A new book isn’t taking shape this fall. But will it?
I had an ‘oscopy last week. Dr. Flores also took seven biopsies. The results are back already and the news is good. Not only that, but the biologic infusions (Infleximab) for Crohn’s every eight weeks are keeping my innards from attacking themselves. Oh, how thankful I am.
Crohn’s added an unwelcome layer of exhaustion to the three-naps-a-day fibromyalgia, and one more nap. Can you believe needing four naps a day? A burgeoning all-over pain and hefty exhaustion gang up about every three hours. Naps last about 25 minutes, but they give me enough energy to mosey four to six blocks, or take a shower, or cook a little something (such as a reader’s version of Grandma Ruby’s Tater Tot Casserole using Star Tater Tots). I’m grateful for those naps.
Favorite Guy quit walking because of foot pain/burning. He didn’t want to take those suggested pills because he takes so many–for Parkinson’s and for the blood disorder. He was discouraged with so much TV time, even his favorite American Pickers, so he added more meds. He’s walking again!
The inside of our house looks like two unwell oldsters live here. Well, we’re still here! And so thankful.
The day after the ‘oscopy, I came down with a cold and alas didn’t get to meet online friend Paul Kotz and his wife Janny from the Twin Cities. He’s been such a cheerful personality on Facebook, writes such encouraging books, and has recorded for Our American Stories. I was looking forward to a hug, but I sure didn’t want to give them my germs. (Biologics therapy target aspects of the immune system in order to combat autoimmune responses, so I’m more susceptible to colds, etc.) Here’s an earlier post about Paul.
There’s a gorgeous mum on the front porch with hundreds of golden buds. We have such a myriad of large and small blessings here on earth, and the Holy Spirit reminds us of the hope of heaven. Will there be a new book? I’d hoped so, but either way, I’m grateful for each new day.
And this wobbly woman is especially thankful for you, my online friends and followers!
—–
I’m thinking memoir, especially those growing up years. I’ve got a box of stories and notes that will get tossed if I don’t at least gather them into a notebook. Someday Granddaughter Kate might get a kick out of them, like I have with stories both grandmothers saved for me.
Meanwhile, I could just keep investing my energies in encouraging other indie authors as they’ve done for me.
So thankful for your positive attitude. It’s an encouragement to the rest of us, making us realize that we really don’t have all that much to complain about. Anyway, complaining doesn’t help, but a “positive faith attitude” (as one of my college profs used to call it) helps one have a totally different perspective. Thanks for your encouragement!
Bless you, Dennis.
Joy, good news on your ‘oscopy results! Your positive attitude is an inspiration! Thanks for the link to my Tater Tot blog post.
Thank you, Beth. I just got ingredients for your version, but they were out of the Star Tots. . . .
You seem to be doing the best you can. You can do better than your best
Thank you, Robbie.
I wish I could get a large dose of your positivity, Joy. In the midst of more stuff than us old folks expect to occur, you and Favorite Guy have so much more. Yet that positive faith attitude that Dennis mentioned shines brightly, like a beacon to the rest of us. We’ve hit a bit of a rough patch ourselves so your words are more welcome than usual.
Praying for you, Gail. The uncertainty is the hardest, isn’t it!
Happy for the positives in your health (and Guy’s). Even in the challenges we face, as you pointed out, there’s much to be grateful for. In her book “Dust to Dust” author Jen Wilkin writes, “ Bodies age; people develop “. I think you’ve got this already. And one day we will rise with a glorious new body like His, free from pain and sorrow. Thanks for being a fine example of how to finish well. And I hope to read that book about young Joy, a little girl from Iowa who grew up to write books that would entertain, teach, and inspire so many readers.
Bless you, Bob. You’re such an encourager!
I’m sorry you and your Favorite Guy have to deal with so many serious ailments, but glad your meds are helping. Your tenacity to continue to do whatever you can and not surrender to inactivity is amazing. Blessings to you and Favorite Guy. 😁
Thank you, Nancy!
Thank you for the update, Joy! It’s good to hear that you and your favorite Guy are managing. I love your positive attitude!
