Hello Sunshine
Hello, sweet friends.
Today I have a personal post to share- something that my new readers may not be used to. A little back story… before I started my business, videos or social media, I was just a blogger. I posted about my mediocre craft projects, things I was doing and little bits of randomness. During this time, my readership grew slowly but those readers became some of my very first blog friends. As I became more serious about blogging, and eventually started my business, these personal posts have been become a little less frequent. Nevertheless, they are still some of my favorite to write because I get to share my heart and give you little glimpses into my life.
Over the weekend, my sister that lives in San Francisco, surprised us with a visit. We don’t get to see her often, so when she does come, I try to put aside work so I can enjoy my time with her. As it turns out, I had stayed awake until 3AM the previous morning to finish up work projects, so it worked out perfectly. I had planned on stamping the whole weekend, but that was pity in comparison to spending quality time with my sister. As some of you know, my word for 2015 is LIVE, so I decided at that moment to live.
We had a lovely weekend together. We stayed up to the wee hours watching Netflix together, I randomly decided to cut off 8-9 inches of hair off, we planned details of my assistant’s wedding that’s in June, lots of delicious goodness from Chiptole was consumed and then we ended it with manicures and pedicures. Absolute bliss wrapped up in a single weekend.
Some may be wondering why my word for 2015 is LIVE. I won’t go into it all, but back in August 2012 I was in a car accident that changed my life. It turned my whole world upside down and I went through years of trying to find logical answers on why I was dealing with all these health issues. Just this past year, I have been able to slowly enjoy moments in life. While I don’t live a “normal” life, by any means, I have learned to take advantage of the moments I feel well and in the midst of the craziness, I opened my shop. THIS POST really goes into it more, share links to other posts on the topic and even gives you the podcast where I share how the Pretty Pink Posh Shop came to be.
I won’t pretend that everything is pure bliss- that is far from true. I still have days where I can’t get out of bed due to chronic fatigue. I imagine life without health issues and the ability to drive wherever my heart desires, meet the man of my dreams and start a family. Who knows, it could happen someday… if it does, I’ll keep you posted.
In the meantime, I’ll continue to keep plugging away. I want to continue to inspire you, my readers, customers and friends. Let’s continue to LIVE.
Question: when is the last time you lived in the moment? It could be something spontaneous, or an event that was planned for a while. I want to hear how you all are LIVING in 2015.
*hello sunshine stamp can be found here
Last Saturday my husband badgered me into going to Nebraska with him to look at building plans… I wanted to stamp and make cards but in an effort to take part in some of his interests, I went with him. As it turns out, as soon as I decided to be “in it with him”, we had a fabulous time together that culminated in lunch at a favorite A&W burger joint in Pine Bluffs, WY where you can get root beer in a frosted mug and the most amazing cheese curds that just melt in your mouth! They play 80’s music (I’m dating myself) and the whole feel was so awesome… no one but the two of us on a date… I can’t wait for our next trip!
I can totally relate to an accident completely turning your life upside down. On August 18, 2005 I fell down a flight of stairs and damaged a bunch of nerves in my back and leg. I was on crutches for 3 years and then used a cane for another 5 years because of balance issues. I have had over 100 surgeries to try to fix what is wrong to no avail.
Then on Easter Sunday 2008 hubby came to bed and found me blue. He rushed me to the hospital and I was in ICU for 3 weeks with a very bad case of pneumonia. I was sent home on oxygen and have been on it since.
Then on July 13, 2010 he came home from work and I was not breathing and did not have a heartbeat. He called the ambulance and performed CPR till they got here. They lost me 3 times in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. I was in ICU for another 3 weeks and a regular room for a week that time. They still aren’t sure why this keeps happening to me so we live each day wondering if it is going to happen again.
I had another surgery on March 28, 2013 for my back and on April 4, 2013, I was opening a window and my arm went right through it, slicing my wrist, hand and arm open. I was home alone and blood was going everywhere. I called the ambulance, got the dogs in their kennels and was walking down the driveway to meet them when they arrived. I could not feel my hand at all and even though I told the ER doctor that he stitched me up and sent me home telling me I was “fine”.
A week later I still couldn’t feel anything in my hand so I called a specialist and got an appointment. I had surgery to see what was wrong the next week. Turns out I had severed 4 nerves and 3 tendons. They were able to repair 3 nerves and 2 tendons leaving me with partial feeling and use of my thumb, pointer and middle finger on my right (dominant) hand. Life turned upside down yet again. I had to learn how to do everything with my left hand so that I could continue to create with 1 1/2 hands.
