Thought I would upload this for the Smile on Saturday theme of blue. I have suffered from an autoimmune disease for many years and fully sympathise with people with long term health issues. I went to Iceland 7 years ago where my son and daughter in law got married at this glacier - 7 years ago tomorrow! It was an amazing experience to photograph their wedding which was held in on the glacier. We caused quite a stir as no one had seen a wedding at the glacier before! Happy Anniversary to my much loved son and daugher in law for tomorrow! (Note to admin - if this shot is not allowed as not enough blue please delete)

One from the archives for this week's Smile on Saturdays theme of "Blue for You - ME 2021" This shot was taken a few years ago on a wonderful trip to Iceland. This is the river that flows to the famous Diamond Beach. Whilst I don't suffer from ME I have suffered with an autoimmune system disease for almost 25 years. I won't bore you with the details but it has made life quite challenging but being determined to get on with my life hasn't let it stop me. To all fellow sufferers of long term illness keep on fighting!

Willistead Park in Windsor, Ontario is always a wonderful place to visit, but it gets even more magical when it snows. I have not been out taking pictures for several weeks, but a light snowfall, on a recent evening, was just the right motivation for me to grab my camera, and head out into the snow.

As many of you know, my wife Marilyn is undergoing some life threatening health problems right now. After suffering a major stroke, caused by the autoimmune disease lupus, she ended up testing positive for COVID-19 when the rehab hospital that she was in had an outbreak of the deadly virus. At first her symptoms were minor, but within a week and a half of testing positive, she started having low oxygen levels, and increased congestion in her lungs. She was transferred out of the rehab hospital, back to an acute care hospital, where she was diagnosed with pneumonia. This was a scary moment for Marilyn, myself and our daughter. In the last couple of days, her oxygen levels have stabilized and the congestion is beginning to break up. Her doctor is positive that she can beat the effects of this virus, and get back to her rehab.

I have come to realize that every day is a gift! So, to all my Flickr friends, I wish you the very best for this holiday season, and may you all have a blessed New Year.

This Thursday, our beautiful furry friend left us. Its strange autoimmune disease was stronger than her.

There is a great void in our home. We will always carry in our hearts.

Hace un par de días, nuestra amada gatita nos dejó para siempre. Su terrible enfermedad autoimmune fue más fuerte que ella.

Hay un gran vacío en la casa. Siempre la llevaremos en nuestros corazones.

Along Windsor, Ontario’s riverfront is this very interesting structure, with a totem pole as its centre piece. Totem poles are monuments created by North American, First Nations of the Pacific Northwest to represent and commemorate ancestry, histories, people, or events. No matter wherever we live, we are all connected, as this structure signifies to me.

As many of you know, my wife Marilyn has had a major stroke that was caused by the autoimmune disease lupus, which she has had since the age of 19. Currently she is undergoing rehab for the stroke at a hospital here in Windsor. To complicate matters, the hospital has recently had a COVID-19 outbreak. Marilyn is one of 14 patients that has gotten this virus. Currently her symptoms are mild, but she does have some congestion in her lungs, Her doctors continue to monitor not only the lupus and stroke, but also the effects of this virus.

My apologies to all my Flickr friends for my lack of activity over the last several weeks. I will be checking in with many of you over the next few days.

Best wishes to all of you and stay safe. Please wear a mask whenever you are in public, this virus is real and deadly.

Like seasons, life changes! And fall displays the most dramatic change. Our lives are always changing, and sometimes the change can be very dramatic. My wife Marilyn has the autoimmune disease lupus, which has shown no symptoms in her life for over 30 years. Recently it has reappeared, attacking her brain, which resulted in Marilyn having a major stroke. At this moment, she cannot move her right arm and hand, nor her right leg and foot. Once the doctors are able to treat the lupus, she will begin rehab.

I will be off and on Flickr for the next several months. Whenever I can, I will try to post, but my main goal will be to support and help my lovely, strong wife reach full recovery

To all of my wonderful Flickr friends thank you, and I wish you many blessings!

Max has been through so much with his hyperthyroidism and his immune mediated encephalitis but still remains our sweet boy ❤️

I apologize for not being around the last week my back was hurting pretty bad there for a bit. But, no kidney stones like I thought. However, it’s looking more and more like I’m going to be diagnosed with a chronic autoimmune illness. And.....

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Many of you have wondered why I have been away from Flickr for almost 4 years. This is a photo of me in 2017 doing one of my favorite things..walking. However a year later I came down with an autoimmune musculoskeletal disease and it left me unable to walk for a long time. My first sign was being unable to raise my arm to take a photo !! After years of various medications and plasma exchange, I’m doing a lot better, (although things can change from day to day). It’s great being back on Flickr and seeing all the amazing photos of others I have followed in the past. Thanks to all of you who have built up my spirits with your favs and nice comments 💕. By the way, I AM able to walk now (except for long distances) and can now take photos again. I’m getting stronger every day !!

