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Two Purring Cats Clothing & Gifts
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Worried About my Sick Kitty

Today I left my sweet 14 year old cat Fluffy at the vet to be operated on. He has an infection in his mouth that has spread to his throat, from a bad tooth, the vet says. She says that she will check for "worse things" while operating on him, and that "no news is good news". She will call if she finds anything else. She told me to have hope, and that they will see what is up.

I just am so worried. Old cats can die from anesthesia issues, and I pray that he makes it. I felt so bad, but she assured me I was doing the right thing to leave him and let them do what they need to do. It's so hard to leave a beloved pet, a family member of many years, in the life and death care of a vet. They were very nice at the hospital, it is very close by to me and I will pick him up tomorrow if all goes as planned. It is scary, and I'm trying hard to not feel panicky because he's a good cat and deserves a long life.

The vet said that 14 years is about the average life span of most cats, and that I shouldn't blame myself for this. I brought him in as soon as I saw that the infection was worsening. He still eats and is alert, but is in pain. He is in good hands and I must trust them. I have trouble with trust in general, always have. But vets are trained professionals and they know what to do. I will not jump to conclusions and will keep an even head about it. It is hard, and I will get through this.

To get through the anxiety and depression, I work on my art. As long as I am calm, the art flows freely. It is extra important to me as an artist to keep myself as relaxed as possible. Classical music and doing relaxation exercises taught to me by therapists in the past help. I am devoted and loyal to those I love, and if any of them get sick then it rocks me to my core.

To me, animals are as important as (and sometimes more important than) humans. Most humans pretty much aren't trustworthy, from my experiences. Animals are fully genuine. They love us unconditionally without judgment and cruelty. These pets of mine have been loved the same way back. They don't know fear or worry because I have been only loving to them. My childhood was full of high drama, fighting and anger due to uncontrollable forces around me. Animals were my refuge then, as they are now. I pray Fluffy recovers and lives out his life for many years to come.

My Day at the Cleveland Clinic

Today I went to the Cleveland Clinic to have a specialist look at my bad back. I have been mired in lumbar spine problems for the last two years, after waking up one day in January, 2007 unable to move due to sharp pains running down my legs (sciatica). I couldn't walk for quite a while, and had to pay someone to get my groceries. It was a huge ordeal that turned out to be a bulging lumbar disc and sciatica at that time. The doctor in Florida loaded me up with really strong prescription drugs so that I wasn't in horrifyingly bad pain at all times. Physical therapy caused horrible back spasms that set my progress back for awhile so I stopped that. It was scary, not to mention being alone was tough as well. Medical professionals in Florida weren't great, didn't care and were basically rude and distant when I needed them the most. The Florida doctor was at a reputable medical building/hospital system but he was cold and told me that the next step was hyperdermic needles in my spine if the drugs didn't work! I never went back after that. I recovered very slowly in months but my back has always hurt badly since.

Fast forward to now. I do not need a cane or other devices to walk but it hurts to be on my feet for long, standing and walking is very painful but I do it. My desk chair has been replaced with a overstuffed, lumbar reinforced recliner. I have special pillows to sit on, to help ease back pains while drawing here at my desk. I have a TENS unit (electric stimulator that physical therapists use) and it has helped some, too.

Moving back to Ohio, I was so happy to come home to my normal family doctor at the Cleveland Clinic, and the extremely high quality healthcare that they give. He recently referred me to the back specialist who is personable, caring and fully capable of helping me overcome the back problems. He explained my X-rays in depth to me, and it was interesting to learn that I have a lot of arthritis in my spine, that the bone spurs are there too but aren't the issue. The main issue is stenosis/spondlyosis, from what I gathered, that means the narrowing of the passageway inside my spine (basically the nerve current in the middle of it). So, I will be spending lots of time in pools, in different kinds of therapy, one-on-one with a reputable physical therapist at a state-of-the-art facility close to my place. I welcome it, to help make my body more conditioned and less sore. From what I gather, it's a long process but the doctor is optimistic that I won't need surgery so I am totally encouraged.




It's so strange, since my parents and grandparents don't/didn't have back pain like this. I used to take moving freely for granted, carrying many bags of groceries at once, never worrying about the spine at all. Years of horseback riding didn't seem to bother me, either (pre-back pain), and I plan to ride again asap even still. My X-rays show that I have basically no cushion between my lowest two vertabrae, it wore off. Replacing that cushion hasn't been invented yet, but someday, long in the future, it will probably be figured out. Yeah, when I'm too old to care at that point. So, I trust the Clinic to fix my spine problems the best that can be done. It is so wonderful to have great healthcare again. With help from my wonderful doctors and therapists, it will be a fight I plan to win. Thank you, Clinic. I plan on fighting aging and pain every step of the way!

