I AM THE ONE ARMED DESIGNER

I have waited to post about this until I was emotionally ready...and off pain meds. I broke my left arm while in New York. There, I said it. I am severely left sided, so yes, it's my writing, drawing, painting, washing, EVERYTHING ARM...you get the idea. I actually did my last post with Jennifer's help because I missed everyone while I was gone. I also felt bad because my previous post was about a death and I wanted to not jump in and have this be my next news.

First off, the week before we left for NY was hard. Jennifer also didn't get to participate in saying goodbye to her friend because of the NY show. She then left the show early for Wyatt's first day of kindergarten. My Tim flew in to take Jennifer's place because tearing down the booth and packing crates is a multi-person job. Tim and I had Thursday to ourselves and were so looking forward to exploring New York and seeing Mama Mia! the musical. Friday I had an appointment at Michael Miller Fabrics that I was pumped about. Major change of plans.

Tim tells me as we were crossing the street I stepped onto what looked like a flat surface, but was a 3" drop. As I lay there I could not feel my arm at all. Terrifying, I must admit. But then the pain. I'll spare details, except that the humerus bone was broken in half and a very unclean break. Because it wasn't a compound fracture I was placed in a temp splint...that ended exactly where the break started (yeah), which was no fun. A specialist could not see me for 6 days in NY I was told, so had to make it back home, no fun, and finally got help Monday. In the meantime I held my own arm together for 4 days, so I couldn't use my right arm either. Living in Indianapolis has it's perks because we are a very sports oriented city and sports medicine abounds. I've been rubbing elbows, while ever so gently, with many people that have great stories to tell about their injuries. Lots of famous athletes pictures adorn the walls. I'm like a third the size of everyone else. I'm thinking I should send my signed autograph just for fun...since I'm having so much!

Anyway, my reality has sunk in. I am without my creative arm...don't know yet how long. Very good news is that I have no nerve damage and will not need surgery, as we were told in NY. Once they took the splint off and put me in a contraption that holds my arm to my body, things started going better. My arm is very swollen still and yesterday they added an elastic sleeve over my forearm and elbow which looks like an overstuffed sausage. I'm not posting pics, if that's okay. Just envision a rubber arm 2 times your normal size in multi colors tied to your body. There..a visual image will do, don't you agree?

It's a tough break, pun intended. Yet a mere hiccup in the scheme of things. I know I have some challenges ahead. I have the Quilt Market coming up in October and all the prep for my Flights of Fancy debut. Hmmm, I see NO sewing in my near future. I am determined right now to be the recipient of a miracle! Always loved a decent challenge, so here's one....being a one armed designer!

I would appreciate your prayers. I was so excited to get back from NY and dive into designing and creating. I live and breathe to design. I'm not out to prove anything, but I want to be there in Houston, come October, to wow you into my booth and welcome each and every one with a huge hug. That's what I'm talkin about!