Never in a million years would I have imagined a world crisis like this. Let's all do our part and stay at home, let's fight and sacrifice ourselves for the lives of our elderly, for our vulnerable children who suffer from any autoimmune decease. So many lives have already been lost, so much sorrow and pain, praying for my hometown and praying for the world.

Credits & LM

Facebook

My Pixel VR

für Eulenspiegel

Am zweiten Tag nach dem Tod von Willi wurde mir durch Notoperationen ein neues Leben geschenkt, bekam für längere Zeit ein Stoma hatte noch viele O.P. durch eine Autoimmunerkrankung .... war vor vierzehn Jahren !

Darum sage ich immer zu jedem, man darf nie den Mut verlieren und dankbar sein für jeden tag im Leben !

Sei glücklich und versuche die Welt mit lächelnden Augen

zu sehen !

On the second day after Willi's death, emergency operations gave me a new life, I had a stoma for a long time and had many O.P. by an autoimmune disease .... was fourteen years ago !!

That's why I always say to everyone, you should never lose heart and be thankful for every day in life!

Be happy and try to see the world with smiling eyes!

for standby in bad times !

I`m surprised for the video you make !!

thank`s for your work !

thank`s

Eulenspiegel

remember ????

long ago this song

Leonard Cohen - Suzanne

Das waren schöne Zeiten vor dem Plattenspieler, wir waren jung, jetzt sind wir etwas "älter", aber bin froh Dich kennengelernt zu haben vor über einem halben Jahrhundert, danke !!

Those were good times before the record player, we were young, now we're a bit "older", but I'm glad I met you more than half a century ago, thank you !!

This is the back cover of a book by Sisy Chen 陈文茜. A lady in her mid 60 who suffers from autoimmune disease . This could be her last work as she was in terrible condition. It is a book how she faces death and sickness gracefully. I like the last line of the words on the back cover. ... ”Every encounter, is the last“

原来， 人的衰老不是缓缓的，一场病，可以用一年老十岁的速度。。。－陈文茜

Smile on Saturday and "Blue for You - ME 2024"

Thank God, at the last moment I managed to take a picture of something blue. I didn't want to miss this topic this year because I have an autoimmune disorder and I know how difficult the fight with the disease is.

HSoS!

Max went to the vet today. The good news is that the vet is happy with Max's progress, the treatment so far has been successful at reducing his encephalitis symptoms and has vastly improved his quality of life. There was a possibility he'd be staying in hospital today to have a second 12 hour IV chemo treatment but we're delaying this treatment until he relapses, which he could at some point. The bad news is that Max was very upset while he was at the vet. He's usually very good but he was unusually spicy and was hissing and spitting at everyone. The vet had to scruff him (he did it gently) to do the examination. Max was absolutely fine once we got home, he was his usual sweet self ❤️

Update: I was misdiagnosed. I do not have cancer, I have a rare autoimmune disease called Primary Biliary Cholangitis.

I'm presently not active in SL. I've been diagnosed with cancer for the second time. I'm still figuring out what sort of battle I have in front of me. In the meantime, I'm spending a lot of time snuggling my cats and enjoying my real-life family. They have always been my main priority, but now, even more so.

Those who want to contact me, you have multiple ways to do so.

I'll share more from time to time as I gain more information.

I have no intention of dying, except in the sense that we all do eventually.

All my best,

The human behind the screen

It's been four+ years since I've seen a sunrise or sunset. Auto accidents, cancer, autoimmune disease ... phew. But I went out this morning to bring in the garbage can that just got emptied, and low and behold looking east down my street was this wonderful blessing. Had my iPhone so shot in RAW and hoped for the best. It's a keeper. Thank You, Jesus, for such a blessing this morning.

Digital Artwork

The Blue Orchid District & Market is home of Sigma Upsilon Nu Sorority, our yearly Lupus Awareness Fair & Lupus Center, Garden, meditation, counseling, lupus support .beach, park, BeYou & DFS/DSL friendly, DFS Fishing, Vendors, spoken word, and R&B Music.

More information about the event:

www.flickr.com/photos/192958712@N02/52031683732/in/datepo...

First, thanks in advance for all the support and kind messages I've received. It's comforting to know how many kind people there are. ❤️

The good news is that I do not have cancer. My family and I are beyond relieved, as this would have been very scary for us all to go through. Initial scans that were suspicious for lymphoma were actually incorrect.