On May 5th I noticed a red line going up my arm so I had to rush back to the specialist and they had to go in and clean out the infection. I had to stay at the hospital to get IV antibiotics for a week and one morning a doctor walked in and told me he was the head cardiologist and that I needed to have open heart surgery right away. I was shocked to say the least. Since we were almost done building our new house we asked if it could wait for 1 month and were granted that request. We moved into our new home on a Saturday and that Thursday I had open heart surgery. Lots of time spent recovering form that and many other health issues happening over the course of my recovery!
Over the last few years I have learned to live each day as if it is my last. Spending time with family and friends, creating, doing what makes me happy are all things that happen daily! I want my family to be able to remember that I lived a good life even though I had a lot of problems. My hope is that I am alive to see my grandchildren become parents but I don’t count on that. I take each moment and make it the best it can be! Money is very tight due to all the health issues and prescriptions but money can’t buy time with the grandkids and family so I am set even without money!
Sorry this is so long! I got talking and couldn’t stop! LOL
I’m glad you had such a wonderful visit with your sister! I enjoy seeing your work, your sequins and dies are awesome, and I wish you nothing but the very best. Hang in there :-)
Glad you and your sister had a good time! I spent last weekend in Arizona for my oldest niece’s wedding. The wedding venue was GORGEOUS! An outdoor wedding with a white gazebo surrounded by pretty landscaping, flowers and a backdrop of mountains. My darling little great nephew, Sam, was the ring bearer. He looked SO ADORABLE in his little suit! He’s only 2 and a half. He’s such a little sweetie! It was such a nice weekend, and was totally worth spending 6 hours on airplanes (3 hours each way) in order to be there.
By the way…..your card is absolutely gorgeous! Love the dot details on the flowers!
Keep on reaching Paulina, you’ve done so much already. Don’t let the hard days get you down. You have inspired me with your business and your projects.
Since having the baby, at 33, when I was starting to doubt if I’d get here I have learned to live in the moment. Time takes on new meaning. So many firsts are also lasts so you gotta appreciate it as it happens.
Glad you and your sister had a fab weekend!! The older I get. the more I appreciate the little things like being able to get up without help, making dinner, folding clothes, stuff that used to irritate me. I think living in the moment or taking a moment to say “right now things are good” is important. I have MS and it’s fairly mild, but it does impact my life…everyone has their crap to deal with. I’m just happy I have a family to help me. God Bless!
Just last week! My 16-year-old daughter texted my from school to tell me that Maroon 5 was playing at Madison Square Garden that night. We are both big fans. Then she texted me a picture of Adam Levine with a note saying, “in case you forgot how hot he is!” Before the school day ended, I texted her a picture of the tickets I purchased on an online site. She will be off at college in less than two years and I won’t be able to do something so spontaneous with her!
Keep being who you are, that is a role model :) After reading your story (I am a more recent follower), it helped me to realize that I am taking what I have for granted!
Thank you for an amazing blog!
So glad you had a chance to spend time with your sis…sister time is awesome and so uplifting! Glad you took time to LIVE! I need to learn to live in the moment more often…sometimes I let days pass and I see my kids growing up so fast. I guess yesterday was nice since I watched my kids play outside on their bikes after many many months of cold dreary weather! Thanks for being so open and honest on your blog its so refreshing and I pray that your healing continues and you can have more opportunities to live in the moment!
Happy you had a good time with your sister. I don’t think there’s anything better than quality time with your siblings.
My car accident was in 2002 and I still have those awful days. Hang in there.
There are moments in life that can chase the pain away.
Thank you so much for sharing, Paulina! My family had our lives turned upside down when my dad was killed in a car accident almost 26 years ago. He walked me down the aisle on May 20th, and he was suddenly gone July 5th. Life is so fragile, and every day is a gift! I pray you continue to get stronger and heal! :)
Paulina your story really hits home for me. As I lay here in bed recovering from a huge abdominal surgery I feel your pain girl. There is hope I promise you. I spent 10 years in chronic fatigue and pain. Thinking maybe I was crazy in the head, but I knew it was something wrong with my body because every once in a blue moon I would actually feel like a normal person. 2 years ago my Dr found I had massive benign growths in my abdomen that had become infected. After 2 years now and a couple surgeries and months of daily hospital treatments I am finally on the path to becoming normal. I’m telling you this because I want you to know 1.never give up and 2. There truly is hope. Stay strong girl. BTW I adore what you have done. I miss 10 min craft dash, but it’s totally worth it seeing all the incredible things you have done. Hugs Lenae
Glad to hear that you’re getting better!
I read this today and thought of you.
I’m not sure what religion ( if any ) you are,
but the message of this devotion is to
Be able to gracefully help those in need. By sharing your story, I’m sure that you have helped quite a few people. We all need to know that we all struggle and we all need help at times.
http://devotional.upperroom.org/devotionals/2015-04-12