Still Deckin My Halls, Walls, even My Van

But first, my pretty buffet. I changed the paper behind my pears today. This is actually the paper I chose in October to start my wrapping. I love how it pops off the deep wine colored walls. They always come out looking Barney purple on camera. Go figure. OOh ooh, the white frilley tree I did today with Mod Podge and mulberry paper today. such the crafter. I know! Although, I'm thinking seriously of getting white feathers instead. I have a taller one, too. hmmm AND a turqoise and brown feather boa I'm just dying to rip into.


Wall stickers. LOVE THEM! Stink! I should have taken a pic of the little reindeer under the curtains! Just imagine them continuing their cute little selves going up, up up, over my window, and under the curtains. So cute. I have them EVERYWHERE!! And yes, they are ON my minivan. (no, not the reindeer, silly - stickers!)


This is my little collection of Santas. I inherited them from Millie, my neighbor that I also inherited the beautiful bulb collection from. They are so beautiful. Yes, I realize my very 80's fireplace door must go; but hey, it's a work in progress. Summer is coming and I love spray paint. Trust me, it's going to get done! Unless, of course, I can get a great big donation for that insert, because hey, that would be just lovely!

I must warn you, it's quite large!
But a girl has to hope right! Anyhoo, my nativity and pretty angel. Yes, Virginia, I made my own "hope" blocks.


Onto another work in progress; ugh, the kitchen, note the peeled wallpaper! Isn't that attractive!! Do you like the cottage cheese ceiling? Are you jealous? I know you are! But really, you should see how beautiful my garland is at night; it is absolutely gorgeous! But my how that bright white cheesey ceiling just steals the show huh! ugh!


That is what I have this week, next week, and really I will show more next week, even though last time I said that and didn't show up until THIS week; well, whatever. I really REALLY mean it this time. I will show my bird tree; YEAH still looking for new birds, I guess EVERY freaking BODY bought birds this year. Oh, and my FONTINA! My OTHER , no my ONLY Mantel, because the other fireplace isn't a Mantel really more of a landing. So, come on back next week. I will so try to take a pic of my silly van stickers, too. I suppose!

Thanks for stopping by. Merry Christmas

Dec'in the Halls - Part 1

Last year, after Christmas, I bought this gorgeous white tree. I just knew I wanted a white tree. I knew I no longer wanted to deal with hanging lights, or sucking up the needles every single day. after day, after day. I didn't want to undress my beautiful, decorated tree to water it every stinking day, just to re dress and decorate, and clean the needles AGAIN. This year, I am very happy with my tree; well, that is, the tree in my living room. This year, I have two trees. This is our White tree (in the living room).





I have decorated it with these fabulous vintage ornaments I inherited from my neighbor Millie. They are so vibrant against the white, and remind me of my Mom's tree when I was a little girl. It is so colorful.



I go back and forth between the robins egg blue and the pink, trying to decide which are my favorites. But I still keep coming back to the blue with much stronger feelings. They are so tranquil and sweet. Not to mention, they do match my blocks from last year quite well.














I love that it takes up such little space. Next week, I will display my Bird tree for you. In the meantime, don't forget to visit www.thoughtsfromovertherainbow.blogspot.com to see more decorations. My link isn't working, sorry.

So Thankful

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving; complete with my entire family here at my home. This is my Mom and Dad, and of course my silly girl, Lexi.


This is my brother Jimmy in his new kitchen - congrats to you, Jim.. We were celebrating Kaila's birthday. It was a very busy week.

My sis Denise.
My baby sis, Jamie and her husband Bill and their daughter Alyssa. They came in from KY and stayed for the week with us. It was a great week, other than we were all sick with a mad head cold. All but Bill, he somehow was lucky enough to escape it.
Their little happy man, Aiden who is always ready to smile for the camera.
Alyssa and Nick playing Crazy Eights. She looks pretty serious, doesn't she.
She is just beautiful. I miss them all so much. We had such a great, great time. The good news is, they are thinking of coming back home next summer. To live!