So, instead of the Big C, my actual diagnosis is that I have an autoimmune disease that is attacking a major organ. There is no cure. There are medications that treat it, which I'm going to be starting straight away. The hope is to slow it down and to improve my quality of life. Eventually, I may need an organ transplant, but I'm going to cross that bridge later. My goal is to improve my quality of life and enjoy my real life as much as I can. I'll be facing an empty nest in a year and a half, so it's a "now or never" moment for me as a mother. I need to spend that time out here as much as I can.

Those who know how to reach me, I'd love to hear from you. ❤️

The relieved person on the other side of the screen

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards"

"La vie ne se comprend que par un retour en arrière, mais elle doit être vécue en regardant en avant."

-Soren Kierkegaard

now I will just say goodbye

Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir (SDB). Paris XIII . France

Nikon D300 Nikkor 75-300 VR

ƒ/8.0 185.0 mm 1/500 200

Silver Efex Pro 2

===================================================

some of you may know this swan song

"severe & very crippling autoimmune muscle disease,having lost my pictures & backup,harsh times ...

.... and remember "Carpe Diem "

===========================================

Thank you for your visit , your fave , your comments

thank you for taking some of your precious time , much appreciated !!

thank you from the bottom of my heart , for your beautiful words , you're my true friends

the Flickr spirit is still alive...

===========================================

I am absolutely unable to accept a life of recluse, without any social or cultural life and worse, I feel unable to accept becoming dependent : Loss of autonomy is a humiliating loss of human dignity

When I came back to Flickr , last year , after a long absence, I thought it could be a derivative, a way to keep in touch,and to fight my isolation since I can't have social or cultural life anymore

But it was a mistake because even the use of my PC, and Flickr sessions have become very difficult for me

And , see and admire dozens of photos on Flickr, while I can't walk, so, taking pictures is a real mental torture

.... and I have ideas, many ......: ((((((((

likewise, Summer, sunny days, so many invitations to walk:

no need to travel , I love Paris , late afternoon light is wonderful

I miss Paris .......

I was very active, I loved everything in life,

I'm not old enough

so what ?

the worst is a severe respiratory attack that is increasing more and more......I'll try to keep in touch a little longer , as long as I could . Not for a very long time , I fear ....

============================================

Thank you , my friends for the photos you have dedicated me, for the beautiful galleries, for the tributes I received, especially this one, moving =Feeling Blue for Françoise fifich@t Thank you , dear Robin

this photo is not for groups (no need to gain awards or more favorites) but only for my contacts, friends, and any Flickr member who knows me, and can understand how it feels when no treatment can bring any improvement ,and one becomes dependent , more and more

Thank you

_______________________________________

Ezio Bosso "Following a Bird" --- The 12th Room

"Music is a real magic, is our true therapy"

Ezio Bosso

All images are mine

Ezio Bosso is a italian pianist, composer, conductor of international renown. He is 44 years old and is from Turin. He learned to read music before the letters, and 4 years already sounded.

He studied in Vienna, under the guidance and Streicher Österreicher and Schölckner.

Both as a soloist and conductor or chamber music he performed in the most important international concert seasons. To name a few: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre London, Sydney Opera House, the Palacio de las Bellas Artes in Mexico City, Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, Carnegie Hall NYC, Teatro Regio in Turin, Houston Symphony, Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome.

In 2011 he had to undergo brain surgery for the removal of a tumor that has precipitated, in his words, in "a history of the dark." After surgery it has been suffering from an autoimmune disease. He had forgotten how to speak and to play, he had to relearn everything. But he did not stop.

He speaks badly and moves in a wheelchair,

but when you sit on the piano, his body is absent from disease ....I like to think that he comes out of the dark room....following a bird....

Thanks for your recent visit ,comment, fav and invite, always all much appreciated...: )

All rights reserved. Image can not be inserted in blogs, websites or any other form, without my written permission.

She is getting portly due to the steroids she must take for an autoimmune disease.

Macro Mondays theme: Symmetry

When I saw the theme of symmetry I wanted to do something with origami and in particular a hyperbolic parabola which is the same shape when moved, rotated or reversed. Two problems existed -- the size limitation and an autoimmune flare (I haven't managed to produce a macro Mondays entry for a couple of weeks). I finally succeeded in folding a 3 inch square into a model that when photographed meets the size requirements. As before, I used the method in Eric Gjerde's video folding an origami Hyperbolic Parabola - a design exercise from Josef Albers and the Bauhaus School. I got best results folding in mid air. The size made the technique a bit tricky but this one will have to do.

HMM

of the beautiful Red Admiral butterfly out front in God's garden.

I'll be absent tomorrow, tons of labs to get first thing in the AM ... my PCP and two new doctors (Rheumatologist for my life-threatening Autoimmune Diseases I've inherited from Immunotherapy and my new Neurosurgeon in the afternoon for the new tumor in my brain that showed up in my recent Brain MRI).

