Saturday started out Great. Extra Great. So wonderful that I wouldn't shut up about what a Great Day it was.
Beth and I met up to go to Bottom's Up. The BEST antiquing experience in KC. Gwen and Terry find the most intriguing dealers whose displays and talent are crammed to the brim with inspiration and wow.
But best of all, we kept running into friends and spent lots of time chatting and catching up with fellow junking buddies.
I'd had a bad cold and a back ache for a couple of weeks, through the busy holiday time, and kept pushing myself to pretend I was fine and to keep enjoying the jingle bell season instead of letting myself get rested and over it all. Plus, Sugarwings had been sick before Christmas and I'd been traveling, and well, you know how worked up a person can get at that time of year anyway, add a few tasty little tid bits like that and moods can really turn dour and sour when the whole after Christmas let down period kicks in.
Yep, I was down, and tired and not quite myself. I've been trying to get my examples for the Birdsong Two classes done and nothing was clicking, because of my mood.
So, I took some time off from trying to be creative, eradicated all trace of holiday decor from my house, and zipped off to KC to Bottom's Up and to hang with my BFF.
Did I mention that it was a Great Day? And I was so happy, I was obnoxious about it. I desperately needed a day of pure fun.
And not only did I visit with friends, see beautiful old stuff, I BOUGHT a lot of beautiful, wonderful, old stuff. At beautiful, wonderful prices. Yep, Bottom's Up is a top-of-the-line place, but there are deals to be found there too. You can find exquisite, one of a kind, high dollar items, and you can also find exquisite, one of a kind, great deals!
What really made me happy was that I found just the ideas and supplies I needed to make my Birdsong projects for the classes!
Yep, not only did I come up with a plan, I found enough to make 25 kits, plus extras for examples and to practice on.
I hope to get them done soon and get the photos up.
I'm so pleased with the registration for Birdsong Two. Its filling up quickly. I've been away from my computer, so don't have an exact count, but its getting there. (you can still join us the last weekend of April if you'd like!)
Yes, a Great Day was just what I needed, Beth and I went to BU, as well as all the other pop up stores that are only open one weekend a month in the Old West Bottom's region of Kansas City, tucked into warehouses and abandoned buildings. The backgrounds of the stores are always interesting.
Look what we came across at one of the places, I can't remember which. There are LOTS of them now, all within a few blocks. Maybe it was at Bella Patina?
Anyway, its a buffet that I painted years ago and sold at my old antique mall booth.
Its always cheery to see one of my pieces out in the world. And I was feeling so cheery by then, I was almost punch drunk. I think I told Beth that I loved her a few times.
Then, things started to fall apart. I dropped Beth off at her home, just as the phone was ringing to tell me that Sugarwings was in the hospital, not far from Beth's house, luckily I was ten minutes away.
When I got there, I heard the story that she had been at one of those big, indoor play places at a birthday party, and had fallen from the top level, luckily hitting a bouncy slide on her way down before plummeting to the ground.
Her mommy was the hero that day. She couldn't find anyone to help her or to let them out of the play area, through the canvas sides. So, she had to scoop up our little fairy with her broken wing and carry her through the rest of the kid's obstacle course to get her out of the building! Up and down a slide, through the ball pit, etc, she ran while carrying her daughter. No employee came to help her or answered her calls to let them out a short cut.
All of the family gathered as soon as they could at the hospital. Her Daddy's truck wouldn't start, and he took off on his bike to meet my husband to get a ride from Lawrence, leaving his bike in a ditch when he finally met up with his dad and hopping in his truck.
When they arrived, my husband was limping. And wouldn't tell me why, said it could wait till we got our fairy baby transferred to the Children's hospital for surgery.
Apparently, he knew I had needed a fun day out and hadn't called me earlier to tell me that he'd stood on a dead log that broke in half while he was using his chain saw, and that he gashed his leg open with that saw. Well, that is my nightmare come true. I hate those things and have been dreading this for years.
Thank you all for your kind words and prayers while I was staying up at the hospital with our girl, who is much braver than I am. She is feeling better and uses her left hand and her toes to do about anything she wants to.
We are home now, and its hard to keep her quiet. It was a very serious break, and she is not to play outside for a while. Somehow or another, we are supposed to keep that little fireball tranquil a few weeks so she can heal. She has 3 pins in her elbow and some nerve damage in her hand, that the Dr. says should heal within a year. But its important to not bump or move it all around much for right now.
