Painful

My week started off with me feeling a little off kilter. I knew that I had been dealing with a kidney stone on the move. There had been the lower back pain that shifted with time, as well as other telltale signs that I had a kidney stone.

Tuesday I was dealing with the knowledge that it was about ready to pass. I was feeling quite miserable and only got about 2 hours of very interrupted sleep. Wednesday morning, it was still there... they finally passed on Wednesday afternoon. A horrible feeling. I do not wish that on anyone. I have experienced it worse a few years ago, but this was pretty bad as well. And no, I was not at home waiting on it, I was at work, trying to keep a cheerful face for those customers I helped that day.

As I said, THEY passed in the afternoon. And the smaller of the two was JUST as painful as the larger one!

The rest of the week has been much better!

Hands and feet

Growing up, we had a fabulous art teacher in the elementary school. Her name evades my brain at the moment. When we were in kindergarten, she had each student press their hand into terra cotta clay which she then fired for us to gift to our parents. Mine is packed away somewhere.

Here at the store, I have offered that tradition to our customers. One grandma has her grandchildren impress their right foot and she then hung the plaques on her wall. (The littlest guy had to keep coming back, his would either crack or blow out in firing... finally there was a successful one!)

These are the two I took from the kiln this morning. Big brothers hands and little brothers feet.  The little guy just was too wiggly to get his hands, so we improvised.

A photo for inspiration

These are two angels I made last year for a special order.  I plan to glaze more of them white this year, as well as the other colors I have on hand. No more sticking to a set color palette.  Whatever color I feel like glazing is what color they will be.  I will still make some for special requests, within my reasonable capability.

I did have a productive day "off" yesterday, making 16 more angels before having to stop due to my fingers getting all wrinkly.

October

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Don't just wear pink and think that it is enough. Everyone be aware that this evil disease is out there and does not discriminate.

Mental Health Awareness month is also October. There are many different mental health issues out there and most likely, you know several people who deal with them on a daily basis.  It is not always evident on the outside looking in.

All in all, just be aware that people the world round are dealing with things you may not know about, no matter your relationship with them. Not everyone shows their suffering on the surface. Treat everyone with respect and be nice.

OK, down off my soapbox I step.

I need to get back to work and create more things for the store and for Mistletoe Market.  I want to get some pieces finished so I can send photos for promotions.

Good-byes are hard

This has been a rough year for some of the furry friends I take care of off and on through the year.

Last year, one sweet kitty - Sophie got sick and was not able to be saved.  Her people adopted another, equally as sweet kitty named Mocha. Sadly, Mocha too got very sick (different problem) and was not able to be saved. Both of these girls were close to my heart and I miss them dearly. Their "brother" Rocky is still here and as charming as ever.

Tuesday, an 11 year-old pup I have known since she was adopted by her people also crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She was the sweetest yellow lab I have known.  And, like her "sisters" Cleo & Savannah before her, Sandie stole my heart. She was part of my best friend's family.

Even when the fur babies are not your own, it is easy to become very attached.

My heart breaks and tears come to my eyes as well.