So I had a little bit of fun today editing and painting and posting.

Trusting in the Lord! PS: My appointment went well. Neurosurgeon wasn't worried. Very small tumor. Will do a few labs but feels confident they will be normal. Then Brain MRI after 2 years. Then 5 years. Then 10 years. All good. Thank You, Jesus! Can I get a Hallelujah!

I had a pretty bad autoimmune flareup this week but the kitties did their best to help me feel better.

Some thoughts on pain for those who might need this today:

You are not your pain, in the same way that you are not your illness. It is something you have, separate from who you are. It is not your identity.

Pain is inevitable. Suffering is a choice. Life is filled with times when we feel pain, either physical or emotional. Suffering comes from what we tell ourselves about that pain and how much control we allow it to have. When we give into the anxiety, when we hyperfocus on it, when we tell ourselves that it’s unbearable, we feed the monster. We can refuse to let it have control over our emotions. We can cry and move through things. We can live with our pain and still lead happy, fulfilled, productive lives.

Pain is a messenger. It shows up to tell us to pay attention to something. It has much to teach us about our bodies, our boundaries, and our needs. It’s not the enemy. It is a symptom of something else. Listen to your pain. Ask it what you need to know. Sometimes it is a message to slow down. Sometimes it’s a message to move, to stretch, to change positions. Sometimes it’s a message that you need to eliminate something from your life. Sometimes it’s a message to express hidden truths, to have a good cry, to accept and forgive. Sometimes it’s a message to go outside, take a slow walk, and experience the wonder in the natural world. Sometimes it just wants you to make a nice cup of tea, listen to some soothing music, and take a warm bath.

Pain is a teacher. It tells us how far we can go. It teaches us how strong we are. It teaches us that we have choices in how we perceive and interpret things. It teaches us that it is but one part of our story. It teaches us about cycles and rhythms in life. It teaches us to pay attention to nuances, that everything in life exists in varying shades of grey. It teaches us about transcendence.

Pain isn’t to be feared or avoided. It exists for a reason. I’m grateful for my pain and all that it has taught me. The hardest things we go through become our best teachers.

Max saw a neurologist on Monday and was admitted for an MRI. The neurologist has diagnosed Max with an autoimmune disorder meaning his immune system is attacking his brain and causing severe inflammation. This is why he has been so uncoordinated and why he unfortunately lost his sight at the weekend 💔 Max is in the ICU recovering from the anaesthetic needed for the MRI and will begin treatment for the inflammation today. This is via an intravenous drug that takes 12 hours to administer so he'll be in hospital for at least one more night, if not two ❤️

My sister lost her fight against Lupus yesterday, Lupus so often is misdiagnosed as other health problems because it mimics them. This leads to it attacking the body and it is not treated properly. My sister had several "Flares" and misdiagnoses before Mayo Clinic finally gave her the news she had Lupus over 30 years ago and were able to keep the flares down to a lesser amount. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that has no known cure. Women are most common to get it but men can as well. My point in posting this is to make others aware if you are having reoccurring health issues perhaps ask you doctor to look at the possibility of Lupus , early detection could make a big difference

We decided to take the plunge and get electric bikes. They’re the Giant Explore model and we love them! They’re class 3, meaning they assist up to 28 mph and only when we pedal. I was pretty hesitant to get them at first but am very glad we did. The chronic illness I have means I get sick if I exert myself too much, which I’ve been doing on our bike rides this year. Having an electric bike will allow me to enjoy biking while still getting exercise (and not worrying about how I’ll feel for a week after the ride).

As for Mike, he uses his bike for work pretty often and this will make his commute much nicer!

So mad! I had this super great necklace to use with this post, but dang it, I didn’t notice I wasn’t wearing it until I was completely finished editing the picture. I can’t help but both to laugh at myself and wonder if I’m loosing my mind. We are still going to roll with what we have though, because that’s all we can do. I did mention in another post about an autoimmune disorder which I.....

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Paxillus involutus, commonly known as the brown roll-rim, common roll-rim is a basidiomycete fungus that is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. It has been inadvertently introduced to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and South America, probably transported in soil with European trees.

Genetic testing suggests that Paxillus involutus may be a species complex rather than a single species.

A common mushroom of deciduous and coniferous woods and grassy areas in late summer and autumn, Paxillus involutus forms ectomycorrhizal relationships with a broad range of tree species.