So, we are watching movies, and movies, and more movies. Today we all went to see TinTin in 3D.
I'm doing better now too. That first night, I concentrated on not fainting or letting my thoughts dwell on chainsaws. I was in more than a bit of shock, and didn't cope well with either accident. But both patients are sturdy and doing well. And I think that my Great Day with Beth helped me quite a bit and gave me the boost I needed to cope.
Sadly, while we were staying at hotels near the hospital a couple of days, our little Sparkle's health has deteriorated. Her kidneys have been failing, but now its beyond that. I came home to floors covered in, well, we won't go into that, you've heard enough. I bathed her, sanitized the floors, and called the vet. If you have any well wishes left to spare for my family, I'd appreciate some sent to "Special Sparkle" as Sugarwings calls her. She's frail and not doing well at all.
Thanks again for caring. I was too shaky to read any of my book, and newsprint just blurred in front of my eyes while I was in the waiting rooms. It was nice to have those sweet, caring Facebook and blog comments to read. Some people don't understand and wonder why I care what strangers have to say. But these weren't from "strangers".
Some were from our family, some were close friends, some were blog friends, some Bellas, some art buddies. All were people who cared. And reading those caring words really did help.
Thanks so much.
OMG. Too much for one family to have to deal with. How sad about little Sparkle, I hope she perks up and starts to sparkle again, quickly! Glad Sugarwings is on the road to recovery, she is young and hopefully will mend quickly, too! Grandma hugs will help with the healing process!
What a roller coaster of a day! That is all just too much. Lots of good wishes to all your babies, especially (right now) the four-legged furry ones.
Oh, my, what a lot to happen all at the same time! Poor little Sugarwings – hoping for complete healing! That party play place needs to do some work, I’d say, both structurally & in customer service. So good her mother was right on the spot! Hope your husband’s leg is much better by now too. Can you “suggest” he not use the chain saw when you’re not at home? Scary! And, then, poor little Sparkle!
Glad you had your good day to build up your strength for all that happened afterwards! Hang in there!
Best to you and your family, Karla!! I know sometimes it seems like when it rains it pours. We all know that too well!!
Take care and keep your chin up!!!
Jenn@whineroses
My husband has promised to buy chain saw pants!
Sent from my iPad
Oh my gosh….who would thought that while we were fondling French paper and dissing blue paint everything else that was going on.
The picture of your four girls in their glasses cracks me up almost as much as the pictures I took of you drinking bubble tea. You know, Leelee looks a little bit like Kelly Ripa, too. And Caitlen looks like Natalie Maines, Christee looks like Julia Roberts and Mayara looks like her glasses are too big.
a (((BIGHUG))) to you Karla xo
Special prayers, special thoughts, special everything sent your way…. It’s hard being a grandma… we wrap everything we know into those little blessings. They take over our lives like know one else can. So do the hubby-fellows…All will be well, it will become yet another memory… as they all do. We all live through the same kinds of “trials and tribulations” and some how we make it through. Life throws us curve balls… gives us lemons… makes us think and feel…. it’s all apart of what we are suppose to do. Called LIFE. Take care my friend… it will get better. Rest and keep your strength up. THEY NEED YOU! Your friend… xoso Sandy
Karla,
Oh my. I’m so glad to hear that both sugar wings and your sweetie are both on the mend! Wow, please be sure to take care of You too! So sorry to hear about sparkles failing health. Hope she improves soon. Our fur babies are also just like our children. Well, I hope you have all this out of your system (lol) and brighter days are ahead for you n your family.
Sending a big hug!!
Xo
Cheryl
I am sad about Sparkles… Special hugs…
Oh Karla, I am so sorry to hear all that has happened to your beautiful family. I hope Sugar Wings stays calm and heals and that your husband is ok and poor sparkles, wow so much to take in. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care. Hugs, Terri
Oh you poor darling Karla – I can feel your pain from here.
Sweet little Sugarwings – what a dreadful experience for everyone.
Take care all of you and God Bless
Hugs great hugs and special prayers coming all the way from New Zealand.
with much love
Shane xox
That WAS the best and the worst!
