Friday, January 17, 2014

Two Little Words for Friends With Flair

Oh yeah! It's Friday! And time for my favorite post of the week -- Unity Friends With Flair.  This is "my post", a chance to use my favorite stamps, a chance to create what I want, with whatever theme I want.  It's "me" time!
Did any of you choose 'one little word' for a theme for 2014?  I chose 2 words, and they come with a story (as many of my FWF posts do).  Mid-December, I had terrible pain in my left shoulder.  It lasted two days (and 2 sleepless nights), got better, but then the same thing happened to my right shoulder.  I had injured the left shoulder this summer, so I thought I had re-injured it.  I chalked the right shoulder up to over use.  Three days later, my left hand swelled up and had the same terrible pain.  At that point, I freaked out and saw a doctor.  After many blood tests and a couple days of waiting (at which time, my right hand was attacked), she suspected rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  This was something I didn't want to hear.  I've worked in a nursing home for many years and have seen the results of RA.  I DON'T want this!
Since then, I've seen a rheumatologist.  And, he's confirmed the diagnosis.  It's RA.  And, this is where my two little words, and today's card comes in:


These are my two words for this year, and, I hope, for many years to come.  I can take on this chronic illness and make the most of it, looking for the joy in life, or I can let it defeat me.  I've always been a fighter.  And there are lots worse things in life I could have.  Right now, it's the newness of the diagnoses, and not knowing what lies ahead that is hard.  I've started on medication for the debilitating pain and inflammation, but it will take 2-6 months to take effect.  In the meantime, I haven't slept through an entire night since Dec. 11.  But, I will, and this will all get sorted out.  I have confidence! Some days the pain is so bad it hurts to pick up a piece of paper.  But I have confidence we will eventually find the right medicine! And fatigue?  Uff da.  I drag through my days!
Although there may be many major changes ahead for me and my husband, hopefully many things will stay the same.

I used the current sketch from the Unity Be Inspired Challenge for this card. I heat embossed the "Choose Joy" sentiment stamp (Unity/Stephanie Ackerman) and colored in the heart with a Close To My Heart Tulip marker. There is my favorite chipboard on this card -- Umwow Studios Heart Confetti. Sometimes, I just have to leave it plain, 'cause it looks perfect just the way it is.  On one of the hearts, I used some gesso, then 2 colors of Creative Inspirations Paint -- Garnet & a very small amount of Burgundy.
The cardstock base is CTMH Ruby, as is the Kraft CS.  Designer paper is Carta Bella 6x6 Wildflower. And, the twine, is, of course, Timeless Twine in Tuxedo Black.

So, 'Choose Joy' my friends!  CHOOSE JOY!

27 comments:

  1. Oh Julie…you always appear joyful to me! This card is fantastic!!! I have not chosen a word for this year, but I think that I will do that today…thanks for the encouragement and motivation to create and stay busy. I hope that your RA remains under control and that you continue on with all the things you love most! Happy Friday sweet lady!

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  2. Great choice of words Julie on this beautiful card. My Mother had RA and I know it's not pretty. I look over my shoulder for this all the time because I know it can be inherited. I'll put you in my prayers.

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  3. OH Julie. I am sorry you have to learn about this. I love your attitude, though - that is what will get you through the tough times. Prayers for your peace and healing, my friend!

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  4. Oh Julie, I'm so sorry to read this. I know RA is difficult, so choosing Joy is already the first step to overcome this diagnosis. Pray God will give you strength, and healing and joy always. Osteoarthritis runs in my family and the rheumatologist recently diagnosed that it has started on my thumbs. I guess aging is no fun, but we gotta stay positive and look towards the good and the little blessings in life. Keeping you in my thoughts & prayers. Take care!!

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  5. Julie, I hope you will feel better soon. RA sucks.. But I am glad you are choosing joy. This card is definitely encouraging.. Hugs!

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  6. Again, this is a beautiful creation! I believe we always need to find the positive. I am so, so sorry about the diagnosis of RA. Continue to have faith. I, too, just had similar news at the doctor....need a knee replacement and my thumb joints are bone on bone. I am too young, but I won't let it stop me!