Previously considered edible and eaten widely in Eastern and Central Europe, it has since been found to be dangerously poisonous, after being responsible for the death of German mycologist Julius Schäffer in 1944. It had been recognized as causing gastric upsets when eaten raw, but was more recently found to cause potentially fatal autoimmune hemolysis, even in those who had consumed the mushroom for years without any other ill effects. An antigen in the mushroom triggers the immune system to attack red blood cells. Serious and commonly fatal complications include acute kidney injury, shock, acute respiratory failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation.

no fake, no AI

Just Rosi sitting on the floor and looking at me

Rosi is our friends' cat. She suffers from an autoimmune disease and would scratch her wounds without a cervical collar. So it's not quite as funny as it looks.

But Rosi takes it with patience and calmness.

This image is dedicated to all of the amazing women who suffer from an autoimmune disease such as Lupus and fibromyalgia. Please allow this photo to inspire you to reach for every single goal you wish ♥

With this photo comes peace, love and strength.

I will be blogging about this photo as soon as I get a chance. Stay tuned :)

“Here's the thing about wildflowers, they take root wherever they are, grow strong through the wind, rain, pain, sunshine, blue skies and starless nights. They dance, even when it seems there is nothing worth dancing for. They bloom with or without you.” -Alisha Christensen

While I’ve always been a wildflower, I am not a delicate flower, which makes having a chronic illness that much more frustrating. So many times I feel like I should be able to do certain things, but my body tells me otherwise. Still, maybe this is my body’s way of telling me it’s time to slow down and enjoy life at a different speed. It also means I take better care of myself than I probably would otherwise.

I won’t let my illness define me, despite its efforts to take over my days at times, but I have to recognize and respect the limitations it puts on me. I’ll remain a wildflower, though. Nothing could change that!

Notebooks from Cavallini & Co., bandana from United by Blue.

It has been rough times for everyone

around our little planet in the massive universe

Until today 312000 people passed away

Friends and families had to be separated from each other

because of a tiny virus we can not even see

But we do it to become the most humane we can ever be

We do it to protect the elder and the weak

We do it to protect our friends

We do it to protect our families

We do it to protect he ones we don't know

We do it out of love

All together, we shine a light in every corner of the world

As I suffer from a autoimmune disease myself

I find myself in the risk group

I want to thank you all

for shining your light on me

And special thanks to all the people

who work in the health care

for pushing through on long days

and putting themselfs at risk

to help the ones who got ill

We will always remember our lost loved ones

Stay strong, be safe ♥

My light goes to you,

Josie

youtu.be/2umDngmqdcw

or

bit.ly/2JJIzAL

Please choose either link above to view a video I took of both mom and dad feeding baby barred owl at the same time!

Eastern Ontario

ps. please forgive me for not commenting on your work or saying my thank you's on the nice comments you leave me, my fingers, wrists & hands are swollen from one of my autoimmune disease which makes typing incredibly painful

Exactly one year ago, my lovely wife Marilyn and I were wandering the streets of Paris. Before Paris, we had spent time in Windsor and London, England. These are treasured moments for both of us because you never know what curves life will throw at you. Marilyn has lupus, an autoimmune disease, and for 30 years she has been symptom free. Lupus has reared up in her life recently, which resulted in hospitalization. She is home now receiving treatment that hopefully will push the disease back.

For the next little bit of time I will be off and on Flickr. Thank you so very much to all my Flickr friends for all your comments and favs. Looking forward to sharing and seeing everyone’s fabulous images in the days ahead. Best wishes to you all.

Catatonia

is a syndrome of psychological and motorological disturbances. In the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV) it is not recognized as a separate disorder, but is associated with psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia (catatonic type), bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and other mental disorders, as well as drug abuse or overdose (or both). It may also be seen in many medical disorders including infections (such as encephalitis), autoimmune disorders, focal neurologic lesions (including strokes), metabolic disturbances and abrupt or overly rapid benzodiazepine withdrawal.

Patients with catatonia may experience an extreme loss of motor skills or even constant hyperactive motor activity. Catatonic patients will sometimes hold rigid poses for hours and will ignore any external stimuli. Patients with catatonic excitement can die of exhaustion if not treated. Patients may also show stereotyped, repetitive movements. They may show specific types of movement such as waxy flexibility, in which they maintain positions after being placed in them by someone else, or gegenhalten (lit. "counterhold"), in which they resist movement in proportion to the force applied by the examiner. They may repeat meaningless phrases or speak only to repeat what the examiner says.

Bad day. Bad bad day.

My friends went to Chicago today to go see the Lion King and eat at the Cheesecake Factory. Where am I at? Sitting on my butt in my room. Why? Because I'm too effing poor to do crap.

Then Garry calls this morning on his way home from work and tells me that he had been asked to go into work tonight. We were supposed to take tonight and tomorrow night and celebrate our anniversary. Is that going to happen now? No. Did he even bother to call me any time in the last seven hours? No.

