Poetry Friday: In the Midst of Trial

In the Midst of Trial

In the frozen winds,

one can still look through an ring

of brilliant color.

Lorie Ann Grover, 2012

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!

I Want to Have Adventures With You

I Want to Have Adventures With You by lorieanngrover on polyvore.com

I Want to Have Adventures With You

I Want to Have Adventures With You by lorieanngrover on polyvore.com

Poetry Friday: Yellow Raft

Yellow Raft

In braces and braids, 

our laughter bobs, then and now,

with you at my back.

by Lorie Ann Grover, 2012

Poetry Friday: Mt. Rainier

Skidding to a stop,

speed and flight are arrested

before majesty.

Lorie Ann Grover, 2012

Say It Again: Kathe Kollwitz on Death

I was looking for my favorite artist's work to pin on my Pinterest board, and I came across one of the images that I love along with this quote. No more need be said. 

"I do not want to die...until I have faithfully made the most of my talent and cultivated the seed that was placed in me until the last small twig has grown." Kathe Kollwitz