Back In The Saddle

I'm back in the saddle and it feels great.

 

 (Found this photo at an estate sale recently. Couldn't resist the cuteness.)

 

Oh, where do I begin? I was diagnosed way back in April with something called Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia(ATN from here on out). I could go in to great detail about what this is, but just go Google or Bing, or whatever... after you've read this, of course. Basically, ATN is a type of facial pain syndrome. I have an artery touching my trigeminal nerve causing the protective coating to wear away, exposing the nerve, which makes my facial nerves go haywire. I haven't fully figured out all of my "triggers" for the pain. Usually cool air, light breezes, wisps of hair on my jaw/cheek will start an intense burning deep in my jaw. Many times my teeth feel as though a hot poker, straight from a fire is being held in my mouth. I can't speak, eat, drink or think during one of these pain episodes. I haven't been myself for quite some time.

 

 

I started this zentangle type doodle, while waiting to hear the results from my first MRI. Although it is rare, sometimes ATN can be caused by a tumor or MS...I didn't want either as a diagnosis. Instead, the report stated that they located the possible offending artery. From there I was sent to consult a Neurosurgeon and now I am waiting for my appointment with a Neurologist for pain management.

 

 

Deciding to try a little art therapy, I started working on this doodle to help myself work through the wide range of emotions I was feeling.  As of lately, I am finding myself in less pain due to the medication. I am hopeful this will go into remission for a long time. Forever would be nice. If you happen to suffer from this rare syndrome, I wish you pain-free days.

 

October 7th is Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day so wear teal...

"All the cool kids are doing it"

 



Field Trip!

It's official, I have chaperoned my last field trip, for my little Sasquatch. He's movin' on to middle school, next year. *sniffle, sniffle* Enough of that sappy stuff, we had a great time touring Niagara Falls, NY... and so did Sasquatch's classmates...

 

 

Aaaahhhhhh! There is a squid on your head! I adore this little whirling dervish.

 

 

Our first stop was at the Niagara Aquarium to see the Sea Lion Show. I was privileged to spend the day with my close friend, "Betty" and her son, "Dirt Boy". Betty had warned me that Dirt Boy would not be happy unless we see "everything". As we approached the walkway to the aquarium, Dirt Boy announced "There are 700 species here and I want to see them all."

 

 

The frogs looked to be plastic, until they moved.

 

 

This guy was happily cruising around in the sun.

 

 

Dirt Boy said "I think they have a dead one in there." One of the Harbour Seals was sleeping at the bottom. He/she did appear to be dead, until the flipper moved.

 

 

From the aquarium we walked along the gorge towards our next stop, The Maid of The Mist.

 

 

I love these views from under the Rainbow Bridge. Funny, it's not very colorful.

 

 

Sasquatch and Dirt Boy, burning the skin off of their legs, to pose for a picture.

 

 

Score! We found a survey pin.

 

 

I just LOVE to use my miniature setting on my camera for these kinds of views.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bring on the Maid of the Mist! 

 

 

 

 

 

Didn't anyone read the sign?

 

 

 

Where's Sasquatch?

 

 

 

I spy with my little eye...

 

 

Little blue "ants" boarding the Maid of the Mist.

 

 

 

5th grade boy humor... "it says butt!"

 

Just as I was going to crawl over the railing for a better view...

 

Strangely, the cobwebs all over the emergency phone gave me great comfort.

 

How many birds are in this photo?

 

 

We saved the Cave of the Winds for last...

 

...and then we ran back to the bus like a pack of drowned rats. I treasure days like this, spending time with my Sasquatch while he still wants to hang out with mom. My days are numbered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



A Sign of Hope

What a beautiful sign of hope during this seemingly endless winter weather.

 

 

Curious True investigates...

 

 

The woolybear reacts...

 

 

 



Vintage Valentine Collection

The first Valentine I purchased many years ago.

 

 

 

I just love the ice skating hippo.

 

This Valentine is 3D. Notice the line running behind the campfire pot.

 

 

 

 

This Circus Valentine has a pull tab to the left. When pulled, the elephant's back legs move up and the giraffe's head moves forward.

 

 

 

Another 3D card.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





Mechani-Callie Minded

My mechini-Callie minded daughter was invited to compete with her local middle/high school at Edinboro University a few saturday's ago. She was to build a mousetrap car that would travel exactly 10 ft. There were 3 portions to the competition: accuracy, craftsmanship, speech/essay and spontaneous build. On a Sunday before the competition, Callie sat down to start painting her car... four hours later, she was nearly finished. She was determined to win craftsmanship.

 

 

This is my Callie girl, and my Dad, who she can thank for her mechanical abilities.

 

 

 

Some of the cars from the competition.

 

 More competitors cars...  most are quite plain.

 

 

 

 The competition was held in the science and technology building. We couldn't resist the moose impersonation...



 

 

After lunch, awards were announced and handed out. My girl won a first for craftsmanship and a second for accuracy.

 

 

The team as a whole received 3rd place overall.

 

 

We all enjoyed the day.