I love this image by Tina Ann.
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This is my new haircut. Not quite where I want to go yet, but he’s getting closer. At least it looks like someone had a plan now, rather than my former dandelion-gone-to-seed look.
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The visit to Harvey yesterday was mixed. Most of the time he made little or no sense. He looked at me for a long time and then said he liked my earrings. Then after we sat silently a while longer, he said, “I like waking up to the pictures on my wall. They make me happy.” I thanked him for telling me that and then had to excuse myself to cry in the bathroom for a couple of minutes. This Saturday we do all the thumbprints and pictures needed to Harvey’s renewal of his medical visa. Monday he has an appointment at the hospital with his main doctor, and that doctor will fill out the rest of the paperwork we need. We’ll probably stop by the visa lady’s office on the way home from seeing Harvey Monday at the hospital.
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Yesterday at the cafe I felt someone looking at me while I was sketching. I looked up out the window and there was a man standing there grinning at me. He pointed to my sketchbook and then did a thumb’s up, continuing to grin and bow. He did that a couple of times to make sure I got the message and then went on his way. Honestly, it astonishes me how nice people are here.
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This is the newest painted sketch.
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Meet “Gus.” He’s my resident gecko. He moves from my bathroom, to skittering across my art alcove counter, and elsewhere, moving from a complete standstill to running as fast as he can. He is probably 1-1/2 inches long at the most, and is as cute as geckos get. I’ve decided to name him and call him a pet, since he seems to have adopted my place. Hopefully, he’ll eat any bugs he finds.
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I’m closing in on finishing the cheetah puzzle. I just love how he stands out in this photo.
I found another puzzle I love and looked on Lazada (our Amazon type place) to find it again. After looking and looking, I finally decided they no longer offered it. I looked on Amazon and FOUND it! I texted Brian and he just told me he had ordered it. He really spoils me, and I make sure he knows how much I appreciate him.
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creativeartworksblog 
Linda, you have such a warm and steady presence—the kind that makes people feel seen and cared for without even trying. Thank you for being you.
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Wow. You just made my day, Srikanth. I’m walking around 3 inches above the ground now, smiling. Thanks so much.
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Your haircut looks nice and lovely drawings as always. Very cheerful looking.
All the best with the medical visa. I bet you will be glad when that’s out of the way and sorted, so you can concentrate on other things.
Enjoy sketching and have a good day.
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Thank you, Liz. I’m still trying to get used to the new haircut, but it IS more organized. I’m glad you like the drawings. I wish we didn’t have to go through all the ‘stuff’ for keeping our visas valid every 90 days, but it’s worth it to be able to stay here. We’re grateful we have an agent to help us. I’m hoping to get over to the cafe soon. Take care.
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It’s a shame you have to do it that often and that they couldn’t make it longer in between renewing.
Enjoy yourself at the cafe.
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It’s a hassle, but we try to go with the flow. I did enjoy myself at the cafe. Thanks, Liz.
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Good. I am glad you enjoyed your time at the cafe.
I forgot to mention before regarding your cheetah puzzle. You are getting those pieces together quickly. I don’t think I would have got it together as quickly as you.
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This one has come together really quickly. Brian ordered my next one today. 🙂
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That is a nice haircut. I’m sure it is cooler and easier to handle.
What A good visit with your Harvey. That almost made me cry reading it. I know it’s hard seeing him like that but like you said, you just want him to be happy and taken care of, and it appears that he is both. To have him comment on your earrings with a nice, too.
Your sketchers are so cute. I like your gecko. I don’t think I could stand to have one of those in my house, because it would scare me, but I am scared of lizards, too.
Your puzzle is amazing! It is looking so good! It has come along pretty quickly. I know you’re anxious to finish it, rub your hands on it, admire it, and then have it ready to hang on your shelf when you’re Son finishes with it. And, then off to the next puzzle!
