Monthly Archives: November 2011

View From My Bed

View From My Bed

A heavenly view.

Most Parkinson’s patients will tell you mornings are rough. By the time the sun makes its debut, the medications have worn off. Without enough dopamine, you feel as if you’re trapped under a fishing net. Another weird thing that many PD patients experience is difficulty rolling in bed. I’m not sure what mechanics are required to turn the body, but I’m now noticing it’s getting harder to do so. When you first get out of bed in the morning it feels strange, sort of like sea legs. Balance is off, and a shuffle suddenly replaces your normal gait.

I recently decided to place my meds on my nightstand so I can pop a pill the minute I wake up. I usually lie in bed for 15 or 20 minutes anyhow, so I figured this is the perfect time to let the dope kick in. I happened to have my camera nearby the other morning, so I took a few shots of what I see every morning.

I have a high window to the right of my bed, where I watch puffy clouds float above tree tops. It’s an ideal setting for prayer. When the light streams through this window, I feel God’s warmth. This is when I remind myself to let go of fears and continue to trust the plan.

Having PD is frightening, I wish I could say it’s not…but I’d be lying. The worst part is knowing your brain is housing a heartless thief that’s stealing your options. It’s overwhelmingly frustrating at times. Not knowing the rate of progression adds to the fear. Being diagnosed with an incurable brain disease has knocked me to my knees. Luckily, it’s also transformed my heart. PD has taught me to trust in myself, others, and most importantly God.

So as I watch the carousel of clouds drift by….I give thanks for everything beautiful in my life.

The "magic" window is above this lower window.

Guess who? Mikey takes hubby's spot when he gets up to shower. This mutt will lay there as long as I do!

Bozzy prefers the floor next to the nightstand.

Max gets his share of the bed too. Yes, it's a full house.

Good morning greetings.

These tulips are to the right of my bed...thay make me happy.

Reading 5 books at once right now....problem is I fall alseep after three minutes of reading!

He's wondering when I'm gonna make my move.

See the yummy light that filters in....a heavenly hello.

I look at this across the room, "Blissul Kitty". A piece I did honoring Laurel Birch..love her work!

This little piece is to the left, "The House of Hope".

This little fella flies above the House of Hope.

Dog or Termite?…you decide.

Dog or Termite?…you decide.

On the most wanted list for destroying multiple dog beds.

I live with Michael J. Fox. No, not the height challenged cutie with the twinkly eyes,but a 12 lb. floppy mess with a terrible underbite. I initially thought it was an honor to name my new pup after my hero MJF… however my crazy canine doesn’t seem to realize he has a namesake to live up to.

Now don’t get me wrong, we love this guy more than life itself….well almost. A little over a year ago the familia was ready to get another dog after losing our beloved Cody. Man, I loved that dog. I still think of him all the time. Here’s a pic of Cowboy Cody:

My doggie soulmate....a heart made of pure gold.

We have another sweet souled pup named Boswell, Bozzy for short. We also felt he needed a playmate again, so we all agreed it was time for a new family addition. Okay, I better show Boz, he’s a drama king and might pout for days if I don’t give him his 5 seconds of fame. Here’s Boz. Breed: Petit Basset Griffon Vandeen…whew…PBGV for  short.

Papa's boy.

Well, back to my little termite, Mike. After doing some research, we decided to look at Papillons…the butterfly dogs. My goal was to find an easy to train dog that would fit into my bike basket. Yes, I have my priorities straight. Figured the dog would never know I have Parkinson’s and would trust my bike riding skills. Note: I ride close to lawns and avoid curbs. My balance is a bit off, but I refuse to use training wheels again. Figure I could Modge Podge a little helmet for my butterfly dog anyhow.

Well we get to the breeder and are eagerly welcomed by eight high-spirited Papillons. I of course am smiling from ear to ear, and Emma and Terry are making icky faces. Off in the corner was Mikey…..a cute ball of white fluff. In fact here’s a shot of Mikey in his early years:

Bundled after bathtime.

My crew convinced me the butterfly bunch looked more like bats (my apologies to any Papi owners out there..I personally love them!). Terry said we wouldn’t have to buy him a bed, he could just hang from the rafters at night.

Well I was out numbered, plus I did think the little white Lhasa Apso was as cute as a bug. Needless so say we left with the odd man out.

When we got home I began to google Lhasa Apso, and discovered this breed is actually one of the toughest to train…yep, that’s Mike. We finally have him potty trained….it took 10 months, 6 days, and 3 hours. I should own stock in carpet cleaners by now. The other issue I have with Mike is chewing. Thank god he avoids furniture, baseboards, and most fingers. He has a palette for expensive linens and dog beds. This little bugger has chewed up shams, comforters, 400 count sheets, and every dog bed in the house. I have to buy my little man steel belted chew toys, he can mutilate most toys in five seconds flat. The only toy he hasn’t been able to destroy is the Kong…yay for this product!

The things we do adore about Mikey are……he isn’t a Papillon, he has pink lips, he loves to spar (like in boxing), he stands funny, he’s a good cuddler, he has a loving and brave heart, and he totally digs peanut butter. Take a peek at Michael J. Fox:

Don't be fooled by the innocent look.

His little feet crack me up.

Looking for something to chew.

He stole my pillow pet, Honey Dew. He hasn't chewed this once!

Exhibits A and B

Exhibits C and D

Exhibits E and F

Plotting his next plan of attack.

The Beauty Of Higher Education

The Beauty Of Higher Education

Recently my daughter Emma and I took a lovely stroll on the campus of University of the Pacific. She had a photo assignment due, and we both agreed the nearby college would be the perfect location to shoot tall trees. We certainly found trees….and a whole lot more. I’m crazy in love with roses (my daughter’s middle name is Rose), and the campus boasts one of the prettiest rose gardens I’ve ever come across. I was trying to spy the resident landscape fella in hopes of getting some tips on rose growing. No luck.

It was a quiet day and the air was warm and soothing. I secretly watched my daughter click her Canon as she looked at ease on this gorgeous campus. My heart fluttered a bit thinking about her starting college soon. She looked as if she fit right in, which suddenly made me want to smile and cry at the same time. It seemed like yesterday I was dropping her off at grade school.

I suppose I’m like most moms and have a myriad of feelings attached to my baby graduating high school. It’s an overwhelming sense of pride mixed with concern, trepidation, excitement, joy, and sadness. Whew, life continues to make us grow whether we’re ready or not. I’m grateful for my faith in the universal plan and for also remembering to trust the journey. I know our job as dedicated parents is to prepare our beloved children for a life of independence….I just didn’t think it would sneak up on me this fast.

Please enjoy the following pics of UOP’s peaceful campus.

This is Emma...my babe in the woods. I think her wheels were turning too.

Great place to stretch out on the lawn.

New life and hearts seem to go together.

We pretended we were on the east coast...okay I did.

This handy bench-thingy rocked!

A place that grows minds and plants.

A real diva...one in every crowd.

A scholarly door.

Brick! I love brick! Pane windows too!

A Diva-ette....not quite as showy as the Yellow Rose of Texas.

Room with a view.

Was hoping I might see Forrest...not Whitaker, but Gump.

A flutterby, my lucky day!

Siamese roses.

Gotta love a water-feature.

Snug as a bug in a rug...I mean rose.

Two buds chillin'.

Dreamy huh?

I came across this poem I wrote two years ago, and I’m dedicating it to a very special friend who lives on the other side of the planet. Ms. I has the voice of an angel and the heart of a lion. Thinking of you dear friend with love in my heart.