Oh, and by the way, the Official Cleveland Clinic Greeters (dogs) are a wonderful addition. Petted a Dalmatian and an Irish Setter as I waited for my X-rays. My parents and I really enjoyed them, too. Greeter-dogs, a great way to diffuse tension during medical tests, etc, a good thing.



Cleveland Clinic
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/default.aspx

Colorful gifts for horse lovers, new in our store: http://ping.fm/G49uB

New for the holidays for cat lovers. http://ping.fm/yJdxb

A Very Good Day

The Geauga County Fair, where we went on my birthday over the weekend.

Today my parents stopped over at my place unexpectedly, with some very good news. They think they've found a house, and took me over to it. Though my mom and I have had big differences over the years, I still am close to both my parents and do a lot of worrying about them since the Recession has been rather hard on their interests. Well, hopefully if all goes right, their housing problems may be solved. I pray that this happens, and that all goes as they plan it to.

The house is nearly 200 years old, with character and is surrounded by a park and majestic old trees. It has a lovely wraparound porch as well as an enclosed one for their plants. It was built before the days of mass stamped out boring homes, back when each house had its own individual character. The owner is a builder with a ton of money to put into it, and it looks very much like this will be a good match for them. So, I have my fingers crossed. They have lawyers and realtors ironing out the details and I am just going to hope for the best. It would be perfect for all of us, and make their lives much easier than the huge mortgage they currently pay. So far, so good.

It would be so nice to be able to live pretty close to them, and go to the restaurants nearby together. Dad is a retired architect and would do a lot of remodeling to it, which is great. He can use his skills for his own needs, and not let them go unused. It would be a great match, I pray the details go through with no hitches. We used to buy and sell homes when I was a kid, moving up to bigger ones each time, until they got the house they're in now, which they've been in for 30 years. I never liked it much, this new one has much more character and a homier feeling.

So, I wait, and hope. It warms my heart to know that they are so good at working deals and that dad's skills would come into play again. He's a gifted architect and could work his magic on it to make this place really amazing. Dad says it's like being 30 all over again, redoing and starting over. But, their attitude is positive and they are level headed about it. I thank God that they are intelligent with good business sense. And it would be great to get them out of the overpriced neighborhood they live in now. It's safe but there's too much traffic and it's too far away. Geauga county in general is more of a hometown atmosphere. They love it here in the country, and I really would like having my family nearby.

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Double Yellow Headed Amazon Postage from Zazzle.com

Double Yellow Headed Amazon Postage from Zazzle.com

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Check out this Japanese cat, he has skills :)

This cute little Scottish Fold sure has a good time, and he sure loves boxes. Check out his video.

Maya Angelou, You Rock.

I Rise
A moving poem by poet Maya Angelou



This amazing poem is dedicated to all survivors of child abuse and domestic violence.

Late Summer in Lovely Ohio

Hudson, where my mom grew up and we lived before moving to Chagrin Falls


I'm enjoying August here in the peace of the country. It's not so far removed from civilization here to make me feel isolated, but just right. There are festivals and things to do here in my town all the time. Most of the time I observe from my office, as working hard on art is most important to me. If I want to go out, I do. My back problem is still an issue, but I visited the Cleveland Clinic and my family doctor is working with me to get that taken care of. It's all a process and despite my limitations, I'm doing allright and feeling at peace.

Friends I haven't seen in awhile want to stop out, it's great. In Florida I stayed away from most people due to the high concentration of unsavory types that lived there. Here there are no budding criminals that I can see, it's all peace, elegance and friendship. I love it. No more slumming in Largo, Florida (looks like a nice place, but in my opinion, isn't) for me, ever again! Being home is wonderful.

Recently I got a pound of Frangelico flavored coffee beans, they are to die for. It's rare that I find coffee flavors that keep me hooked. The last time I truly was stuck on a flavor was twenty years ago when I couldn't live without Grand Marnier flavored coffee beans from a local cafe chain called Arabica. Nowadays, this coffee was found at the cafe downstairs and will keep me coming back to buy more. I've always been content with Starbucks Morning Blend for basic coffee, but am very picky about the flavored types. This is just right, not too acidic or bitter. And how convenient it is to walk downstairs and buy a bag.

The cats, too, love being here in Ohio. Gone is the intense Florida humidity and heat for these two very furry, long-haired cats. Both of them lounge around luxuriously, happy to have comfortable temperatures and many cozy places to sleep. Life is good for all three of us.

Last night the oldies musical diner downstairs threw a big bash and hot rod showcase, they do it every week, with great old music from the fifties, sixties and seventies. I work in my office and enjoy it from above, but do come down from time to time to get food at the restaurant. It's mainly bar food, but very good when I'm in the mood for it. Sometimes I contemplate buying a house somewhere out here but change my mind, due to the easy proximity to everything where I am now.

