Voting, lupus and more

 Hi Everyone!

 

The month is closing in. Seem like May is flying by. I have neglected lupus awareness month for a bit. One thing I want to write is, when I tell bits of my lupus story, it is NOT for anyone to feel sorry for me. I don't feel sorry for my life. I tell it so people will understand what the disease is. 

 

So, did you know

that 63% of people have never heard of lupus?

 

 

In the mid 1990's I had finished my education as a Vet Tech, while working in a clinic. By the late 1990's I was having trouble remembering things I had done a million times. Like how to run the autoclave, or the Hematology Analyzer. It wasn't all at once. Little by little I lost the ability to do my job. Work that I loved.

Eventually, I had to quit working. It was devastating to me. As it is for everyone who has lupus and can no longer function in a work place. 

 

On another subject. 6 states had primaries yesterday. Oregon was one of them.

Yes 

Now for the mundane. Since this weekend is memorial day. I'm going to the store to get a few things so I don't have to go out later in the week. This last weekend was Rhody days. It's a huge event every year and really sets off the beginning of terrorist season. Oppps I mean tourist season. It is estimated that 35,000 people attended this year. I live in a town with a population of 9,000. You don't want to know how bad the traffic is on the only main road in town. Which is hwy 101.

NOOOO we do not go out for this. People are stupid, drunk, and oh did I mention stupid? LOL We used to go every year but really just too many people to deal with.

 

It's the 119 annual Rhody days. 

Here is part of the parade. 

and the carnival

and the car show

That's it for me. I'm off to the store before it gets busy.

Have a great day everyone!

Nicole 

T Stands for Birthday

 Hi Everyone!

 

Today is T Stands for Tuesday and it's 

Elizabeth's bEARTHday.  

Stop by to wish her a great day. 

I haven't been doing many link ups because of my health but I'm feeling a bit better (due to prednisone) and will join in as often as I can.

I'm sharing some AI that I created last night. 

 

I like how all of these turned out. 

 

Now for a drink

I really enjoy these sparking waters. I like mine with no flavors.

Have a great Tuesday

Nicole  

Monster Monday

 Welcome to

I'm trying to get used to the new platform of NightCafe. Unless I pay for a pro platform I can only create one image at a time. It takes forever, and there are no more styles to choose from. However, I did make some monsters for today.

Wanna eat out?

 

 

 

 

Now for something pretty.

That's it for now. Have a fabulous Monday. 

 

 Nicole

Sunday in the Art Room SITAR

 Welcome to

SITAR is about ANYTHING art. Your art, someone else's art, writing, photography, the art of cooking, the art of sewing and textiles. Sharing historical art, street art, a story about art. Do you have a question or need help with art? Write a blog post and link it up here. We will all try to help with it. My only rule is that if someone asks for critique it must be done with generosity and consideration. 

This is a place of learning, encouragement and inspiration.

 

 

Before I get started with SITAR, I have to tell you I could not help myself. It's too overwhelming for me. 😁

The other day I took 2 small container and planted some radishes. They are already coming up. It rained most of the night and then got real nice out. It was too much for me. I took half of the big garden added a few nutrients and planted.

I'm not suppose to lift. 5 lbs is my limit right now. And no bending and lifting at all. Soooo I figure some easy low growing plants.  On the outside I have a row of spinach, then sweet onions, 4 rows of different lettuces and the last row my favorite beets. I'm happy now. 

 

 

A few weeks ago our dear friend Gillena showed some art she created with painted dots. It instantly reminded me of the Aboriginal dot art that has deep ceremonial and spiritual roots.

The Origins of Aboriginal Dot Painting

Let's be clear, Aboriginal dot painting is not a new invention but rather an evolution of an age-old artistic tradition. Aboriginal Australians have one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world, and their art, particularly rock and cave paintings, is an integral part of this cultural heritage. These ancient artworks, often found in sacred sites, depict Dreamtime stories and are believed to be created by ancestral spiritual beings. Ephemeral body painting and ground paintings, traditionally used in ceremonial rituals, are also fundamental in understanding the roots of dot painting.

In its essence, Aboriginal dot painting emerged from the heart of a culture that deeply revered and lived in close harmony with nature. The traditional art forms served multiple functions: they were educational, spiritual, and a means of passing on lore and law.

 

As in all indigenous art each symbol has a meaning. 

Here are a few for Aboriginal dot art. 

 

Check this youtube  for some history and instruction.

 

For more Aboriginal dot art info check out the links. Especially the Misconceptions link.

 

See Gillena for 

  

That's all for now. I look forward to seeing what arty thing you have to share today. 

Nicole 

 ArtArk  

Misconceptions of Aboriginal dot art 

 Japingka Gallery

  

 

Saturday this n that not all lupus

 Hi Everyone!

This is kind of long, sit back and enjoy. It's not all about lupus. 

 

On top of all that lupus does to the body the one that really upset me was my voice changing. 

When my Mom, Nan and Sister were still alive. 

I hadn't seen my mom and Nan for about a year. My sister and I walked into our mom's house and surprised them. Nan lived with mom and was almost blind by this time. She was 101 years old. I walked into the living and said, "Surprise, Hi Nanny!" She looked up and the first thing out of her mouth was, "Your voice has changed." I really didn't notice it until she said that. I used to have a strong deep voice. Over the years even Mr. M. has noticed that my voice is higher, not as heafty and at times breathy. Yeah, thanks lupus. 

Lupus can affect a person's voice by impacting the vocal cords and diminishing speech and voice quality. 

The condition can lead to several voice related symptoms including hoarseness, difficulty speaking, vocal fatigue and the breathy speech. All this can be caused by joint issues in the throat, acid reflux or 

tissue damage. I have some tissue damage.

 

Now wanna see some fun photos?

Mr. M. and I (bit the gas bullet) and drove over to Charleston, Or. It's about 55 miles away. Nothing is close to where I live. Charleston is the only place that sells marina supplies. Mr. M. wants to work on the little boat he made back in 2009. It needs some painting and a few repairs. So off to the "boat" store. OMFG!!!!! The prices were out of reason. Mr. M. didn't want to buy it but I told him I had a gift card and to just do it. 

He never spends money on himself. 

After that we drove over to the marina. I got some photos.

If you know me at all you know I really dislike living by all of the water that surrounds my area. With that said, I love boats. Little boats, big boats, huge ships. Your won't catch me ON ONE of them but I like seeing them. 

  

I walked down to the dock

 

To see if this place had any fish for sale. 

Two guys were just unloading their catch for the day and allowed me to take a photo. Rock and Lingcod. They had several of these containers of fish.

 Wherever there is fish there are harbor seals.

 

This is the fishery. Boy did it smell bad. 

All of these fish are made of wood and attached to the building.

 

On the way out of Charleston we got stopped by road work. "shocker" However, I was able to get somewhat of a shot of this geodome house. The photo doesn't show it but this place is huge.

A month or so ago Mr. M. and I had to drive to Coos Bay to get some items at Harbor Freight and of course I had to go into the Ross store. As we were leaving we noticed several huge animal art pieces in the parking lot. These are all made of garbage from the ocean.

 

 

I've been in salad mode. I have never been one to put dressing on my salad. I want to taste all the elements that make the salad. This is from last week with chicken. Tonight I made a taco salad but forgot to take a photo.

 

Nothing like a salad sandwich. LOL

To end this long post. My garden lupine is finally blooming. 

Because I can't stand not to grow some kind of food. I planted some radishes about 4 days ago. This container is already coming up. 

I try not to make long posts but I hope you stayed to the end and enjoyed it.

Have a great Saturday

Nicole.