Thursday, August 26, 2010

I haven't been able to go to Costco

So this morning I had to brush my teeth with Crest Sparkles that taste like bubble gum. I searched through all my drawers, through all my travel cases, through all the brick-a-brack that is in the bottom of the cupboard and finally I found a promotional pack from the dentist, Eureaka!!!!!! At least it didn't pop and sparkle in my mouth, which I was prepared for. But, desperate times call for desperate measures! All this is because I haven't been to Costco since May. I usually buy a 6 pack once or twice a year and I never even think about not having toothpaste or new toothbrush when I need it.
I don't have any of the yellow and green sponges that I clean and do dishes with. But, since I'm not doing many dishes or cleaning I don't think to have someone buy them. Paper towels and toilet paper are a given, yet Ray just buys a few rolls at a time from the neighborhood market, which is more expensive but it comes with the added bonus of fitting under the cupboard without stuffing them under every cupboard and closet to leaving the massive pack in the bathtub because I don't have anywhere to store that much paper.
We all have a routine that keeps the house running smoothly and we don't think about those things much. But, I am compiling a list of things that we've completely run dry. I'm hoping to get my husband to take me over there just so I can wander around and look at "stuff". But, my husband isn't much for window shopping or just wandering around a store, unless it's the 99¢ Store. (Don't get me started on that!) "Well, it was only 99¢!" is the answer to all my questions or accusations. So besides laying around I'm having "withdrawal" symptoms of time to myself just wandering around a store or mall. Actually, I never go to the mall, I'm happy walking around Costco and ending the trip with a hotdog and beverage, and my favorite "VeryBerry Sundae." So we'll see, I won't be in this cast forever! (Or will I?)

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Pain or Itch. Which is worse?



I've been asked lately if my ankle is still in pain. I wonder how to answer that. Since I can't move it inside the cast it doesn't ache like it used to but it itches to the point of pain. Seriously, I don't know which is worse. At least I could take a pain pill and go to sleep but when it itches, I'm on the verge of insanity before I can go to sleep. I take a piece of a Benadryl  hoping to stop the itching or put me to sleep but I have to scratch deep inside my cast. Now, the Orthopaedic Surgeon said not to scratch as it can cause other problems, but seriously, I'd like to see how they deal with the mind boggling itch. So I have experimented with a variety of tools to get to the itch and scratch it. I have settled on the 18" inch rigid metal ruler with a cork back! It's narrow enough to skinny down between the cast and can scratch the itch all the way down to the ankle. But, I have to be careful to not cut my leg with the end of the ruler. So it's not ideal. But, I have tried a number of other tools to scratch. Henry, the cast tech, said he opened one guys cast and the head of a spatula was inside.  The guy said, "Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time." He was BUSTED! He didn't realize that the head comes off.
1. I've tried the comb.
2. The deckle edge ruler that in my mind seemed like a good idea, but it kept getting stuck in the stocking thats inside the cast.
3. The brush didn't reach far enough and it wasn't thin enough to get to my ankle.
4. The long meat fork......well, no explanation needed there.
5. The lettuce knife....hmmmm, I thought twice once I felt how sharp it was.
Sooo..... this is what I've come up with. Got any better ideas?

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

New Cast or ugly sock?


I realize that its pretty lame to talk about my broken ankle and the idea that I have to tell people that I got a new cast, but in a world that is as limited as mine at present, it's as exciting as getting a new pair of  Jimmy Choos. (Not that I've ever had anything even close to designer shoes) (When Jimmy Choo starts making orthopedic type shoes, I'll be first in line) So when I picked out a nice purple for my new cast (in honor of Karin Gable) and Henry, the cast maker, suggested a stripe of my bright pink so that I could keep my pink toenails and not have to get a new pedi, I agreed. Somehow, I didn't really picture how that would look, but I'm good for a little "change up". But, when he was finished it looked a little like Pippy Longstockings! Oh, well! I have a sense of humor and it is rather humorous. So I'll probably be fielding "ugly socks" jokes. Or ugly sock jokes. It's a good thing my hair is really short and won't go into turned up pig-tailed braids.
I want you to sympathize with me. I realize it's in bad taste to post this picture. So close your eyes if you can't take it.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Exhibit in Burbank

My exhibit piece "From Gothic to Graffiti"
A wonderful SfC Calligraphy exhibit is now showing!
Expressions: Images from Our Pens
Creative Arts Center Gallery 1100 West Clark Avenue Burbank, CA 91506   Ph. 818 238-5397
Gallery Hours;  M-Th 9am-8 pm   Friday 9am-7pm
Sat 9am-1pm    Closed Sunday
Marci, Francine & David at the exhibit opening


Scribe Fair Olive Park, Sat. August 14, 1-4pm.Come buy things offered by calligraphers in the park. There will be many craft objects, books, calligraphy materials, and fine prints and art. If you come in the morning to see the exhibit, have lunch in the area, (we ate at TallyRand, excellent) then check out all the things offered at the Fair. I will be writing names with metallic watercolors on black paper in a flourishing copperplate for $5 each. Need presents for the holidays? This is a personal gift that is reasonably priced but something that is always appreciated. Just as long as we spell it correctly. 
My view for the whole summer
I went to the Opening Reception last night, thanks to my friend, Francine Oller. I had my bright pink cast and toenails and my wheelchair and had a great time. So many WONDERFUL friends and students and calligraphers were there. Really, it was terrific to see everyone. Course I haven't been too many places since my accident, so it was especially sweet. The canvas on top is the piece that I made for the exhibit. I also had a page from my"Portals" book on display.  Please try to make it before it closes on August 26th. There are around 100 pieces of beautiful calligraphy from many artist around Southern California. Well, worth the effort to get out there!!!