Haven't eaten anything yet today because the spot doesn't open until 6. Thankfully that's only a half hour away...then I can finally eat something. Will probably be crap because this school could care less about those of us stuck on campus during the weekend...but it's something.

However, I do like this picture. I have high expectations for how it'll do...which sucks cause, with the way my day is going, this thing will be totally ignored by everyone. *sigh* but I still like it...so that's good at least.

“My soul is awakened, my spirit is soaring, and carried aloft on the wings of the breeze…” -Anne Brontë

I’m like a kid excitedly waiting for Christmas to arrive when it comes to spring. While I’m typing this, it’s almost 60 degrees out and I can feel it coming. The arrival of spring always feels like hope and freedom to me.

While I don’t wish my life away, from the time it gets cold in the fall I eagerly anticipate the warmer months. Warm weather for me means more energy, more creativity & inspiration, and more happiness. I thrive in the warm months while the cold weather only seems to dampen my spirit and grow frost in my bones. The autoimmune illness I live with gives me cold intolerance and that seems to be worsening quite a bit with each year. The coming of spring definitely awakens my spirit!

Notebook from Katie Daisy, bandana from Reclaimed Life Texas (Etsy).

One of my dad's scanned slides. That was the main road looking down from my family's house to the farm.

I'll due my best today but the autoimmune disease is in my eyes and today my good eye is very painful..

Don't be afraid,if you meet me in a dark night ,I'm less dangerous than I look .......

but beware , I'm watching you :)

blue-eyed, fair-haired

I'm old , I'm exhausted , I suffer from a severe autoimmune muscular disease, I will give up soon ......

Selfportrait in a mirror

photo made for a contest in my Photo Club

traditionally the first monthly contest is a self portrait, and must be printed on paper

I got the second prize, and I won a book about a photographer !

Nikon D300

ƒ/4.5 31.0 mm 1/30 900 Flash (off, did not fire)

selective blur in Photoshop !

Living with autoimmune disease.

10x10 on MiTientes. I used color pencils premier, polychromous, and luminance. I also used a Derwent graphitint white pencil and pan pastels. Thanks to Sally Robertson for the original photo. I picked a cat at one of our local pet centers that needs a forever home. The painting will be donated to them. On a personal note this year has been very rewarding and difficult having a CPM each month. I have been consistent for 20 months. Several years ago I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that has caused peripheral neuropathies, numbness, pain and stiffness in my hands and feet along with many other symptoms. Art is my therapy! Despite treatment the illness continues to get worse - some months better than others yet each day I work a little on the challenge. This month I fractured my ribs somehow and have not been able to do much. I was determined to get this done and not give in. Thanks for the opportunity to participate in a group like this.

20150221DE In the spirit of renewal and common human caring for the new year: Maren G had a rare autoimmune disorder which was cured by destroying her immune system and replacing it with that of a complete other person who lived nearby and who had been found after a callout to the community. Mecklenburg Vorpommern, Germany #blackandwhite #81 #berlinstagram #knownknowns&unknownknowns #art #refugee #welcome #realpeople #reallives #truestories #portraits #b&w #photography #instagram #street www.hughes-photography.eu www.flickr.com/photos/michael_hughes www.hughes.berlin

Autoimmune Small Fiber Neuropathy

In the never ending quest to try and figure out what is going on with me, on Tuesday I will be seeing my neurologist again. He will be taking several skin samples so he can examine my nerve cells under a microscope.

I'm just glad he has some ideas and things to try.

LIFE GOES ON BETWEEN THE LINES OF VULNERABILITY AND GOOD HEALTH AS THE LINES BEGIN TO BLUR AND THE GAP BETWEEN THEM CLOSES

My neighbour, Dusty, in the picture. He is 90 years old bless him. Still out walking his little Jack Russell dog, Jack, who is out of sight, tending to his own business in another neigbour's hedgerow, who is also 90 years old … the neighbour, not the hedgerow, though it may well be! ; 0))) Long-lived people here. May it always be so!

“Be strong. Live honorably and with dignity. When you don't think you can, hold on.”

― James Frey, A Million Little Pieces

Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Dlh-X1fpoQ

DIGNITY – BOB DYLAN

Too late now, in my opinion, BUT :

What the World governments needed was simple … they needed an adviser who was one of the most vulnerable to lessen the impact of this global crisis. 80% of people may only get mild symptoms, 14% may have serious complications, 6% may die. These were the statistics. Surely it would have been better to have the world running at 80% than at zero. Surely it would have made sense that those of us who have underlying medical conditions should have been shielded before now. I am hovering between the 6% and 14%. I am one of the ones who should panic and yet it is mostly the healthy, able-bodied who are panic buying and leaving the vulnerable without basic supplies. STOP BEING SELFISH!!!!!

