Note: If it looks to you like Steve has a beard in these pictures it’s because he does! He is playing a big role in our upcoming Easter drama and that role requires him to grow a beard. (Which he will be most happy to shave off when the time comes.)
Last Saturday, Sarah and Steve went out to gather pine straw from our front yard.
Pine straw gathering is something we’uns do in the south to occupy ourselves, since we don’t (as a rule) shovel snow.
As you may have already surmised, picking up pine straw (and moving it from place to place), is not widely regarded as a fun occupation. (Although Steve and Sarah managed to make it fun-ish.)
It requires strength, agility, and durability. (Which is why I was gathering the pictures and not the straw.)
I have to say that Steve and Sarah made a formidable Pine Straw Gathering Team.
In fact, if there are ever Pine Straw Gathering Olympics . . .
. . . the two of them would most certainly go for the gold.
Midway through their task, I broke through their intense Pine Gathering Concentration and asked them to pose for a picture. Which they graciously did.
Then they decided they wanted to recreate the American Gothic pose. Unfortunately though, Sarah got to giggling so hard at the thought of posing therewith, that she had to put her rake in front of her face for about a half an hour until she could gather her composure.
It appears that gathering pine straw is easier than gathering one’s composure.
Okay. Finally serious. American Gothic serious.
And then it was back to giggles and pine straw.
On a slightly more serious note: I have an appointment with a Rheumatologist this afternoon. Last week, she ordered x-rays of my hands and 4 tubes of blood to be drawn. (I was a little curious during the lab work; the technician had never heard of one of the tests and went and asked several colleagues about it; they had never heard of it either so they had to all go look it up!) She also (for some reason) tested for Hepatitis.
Today she will let me know whether or not I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. She said in my last visit that she was leaning toward it but of course, won’t have a definitive diagnosis till she see the test results.
To be honest, I’m feeling a little old-ish, a bit weary-ish, a tad sad-ish just thinking about those sobering words being bandied about my person. I realize it’s not a death sentence or anything but for someone who plays piano, takes pictures, does graphic design, edits photos, writes a blog, etc. my hands are just a little bit important to me. (And also to my happiness and well being.)
I’ll let you know what I find out.
Uhm…. decidedly not a southerner, here…. what exactly IS pine straw? And why would one rake and gather it?
Kristina,
Pine straw is pine needles that fall from pine trees. Eastern North Carolina is RIFE with pine trees. And we rake it so that it doesn’t clog up our yards; some people use it for decorative purposes in landscaping.
Oh goodness, I would so much rather be raking and gathering pine needles than the snow I was out shoveling this morning before my daycare parents arrived 🙂 They did make it look fun though.
Sorry about the RA possibility. My mom had it quite bad, and if you keep on using your hands even through the hurt, she said that is what kept her hands moving for years and years after she was diagnosed with it. Also, she would run warm water in the morning and just gently rub her hands under it or with washing dishes in the morning it would help her to “limber” up her hands for the day better. Praying for you
Wendy, thanks so much for the RA tips; I always learn so much from my wonderful readers. And yes, raking pine needles is definitely a lot easier than shoveling snow! 🙂
Becky, I have horribly arthiritic hands and joints. I understand your concern. I will pray for you. Mine comes from the decades of banging on typewriters and then keyboards for thousands and thousands of hours. However, continued use of my hands helps – somethings are not as easy as before but keep using them because you can’t keep RA or any other ailment from the things you love! And I know you won’t if that is what is happening. Praying for you.
Mary, I’m a keyboard pounder, too, which I’m sure has exacerbated my condition. But I’m going to keep on doing what I love–may be a little slower and less efficient occasionally, but I’ll keep going! Thanks for your words of encouragement.
Prayers for you, my friend!
Guerrina, thanks so much!
Praying that our God that heals is well at work in you today. My mother-in-law has just gotten a preliminary diagnosis of lymphoma. And, as you know we are fellow travelers on the NB road. But, the doctor said something that really struck me at the consult. He told us that God wants us to be whole, healthy, and happy. If that cannot be achieved here…then He has a spot for us. While I know you are no where near this sick, I just love the thought of that…for my mother-in-law and of course for my Sarah who is just waiting for us all to get home.
Lisa, wow, your mother-in-law has a wise and insightful doctor. His words are so true. (And I’m sorry about her recent diagnosis; that is a difficult road to travel.)
Becky,
I’m so very sorry to hear your news about the possibility of RA. I can imagine this must be a pretty scary and difficult situation, especially because as you mentioned RA can impact some of the things you love to do such as playing the piano and writing. I can also imagine this is especially challenging as you’ve already lost some of your singing abilities due to your COPD. It must feel like a lot of loss.
One thing I’m learning through my own health journey is to turn to God in the difficulties. My natural bent is to try to do things my way- but God is in control and has a plan. And God has gifted you with some wonderful creative gifts (including writing this blog!) Know that your creativity in your writing, photography, design, singing, and more have been gifted to you by God- and He holds them (and you) gently and lovingly in the palm of his hand. He gave you these gifts for a reason (and you have used them very well) and he continues to have a plan for you and your life.
