is next with this little man.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Under the Weather

I sometimes wonder where our delightful colloquialisms come from.  Really, under the weather?  Just an odd expression.

My kids have been sick.  I thought they could venture to school yesterday, as my little man was chomping at the bit to go back.  As it turned out, it wasn't the best idea, and Abbie left dance early because she felt nauseous and Nigel was coughing.  Luckily today they are at home, ensconsed in the loving care of Grandma and Grandpa.  Of course, this means they will be spoiled rotten by the time I pick them up, but they will enjoy the hours of movies and Wii.

I thought I may have outsmarted or just been stubborn enough to avoid what has been going around, but this afternoon I'm not sure.  I'm in my office, with a blessed lull, and decided to jump on my blog.  It's been crazy, chaotic, and dramatic.  I'm looking forward to the weekend.

The weather has mirrored the varied health related feelings in me.  This morning while on my way to work, the clouds hung low over the mountains, dark and ominous, snow falling in large fluffy flakes.  At one point, the flakes flew so quickly, it was hard to see the other buildings on campus.  Just a few hours later, I watched the clouds part and blue sky emerge to my delight.  Currently, the steely gray clouds have returned, and make the air around me feel chilled to the bone.  I just want to curl up in my blankets, a good book in hand, and stay there until Spring.  That tells me that my body is just waiting for an excuse to break down, allowing it's own steely gray clouds to descend.

Murphy's law will of course bare itself, and my children will be hale and healthy when I succumb to whatever ailments have kept them from the frivolities of youth.  I hate being under the weather.

*Thanks to Google for the image*


Yes, I did update my blog, Daniel.  You can let me know.  It didn't even take more than a couple of days this time. :)

The Domestic Goddess and Murphy Brown

The intermittent hum and clicking of the sewing machine is the white noise that comforts me today.  As I try to guide the fabric through, my mind wanders as it is want to do, and I see scenes of action, love, and chaos, all waiting for a bit of a voice.  My mind speaks in prose, almost as if my thoughts are from the pages of a novel, describing what I see, feel, and dream.  It is during those times, that it comes to me, when I least expect it, and I revel in the fact that domesticity has given me the solace to find the words I crave.

I have never been the one who anyone could consider domestic, as in the goddess sense.  My forays in the craft world are laughable, and to be honest, my cleaning skills have much to be desired.  If one were to ask a friend from high school, I would not be the one remembered as the June Cleaver-type of woman. The television show Murphy Brown was at it's height (I know, aging myself dreadfully here) and many thought I would be the unwed, career girl, much like she was, hardened and world-wise.  How strange it feels to look back at that time and the goals and dreams I had, and how they have morphed and changed.  I don't say that I am June by any means, nor do I profess to be a Murphy, but I have come to some sort of happy medium for myself, and it awakens the deep seeded dreams awaiting fulfillment.

Today, while at home, nursing my two sick children, I sewed.  I could have been writing, but it didn't feel right.  I had too many thoughts swarming around my head, and I had too much energy to try to log them into my new writing program (StoryMill) to help me organize and prepare my thoughts.  (I'm a digi nut, so I needed something I could use on my laptop, but hadn't found anything other than a spreadsheet to fill in the gaping holes for the stories in my head.) I needed to move, and going outside wasn't an option with croupy coughs and upset tummies.  Sewing was a quiet and productive activity that would help me expend energy while my kidlets slept.

Up and down, the needle made it's way across the fabric, the clicking of the cutting mechanism, sharp, and final at the end of each row.  It was there that I heard the sound of a crow outside in the yard, and I was reminded of something I had meant to record earlier.  The whisper of the bare branches rubbing against my kitchen window created another image ready to capture, all because of the time I spent humming along.

I still don't like to be considered a domestic goddess, although I would more than appreciate the skill it takes to keep my home clutter and dust free.  I would love to have the gourmet meals prepared nightly and well dressed and behaved children to boot.  I've come to the conclusion that no one could come close to that particular exalted sphere.  I am me, and that is all that is important.  I am not June, Murphy, or any derivative thereof.  Hello, my name is Teri, and I want to be a writer.

Thanks to Google for the image!


**In other news, I did receive my very first rejection letter.  While most would think this sad and deterring, it is actually something I am quite happy with.  It shows that I submitted something!!!  I am glad that I submitted and learned from the process.  Onward and upward!**

What I Can't Say

Writing has always been an outlet for me.  I can spew my thoughts and feelings onto a sheet of paper, and feel as though I have some sort of resolution for any problem or concern.  This has not been the case for me as of late. Because of the confidential nature of my issues (i.e. work) I haven't had time to write down my feelings of frustration.  That isn't to say that I am not experiencing wonderful things to share as well, but when my hands are tied either metaphorically or literarily, the whole creative train comes to a screeching halt.

I must say that although my Google Reader has reached an astounding number of unread posts, I have been lurking around enough each day to get some sort of strength from those who are wiser, and more prolific than I can be at the moment.

Luckily, although my thoughts have been jumbled and I feel bound by the nature of propriety and good sense, although I am sure I lack that most of the time, I have found that sewing baby rag quilts a bit of a stress release.  Where I would have crafted a paragraph of undetermined length, a row of brightly juvenile fabric has become snuggly warmth for some child I do not know.  Amazingly, I'm starting to become quite adept at the art of sewing and cutting these things.  Something that started as nothing more than mere fabric squares, becomes a quilt in a few short hours of work.  A finished product.  Something my words are bereft of doing at the moment.

As the next few weeks unfold, and I see the path the our illustrious (or not so much, depending on your level of sarcasm) legislature takes, my stress may or may not increase.  I'm leaning towards the former, but perhaps I'll luck out...hence the blog make-over.  I think we can all use a bit of luck right now!