Witnessed by a friend or on the news (NOT fake news as far as I am aware) :

A wealthy person with a Range Rover crammed with loo rolls and food.

A person at check-out buying 300 loo rolls and 80 tins of soup.

Two sweet, frail old ladies standing outside a supermarket crying their eyes out because there was nothing left on the shelves.

A nurse coming off a 48 hour shift crying because there was no food left. How is she supposed to administer to the sick when she becomes sick herself.

Food Banks closing because there is no food left for the homeless. Shameful that even in my country there are still homeless people who are now made more vulnerable without sustenance.

People coughing and sneezing everywhere instead of staying home! I walked a few steps along the High Street. A mother sneezed not only over me, but over her small child. Perhaps she just has a cold, but even so, it is not acceptable to sneeze anywhere except into a tissue. I side-stepped her too late. She gave me a filthy accusing look as if I was the perpetrator of some great crime! I worry for the child.

STOP PUTTING THE ECONOMY BEFORE HUMAN LIVES!!!!!

Yes, the economy is important, but would locking down the world for 2 weeks from the get-go have been so bad. In retrospect, I think not.

Money cannot bring back to life those who have succumbed to the Coronavirus.

Money cannot comfort those people who have lost loved ones.

The Economy will recover.

Change your way of thinking and adapt :

We need to change, because what we have been doing up to now is not working for the good of all. People are divided, in my opinion, into two distinct groups :

THE HAVES AND HAVE NOTS!!!!!

There are those selfish and greedy people who only think about themselves. They are making this so much harder for everyone. I pray for them.

There are those selfless people who never advertise their kindness. They go about bestowing acts of kindness on all they meet with never a thought for their own health and safety. They are our guardian angels. All that kindness put out to the world is paying dividends now. I thank God for them.

Look to your neighbour. I have a small group of friends and family. We are pooling our resources. Every day we ask of each other, what do you need? Every day we try to fulfil that need. Today, I asked for something I would normally take for granted. I have an elderly cat with a chronic illness who is a fussy eater. He likes salmon, but there is none in the shops, so today when I was asked, what do I need, I said, please, if you see some salmon, Teddy would like some. In return I will give something of what I have to someone who needs it more. Yesterday, I said, could I have cat litter. I received 1 large bag. Today 2 more arrived on my doorstep. Tomorrow another will arrive.

Seemingly, we take so much for granted. We must not. If we are to survive, we must be adaptable. We must think of others. We are asked to observe social distance. We are asked to self-isolate. We are asked to shield the most vulnerable. In fact, we are asked to observe separateness and indeed the most loving gift we can give someone we love right now is to keep our distance, but it does not mean we are not united. In spirit, we are more united now than ever. We are united in our grief. We are united in our struggle. We should be united in our thinking. We can still help others. This is Peace Time, but it is a War of the World. We are fighting an unknown, invisible enemy. We are all in this together and the only way we can combat it is to think as one, so please do not be selfish. If you are sick, stay indoors. One thing we must not share with the world, is this disease. We are fortunate. We can still remain connected without physical interaction. We have telephones. We have the Internet. We have Face Time, Whatsapp, Skype … No need for us to feel alone. Today I have spoken to many people, via text, my landline and through my closed door. I have been brought kitchen rolls, cat litter, soups, cat food, cat treats and even lemonade. I read a blog by a sick man. He said he was off caffeine and only craved sharp drinks. I have been brought tinned spaghetti. There is no pasta left in shops anywhere here! I have even been brought Slimfast protein powder, ha ha ha! Are they saying I'm FAT!! ; 0))) It's the thought that counts and it is nutritious : 0) Yesterday, when I was asked what I needed, I also said, I don't NEED it, but I would like it … dark chocolate with sea-salt. My favourite. Still waiting people … ;-D Just kidding! ; 0)) I am very fortunate. I feel blessed. People are very kind to me; very loving and generous. They are my heroes!! Thanks you guys! You are the best!!!

My prognosis of the situation :

This original statistic allegedly of 80% of healthy people is decreasing. Soon it will reverse if we are not careful. Soon it may become 20% healthy to 80% sick ratio. This disease is indiscriminate. It does not care if you are wealthy or poor, previously of good health or already sick. In my opinion, no-one is safe. Diseases are adaptable. Diseases can mutate. It is imperative that we are prepared. We must look out for ourselves, yes, of course, but we must also look out for each other. This is the true meaning of humanity. The whole world is affected. We must contribute to the good of all now more than ever.

BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION AND NOT PART OF THE PROBLEM.

Welcome to my world. I am prepared. I hope you are too. I hope you will all be well.

