Inktober week 1

October first was the beginning of Inktober.  I participated last year and it was fun so I thought I would give it a go again this year.  I thought about working on Zentangles and improving my process with 31 days of practice.

Since drawing is a part of my home exercise program it turns out that working on Zentangles and doodles is perfect because of the intricate details.  This week I have better control in setting up my work for photo's so here is week one's offering.

October 1st

October 2nd

October 3rd

October 4th

October 5th

October 6th

October 7th

Holding the pen and pencil to do this work takes a lot of time and patience because it does hurt; but if I am going to gain my range of motion and strength in the joints of my fingers on my right hand, this is type of work I need to do.  I am so blessed that part of my therapy encompasses things I love to do.

Hmmmm, what will next week bring?  Stay tuned........see you soon pilgrim

Things I have learned week of Oct. 1, 2017

This is the third installment in the things I have learned that are related to my hand injury.  It is amazing how things has changed or is changing my outlook on many things.

Oct. 1 - The ability to be able to smile in the face of adversity is priceless.

Oct. 2 -

•  Stitches removed today.  I am normally a woose when it comes to things like this but I put on my big girls pants and was brave.  It did not hurt much.
• the mass shooting in Las Vegas was very emotionally draining.  So many lives lost and so many injured.  It saddened me greatly

Oct. 3 

• I was able to crochet today.  It hurt a little, but I have to use my hand as much as possible to get my range of motion back into my fingers.

October 4

• Washing dishes is a good way to soak my hand and fingers and get exercise. Who knew.

Oct. 5

• Exercise 6 times a day, wow, made a schedule so I can get it done.  
• While at PT yesterday I realized how blessed I am  when I see the injuries of others.
• drawing is good therapy also.  All of the things I like to do will help my hand.

Oct. 6

• Exercise hurts a lot, but it is worth it.
• Working on a scarf (knitting) and it is going ok.  
• I am project managing my exercise plan....it is in my bones.

Oct. 7

• Last day of what I have learned----everything I like to do, paint, draw, crochet and knit are part of my therapy program.  This is going to be good.  Getting ready to make some cards.

Love this flower, so bright and this is how I feel today.

See you later....pilgrim

Lesson I have learned week 2

Second week of healing and living in the non-dominant hand world.  I am doing something a little different and writing something each day of the week,

Saturday - Sept. 23rd:

• decided to concentrate on my art as if I only had a left hand.  Today's lesson, it is not possible to paint and not be messy; hence paint on my bandage, so much for trying to keep it squeaky clean.
• you have to be willing to laugh at yourself.

Sunday - Sept. 24th:

• exercising fingers to rocking music at church is pretty cool.
• drawing faces with left hand has a sketchy look which I think I like
• use my tools (more on this in a later blog)

Monday - Sept. 25:

• Time to evaluate things and places that no longer suit my needs or represent me

Tuesday - Sept. 26:

• I cannot knot or crochet with left hand.  boohoo
• a hot cup of tea before bread is so relaxing
• paint crackle medium on deli paper and use as collage pieces.

Wednesday - Sept. 27:

• Healing takes time and you just have to be patient.

Friday - Sept. 29:

• It is better to be open and honest when making major changes.  It can help to eliminate rumors.

Art work done with non-dominant hand this week:

This has been an interesting week, would not have changed a thing.  until next time.....pilgrim

Things I Have Learned......

Results of a Fall

You know how people always say it could have been worse?  Well, truer words were never spoken this week.   Early in the morning on Sept 18th I fell dislocating fingers 3, 4 and 5 on my right hand.  Fingers 4 and 5 went back into place with heavy sedation and a pull.  Finger 3 required surgery, stitches and a soft wrap to fix.  Now I am at home resting and healing.  I have had a time to think and the result will be a few blog posts about what I have learned through this experience.

What I have learned 9-18 to 9-23

• I have some really great friends, especially Marge who took to the hospital and stayed with me for hours
• I always try to be the best patient I can be, it can make a very trying experience somewhat better, if that is possible.
• Using a pepper grinder is out for a while, using black pepper in the can.
• I am somewhat ambidextrous and that is a blessing in this case.
• while I try to be a good patient, I DO NOT LIKE getting my blood pressure taken every 4 hours, it hurts people.  That automatic BP machine puts a death grip on your arm.  About the same pressure as the masochistic mammogram machine
• I can make greeting cards with my left hand Yay!!!!!!  
• Cutting up my food is a challenge, but I will not starve
• It truly could have been worse, I could have broken my leg, broken my arm...so I am so thankful and have been letting God know this all week.
• greatest invention ever, sleeve to cover arm and wrap to keep it dry when taking a shower
• I have to learn to slow down and take it easy.

That is my list for this week. Next week I am going to try art journaling with my non-dominant hand, should be interesting and fun.

until then.......pilgrim