Like you, I enjoy creative pursuits, and another thing I’ve learned is to apply my creativity to finding creative ways to still do as many of the activities I really love to do. Writing is also one of my great passions in life so on the days when I’m not feeling great and not up to traditional typing on a computer, I use voice recognition software that is super easy and inexpensive. It turns what I speak in to text on my computer, cell phone or tablet. This may be an option for you as well if your blogging/ writing is impacted.
If the diagnosis is positive for RA, I also advise you to become really educated about RA and possible treatments. I’ve learned I have to be my own advocate and take responsibility for my health and well-being (under my dr’s guidance). I’ve heard that treatments for RA have dramatically improved over the recent years compared to past decades and some people have a very good response to medications. Back when I was a physio (before my health worsened and I had to switch careers 5 years ago) I once did a placement in a RA treatment centre that focused on wellness and treating the entire patient- from education about RA and available treatments and the most advanced medications and alternative therapies to nutrition to medicine to physio to water therapy to OT to psychology to exercise to relaxation. If there is something near where you live I’d highly recommend it.
Anyways, please know I’ll be praying for you.
One Bible verse that has brought me much comfort over the years is John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. New Living Translation (©2007)
Jenna
Jenna, I loved your line about using our creativity to find creative ways to continue to do the things we love. That is such a great thought.
I always know that your words of encouragement stem from much suffering and that gives them so much weight and meaning to me. Thank you for taking the time to share.
Sending prayers your way Becky! Please, please stay well! Your posts are the best!
Barbara, so very happy to know that you enjoy my posts; thanks for letting me know and thanks for praying!
Becky, so sorry to hear you are facing what might be Rheumatoid arthritis, I certainly hope this is not the case. I, like you,love to work with my hands, I once did counted cross stitch (which I dearly love to do since I have ABSOLUTELY no artistic talent, it makes feel a little bit like an artist).I have a husband who is extrememly talented artistic wise. I love a compter, love to do counted cross stitch and play a little bit of piano(notice I said a LITTLE bit). Hands are important in all these things. Several years ago I lost the sight in my left eye due to a detached retina. No big deal really, there are lots of other people way worse off than I am, but I digress. After six surgeries, I decided I would protect my remaining good eye until I retired (which by the way I plan to do this June, Yippee)One thing that I learned through the grace of God through this is that I can do anything I set my mind to and with your wonderful attitude I know that you will to. God always finds a way. I started scrapbooking, another artistic outlet for someone with no artistic talent.I will be praying for you, my dear friend that things will work out for the best and the way that God sees fit. God bless, I have had my lift for today through your blog, I think I shall go back to work(oops don’t tell anybody) 🙂
Gail, I love how you’ve found ways to express your creativity even though you think you aren’t creative or artistic! I haven’t done much scrap booking but have always thought it looked like a lot of fun. Glad the blog gave you a lift! 🙂
Yes, prayers sent your way. Getting older is tough. I work with the (very) elderly and I admire the dignity with which they cope.
Lesley, I agree. Whenever Steve and I go to visit one of our parishoners who is up there in age, I am always inspired by their courage and their dignity–such a good example for those of us who follow behind.
Who knew there would be straw pickin up this time of the year. Ha…all we think about is shoveling snow. 🙂
I’m praying for you sweet friend as you get your results today. Isn’t it funny that we are growing older…when our mind thinks we are still in our 20’s or early 30’s?
We had a scare over Christmas with Tim…we spent 3 days in the hospital (finally getting home Christmas night) due to a small crack on his foot…which became infected…and developed into a staph infection….only to discover he has type 2 diabetes. Needless to say..we were overwhelmed with information and a complete new lifestyle (eating and working out). Yet, so thankful that we discovered this now and it treatable, and the doctor is hopeful that Tim will be able to go off his medication and manage it with food choices…and working out.
And, remember…God’s gone on before/ahead of you. Nothing catches him by surprise, and he WILL make a way….and he will hold you up by his right hand.
Praying that your faith be lifted up today.
Kim~
Praying that your F
Praying that your FAITH be lifte
Kim, what a traumatic time for you and Tim, and then for it all to happen right at Christmas! So glad the staph was treated successfully and he’s back on the mend. I noticed you posting on FB several times about being at the gym–you go!
Thanks for your sweet words of encouragement.
Sending prayers your way Becky!
Shawn, prayers ALWAYS appreciated.
What? No Pine Strawman?
Also…((((HUGS)))) to you, Becky. I will send up a prayer for you, too!
Krista, too funny! I guess we need to try to build one next time around. 🙂
ugh.. RA doesn’t sound like fun at all! Hope the doctor will be leaning the other way when you get your results.
Mrs. Pam, nope. No fun. At all! But I’m glad I’m getting it diagnosed and treated early; from what I’ve read it early treatment is crucial. So I’m tryin’!
We’re praying for you through all this…
Matt, thank you so much. I hope you and Theresa are doing well and will find a place to settle in soon.