I am on day one of a 3 month self-imposed lock down, after making my last outing yesterday to conclude my business. I have supplies which will last about 2 weeks. I am reliant now on friends and family for the other 10 weeks. I already have a sore throat, headache and am sneezing. 3 friends and family also. At the time of writing this there are 33 confirmed cases in my small part of the island and one death. I am trying to remain calm. I have cancelled all of my routine doctor's appointments and hospital appointments, even though the hospital says it is safe to attend. There is a confirmed case at the hospital, so I am taking no chances. With all my chronic illnesses, I am often sick. I have 4 chronic medical conditions and am still awaiting the results of a biopsy. My lungs are permanently scarred from previous pneumonia. I have had a 'flu jab and one for pneumonia, but am told these may not protect me. If you remember, I had a very bad case of the 'flu after Christmas and have been wondering if it was Covid-19. I am very interested to learn that a test may be in the offing to determine whether or not someone has had it in the past before the announcement was initially made, but obviously the priority is to develop a vaccine. At the time of my illness, a close family member was hospitalised with a high temperature and same symptoms. He also has a bad cold at the moment and underlying health conditions. I must eat specific foods which I can no longer obtain. I must rely on medication. I have enough for 4 weeks. It may just be that I am run down because I have not been sleeping enough and have been very anxious. There is no point in panicking any more. I have reached a point where I could no longer remain in that high state of angst. Now I feel very calm. If my journey is to end after all I have already survived, I hope I leave something good behind. I hope I leave this world better than I found it. I have enjoyed being here with you. Thank you for your support, kindness, love and friendship. Thank you for your indulgence and acceptance. I am not the easiest of people, I know … ; 0) Thank you for your letters. Apologies that I still have not replied to all. I have been overwhelmed. I am aware of what a Drama Queen I am! ; 0)) Let us hope that all my fears are unfounded ...

STAY SAFE! STAY WELL! STAY HOME! GOD BLESS X

It is important to remember that this world of ours is still beautiful. I will continue to post pictures from my gardens. Government apparently says if we are sick we should stay 6 feet from our boundaries. This is easy for me, but not for everyone. I realise I am privileged. I realise that this year I may not have to “endure” and hide from the “dreaded” Summer people, but this year it will make me sad and I will undoubtedly miss them. I will continue to write my poems. I will continue to sing (good exercise btw for dodgy lungs like mine : 0) and make videos and create art. I will continue long after I am no longer here … my pages will remain. God willing, so will I …

p.s. On a more positive note … My protective filtering face mask just arrived today on day one of self-isolation! Yay!!!!! Will be handy when talking through the letter box! ; 0)))))) Remember to keep a good sense of humour at all times!! Look after yourselves. Look after yourselves and each other.

DISCLAIMER : The opinions expressed are my own. The information given is to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing this article.

Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission

UPDATE : 24.3.20.

Please sign this petition to protect those working for Holland and Barrett. They have an online shop. It is not essential to keep their stores up and running on the High Street. They are putting their employees health and safety at risk and their customers too. A lot of their customers are among the most vulnerable whom we need to protect. My own family member is being forced to work. He has an underlying medical condition that is also an autoimmune disease. He is one of the vulnerable, but he will lose his job if he stays home. Please help. Stay At Home. Protect Our NHS. Save Lives. Many thanks in advance of your kind help xxx

chng.it/Hf4YCrbVfW

To all my flickr friends - I've recently been diagnosed with a very rare autoimmune disease. This started back in March or April, and today, I received a positive diagnosis. I would appreciate being remembered in your prayers. I am feeling better than I did and hope to be around more often. One possible outcome of this disease is blindness. I praying that the doctors can get this into remission. God is still in control.

Visit this location at Blue Orchid District ~Shopping District in Second Life

2024 was a rough year for us. However, I really can’t complain too much because some really good things happened, as well.

The best part of the year was adopting Torvi. She’s been such a radiant beam of sunshine in our lives and fits in perfectly with our weird little family. We love her so much!

While we weren’t able to have as many adventures as we would have liked with our camper van, just bringing it home was definitely a highlight of our year. Plus, we were still able to have some adventures with it, all of which were awesome.

On a similar note, all of the time Mike and I spent together (and with the kitties) is always a good thing, whether it’s hiking, biking, or just hanging out and playing a card game.

Another great highlight of the year was that I switched jobs! After 17 years in the same one, I was beyond burnt out and ready for a change. My new job is exactly what I was looking for and I’m extremely grateful for it.

The last good thing about this year was that after 7 months of terrible digestive issues, I finally received a diagnosis and am now recovering from a surgery to fix things. Having a chronic illness means dealing with a melodramatic body and despite taking care of myself, issues sometimes pop up as a complication of my illness. It’s a huge relief to be moving on from this!

Here’s to health and happiness for everyone in the coming year!