Saying a little prayer of thanks that neither Sugarwings or your husband were hurt any worse! Hoping that recovery is quick!
OMG–now Sparkle on top of all of this–yikes–so sorry! I hope when the dust settles that someone will contact the owner or manager of that playspace and tell them what happened there. That is not right that Sugarwings mom had to run an obstacle course to get her out of there!!
so relieved that all is well, that healing is taking place and rest and quiet are the doctors orders. Keeping your sweet sparkles in my thoughts and prayers too.
“I desperately needed a day of pure fun.”
I TOTALLY know the feeling. I almost ruined a trip to Disneyland because I keep pushing myself more and more and more trying to refill my fun meter. Breaking down crying in The Happiest Place On Earth when one little thing went sour and thus upset everything was one of the most ironic moments of my life.
Except yours downside was much more than a little thing, it was two big disasters. Most have felt ten times worse. I am so proud of you getting through it, and even more so for asking for moral support. It’s so hard to ask for help when it is needed most. Prayers that you and your family will continue to find a plethora of fun non-active things like TinTin 3D to keep happy with (and to keep Sugarwings immobile).
Similarly, prayers that Sparkle’s remaining time will be as peaceful as possible. It’s always sad for a pet who has been as dearly loved as a family member to finish their time. At least you know Sparkle has had the best home ever to know happiness: Your home, Karla. Bless you for being so sincere, caring, emotional, and all good things that a person or pet could possibly dream of. *hug*
SO glad they are doing better! What a day, unbelievable. So glad you family is close and is able to be together when you need them! Hope they all mend quickly!
ohhhh, I’m so sorry about Sparkle. Yes, your family too, but I mentioned that on your early post, so this one is for Sparkle.
Take care Karla.
Laurie
What a day!
Hugs to you, to precious Sugarwings, and to Special Sparkle.
(Chainsaws scare me too)
~Becca~
oh Karla, my heart just about breaks for you, reading this. It is too horrible how life can just turn on you in the blink of an eye.
Poor Sugarwings, that IS a serious break. My nephew has pins in his leg, so I totally understand how important it is that she does as she’s told and takes it easy. Easier said than done at that age.
What to say about the chainsaw. Horrible things, and again, accients can happen so very quickly. Horrid what happened, but I am so glad it wasn’t worse.
Thinking of your little Sparkle.
xxx
across the miles and cyberspace, sending you and your loved ones wishes for speedy healing. hang in there.
maggie
Oh sweet Karla, I am so deeply sorry to hear about your precious Sugarwings and your husband. Sending healing prayers your way also courage, strength, and quite moments of joy as you tend to your patients.
Blessings and healing wishes to you all and to your little furry one also! xo
Karla you poor thing! Prayers to all for healing,strength,and grace. Your fur child will be heald in the arms of god.
Oh Karla, I am sorry for all of these things happening right now! You and your family are in my prayers!
Karla, I never run out of prayers (heaven help me if I ever do…I’d be lost.) and I’m sending one up for all of y’all. I’m sure you feel a bit like Job. I know I would. All in one day…unbelievable. In taking care of all those you love, I would ask you leave a little time for taking care of you…please.
Debbie
P.S. A special prayer for Sparkle will be said as well.
What a horrible start to the year, hopefully you’ve had your share of the bad things for the year and nothing but good left in the year! hugs and take care of yourself.
Karla , jut this am read the post –so sorry about family injuries — those are almost heart stopping moments — Praying for a full recovery and quick healing — Hugz to all _ KAthy – ga ♥
Bless your heart. I am so sorry to hear about Sparkle. Fur babies are still your babies and it hurts to lose them or see them suffering. Good luck with keeping Sugarwings down long enough to heal. I’m sure that will be a challenge. I hope that both her and your husband recovery quickly and fully. Sending you a big hug to get through this difficult time.
Karla: I’m so sorry to hear about everything going on in your life, but you are strong and this will all pass and everyone, hopefully, will be fine. Then I read about Sparkle and my heart sank. These are the friends that we come home to at the end of the day to help us deal with all of life’s blessings. I’m praying for family and Sparkle that she can have some peace from her suffering, if she is suffering. I know what you are dealing with as I too had a furry friend that had those troubles, lots of work and work and work and not the way you want to see them spend their last days. Try and remain positive and this will all work out. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh my gosh. By the time I got to the end after all that and read about Sparkle I burst into tears. I’m so glad Sugarwings is on the mend and your husband too, but I am so sorry about Sparkle. Big hugs.
oh poor Sparkle! *hugs*
I am just reading this now, I am so sorry to hear all of this, but sending my bestest wishes for all of you, your way!!!
