Sunday, August 31, 2008

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!

16 comments:

  1. Oh no! That sounds completely awful. Torture. Don't stress about quilt market, even if you have to scale back your plans you're still going to be a huge hit! Take it easy, I'll be thinking about you!

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  2. Hey Paula! I hope Jen told you I called while you were still in NY and she told me about your accident. I'm so sorry that happened to you and hope that you will soon be on the mend. I was hoping you ladies might be up for a little lunch sometime when you are feeling up to it. In the meantime, I have 2 perfectly good arms that are willing to help in any way you need. Just say the word. You have my email and I gave Jen my (corrected!) phone number. Hugs, Jen

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  3. First, LOVE your booth:) It is very you and oh, so adorable!!
    Second, OUCH..... you poor thing, sending prayers now for a speedy recovery
    Third, if you need help, I have arms - only a smidgen of your creativity, but would be happy to do manual labor if you need help!!

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  4. That's terrible! I check your blog every day, so I was sad to hear that you injured yourself. I hope that you feel better soon, and get back to sewing in no time!

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  5. Oh gosh!

    Poor arm. Just think, you can use this time as thinking and refining time and you will be ready and raring to go once you can get ont he sewing machine!

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  6. Oh Paula, keep your chin up, life has a way of working itself out. I know you will wow everyone at the Quilt Market... no doubt in my mind. Good luck and my prayers are already sitting right beside you.

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  7. Oh no! I hope that you heal quickly and without too much pain. I'm sure it won't slow you down too much.. especially with Jennifer there to help you keep those creative juices flowing into wonderful things! Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you as well. It was so nice to see you both in New York- the booth looked fabulous!

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  8. Oh you poor girl! Bless your heart! (Can you tell I am a southern girl deep down??).
    I am so sorry to hear you have been suffering. How can we help you?
    Missy

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  9. Hey Paula,
    Adding my best wishes for your swift recovery. Missy and I have 4 good sewing arms between us if we can help. We are looking forward to seeing you and Jennifer (and your fabric!) at quilt market!
    Liz

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  10. Youch! I wish I could come run the sewing machine while you designed. That would be an adventure!

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  11. Hi Paula-
    I'm sorry to hear about your arm! I'm a frequent reader of your blog. I just love the sneak peak of your new fabric line. I sew children's clothing so if you need any children's items sewn up I'm more than willing to help

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  12. thanks for the all the kind thoughts. i am no longer in constant pain. i have another appt tomorrow and am hoping for a thumbs up...mine and the doctors!!

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  13. Hi Paula!
    Glad to hear an update about your arm...I was hoping you could have a hot pink or neon green cast like I did!
    Poor thing..you know I feel your pain...hang in there. I will keep praying for you.
    You can never have to much motrin and ice...thats my moto:)
    xoxo
    kayellen

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  14. Oh goodness! You will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers! Hope you make a full recovery!

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  15. Oh my goodness! That's HORRIBLE! I'm so sorry, Paula.

    If you need any sewing or anything to get ready for quilt market, I can help you out. Just let me know.

    I'll be there at market too... without much to do except meet folks... so if you need me, grab me there too!

    I hope you are on the mend.
    Best,
    Bari

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  16. I'm so sorry to hear about your accident!!!! Best of luck for everything.

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