I have been decorating for Christmas since the week of Thanksgiving; with little bits of it here and there. But now, I'm just going all out on every floor, well except for the sleeping floor. I've decided against that. We are the only one's to go up, so I'm keeping my decorations where they can be seen. I have two and 1/2 trees up so far, two Nativities, 4 wreaths, actually I forgot to count my little fairy. Anyway, I need to get going for the party tomorrow!!!

gotta deck my halls

Fairy Decor

I have been listening to Christmas music for roughly two weeks now. I have slowly started to put some decorations out for the Thanksgiving/Christmas season. You know, the in-between time that comes. Not yet Christmas Tree time, but Halloween is over. Not quite time to thaw the birds. I'm excited - my sister is coming in from Kentucky with her family for Thanksgiving, she'll be coming in this Saturday. I haven't seen her in oh, four years. The kids barely remember each other. My family will be here, in my home for Thanksgiving. My whole family.

Even my little fairy door is decorated for the occasion! It looks so cute in person. I'm on the lookout for a mailbox. Not an easy find. I must be looking in the wrong place. The wreath is actually real. I made it a teeny tiny replica of the one on my door. I chopped up a tree in my yard, well some branches anyway, and fashioned me a wreath out of it. So very Martha of me. I know I will get that from my family next week.

For now, I need to continue to get my home ready for the onslaught of family and decor to fill the place. Tomorrow, I think I may bring out my new tree! Yes, a week before Thanksgiving.

Crazy me.
Hoping you are pain-free
Deborah

The Colors of death

Fall in NY is, without a doubt, breath-taking to drink in by sight. How poetic, right. The colors are just incredible, abundant. Everywhere. Right now, we are at peak season. Unfortunately, so is my personal ogre.


I managed two days of infusion, wished for more, but the weekend came. Hard. On Sunday, I actually uttered the words, "please just let me die. I want to die!" Which of course brought to mind, my KIDS! So what was I thinking??? It wasn't that I really, really wished death on myself, just well, I couldn't take it anymore. I still can't. It's still there, lingering; a bit less than yesterday, but there.



Today, a much better day by far really. I was able to sweep the floors. Yes, a great and wonderful day was had by me. The bending over thing though, not a good idea. That is, unless I was into the dizzy thing. For the record, I'm so not. It just increases the pain and makes me SICK to my stomach all over again. And to make the day all the more interesting, I had the misfortune of driving today. oops.

I had no intentions of doing so, it was a mistake really. But my girl needed to be picked up and I was the only avail driver. scary. glaring sun in my eyes was no help. Thankfully, we made it safely. Poor kid wasn't feeling well herself.

Tomorrow, I meet with my pain doc and we will talk about the stim device. for me. I've been reading up on it, online, not convinced one way or another really. Just tired of living the way I have been. Sick in pain. Rather, painfully sick. The ONE medication I can take for preventative, my insurance refuses to pay for. So tomorrow should be interesting.

To think of the amount of treatments, hospitals, medications, injections, states, doctors, different methods, the money we have spent, time; it is amazing to me. Still, we fight with our insurance company. Unreal.

So, what am I supposed to be doing right now? I stared a mural, actually, a three-wall mural maybe two weeks ago. So far, all that I was able to accomplish was the pencil drawing. I feel awful, I don't know when I will be able to get back to it. I guess I'll get to it when I do....

Wishing you a pain free day
Deborah

another migraine

Struck. again. This time, I believe I know the cause. I'm blaming my insurance company. For almost two years, my doctor and I have been fighting them to keep a drug that has been keeping the monster at bay. Keeping it in a sleeping mode. Keeping me home, away from the life I was living in the hospital.

On Friday, the monster came knocking. HARD. I was taking the medication, Namenda, every other day, winding down my dosage to it's inevitable end. I gave myself a shot in the hip of Toradol, my only abortive, it graciously took the edge off. But on Saturday it was back with a vengance, and I was down for the day. I tried my abortive, but it just wouldn't deliver any relief.