You have been in my thoughts every day! Please give extra hugs and kisses to Sugarwings from us all!
you are so right the best and worst of times…maybe the best was needed to help you through the worst.I cringe when hubbie uses the chainsaw, mind you I did use a small one while wearing flip-flops, not too bright of me..sending prayers and love to lil Sparkle….you all look so cute watching Tintin lol
Oh Karla ! My heart goes out to you… I truly do know the feeling. Only it was our son, Abe who had jumped off of a Jungle Gym at age 7 when we were in Tallahassee at a Kenneth Copeland Convention, my mom was babysitting at the time. And, came home to find he had jumped and broken a huge chunk out of his left elbow. ( The days before cell phones)
Had to go in for surgery and pins were put in.
GOOD NEWS IS : They heal very quickly ! Praying your Hubby heals quick, too and feels better soon.
And, little Sparkle too… but, if its Sparkles time to go … think of all the days and years she loved you and your family … our beautiful : ” Beau ” a gorgeous Black-Spotted Dalmatian w/ Blue eyes, is in Doggie Heaven from Kidney Failure … if thats her future hope he will meet her there. Hope you feel better, soon too. Get some rest ! Hugs & Prayers.
My goodness, Karla. That sure is a lot of good and bad going on there. Knowing you though, you’ll be putting on your fairy wings and waving around your magic wand and all the bad will surely slowly disappear… 🙂 Hang in there!
Oh Karla what a couple of days you have had. I am so glad that Sugarwings and your hubby are on the mend. I am sure you will love them up and they will sail right through. But hearing about Sparkle was just too much… Oh I hope she gets better. Now go get some love from Sparkle, it will be good for both of you. And when you feel up to it go create something beautiful to feed your soul.
That is just so aweful! Poor girl, being the mother of 3, just the thought of a fall like that seizes my heart. And your hubby, and you, oh my gosh. What a whirlwind of bad fortune. But it can only last so long and things will be on the up and up soon. I hope the little darling heals fast. Hugs!
Oh Karla, now that your “people” are on the mend, I’m so sorry to hear about Sparkle. I’ll continue my prayers for *everyone* , Sugarwings, hubby, Sparkle, and YOU! xoxo
Oh, Karla….God bless you, and little Sugarwings, and your husband, and little Sparkle (who is a member of the family, I am sure). That’s an awful lot for you to bear, but remember your on-line friends are sending up prayers for you and yours. Love, Patty in Kansas
Oh, dear Karla…I was just sick after reading your post. How horrible! So glad Sugarwings is on the mend, poor lil sweetie. I cringed reading about your hubby–I make mine carry his cell phone w/him when he’s out on the tractor or using the chain saw…scares the spit outa me! Hope his accident wasn’t too serious, and he’s learned not to do such things when you’re not home. And poor Sparkle…I’m praying for your lil furbaby, as well as the whole family. May God bless and heal you all.
My goodness Karla, I need to check on you more often!
I am so sorry about all the scarry injuries to your family.
I pray going forward a great recovery and healthy new year for all of you, and little Sparkles, I will be thinking of you all!
Oh my heart and soul go out to you. Praying for sweet Sugarwings and peace for you too.
Boy, it always seems like troubles come in a group, doesn’t it? I am so sad about Sparkle (you don’t have to tell me how dogs are members of the family) – and both of those injuries sound terrifying. I still have my daughter’s little pink cast from when she broke her arm when she was 4 – it’s awful when they get hurt, but thankfully they do heal quickly. Take care, Karla!
I hope everyone is feeling better soon, including poor sweet Sparkle. Have you seen the preschool Uno farm game? She may be too old for it, but it’s really adorable and is a great little keeping still type of family fun. Good Luck, and may your year get better quickly.
Oh my, Karla! I’m just reading all of this and I am so very sad for you. Just one of those things in your life would’ve been enough, but your hubby, Sugarwings and Sparkle too??? I am so very sorry you are going through all of this with your beautiful family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.