Silent Sunday
Saturday …
My daily blog post has been difficult these last few weeks. I thought returning to work even for a few hours might make it all better and of course it will in time. As I write I hear that little voice ‘What is the rush?’
After a lifetime of commitment and routine, why should I not consider my welfare and health for a week or so? It hard to believe I am deserved and entitled to this merely because I have paid into a National Health Service.
So being back at work albeit between painkillers and attached, at times to the TENS, it was good catching up on emails, booking next year’s annual leave and looking at a few books.
AlphabeThursday … A is for the art of tea
I am tired of writing about my recent demise, but being away from my place of work I feel bereft of ideas and inspiration. Even, this week returning with a ‘phased’ doctor’s note I am still unable to use the surrounds positively in my daily blog post; it just doesn’t seem appropriate.
Even with the AlphabeThursday that came to a natural close last week and is not directly related to the library; I struggle for inspiration. I am incline not to partake in this round until I feel better.
But this is silly!
I reflect on daily life since being confined to home for the last few weeks, alone and in pain for hours at a time. I have learned to break the day up with pleasant interludes; snack-ettes and tea breaks to coincide with the pain control. These rituals are not new, they are part of a recovery plan not this most recent, but probably as I came from the womb. Comforting actions to revive, motivate, strengthen in times of hardship, grief and down-heartedness. I have tried other remedies, some extreme, maverick, inappropriate, some perhaps more suitable I have continued and maintained.
Tea drinking has remained a favourite and stood me in good stead for the past few weeks.
I have been drinking tea since I was a child (except when I was drinking some more harmful fluids to get enhanced joys) then, milky and sweet; dropping the sugar and milk later.
It was much later when I began acupuncture during my menopause (15 years ago) and the practitioner recommended green tea and introduced me to to a supplier of fine Chinese tea and thus my relationship with tea developed and a means to celebrate my well being rather than regret my passing fertility.
So, in a bid to revitalise my blog posts I begin a new AlphabeThursday with the Art of Tea. A is for Anne at Attic Tea, Acupuncture and the queen of Camellia.
Weekly Photo challenge … Victory
Not wanting to dwell on the last few weeks. Just to celebrate my ‘phased’ return to work and some dry points done as I attempted to ‘work’ for an hour or two yesterday.
Silent Sunday
Saturday …
Six weeks into absence from work; the pain is now manageable and the mood is better. I cannot attribute one thing to this improvement, but it has not been without considerable effort. It would have been easy to succumb to the original medical advice and taken prescribed drugs and to be honest I was keen to be pain free. Little did I know these so called medicines where harmful even in the short term, addictive and were not guaranteed as a long term cure!
I am pleased that although I am not yet drug free or even pain free; I am in control (ish) and out of the woods.
Today, I celebrate with a car journey to Essex not a million miles away but will require some sitting which still remains painful. However, I have a contingency plan and remain hopeful.
Today I send messages to those who journey today and thank those who have made it possible for me to enjoy a bit of normality …
A week or so back I planted some lily of the valley tubers … I would like to draw them but without a live image I am at a loss. But the result sketched while grizzling in my gloom a day or so back is pleasing.
Friday Snapshot …
I am looking forward to returning to work next week, albeit with some medical appointments factored in and selected coping mechanisms in place. I am sure the time is right and I am hopeful that this time next week I will be posting a snapshot from Special Collections.
Sadly,while at home reading has not been the most comfortable experience but dipping proved to be most enjoyable … this book was very lovely bought recently on a trip to Bankside Gallery in London.
Fine print : East Anglia’s artists celebrate 20 years of the Norwich Print Fair.
Wednesday ….
This week I celebrate Maria Arango Diener, a printmaking artist living in Southwest USA. Maria has been widely exhibited in regional, national and international venues. It is her aim to complete 1000 woodcuts, to this end she ‘coerces’ fellow printmakers to collaborating on monumental puzzle woodcuts and then goes on to promote ways in which … Artists can make peace!
I was delighted to be part this wonderful enterprise and see myself in print … Thank you Maria.
Weekly Challlenge … ornate
The mood in the world of Nela Bligh is not inclined to ornate at present; so these two guys are as good as it gets. In a gap in my daughter’s bookcase they tetter. Almost, vying for my attention as I grizzle supine on the bed; debating between TENS or ice packs.
So any ornate in a storm.
Monday ….
It is Monday, when usually I can reflect on the previous week and maintain some hope and good spirit, but today it seems this is not likely.
Last week, while struggling to get a balance in the management of back pain, I increased the levels of acupuncture, began physiotherapy and osteo manipulation; so for three days I was pushed, pulled and pierced with needles. So it was not surprising to find on Saturday I was feeling a little out of sorts and still in pain.
I have also wrestled with some sort of eating pattern and more important to sleep. By Saturday the latter was beginning to a cause a problem with my drug taking. After only 4-6 hour sleep a night for weeks, I have 18 hours or more to keep pain free! this is not a joke …. the pain is at times ghastly. As a result on Saturday, at 5.30 pm, in a situation where I am inconsolable and at risk of ‘overdosing’ on the phone to 111, working out ways in which it get some relief; before I can sleep and begin the routine again.
I have over the last few weeks been in contact with the Out of Hours service … mostly me, supine, crying and stricken in pain; they or rather Dr Ahmed on Saturday, kind and supportive; working out ways which I can get through the next 4 or so hours … without considering an OD or using more harmful drugs.
So after careful thought I was offered a little, weird but happy mix; a cream of capsicum to warm and relax the painful muscle, and, just in case, the heat is a little more intense than the pain in supposed to ease, an analgesic, that is not quite so invasive but still without harmful side effects or risky when close to an overdose situation; as an Ibrufon gel might be. Also a herbal sleeping tablet … joy!
So the next few days will be spent getting well; eating, sleeping and nursing my poor back with love.
Coat Hanger Doll's House 