By Monday, I was done with the Namenda and the monster was in full gear - wreaking it's anger and wrath on and in my head, my stomach, my back. Everything hurt. Nothing was working to relieve he pain. Tuesday evening, I started getting spasms in my spine, thru my back and out my eye and the top of my head - like a spike was being thrust thru me. Today, the pain was worse. I couldn't sit or lay down, only walk thru the pain, to release some of the tension. I couldn't wait to get to the infusion center today, to start the onslaught of drugs that I'm hoping, will break the pain.

Once there, and the iv started, the spasms started again, this time after I had received Benedryl and Mag sulfate, so I was a bit groggy and not about to walk anywhere. Thankfully, it didn't last as long as it did lastnight or this afternoon. I stood at my chair stomping my feet, trying to beat the pain out of my spine and back.

For anyone who thinks a migraine is just a bad headache; I challenge them to hang with a migraineur on a bad day. or a good day, even a good day with one of those low-grade migraines, come and hang out with me, you'll see it's not just a stinking headache. No, it's much worse. It doesn't involve just my head either; but my stomach wants so badly to just hurl anything. But most times, I cannot eat TO hurl. Oh, and let's not forget about the visual spirals and geometrical weird stuff that I see and hear. Yes, hear. The screaching, screaming, sirens, everything is louder than it should be, and brighter than bright. Nope, definitely NOT just a headache.

We are now contacting the pharmaceutical company for the drug I need. Letting them know my insurance company sucks. out. loud.

Well, I really hope you are pain-free
Deborah

Didn't See it Coming

It never ceases to amaze me that no matter how vague or brilliant the aura, I refuse to recognize it for what it is. Have you ever done that? Even when it has sound, which it did this time around, well that is actually normal for me; anyway, there were the lights and zigzags, and the screaches, and still, I denied it was coming.

And even when I woke with it, I still didn't want to call it what it really was; I thought I had a bug. (what????) Stupid me.

Alas, I finally gave in and injected myself with my trusty toradol (chiming bells inserted here) and it eased up. ta da. How is it, that after several thousands of migraines, I still refuse to recognize it's coming?? Is it blatant denial? Or stupidity on my part? In the end, I see it for what it is, the monster, accept that it has come, and deal with it. Well, not so much accept as hmmmmm, know it's there. I refuse to accept them. I don't want them, therefore, I cannot accept them.

This past Tuesday, I had another round of cryoanalgesia, followed by, rather - triggering the migraine for the day. and the next day. But it works for me; it takes them down a notch and keeps me free from migraine for longer periods. Rather than daily migraine, I live with 1 to 3 per week. That is a remarkable upgrade in living conditions for me.

Perhaps the fewer migraines are causing me to become comfortable in the lack of them. Thus, the denial. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.



Fall has landed here, the weather is cooler, it is darker at an earlier hour. The weather patterns are changing from dry and warm, to cool and rainy. Spring and Fall are so beautiful, but they affect me terribly. We have talked about moving South, but cannot right now.

I would love to be able to play outside longer than we can here in the Northeast. I just hate the idea of winter coming; the idea of having to stay indoors for months to come. I'm not ready for the cold. It makes my body hurt, my head ring and scream with pain. I hate it!

We had this beautiful fog fall in the park across the street tonight. It's getting cooler. I am sure the pic does it no justice. It was so beautiful with the sky glowing behind it. You could smell smoke from a fireplace in the air. mmmmmmm, what a yummy smell. I cannot wait to light up the fireplace this year!! But, I'm not ready YET for the change to all cold days and nights.

Next week, Lexi will be moving to an adult hab home. I cannot wait to show the pics of the house. It's so homey and warm. Rather than 5 girls, where she is now; she will be one of three girls in the new home. There is REAL furniture, rather than the "institutional" style in the house she is at now. She will also be closer to our home and church. I am so excited to move her in, and decorate her room. We've already done some shopping for her, and I painted a new desk for her computer. It is soooooo exciting.

Tonight, DH is starting, the kids are in bed. The pups are curled up sleeping. Oh, and I am migraine-free. for now.

