Creative Endeavors

May 9, 2010

This is the first year in Portland, Oregon we have seen so much rain and so little sunshine. I love the cloud formations with the sun shining through at the end of our school term at Master School of Arts. This year we are getting a dose of thunderstorms and hail. The school is showing a wonderful review of arts, music and drama this year. I am so proud to be a part of it.

I am looking forward to a very busy summer. A few months back I blew a disk in my lower back and had extensive therapy; however I also pulled a groin that has been slow healing. So I lost 10 pounds and had three cortisone shots that didn’t help at all. So I will see a surgeon this summer. First, however, I am having gastric bypass to lose more weight faster. This is a scary venture to me but the only way I can qualify for a new kidney.

I think I’ve mentioned before, I have struggled with diabetes and a very low thyroid. My end stage kidney failure was not cause from diabetes. I have that under control and managing with diet and exercise alone. I am taking control for a better quality of life.

Our school had its first annual fundraising auction. Several loving things were donated as well as a goat, a car, and decorated baskets of goodies. It was so much fun we are already planning for next year.

Keith and Christina are visiting us over the Fourth of July with Taylor. Taylor is getting so tall I can’t wait to hug her. She will be going to the MSOA summer camp with Jessica and Kayla. Lisa and I will be teaching some very large classes and it will be so fun to have all my grand-children involved.

Well we never got a puppy last heat but Milea is possibly pregnant again. They all sold thankfully to very nice homes and Janna has possible buyer for the next litter. We will spend a day camping and barbequing on Harry and Nancy’s farm again. It has become a Barnes’s tradition on the Fourth of July. If all goes as planned the puppies will be born too.

I have finished a new portrait of my daughter and nearly finished my husband’s portrait. I’ve had fun with several pen and ink designs this past semester. I hope to go back to school full time by next spring. Until then I enjoy helping the children where ever I am needed. I hope to improve my website as well.