It's wierd how times and experiences change my thoughts and needs. I used to travel like crazy, and never feel happy to be home. I had to be in motion all the time. Now, I crave and love quiet and peace. I hated Florida with a passion, and stayed inside working most of the time there due to the heat. Now, I'm able to have my windows wide open, breathe fresh air and have healthy people as neighbors and friends (though I don't see them much due to my working most of the time). Ohio is a beautiful place. How I missed the rolling hills and beautiful countryside. Seeing years of Florida swamp, scrub, dry crunchy grass and endlesss Palmetto plants bored the heck out of me. You can't walk in the woods without worrying about rattlesnakes and other poisonous/dangerous stuff down there. Here, walking in the woods isn't hazardous to my knowledge. It's peaceful, without dangerous critters or heavy heat. It's heaven to me.

I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm an

Organized Traveling Self-Knower

How to be a Respectful Parent to Your Child at Any Age: http://ping.fm/GkHYw

Won't Back Down by Tom Petty

Won't Back Down Tom Petty and
Uploaded by manon42. - See the latest featured music videos.

How to be a Respectful Parent to Your Child at any Age

How to be a Respectful Parent to Your Child (At Whatever Age)
by Carolyn McFann

Looks aren't everything. Care about inner beauty above all, that is what is most important.

Don't inforce YOUR values and beliefs as THE only way (no forcing people to think like you).

Don't interrupt, make fun of or belittle your offspring for having other views on things.

Be respectful of who your child is as a person. Let them be who they are, not what you want them to be.

Don't interrupt your son or daughter when they talk and disregard what they are saying.

Be calm and rational, not irrational, critical and aggressive.

Don't blow "hot and cold", be consistent.

Find time to praise, not just to criticize.

Don't smile when you're mad. Match your expression to your mood. Smiling when mad is creepy.

Have integrity, do what you say you are going to do.

Never make jokes at the expense of others.

Keep ego, insecurities in check. Don't make your child your therapist.

Have manners. You want your children to have them so practise what you preach.

Don't abandon your loved ones in times of emotional need. A little kindness goes a long way.

Look beyond yourself and what you want. What is in the best interest of your child matters.

Don't be so caught up in life that you can't stop to spend time with the ones you love.

Don't focus on your child's faults, focus on what his or her strengths are.

Don't badmouth your child to other people. Don't badmouth other people either. Don't teach your child to be disrespectful of others by example.

Don't scare and/or intimidate your child to get the upper hand. It is damaging psychologically. Just don't do it. Being a bully is wrong.

Who cares who is right or wrong. Don't argue it. Agree to disagree when you can't see eye to eye.

Never use your child as a scapegoat for your problems. It's a cowardly thing to do. Hire a therapist and work your issues out instead of beating up on the ones you love.

Two Purring Cats Clothing & Gifts: The Culmination of a Life's Work

Two Purring Cats Clothing & Gifts: The Culmination of a Life's Work

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Me being interviewed by a national news reporter a few years ago. http://ping.fm/idNVq

Want to see me draw a quick sketch? Here you go..

I did this quick sketch on a little program online, nothing fancy, didn't take the time to make it look totally polished, but you get the idea. It's me drawing in almost real time. Sometimes it will seem like I stopped but it's just me erasing or blending a color or two. Set the speed bar to fast (it pops up if your cursor is at the bottom of the drawing while in play mode).

And yet another. The quality of these drawings isn't optimal due to the program being rough, I have to work very quickly, as it closes without warning and loses the pic. Plus, the eraser is ROUGH edged. Ugh. Still, it's fun to do:





Here's a video of me being interviewed by a national news reporter in a fancy Florida penthouse for a promo piece a few years ago:

Mom & Dad's Kittens are the Cutest Ever

Pansy looking for something to play with.

Smoke looking like a deer in headlights.

This is Felix, Master of the Basket


Recently I was at my parents' house for the weekend, and got aquainted with the most adorable kittens..Felix, Pansy and Smoke. I thought mom and dad were crazy at first to keep all three of them (born from a stray they took in, they named Nike) but now I support their decision, as they are just so fun. Little balls of fur who play, charge down the hall at 100mph and come by to take a nap on your lap at will. Awww.

I think mom and dad need a farm out in the country, near me somewhere. I live in the sub-suburbs out where life is quaint and slow, with Amish all around. This would be great to get the whole family out here to be in the country air, away from the city and with more room to move. The kittens are doing great, and love the cat tree I got mom and dad's older cat, Cinny. Cinny, on the other hand, isn't sure what to think of these little guys. He likes them at a distance. He's older, more dignified and used to being the center of attention. He's doing pretty well considering kittens play all around him. He gets annoyed but then joins in the fun after awhile. I guess if you can't beat 'em, join 'em :)

Cinny the Prince

The New Harry Potter Movie is Almost Here

Trailer


I'm a big Harry Potter fan and am looking forward to the release of this movie. Having read all the books, I know what happens, but it will still be great to see it come to life onscreen.