Rheumatoid Factor: From Splints to Shots

So after 2 months of inflamed index finger tendons from rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjogren's, the occupational therapist made me $400 splints for both hands. I was immobilized while I waited for the University of Washington hand surgeon specialist to weigh in. 

Best laugh came from Martha Brockenbrough that I must play a mean game of ping pong. :~)

The specialist determined cortisone shots were in order because I was non-functional. They were a doozy, right into the tendons. Special thanks to Justina Chen for taking notes for me and promising me a bubble tea when we were done. 

Image from http://www.cortisoneshots.net/

Now we wait to see if the flare cycle is broken. The tendons remain swollen, but I'm up to about 65% of my normal activity. Which is a great blessing. The splints are still handy dandy for resting. For now, I am able to write! Onward!

Poetry Friday: Twenty-Seven Years

Twenty-Seven Years

White light glances blue,

illuminating our love

caught in this moment.

Lorie Ann Grover, 2012

Photo by Martha Brockenbrough

Charmed by Chris Van Allsburg

What a wonderful time with Chris Van Allsburg! He's such a dear. Readergirlz divas Martha, Dia, Justina, and I met at The Bookstore Bar in Seattle and talked all things Harris Burdick. Imagine 13 authors writing short stories to drawings you created 25 years prior: M.T. Anderson, Stephen King, Kate Dicamillo, and our own Cory Doctorow included.


Based on the picture book the Mysteries of Harris Burdick, The Chronicles of Harris Burdick elaborates on the beloved illustrations so mysteriously left behind by Harris long ago.


Personally, Sherman Alexis' short story startled me most. Where did it come from, Sherman? Shivery brilliance!

Chatting with Chris, we learned that the imagery has never looked better. The darks and lights are deeper and more vibrant due to the paper in this edition.

We wish Chris the best as he continues his tour. Safe travels and joy in your new studio, Chris. May the light be glorious as you work on your next book. We'll be waiting!

Oh, and be sure to check out the story writing contest at Chris' blog!


The Chronicles of Harris Burdick
by Chris Van Allsburg and 13 contributors
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Trade, 2011

Dinner en Blanc, Seattle, 2011

Imagine, a secret dinner invitation, details to follow. Cooking a few exquisite dishes. Dressing head to toe in white. Heading to Seattle and having the final destination texted to you at the last moment. 

Imagine arriving at a public park with 250 other guests you didn't know were invited, all dressed in white, as well.You meet the lead host and hostess as they welcome everyone. Tables, linens, crystal, and china are arranged. Candles and luminarias are lit. The wandering accordion player and a band fill the pink air with music as the sun sets over the city.

This was the first annual Dinner en Blanc.The Puget Sound Business Journal called it an "Elegant flash mob." Our affair September 5th, 2011, was a tribute to the Parisian tradition.

photo by Martha Brockenbrough

Thanks to Justina Chen, Dave and I were invited to enjoy a table among the sea of white. We were joined by Martha Brockenbrough and her husband Adam, and Justina's dear friend, Derek. It was a magical night, a life memory. 

photo by Martha Brockenbrough 

Justina and Derek

There was intimacy within our little table, while we had a sense of community being part of the expansive whole. The following photos: Justina, Martha, our table, the view to the south, and to the west.

 

Photo from Art and Lair

Here is my love of 26 years, Dave Grover, and then the secret location, Gas Works Park. Yes, it was a location in the Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles movie, 10 Things I Hate About You!       

                        

The night concluded with sparklers galore! The event hopes to grow to 1,000 participants in the years to come. A flash mob of grace and beauty. Here's to 2012! 

From Mr. Spock to Captain Kirk: ISFJ

Okay, I'm trying to get my head around my new personality result: ISFJ. Somehow I've morphed from an ISTJ. I'm attributing the slide to having children and working with readergirlz.

"ISFJs are traditional, loyal, quiet and kind. They are very sensitive to other people's needs because they are very observant. They have rich inner thoughts and emotions. They value stability and cultural norms. They are very adept at giving attention to detail. They do not seek positions of authority." My Personality Info

So, the biggest bummer is that I am no longer like Mr. Spock. I am now like William Shatner. Okay, that's William NOT actually Captain Kirk. Thankfully. I could never wear those tight pants.



On the plus side, I match Louisa May Alcott. But also I could gag over being matched with Melanie Hamilton in Gone With the Wind and Ophelia in Hamlet. Seriously?

My only comfort right now is matching Martha Brockenbrough. She totally rocks. So, there is hope.

But I just may have to take the test again. I really did like matching Spock...

Defending Bella, What a Girl Wants

Colleen Mondor at Chasing Ray has posted her latest discussion in the "What a Girl Wants" series. This time she asked us about vampires. I stuck with my position. Here you go:












Lorie Ann Grover: "I don’t typically read horror, so I can’t comment on the general trend in the vamp books, but I have read the Twilight series. Awhile back, Martha Brockenbrough, author and MSN Cinemama, wrote an article with my opposing point of view: Does Twilight Suck the Brains Out of Teens? She fell on the yes side, and I fell on the no. Going back and reading my entry, I still agree with my position. Edward’s the hot, superhero in teen lit who raises the bar for today’s boyfriends. His looks aside, here's a quote:

“Note how completely enamored Edward is of Bella. He sees her weaknesses and finds her humanity endearing. He listens to every word. He never pressures her for sex. She pursues him. Into that perfect mix, pour danger, that alluring trademark of any great hero, just enough for tension to vibrate. We cheer as he denies himself because of his passion for her.”

Is Bella a passive role model for teen girls? I still say she can be seen as a positive role model. She isn’t consumed about her appearance. She’s strong in school and anticipates college. She thinks of others, acting with generosity to family and friends. She solves crises through her actions. So she’s attracted to a dangerous boy. She weighs her possibilities and acts.

In 2007, we hosted Stephenie Meyer at readergirlz. Next month we are featuring Graceling by Kristin Cashore.



Katsa is a very different heroine, but the sparks fly when she crosses Po. Who doesn’t like a little romance? I obviously do."