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  7. I so sorry to hear your diagnosis. Stay strong and positive! There are always new advancements in medicine and I will pray for relief from the pain for you. I have had arthritis in my hands and feet for several years and some days it is unbearable. I can't imagine how badly it must feel in the shoulder. You've got the right idea in Choosing Joy, a positive outlook is sometimes the only way to hang in there (coming from someone who just spent the past several months battling with skin cancer and infections). Enjoy your craft time and your weekend!

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  8. Julie...sorry to hear about the RA diagnosis and issues. Continue to CHOOSE JOY...and share it like you so often do!! You are an inspiration to those around you & we appreciate your strength & dignity! :) (( HUGS!! ))

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  9. Awwww, Julie. I am so sorry to hear this :( Hope the medications begin to help as quickly as possible.

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  10. Julie Your card is so pretty and will give the person a lift with the colouring scheme. Hope you get better soon. I know what you are talking about living with pain. My arms and hands have RSI and the pain keeps me awake too. I have had this for 20 years now. You will find ways to cope but it takes awhile for things to get sorted out. Hugs to you and hope you get some relief soon.

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  11. A beautiful card. I love the words Joy, Faith, Hope & Peace!!
    Sending healing prayers to you!!!
    Have a wonderful day,
    Migdalia
    Crafting With Creative M

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  12. Tuff diagnosis, but great attitude! This card is awesome. Best of luck for speedy pain relief.

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  13. Love this card! The words, the font, the hearts the paper!! Many prayers for comfort & pain free days to create many more beautiful things! Golden Hugs to you Juile!

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  14. Lovely card! Best wishes for very effective medications and healing.

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  15. You just put what I am being a gloomy gus about medically into perspective. Thank you! Yes, Choose Joy is a good thing to keep in the ole brain! Thanks so much!

    Hugs! Mitra

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  16. Beautiful attitude,dear! Your card and post are very inspiring!
    DH and I were in Rice Lake Wednesday. So pretty with the new snow on the trees!

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  17. Great take on the sketch, Julie. Fun mix of dep.

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  18. So sad to hear that friend. But I think you are focused. Keep thinking positive. Attitude is everything. Frame that card. Keep it close.

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  19. So sorry for your news that is tough but I love your attitude and card.

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  20. What a great attitude - if anybody can deal with this diagnosis, it'd be you! As an educated patient (especially from your job viewpoint) and with your attitude. Hang tough, my friend - we're all here for you! *hugs*

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  21. Julie, I am so sorry to hear this. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong. Choosing joy is half the battle, right? You got this, one day at a time. Keep on craftin' on because it's good for the soul .... and because we like to see your craftiness each week. :)

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  22. Choosing Joy is sure to help and I am sorry to hear your diagnosis. I take my hat off to you for having such a positive attitude from the start of your journey with chronic pain. I pray that it doesn't fully stop you from doing all those things that you love. All you can do is take one day at a time and not let the uncertainty of what lies ahead worry you - keep Choosing Joy!. Hugs!

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  23. You are such a trooper, Julie, and you constantly amaze me with your positive attitude! 'Choose joy'...I think those are perfect words for you! :) I ope te pain eases up soon...I seen my grandma suffer from this...not fun. Be strong, and choose joy! :) You bring joy to us!

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  24. Julie, I am sorry to read about your diagnosis. It sounds like it's been a scary journey so far. I'm happy you have chosen such positive words to live by this year. It will definitely help in the day to day struggles :) Thanks for sharing you lovely card and story!
    -Rachel w k
    rwkrafts.com

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  25. I love your positive attitude, Julie. I am sorry to read of your diagnosis, but I appreciate how you have sized up your situation and have decided to take control where you can. "Choosing Joy," is a wonderful sentiment and words of encouragement when needed most. You may not control what happens to you, but you can control how you react. Thank you for helping each of us to remember that. All the best to you.

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  26. I love everything about this card. Lovely!

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  27. Great post, positiveness, and I love your 2 words for the year! <3

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