I've been sick...

Hi everyone!

It's been THREE weeks since my last post and 

that's because I have been so sick with a very nasty flu. 

I was pretty much bedridden for a week and a half of that time. 

The constant deep coughing caused me to strain a muscle 

in my chest/rib area and it hurt to even breathe.
It even caused a sinus infection too
which had even my gums aching.
So painful!

I ended up at the doctor's and was given antibiotics 

and anti-inflammatory medication.
I had asthma on top of it all too
so it has not been a fun time at all.

I apologise to all my Sunday Sketches pals and other online friends 

for not visiting and commenting on their blogs over that time. 

I was just too sick to do much of anything but now I can. 

I'm happy to say that I'm about 90% better now. 

So, onward and upward. 

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I learned recently that an online friend
who I have known for close to ten years
nearly drowned in a snorkelling incident
while she was vacationing in Hawaii
with her Grandchildren.
Thankfully, she made it through
the emergency surgery that followed.

SO scary!

It was lovely to see her friends and family
come together online in prayer and support
as it was a very close call for her.
One of her friends said she would make a Book for Gemma
if we wanted to contribute.
A great idea!

This was my contribution for Gemma

I figure it could be a reminder of the turtles Gemma saw in Hawaii.
It was sketched on a 7" x 5" piece of paper from a sketchbook.
I then used watercolours and my Pentel pocket brush pen to finish.
I printed a friendship saying for the reverse side of the page.

I thought it could pass for my Sunday Sketches contribution this week too.
You can check out the Sunday Sketches participants for this week HERE.

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It feels great to be getting back into the swing of things.

Today, I've been working on a quick abstract painting
for my ensuite to match my new bedroom colours
which you saw in my previous post.

Stay tuned to see the end result in my next post.

A sketch and some home decorating

It's been three and a half weeks since my carpal tunnel surgery 

and I'm pleased with where the healing progress is at 

despite some recent days of bad pain.  

At first, I thought it was getting infected 

but I think it's more because I'd worked my hand too hard. 

At this stage of recovery, 

I still can't twist lids off, apply pressure...either pushing or pulling, 

nor can I lift anything heavier than 2 kilograms.  

If I do push it too hard,
I suffer for it later.
I found that out the hard way.
According to the specialist, 

it will be at least another 4 to 8 weeks 

before my hand will be fully healed. 

**********************************

I missed a couple of weeks of doing Sunday Sketches 

so I managed a quick sketch today.   

Pen and watercolours in Holcroft A6 Travel journal

You can check out the other Sunday Sketches participants HERE. 

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After having a green and turquoise colour scheme in my bedroom 

for over seven years now, I decided it was time for a change.
Of course, finances being as they are
meant a shoestring budget.

So, this Buddha got a new look
with a simple coat of paint.

from this...

to this

I opted for mostly white in my bedroom with grey and black accents 

with some greenery.
The grey cushions and throw were from Kmart.
The floral painting is one I did ages ago
and swapped over from my lounge room.
The black shelf pull-outs also came from my lounge room
which now has even more blue and green accents. 

I love it! 

Cody approves 

Speaking of Cody, 

Rita, I thought you might get a kick out of seeing his DogTV. 

This pic makes me think of Karma. hehe

I hope you are all enjoying a beautiful weekend! 

Time to rest my hand...

Carpal tunnel surgery, a sketch, & a turmeric latte recipe

On Wednesday, June 8th, 

I had carpal tunnel surgery on my left hand. 

I had the same surgery on my right hand back in February 

and it took three months to heal which is the norm 

according to the surgeon. 

 It is definitely a lot easier this time around 

being that it's not my dominant hand so 

I don't feel as debilitated as I did back in February. 

For whatever reason, I'm having less pain this time too 

so that is another bonus.

I'm linking up with Sunday Sketches this week. 

You can check out the other participants HERE. 

They paint your hand and forearm with a pink cleaning fluid 

just before the procedure is done. 

A bright, hot pink colour that isn't easy to wipe off.

I've been taking it fairly easy this week with strict instructions 

not to use my left hand at all for two weeks. 

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We had a pretty morning sky yesterday.

A few days ago, I made turmeric lattes for me and Bradley. 

SO yummy! 

Turmeric is very good for you too. 

It has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body 

so great for people with arthritis and other aches and pains. 

The recipe I used is below. 

Ingredients below are for one standard cup. 

Adjust accordingly for more cups.

INGREDIENTS 

1 cup (250ml) Almond Milk - Sweetened 

1 teaspoon Turmeric (fresh or ground) 

½ teaspoon Cinnamon 

1 teaspoon Coconut oil 

METHOD 

I warmed the Almond Milk on the stove top, 

then added the dry ingredients 

and let it get hot but not boiling. 

I whisked the whole time to get a nice froth. 

Then I added the coconut oil  

just before pouring into the cup. 

I sprinkled with a little nutmeg for garnish.

NOTES

You can use any plant-based milk. 

If you use unsweetened milk, 

you may want to add a teaspoon 

of coconut sugar or raw sugar.
I used ground turmeric but,
if you use the fresh one,
it's up to you if you strain it or not.
A lot of people like to chew on the fresh one.

ENJOY!