Enjoy your day/night. (Donna)
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Thank you, Donna, for your nice note. I’m getting closer on communicating what I want in my hair cut to the stylist. We have a way to go yet. Yes, it meant everything to have Harvey say the pictures made him happy when he woke up. Glad you like the sketches. The gecko startles me, but he isn’t dangerous, so I don’t freak out. Anything that eats bugs is good in my book. Brian ordered my new puzzle today. He’s going to gripe about having to order another glass print so quickly, but I could be spending money on something else… I hope you enjoy your day/night, too.
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Hello Linda,
I also love that image of the women dancing forward! Your haircut is A+. Glad your husband is enjoying your pictures! Keep creating! Blessings! Linda
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Thank you for a wonderful note, Linda. Things are going so well now. I’m truly blessed.
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Oh! I love the hair cut, Linda! I wonder sometimes if (because you are half the size you used to be), if Harvey doesn’t recognize you because of that? I mean, you have slowly lost the weight, but if he’s living “in the past “ hmm just a thought.
I am so sorry you had to go cry it out, yes, but at least you could. I hope you feel better knowing he can enjoy those drawings as soon as he wakes up each day. Isn’t it hard to know what to say, do, feel about his situation? I know it must be. I want to know how best to communicate how much I care, because I was and still in nearly the same situation with my Richard. But at least he’s here. For better or worse. He snips at me, but apologizes quickly. It’s that black spot in his brain. He can’t control it. He never used to snip at me. It’s sad. I cry sometimes too, but thankful he’s still here/alive. You know? Hugs!!
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I’m glad you like the haircut. I’m still trying to get used to it, although I love being able to just ruffle it with my fingers and it’s ‘done’ for the day. Harvey thinks I’m his MOM, and she didn’t have hair anything like mine. Who understands how minds process things? Yes, it’s extremely hard to know what to say or do. I keep reminding myself that this isn’t about ME. It’s about trying to bring a little happiness to HIS day. Basically, we take him wherever he is. If he says something that makes no sense, but doesn’t seem to ‘go’ anywhere else or be that important we just act like he’s making sense, or ask him a question about it. If he says something that is completely wrong, cruel or hurtful, we calmly correct him, making sure we don’t agree with him. Like I agree that he’s quite the man when he tells me he got married again that morning and they just had a child on Mars. I disagree very firmly if he talks about hurting one of the nurses or other staff, or that he’s going to get out of bed and shoot someone. It’s never that straightforward, and every single visit is different, so that makes it even more difficult. Then I stay busy the rest of the day if I can or cry a bit and rest. I wish I could be more helpful.
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You are certainly doing all you can for darling Harvey. Now, this is why I call Richard my toddler. Not because he’s stupid (he says that too much about himself), but because he gets frustrated super easily and forgets how to do things. Sometimes the simplest things. Today was a bit rough.
Mars would definitely be interesting!
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I’m sorry that Richard gets frustrated. And when he IS, trying to talk to him about it is probably useless. I would just try to remain calm and quietly hug him. It’s difficult for both of you for sure.
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That’s great advice, Linda! I’ll do that next time. And I know there will be a next time. Typically, he throws up his hands and shoos me away. Ugh.
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Every situation is different, Sheila, and every INSTANCE is different. That’s one of the things that makes it so hard. What might be good one time doesn’t work at all the next. And we’re stuck in the middle – loving them, wanting to help, trying not to take it personally. Hang in there.
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So true my friend. You too (hang in there). Hugs!
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Today wasn’t a good day for him, but we got the photos and fingerprints we needed for H’s medical visa renewal
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I can’t believe how FAST you have worked this puzzle!!! Amazing!
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This one has really come together. I noticed the backs of the pieces are painted in 4 different colors which turned out to be quadrants and that helped a bunch on sorting, once the border was done separately. It’s kind of cheating, I guess, but I also think it’s a sign of basic intelligence to make use of things that are handed to you…. plus, you remember my spirit animal is probably the sloth…
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Oh, wow! That sounds very helpful!
Sloths are super cute. Ha!
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I’m drawn to them for some reason…
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