A Picture Is Worth 1,000 Words
…but I’m chatty, so here’s pictures AND words.

Bought Mom a bouquet of flowers for her birthday. Couldn’t resist taking a few macro shots before I gave them to her.
Mom’s birthday was last Wednesday the 8th, and we were going to get together at my sister’s on Saturday for a birthday party but Mom wasn’t feeling well, so we did it on Sunday instead.
My sister had some technical problems with the grill (i.e. it didn’t work) so “lunch” turned into “dinner.” Unfortunately, Love had a really bad migraine attack and we had to leave very quickly right after cake.
He was still sick Monday, and wound up having to call in. The neurologist had increased his medication a couple weeks ago, but his attacks still aren’t back under control. It’s worrying to say the least.
Meanwhile, my neck has reached critical mass. If you don’t know, I have permanent neck damage and I use therapeutic massage to try to keep it from seizing up on me and causing me migraines. Well, unfortunately, with everything going on, (like Love’s problems and multiple doctor visits) it’s been months since my last massage. And I’ve reached the point where I’m in constant pain and having daily migraines as a result.
So I’ve been slathering my neck with Tylenol Precise (which is basically a “Bengay” or “Icy Hot” type cream) pretty much daily. Makes me smell mentholated but it’s helped. Well, that and many (many) doses of ibuprofen plus WellPatch Migraine Cooling Pads AND {generic} Imitrex twice in the past four days. Ugh.
I have an appointment with Shelly tomorrow at 3:30pm. (I tried to get an appointment earlier in the week but she’s been booked.) I can’t even begin to tell you how badly I need the massage. My neck is just wrecked right now. I lost all day yesterday to a blinding migraine. I got up in massive pain and wound up having to take a pill and go back to bed and just sleep all afternoon. Felt better by the evening but left me with the “migraine hangover” feeling.
Woke up today and I’m right on the border of another one. So I’m just hoping tomorrow’s massage will give me some relief!
And just so this isn’t entirely a downer, Gracie has discovered a new place she likes to hang out all day, everyday:
Yup, that’s right. She now has decided laying on top of the pillows, behind the decorative pillows is her new, official spot for hanging out during the day.
And, since she’s completely spoiled, I now open the curtain and blinds for her to look out while she lays there. Yes, if only my cats weren’t so badly abused and mistreated, right? š
So that’s what’s been going on. Hopefully after tomorrow I can start feeling better. And hopefully soon we can figure out a long-term plan for Love’s migraines since they’ve been out of control again. It’s been hard to update when one or both of us is feeling so unwell all the time and it’s why I wind up with unintentional radio silence here on the blog.
In and among everything else, I’m also spending much of my time working on my shop, PhoenixFire Designs since that’s my primary business these days. So when I have time or I can eek out some functioning brain power, that’s where it tends to go right now.
So there’s seven pictures and approximately 700 words updating what’s been going on around here.
Tags: cat photos, cats, funny cat photos, funny cat pics, Happy Birthday Mom, health, health issues, kitties, macro photography, macro pics of flowers, macro shots of flowers, migraines, migraines from neck, mom's birthday, neck damage, neck pain, phoenix fire designs, phoenixfire designs, phoenixfiredesigns, phoenixfiredesigns.com, phoenixfiredesigns.etsy.com, trying to pay off medical bills, vertigo
:: about ::
40 year old Pagan woman who lives in Florida with her guy and two cats, loves Disney, reads fanatically, tinkers in photography and runs her own handcrafted artisan jewelry business.
Inadvertently became the face of Healthcare Reform in America by posting the (in)famous "I am Obamacare" image and sharing the story of her hysterectomy at age 34. Now runs her own small business, PhoenixFire Designs, specalizing in handmade tree of life pendants, full moon tree of life necklaces, family birthstone jewelry, wire wrapped jewelry and more full-time.
Our best friend passed away suddenly March 13, 2010. Five years later, it's still hard. The full story can be read here.Hysterectomy Fund
October 2013 Update: Happy 2 Year Anniversary!! I'm amazed at how different life is two years later. Though the hardest thing I've ever been through in my life, I've grown so much as a result of having overcome such terrifying and daunting medical issues. In a weird way, I'm better for having experienced these hardships. I'm more sure of myself these days and more confident I can face life's challenges better.
I have tried to turn this medical challenge into an opportunity and using this as a means to push forward with my small jewelry business and as a way to support myself again.
Your continued support is appreciated right now and even links to my shop are appreciated. Thank you to everyone who's helped and spread the word. All of you helped make it possible for me to be here and healthy.:: calendar ::
:: archives ::
:: categories ::
:: places to go ::
:: recommendations ::
ebates – easy $
Get cashback on the things you were going to buy online anyway! I use Ebates personally and it's super easy. Sign up for free!: photo & art prints :
:: book love ::
:: i love mail ::
I love snail mail. Wanna drop me a letter, a postcard, or a photo from where you live or your travels? Happy mail always welcome!
M. Turner
PO BOX 1484
Elfers, FL 34680
USA“Like” me on Facebook!
:: pink ribbon ::
My grandmother, aunt and sister are all breast cancer survivors. Please do self-exams, get yearly mammograms and help the fight to find a cure.
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Susan G. Komen for the Cure:: influenster ::
2 Comments
Your mom is lovely!
I have never heard of the Tylenol Precise. I am going to have to go look for it.
I so wish I could take Migraine meds. I have a horrible reaction to all of them. My jaw hurts and my brain feels like it is on fire.
Aw thanks! š
The other brands don’t ever change for me. Like, they just get cold and then stay uncomfortably cold. The Precise one does the whole icy/hot thing they’re supposed to do so I find it helps more.
And that stinks about the meds. I actually really dislike the generic Imitrex because it makes me more side-effecty but the insurance companies don’t want to pay for the brand name and it’s too expensive out of pocket.