Thank you, Liz. I figured something would be nudging me by now this fall, and hoped for a little energy to snuggle up to it. Well, not so far!
You’re welcome, Joy. I’m sure inspiration will come when the time is right.
I’m so pleased you had good results. Nothing wrong with naps. Take as many as you need. The body heals while sleeping/resting. No pressure on the new book. Might be a good project for the new year. Sending hugs.
Naps. Darlene, when I finally learned to just make friend with them, I was rewarded with just enough energy between them to do things! Thanks for the hugs and thoughts of just basking in waiting.
I love the positivity that runs through this post. Wishing you and your “favorite guy” good health. As a youngster, I could never understand the oft used phrase – Health is Wealth.” Wisdom dawns slowly! Sending you a big hug, Joy.
Thank you, Balroop. Wealth is also owning books you haven’t read yet! Yes, to wisdom dawning slowly.
So true! Books are a blessing, Joy.
I feel as though I’ve gotten to know you and your family, including generations of your family, through your books. A memoir sounds like a great addition in your collection of books. I’d love to read it.
Well, I may have to collect your comment in the JUST DO IT column. Thank you, Kelly!
This post makes my heart sing with happiness! It does make one wonder how those who do not live with physical opportunities to live differently than what is considered “normal” do for excitement! (lol) I have yet to mosey, however, I have been able to do more and more that I either didn’t think I could or was just too afraid to try. Today? I washed part of my hair all by myself! Sounds strange to some, but someone else has had to wash my hair for me since 2019. It’s not a feeling of pride, but moreover a realization that I am getting stronger. Yay for all of us, Joy!!!
Oh, yes, wash your hair by yourself! You go, girl! Then resting up from it. Annette, you’ll appreciate this, sent by a friend over the weekend: Research shows that as we practice gratitude, serotonin (the happy chemical) is released, our bodies become calmer, and our mood will improve. In other words, gratitude gives us a pathway through pain and loss. – Amy LaViolette Galloway in Beautiful Upheaval
Great news that the oscopy was negative and that the infusions are working. I’m also glad the naps are giving you strength to move through the day. Do you have a secret for preventing bed head?
Well, hmmm. My naps are in bed on my back, with a heating pad from the middle of a small pillow to my upper back. I guess I don’t budge, so only the back of my head is mussy, and I can’t even see it. ha Does that help?
Good news on your procedure, Joy 🙂 I end up napping at my computer, often…lol Nice your naps are so helpful fir rest of day! Xo
Thank you, Denise. I’d sure prefer fewer of them, but am grateful for what I can get done inbetween!
Thank you for all you do, Joy! You are always looking for the good and you share that along with your stories and your love of family, faith, the simple things, and writing. I am lucky to be here with you and all your friends if only for a few minutes a day!
Bless you, Lori.
That’s a ton of pain and trials on one person’s plate. 🙏
Sue, it’s a surprise since we’re “only 82,” but Favorite Guy’s mother lived until not two years ago, age 101. And my mother, her sister, and their mother (Grandma Leora) lived to the age of 97 (Grandma still in her own home)!
Wow. Good genes!
I’m glad you got a good report from your “oscopy.” That’s always a relief. I’m sorry you also have to deal with the constant pain and exhaustion from fibromyalgia. I’m right there with you.
I remember that about you, Janet. Have you lived with yours long?
Joy! I’m so glad to hear the good news on the medical front. Goodness knows you’ve dealt with more than your fair share, my friend. 💝💝💝
A “box of stories and notes”, you say? Sounds like a siren call…pulling you in. As much as I admire and adore you for all the support and encouragement you offer so many of us, I sure hope you do what you do best…take a good look, gather your thoughts and see where a new project might take shape, one story, one magical memory at a time. 💝💝💝
And…of course…please give Guy a big hug. Love you both! 💝💝💝
Bless you, Vicki! Yes, hugs welcome!
Xo! ❤️😘❤️
I’m glad the results were good, and I hope you continue to find enough energy to get those walks in. I hope your cold passes quickly.
Thanks, Dan!
hang in there, Joy. Praying.
Thanks, Rich.