Today was my last day working with my friend/boss making jewelry. I had been avoiding going in because my hands were so bad, and I guess I didn't realize HOW bad they were. I told her I'd be leaving after the surgery, and was trying to build stock for her. I worked last Tuesday, and when I went in today my hands were just as bad at the beginning of the day as they were Tuesday at the END of the day. (Despite taking yesterday off.) At least I got her well stocked in the most popular necklace we make. (50) I know it was time to move on, and I know I need time to recuperate after the surgery, but I STILL LIKE MAKING THE JEWELRY. I cried the whole way home. Trying to think about what the NEXT chapter might be, but now I just feel the loss.

Ellis-How are you doing sweetie? Are you holding up okay? Despite my self pity lately I have been thinking about you and your family a LOT. Hope your Mom has found a more SYMPATHETIC place of worship.

Oh, Den. I'm so sorry, sweetie. It's going to be alright. I know you love making jewelry, but there's more to you than that alone. Sending you lots of love and hugs...

Sorry Den. But you will need time to recover from the surgery, and who knows what you may find after that.

Thinking about you too Ellis! And love ya both!

Poor Den! You will have a successful operation, I know, and have even better use of those magic hands. As you know, I've been through that operation so feel free to brain-pick if you have questions.

Den you are a wonderful, intelligent and artistic person so I am sure that something else will come your way.

Thanks for your support everyone. You chicks are the GREATEST. I'm trying to stock up on books so that I will have something fun to do while recuperating!!! (Also told my Mom we should "DO LUNCH" more!!!! )

You are right, I'm sure something else will come along...even considering eventually taking welding lessons and making sculptures!!! But I'm not going to seriously think about anything until after the surgries.



Trying to concentrate on the half full.....

Welding would be totally cool, Den!

For those of you who don't yet know, Dad died yesterday. He left very peacefully and beautifully, and all is well. Mom was there with him with her head on his shoulder. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect ending to my dear Dad's life here with us.

Ellis-Your Dad, your Mom and the rest of your family have faced your father's illness and passing with such grace and dignity....I am sorry for your loss, but glad for all of you that you have been able to pull together in your love for each other during this difficult time. Lots of love sweetie. XXOO

I'm sorry Ellis. At least your dad is no longer suffering. Love you.

Thank you so much, Den and Squeak... I love you, too...

I noticed your lack of posts and I guessed that things had reached their climax.

My sympathies, Ellis.
Megan

Thank you, Megan. I thought I was doing okay until a few minutes ago (had a little cry), but your post cheered me right up... thanks, hon.

awww ellis. I'm sorry for your loss. >>>hugs<<<

Den - Welding would be awesome. I'm getting into diorama kind of thing right now. Dioramas are mexican folk art - usually depicting something religious. Since they usually like a mini-alter, I've been getting satiric - looking at what we *really* worship. You can only imagine.

Goddess Jessica-Sounds COOL!! I love Mexican folk art. REALLY get into the skeleton thing!!

Ellis-I'm sure it will come and go for a while sweetie. Maybe even a LONG while. I was having strange dreams about my grandmother a year after she died, and I wasn't anywhere NEAR as close to her as you are to your Dad.

Thanks for the hugs, Jessica.
Dioramas are cool!

Hey, Den... I've got Dad's welding equipment. There are two "mask thingys". We can do it together! Have you seen the movie, "Twister"? The aunt (who is totally cool) has a lot of wind sculptures in her yard. I want something like that!