HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL

WHAT A YEAR RECAP: Yes I know I have not been around a lot this year and blogs were made for communication yada yada....Let me give you an update: On May 3, 2013 I was diagnosed with Stage I Lung Cancer after a bout of pneumonia. The Radiologists found 3 tumors, two small and one large in my right lung. I cried all the way home from the office. But let me digress....my mother was diagnosed two years previously with lung cancer and my cousin Charles was diagnosed with Stage 5 lung and brain cancer and died in 6 weeks. I had not even been a year since his death. Thank God, mom's tumor was not cancerous. Being a saved Christian, I had to think about this attack on my family and the familiarity with which a specific threat had come to light. I had no insurance and received emergency Medicaid; after numerous tests and scans, I decided I would attack right back, having faith that all that was meant for evil would work together for good. June 25th I went in for surgery. One of my lobes was removed on my right side along with lymph nodes in the lung and in my neck. NO CANCER and yes, THANK YOU GOD! I had what is called a Hamartoma. This is your homework assignment to look it up. After hauling around a chest tube, numerous Iv's, air tubes, carts with drugs, etc., a week later I staggered out of Providence Hospital on Jily 1, 2013. The remainder of the year has been difficult with nerve pain and physical and mental recovery. I had to put my show activities on hold and jewelry-making since it was painful sitting in a chair and in that position for such a long period of time. Depression has been a problem as well, but things are getting better. In conclusion, all I can say to you is count your blessings daily, love your family and friends, and cast aside that "it's all about me" angst. Life could be worse.......A LOT WORSE! PEACE

Sick, but still creating

What a break. Pneumonia! It started out with the usual seasonal sinus infection and progressed to double ear infection and then coughing, a 103.7 temperature and respiratory distress! And I got a pneumonia shot! I don't think I have even been on so many pills. And steroids? Yikes! This is interfering with my creativity. Between sessions of sleeping and coughing, I bend wire and design. My two assistants, Bandit the Manx cat and Kofi the Long Haired Chihuahua, we have made progress in my bed (them snoring and me designing.). Illness cannot keep an artist down. Look out for a new look in copper for spring. You can check it out on Etsy and my FB Business page, http://www.Facebook.com/AsharGemsWearableArt.

Urban Craft Uprising, Summer 2013

I am applying to the Urban Craft Uprising Summer Show in Seattle, July 12-14, 2013 at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. Vendors have been invited from California, Oregon and Washington States.They have added a dedicated event for buyers apart from the show, to shop at the vendor booths. Sounds very interesting and fun. I figure it is a long shot, but that is why were are here! UCU is working with School House Craft this year. I will keep you updated on my progress.

A bit slow and not too savvy....

A fellow designer from Linkedin recommended I create a business page on Facebook. I had a fan page, but evidently since I am in business, this is the thing to do. Duh! Hey, I admit it; I am not very savvy when it comes to blogs and what what. But, I am learning. I would like you to check it out. Here is the long awaited link (DRUM ROLL): www.Facebook.com/AsharGemsWearableArt Now that you have this VERY valuable information, you can check out my website on Etsy.com, and read my FB page which includes the following: Ridiculous posts and the latest social and political commentaries, see pics of psychotic animals, etc. No nasty comments to my mom or you will be drawn and quartered! That's about it. By the way, check out my sister's shop on Etsy. Share and share alike I always say: www.Etsy.com/BluJeanBeads Peace!

The Cold in Washington State

It was pretty cold today and I hear tomorrow is the same. Theresa took me early this morning to pick my car up from the shop and the owner and I couldn't get the doors open; they were FROZEN shut. The repairs were enough but frozen doors? It took us about 10 minutes to do defeat the ice and me another 10 to scrape the windows. My little green Honda coupe still has it, and I am grateful to have her. Tomorrow and everyday, be careful out there!