Wishing you a pain-free day
Deborah

30 Things.....

In observation of National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, (wow, that is a mouthful!), I have taken on the challenge, well not necessarily challenge but (I am stuck for the correct term ) - I am participating, yes, that's it, with an activity: a "meme," 30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know. You can play along, too. If you are a reader with an Invisible Illness, take the "meme" to your site.

First of all, for those who do not know what an Invisible Illness is, it is one that has no visible identity. I do not use a walker or cane or a wheelchair; though at times, I am unable to keep my balance and would profit from such. I do not have a hearing aide; although at times I wish I could turn the volume down on life, as it gets way too loud for me. I just live with pain. hmmm, "just," well not quite. On with the "meme"

1. The illness I live with: I have Migraine Disease

2. I was diagnosed in the year: It has always been a part of my life; but the word "migraine" was first said to me in 1992.

3. But I had symptoms since: I have always had them, for as long as I can remember.

4. The biggest adjustment I've had to make: Slowing down, especially when I know it's coming. The migraine, that is.

5. Most people assume: head pain is the only symptom of Migraine Disease; and that it is not a disease, but simply a headache.

6. The hardest thing about morning is: waking up in pain when my family needs me.

7. My favorite medical TV show is: Gray's Anatomy

8. A gadget I couldn't live without: without a doubt, my earplugs

9. The hardest part about night: being awake when I should be sleeping. the tossing and turning and just hoping I can sleep is torture. Without enough sleep, I'm destined for another monster.

10. Each day I take: I am down to only 8 meds per day. My insurance company has refused me two of my medications that worked to keep them under control. In the event of the monster, I must take more meds to kill it.

11. Regarding alternative treatments: I have used chiropractic care, and am on a new drink (new for me) called Xango. It is from the mangostene plant

12. If I had to choose between an invisible or visible illness: I will deal with what I'm dealt thank you.

13. Regarding working and career. hmmmm......I take care of my family, so I am able to work from home - HA. The last job I had, I was forced to quit due to migraine.

14. People would be surprised to know: aura are the most beautiful and energetic part of my migraine. They mesmerize me.

15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: knowing my kids may develop them.

16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: go to see DMB live!!!

17. The commercials about my illness: hardly touch on the reality of migraine

18. Something I really miss doing: this is more of a miss-out for me; I wish I could travel with my husband. He loves to travel, but because I don't do well with it, I get ill and migrainey, I don't travel.

19. It was really hard to have to give up: foods I love that are triggers for migraine.

20. A new hobby I have taken up: painting furniture

21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: travel with my husband

22. My illness has taught me: to rest when my body tells me to. That is really is OK to take naps when I feel lousy.

23. Want to know a secret? One thing that gets under my skin is: when people have the "answers" because they read it somewhere!!!

24. But I love it when people: are actually informed; ask questions; seek professional advice.

25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" Phil 4:13

26. When someone is diagnosed, I'd like to tell them: learn all you can. read books that explain and help you through the disease. I usually give titles and authors with that.

27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness: is the amount of time I spend in bed getting over the monster, or trying to prevent it from coming on.

28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn't feeling well was: my friend Joyce came to stay with me in the hospital; she showed up after hours, sang hymns to me, brought gifts for my children, gave me cds to listen to, and offered to massage my feet for me. I hate my feet to be touched, so I denied that. I do let my husband rub my feet when I am in pain.

29. I am involved with Invisible Illness Week because: I would like to help others, try to educate or point them in a better direction if I can.

30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: that you care enough to listen. thank you.


At this point, you too are encouraged to participate by answering these questions on your blog and keep this going.

You can find out more about National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week and the 5-day free virtual conference with 20 speakers Sept 14-18, 2009 at www.invisibleillness.com

Wishing you a pain-free day.
Deborah

Cocka-Doodledy-Doo

It's a Rooster Party!! And I have roosters. I honestly didn't realize just how many I have. The border, I put up when I first moved in and this is all that is left. I have been taking it down to redo my kitchen.






I believe I may be due for some new plates. Oh, and I did fix the crooked one. I love the basket, for some reason, paper plates and dinnerware keep ending up here for summer. I usually have towels folded up in it.









I love my canisters, thank you Target. OOOH, I just remembered I have a dish for my garlic that matches. (oops).

The pretty tin is from a craft sale. I wish I had 2 more.





I painted the potholder holder. I am eventually covering the ugly tile with stainless backing.

I can't keep anyone from touching my towels, drying or wiping their hands on them, or basically just leave them alone. I would prefer to keep them as decoration, but it just hasn't worked out yet for me. I do iron them before I hang them so they look nice. And then, they get used.


this pretty girl is from my little old lady friend that used to live next door. I miss her. She was such a wonderful ol' gal.





I think I'm obsessed. But they're so cute. I saw a life-sized rooster, complete with feathers a few days ago, but I'm holding out for the sale.






I love this little teapot. thank you Cracker Barrel. LOVE their store!











I need to change the color of my dining room. I did pick a color. I still like the wine color, which never comes out in pictures. It looks like dark purple, and it's not. I chose a nice soft robin's egg blue, again! I love the color. It'll open the room up a little and make it bigger in appearance.



OH just let me tell you about the wine - it is fabulous for the price! I had to have it, just for the rooster, and ended up loving it.

Don't you just love the vintage apron?? It's so adorable.




The canisters were from a friend from high school; actually, her Mom had given them to me when I got my first apartment. I found the salt and pepper shakers at a flea market. I now have a full set. Love them.


more Cracker Barrel - the rooster figurine salt and pepper shakers. Oh and the other towel to the set.




My coasters! I have 4, all a little different, but you get the idea.
This is the one I just bought. Isis is afraid of it. I also bought a crow and it's freaking everyone out. Time to get a few more.

I hope you like my roosters. I'm currently working on a beautiful cabinet I just acquired from my sister and her boyfriend. I need to get to Hob Lob to find the knobs and some more little pieces for it. I did some stenciling with joint compound on it. I think I may do it somewhere in the house. Sooooo easy. I just can't wait to show it.

I'm off to see more roosters.

oh, how they grow

What a beautiful bride was she. It still chokes me up to think she is a married woman. I have known this young lady since the was a beautiful newborn baby. She and Lexi were always so cute together. I remember watching her little milestones; sitting, crawling, her first steps. Though my little Lexi would take much longer to reach them, it was always with joy that I watched Amy make hers. No jealousy or envy, but joy to see a child walk with so much enthusiasm. If memory serves, I believe she was running almost as soon as she walked. She was so cute.














Ugh, and now she is all grown up. My how the time flies. Seriously, where do 21 years go, and why do we not just treasure every second of them?? I was looking at her on Friday, all grown and so beautiful; and this time, just for a moment, I thought of Lexi. What would she be like, if not.....well, oh how do I put it???? Mentally retarded? Would she marry at 21? Would she have gone to college and found her sweetheart there? No sadness here, just wondering. But she is Lexi, and I love her exactly the way she is. She is so fortunate to not endure the worries of daily life and stress like we do.


I have pics of these two, Marisa now 17 and Michael the same age, running around at age 3 in the nude. Pics of them at just days old in a playpen together. Of course, Marisa was screaming her head off. They are only 5 birth days apart in age. Oh, he is Amy's brother. (Amy and Lexi are only 3 weeks apart). We were always together, the kids playing together, fighting with each other, thinking they were cousins for years.




Look how nice they all looked. They are growing up too fast. Michael and Cinderisa are now entering their senior year; Chrisarella in her freshman year, and the boy is in third. Funny thing, Lexi and Cinderisa will both be graduating this year. My babies are growing up.

Philip is getting married. He is in love and she is just wonderful! It's so funny to see his demeanor change when he talks to her or about her - he's all goofy and mushy. He's so cute.

Why must they grow up so fast??? It can't be possible that I have a 21 year old!!! ugh